It’s well and truly autumn. At last! Not that we’d ever really tire of summer, but we’ve been aching to upgrade our closets for weeks now and we weren’t quite sure how much longer we could hold out…
Now autumn’s arrived, it’s time to get shopping. And there’s one destination that fulfills all our AW16 needs: the buzzing retail hotspot that is Carnaby.
For that dose of denim…
Vetements was responsible for making denim hot property last year, but this year, we have a number of designers to thank for keeping it on our ‘essentials’ list – like Chanel, Ashishi, Alexander Wang…
Monki on Carnaby Street has some very modern and edgy pieces that are affordable and worth checking out, like their patchwork denim jacket made using the authentic Japanese patchwork style, ‘boro’. It epitomises the brand’s values, ‘the joy of asymmetrical’ and ‘the perfection of the ‘imperfect’’, and features as part of their Limited B-Day Collection celebrating their 10-year anniversary.
Diesel Female, Levi’s, True Religion, Pepe Jeans and Replay nearby, remain trusty go-tos when it comes to everyday denim – bootcuts, skinnys, straight leg – but for something a little different, some Ecru Brushed Daicock Boyfriend Jeans for instance, head to Evisu on Newburgh Street.
Get up and go for exalted athleisure…
The athleisure trend continues, but this season it involves taking everyday sportswear and outdoorwear and elevating it to the realms of the super smart: wearing ski jackets with pumps (thank you, Balenciaga), and pairing anoraks and hoodies with thigh-high boots (bravo again Vetements).
Descente on Carnaby Street have some serious outdoor jacket options if you want to work this trend, and if so, check out their ALLTERRAIN line. Their Boa Shell Hooded Jacket features three layers of FLEXBOND fabric to keep out wind and rain, and comes in four colourways – quartz yellow, glace white, midnight grey and purple navy. Whilst we wouldn’t usually have teamed it with a pair of stilettoes, this season says it’s OK, so it’s OK!
adidas Originals on Foubert’s Place have got some great athleisure wear pieces out too – the Women Originals Slim Coat and Rita Ora Hooded Sweatshirt, for instance, would work well over a pair of tailored cigarette pants, paired with some eye-catching pumps.
But if it’s sportswear you’re after to actually workout in, drop by Sweaty Betty on Beak Street and make a beeline for their power leggings...
Very, very velvet…
It’s still around – sumptuous, luxurious velvet, and you can find it all over our shopping hotspot. Stop off at The Kooples and get your mitts on their Dévoré-Effect Velvet Kimono or the chic Suit Jacket with Velvet Collar (very swish).
Scotch & Soda have a navy blue Velvet Blazer that is well worth looking at, not least because it comes with matching cropped pants, and ST. studio have a cold-shoulder midi black Velvet Strap Dress that ticks all the boxes for elegant autumnal eveningwear. (Though if you’re after something more colourful, try the Velvet Dakota Mini Dress in Cabernet at American Apparel).
Return to the eighties…
Yes, they’re back (again!). Eighties style has worked its way onto the catwalks once more, and this season, it’s just as big and brash as ever: ruffled one-shoulder cocktail dresses, waist belts, even stirrup leggings…
To work a more casual eighties look – we’re thinking big, baggy jumpers – head to Lazy Oaf on Ganton Street for their Pom Faces Sweatshirt; with its waist-high side splits and eyes and nose embroidery it’s everything an oversized sweatshirt should be: fun and comfortable.
If it’s the punk vibe you’re after, Cheap Monday has a great pair of high-rise, tapered leg Donna Case Jeans. Team them with some Dr. Martens and accessorise with Skull Ear Studs from The Great Frog on Ganton Street.
Pop out for pop art accessories…
Pop art-style accessories have been popping up in recent months, and Skinnydip on Foubert’s Place is where to go for yours this autumn. Their Coca Cola Can Cross Body Bag is ideal for all your essentials – phone, card, keys – whilst their Coca Cola Silver Tote bag is useful if your essentials also happen to include an iPad, reading book, umbrella and kitchen sink... Whilst you’re there, make sure you check out the accessories range designed in collaboration with London designer Clio Peppiatt too – the Heart Iron-On Patch and Fast Women iPhone Case especially.
Or if you’re after something slightly cuter – go to Dahlia and pick up their cross-body ‘Edinburgh Pale Pink Round Smiley Face’ bag (happy accessories can only be a good thing, right?)
And finally, to wrap up (because keeping warm is always on-trend in winter)...
As the cold sets in, you’ll want to make sure your new season wardrobe has some practical keep-warm pieces too. The Barbour Heritage store in the Newburgh Quarter features their Timeless Originals Collection – think Rain Mac Wax Jacket and Border Quilted Jackets – which are what we want to reach for when those white clouds turn moodily grey.
Underneath, don’t forget to layer: Jack Wills on Foubert’s Place do a number of classic Merino wool cable knit jumpers and Breton long sleeve tops, whilst the knitted Balloon Turtle Neck Top from Traditional Weatherwear on Newburgh Street provides neck-to-tum cosiness in one.
For all this season’s hottest trends, in the coldest of months, there’s just one place to go: Carnaby!
See you there.
Follow @CarnabyLondon or visit Carnaby.co.uk to find out more.
Win a shopping spree in London's fashion district – Carnaby
Fashionistas of the UK, how would you like to spend £500 in your favourite fashion and beauty stores in one epic shopping spree?
From beauty emporiums Pixi, MAC, Illamasqua and Benefit to independents Dahlia, Lazy Oaf, Drop Dead and AQ/AQ. Denim favourites Diesel, Cheap Monday, Replay, Pepe Jeans, True Religion and Levi’s. Discover heritage brands Red Wing, Shinola, Traditional Weatherwear and Filson in the discerning Newburgh Quarter, just off Carnaby Street alongside Nixon, Barbour, Cowshed and Evisu.
Accessories are king in Carnaby and you’ll be spoilt for choice with the likes of Skinnydip, Nixon, Cubitts, MOR, The Great Frog and Moscot. Shoes, glorious shoes. From Irregular Choice to G.H. Bass and OFFICE to the Size UK flagship store, there are shoes to be loved by everyone.
Not forgetting every fashionista’s favourites Brandy Melville and Monki.
All you have to do is answer the question below and register your details!