Yes, we may only be half-way through August, and some of us aren’t entirely ready to let go of summer yet – but isn’t it time that we grudgingly admit that summer is officially on its way out?

Not to be pessimistic, of course – but once we hit September, expect to see Victoria Square decked out with all things stylishly practical for the colder temperatures – the sort of things we Northern Irelanders need more of in our lives than kimonos and hot pants. This season it’s all about ‘70s influences, a new take on tartan and lots and lots of red.

Red, red and more red

With high-end names like Alexander McQueen, Max Mara and Fendi sporting bright scarlet shades, luxurious deep wines and beautiful brick reds in their AW17 preview, this is the colour of the season. And it’s go bold or go home.

Obviously, you can count on the high street to introduce affordable alternatives, and don’t be afraid of layering your reds, or even mixing them with pale pinks for a retro-feminine twist.

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Photo: www.elle.com

Red

Photos (L-R): Topshop £32.00 & £29.00; New Look £19.99 & £44.99; River Island £17.00 & £80.00.

‘70s throwback

They always say fashion bounces back – and this AW dawns the return of the ever-inspiring ‘70s.

We hope you have a strong appreciation for oversized jackets, big belts, funky neck ties, retro wallpaper graphics and a colour palette of teal, mustard, tobacco and orange – because you can rely on these to jazz up the murky months ahead. It’s totally up to you how Austin Powers or That ‘70s Show you want to go – but the more fun you have with it, the better.

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Photo: www.elle.com

70s

Photos (L-R): River Island £65.00; Topshop £29.00; New Look £12.00.

Check mate

Gingham was the ‘it’ print of SS17, and now it’s time to make room for some tartan in your wardrobe. Tartan always pops up around winter time, but this easy-to-wear update means you can start channelling the trend earlier and long after winter too.

The muted and delicate detailing of this new take on tartan makes this trend incredibly versatile. Whether worn with black tights and ankle boots, or a clashing tartan to create an individual spin – the limits are endless with this timeless pattern.

 

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Photo: www.marieclaire.co.uk

Checkmate

Photos (L-R): River Island £35.00; Topshop £39.00; Urban Outfitters £46.00.

Frills forever

Frills have been a huge thing this year – and luckily, if you’ve invested in this trend – they’re here to stay.

Whether you want to go all-out showstopper or subtly flirty with your frills, there’s so many variations to make this trend work for you.

If you’re already stocked up, pair your frills with bare legs and pumps to squeeze the last of the summer vibe out. For transitioning between the seasons, try a preppy look with trainers and denim jackets. For the winter, pair with warmer and darker tones to incorporate them into the new season appropriately, or toughen this trend up with some black boots to give your look an edgy-meets-girly feel.

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Photos (L-R): Topshop £32.00; Urban Outfitters £10.00; New Look £29.99; River Island £15.00.

All that glitters

With yet another reference to the ‘70s, when it comes to this season’s evening wear, it’s all about those fun-loving disco vibes.

From glitter footwear to sequinned dresses; chrome-coloured skirts to metallic accessories – it’s like the Christmas and New Year parties came early with a freaky futuristic twist.

Also, if you buy a staple party piece now, it’ll be a worthwhile investment for the upcoming years, as the disco fad has been reoccurring for some time now over the AW seasons and there’s no sign of it stopping anytime soon.

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Photo: www.elle.com

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Photo (L-R): Topshop £55.00; New Look £22.99; River Island £20.00; Topshop metallic blazer £69.00 and shorts £36.00; River Island £12.00; Office £62.00.

 

Amy Pollock

Author: Amy Pollock

I’m a 23-year-old aspiring writer who has a degree in Journalism and Film & Media Studies from the University of Stirling and is currently studying a Masters in Communication and PR at Ulster University. In a nutshell, I’m a fashion and food enthusiast with a deep-rooted love for Marvel films and rock ‘n’ roll. I’m forever searching for the perfect latte and love nothing more than discovering a new place to explore in our great wee country! Follow my instagram @amyjpollock94 for some snaps.