If norm-core never really did it for you, then this season’s more-is-more-core should be right up your street. The overall effect is charity shop window, but in a good way – one of those amazing pre-eBay charity shops that hocked worn-once designer garb in Chelsea backstreets. This is fashion for maximalists and eccentrics, and while I am neither to look at – all navy knits and blue jeans – my inner fashion magpie is pretty bloody excited about it.
Upholstery-esque brocades – think repurposed tapestries, or particularly glam sofas – felt just right with wader-boots at Erdem and a string of pearls at Simone Rocha. Or go one step further and channel Dries Van Noten – wear your brocade shearling-trimmed, layered over a velvet jerkin and khaki cargo pants, accessorised with a corsage worn at the throat and a pair of elbow-length leather gloves.
Want to try this season’s pussy-bow blouse? Fair dos; why not pair it with a double-breasted trouser suit, furry cuffs, and 70s-history-teacher spectacles? Or better yet, a knitted tank top and glittering lamé pleated skirt. Both were on offer at Gucci, where new creative director Alessandro Michele turned out ruffled florals, pleated metallics, student-activist berets and pom-pom shoes in one, somehow cohesive, collection. It was my hands-down favourite of the season, and I’m pretty sure that Gucci’s Chewbacca loafers are my spirit animal. But I digress.
It might sound oxymoronic when talking about a fashion trend that we’ll likely all be shopping this winter, but this particular catwalk movement feels like a celebration of the individual. Those that have seen me loose in a fashion cupboard know that I lose my shit over the weird stuff, but there’s not much that could tempt me out of my demi-rollnecks and flats.
But this season feels different. This is unapologetic, all-or-nothing, proper fashion-geek stuff, and in being so, it is also somehow incredibly inclusive, eclectic and fun. There’s no right formula, no clash too far – which makes for a trend that I actually want to wear. And I think that you will, too.
Short of wearing head-to-toe Gucci (trust me, I would if I could), these are the bits I’ll be buying in homage. And, if I can keep my nerve, actually wearing. All at once.
Skirt, £39.99, Zara
Blouse, £35, Marks & Spencer
Beret, £16, Topshop
Jacket, £79.99, Mango
Shoes, £40, Asos
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
Fashion Stuff You Buy In September Because You Still Think You’re At School
Follow Charlie on Twitter: @charliegowans
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.