A/W Trend Report 2013

There seems to be a poignant divide in the two key trends of Autumn/Winter 2013 and the question is posed of which of these contrasting styles you will choose... will it be the colourful, cultural clash of Hyper Culture or nice and calm Radical Neutrality?

HYPER CULTURE

Prints have made a big impact on the fashion industry in 2012 and are becoming a ubiquitous trend. Whether it be in the form of floral shirts, Aztec skirts, or the tribal trouser, they appear to be dominating the high-street and designers alike and all possess cultural influences from areas such as China, the middle east and Africa.

Set to continue into Autumn/Winter, Hyper Culture is now introducing further prints such as polka dots, stripes, monochrome, tie-dye and shell patterns. It appears that the more complex and crazy the better and people are teaming up clashing prints to get that extra 'wow' factor. Think Jessie J and Nicki Minaj when working this trend.

Simple to dress down with colourful tees and flats for the day or easily dressed up at night with court shoes and a clutch, the print speaks for itself and gives the user an individual identity. Perhaps aimed at a more youthful audience (I would definitely forbid my Mother to wear anything of the sort), this trend is rich in art and creativity and fun to play around with.
Mismatching these prints is set to make the hardest impact and high-energy colours such as yellow and orange are popular with this trend, which also work well for an Autumnal palette. If you are feeling slightly less daring however, which would be understandable, then they can be teamed simply with a basic white shirt which is a necessity in any wardrobe now.
The best part about this trend is that is can revolutionize old season pieces that you have stashed to the back of your wardrobe. Favourites include the popular androgynous pencil skirts, cigarette pants and straight leg trouser that were popular in 2011.

Vintage shops are also particularly good for digging out some unique pieces so you don't have to pull the purse strings and splash out on a new crazy clashing wardrobe! A daring trend but this season is all about making a statement. 

vs

RADICAL NEUTRALITY

Perhaps quite controversial to the loud and proud trends of 2011, radical neutrality is the focus on softer, calmer and more neutral shades, which I for one am praising! Sure, bright, happy colours are great for summer but sometimes they can be a little too much when you see bright pink trousers clashed with canary yellow tops...

Pastels have proven much more popular this year and are available in every high street store at the moment. Also set to continue through to Autumn/Winter 2012, radical neutrality is set to be a great transitional colour palette before those dull blacks and greys that reflect the dreary English weather make an appearance again.

Colours are muted and faded, barely even there, but this will make a bold statement in itself and the main appeal of the trend is its 'throw on' attitude. Again, colour blocking and clashing is poignant but with a more subtle approach. 

Pale pinks, soft lavenders, light greens and sky blues are the most prominent colours and can all be combined together for muted chic. 

You can still make a statement while being slightly more understated....

Two very strong trends in themselves which may be difficult to choose between... have a play around though and see which you can work the best! They are both fun and exciting trends to look forward to for Winter...

Images// www.tumblr.com