Autumn Fashion Trends by Fashion Editor Mollie Butterworth

Happy autumn! Welcome to my favourite season of the year. I am here for the cosy nights, hot chocolate and most importantly, the lush knitwear.

If you are new here let me introduce myself... I'm Mollie, owner and founder of Pretty Parade Boutiques in Littleborough and Ramsbottom.

I have worked within the fashion industry for over six years and my day to day consists of working closely with my customers assisting them to find the perfect shapes, prints and styles!

It’s safe to say we’re now well and truly into autumn and the whole host of new trends that have arrived with it.

MY TOP STYLE TIPS:

When in doubt, go MONOCHROME - it is the easiest outfit solution ever! When it comes to style solutions that check every box, including low effort (always), playful and comfortable, monochrome outfits continue to reign supreme. A monochrome outfit is a full outfit that only uses one single colour or a combination of black and white.

Whilst colour blocking has to be this A/W biggest trend (gone are the days of clashing colour’s being a fashion disaster), creating a monochrome outfit is the easiest and simplest way to stay on trend for those who feel a little less confident with the bright colour clashing. You will also find monochrome will make having a capsule wardrobe easier, and a little more professional for work.

A common theme this season is borrowing summer’s bold and bright colour trends and making them work for autumn. Rather than adding colours to your clothes, try a bold bag, scarf or shoes - you may find these an easier introduction into the world of colour.

An oldie, but goodie - THE PLEATED SKIRT is back for autumn, and I am not mad about it. While they have been off the radar for a little time, the trend is here to stay and will soon become one of your wardrobe staples.

My favourite thing about the pleated skirt is how effortlessly you can dress them up or down.

They are perfect to wear with a jumper and boots for work, or bodysuit and heels for drinks with the girls or alternatively a simple tee with your favourite trainers for an easy weekend look.

Whether you choose a patterned or one block colour you will be sure to be able to find a multitude of easy ways to really make use of your new pleated skirt and make sure you are the centre of attention. If you haven’t tried the pleated skirt yet, make sure you DO!

I have so many customers who have the misconception that they are unflattering and make you look "hippy" this is absolutely not the case! The best tip I can give you is try, try, try! Every pleated skirt is different, if one doesn’t suit you don’t let that stop you from trying a different one! I find the ones with the slightly wider waistbands to be the most flattering.

Can it be TOO oversized - Ready to bundle up and look good? The return of the OVERSIZED PUFFER COAT is back for another year and this time around they are MORE oversized than ever. There is absolutely a fine line on how oversized you should go though. Of course, we need room to layer (it is the UK after all), and it needs to be comfy (comfort is key, am I right?) but you don’t want your coat to wear you. A really good tip to know if it’s TOO big, is to make sure it sits on your shoulders, and you can sit down comfortably without feeling like there is too much fabric. Another tip would be to take a friend with you, and ask their opinion!

The humble puffer is always understandably popular. They are one of the easiest coats to style, because the coat really does speak for itself. They are available in so many styles, lengths and colours it makes it super easy to find one that's perfect for you.

A coat is a simple way to make your outfit in winter, it's the final touch that pulls your whole look together, to the point where I hate taking mine off when I go inside. That’s why its SO important to make sure you get it right, if you are like me you will absolutely have more than one winter coat to go with all your outfits!

Fashion is just trends we follow, but style is how you make the trends personal to you. As always remember to shop local, shop small and shop happy!

See you again soon, Mollie x

Instagram @mollieb_