With the sunny summer days coming to an end, we look to darker and colder mornings, but on the bright side, we also look to a new season of trends and styles. Die Matie asked a trendsetter on campus what his predictions are for this Autumn/Winter (A/W) season. Blake Govender, a final year B (Accounting) student, had the following predictions, “Across SA, I think the shorts will be substituted for long suit pants, pinstripe, barrel, straight leg, ect cetera, but not tight fitting at all. I also think we’ll see more of a focus on less chunkier shoes, focusing on loafers with thinner soles or slip-on loafers. Then winter will be the season of coats. Heavy knitwear will also feature a lot (whether that be cardigans, sweaters [or] vests) with a focus on darker colours.”
The following campus closet will be the first in a series of trend predictions, whether that be for fashion or life in general.
Suit up Button-up this winter
A good quality button-up never goes out of style, and this season is no exception. If you don’t have a button-up, have no fear, because after a look through your dad’s, grandpa’s, uncle’s, friend’s or boyfriend’s closet, you’re bound to find the button-up of your dreams. If not, a button-up is one of the easiest finds to thrift! When looking for a button-up for this A/W, keep an eye out for cardinal red, sky blue, chocolate brown and butter yellow when shopping or thrifting for this season’s shirt.
Cropped cardigans are the new blazers
Layering is the key to being cool while staying warm this A/W. If you think cardigans are for grannies, think again because cropped cardigans just got cool. If you have a demure little pastel cardigan layered over a button-up, then you’re on your way this A/W.
Trench coats are trending!
If you love a good coat, get ready, because trench coats are trending again! The trench coat is the cherry on top of the perfectly layered fit this season. Because trench coats were originally designed for soldiers in World War I, traditional trench coats were made to be water-resistant, which is perfect for rainy Stellenbosch winters. So, when looking for a trench coat, opt for a better quality one that can help keep out the cold during those rainy days.
It’s in the bag!
Whether it’s for class, running errands or a night out with friends, our busy student lives always require a good bag. The elevated sling tote (think large and leather) is structured, clean, and gets the job done. With enough space for a laptop or a whole frozen pizza, it knows style and student life well. If you need an all-round after-class bag, small and simple is the way to go. Clean lines and interesting silhouettes and colours are big, and can be an easy way to elevate a simple outfit.
Barrel jeans are the new jorts
Slightly controversial, baggy, yet structured and straight out of the nostalgic lookbook, the barrel jean is the jorts’s interesting older sister. With a rounded cut, clean pleats at the knees and a lower waist, these jeans make for an eye-catching silhouette, and can elevate the classic jeans and a t-shirt look.
Structured down to a T(rouser)
Think waistbands, turn-ups and pleats. The tailored trouser has been a big hit in recent years, and now so more than ever. Trousers are a great staple piece, and pair well with both casual and formal pieces. Depending on how you prefer the fit, trousers are easy to wear loose and baggy, or true to size and higher at the waist.
Stepping in style
While our colourful sneakers are here to stay, an old favourite is making a comeback once again: the loafer. Paired with fun, colourful socks and jeans, or peeking out from underneath a baggy trouser, you simply cannot go wrong with a good pair of loafers. It is a classic shoe that is easy to dress up or down, and can truly make any outfit. Equally chic, and just as stunning, is the classic knee-high boot, especially with stockings and a skirt for a cozy, yet stylish autumn look, or over a pair of jeans for a Princess Diana-esque feel.
While it’s tremendous fun to buy into new trends and look-of-the-moment styles, remember to still think critically when shopping for your A/W closet. Buy pieces that you can see yourself wearing even if the trend passes, or that you might be able to style in a new way next season. Be sustainable with your choices, and rather go for quality over quantity. Ultimately, your closet is about self-expression: have fun with it and make it your own.
By Jani Roux and Lené Vorster
