THE MICROTREND ROUNDUP

Summer's barely finished its goodbyes and we’re all clambering after a ‘back to school’ bag. Whether we’re returning to the office or uni, capacious silhouettes are the favoured seasonal style – ready to house everything from the post-work outfit change to next week’s food shop. But among the oversized accessories, an unlikely hero has emerged. This autumn, everyone’s after an East-West bag (AKA an elongated but slimline shoulder bag). Think of it as a mini version of the popular bowling style. Arguably first popularised by the Alaïa Le Teckel, this understated silhouette is surprisingly roomy and effortlessly chic.

GET THE LOOK: 

JW PEI Eloise clean shoulder bag with gold hardware in black, £120
ASOS DESIGN minimal 90s shoulder bag in stone, £20
Bershka Bowling bag in camel, £25.99
Mango faux leather bowling bag with lock in black, £49.99

Leather and suede are everywhere right now. But leather’s shiny cousin is starting to make waves, too. Patent pieces are enjoying a surge as the weather turns cooler and waterproof styles become a bigger priority. Let’s face it, we know a raincoat is the season’s most practical purchase, but they’re not always the most exciting spend. It’s not surprising, then, that patent jackets and accessories have become the favoured option for battling the elements (sort of). With a sleek finish, this textural detail adds an elevated flourish to any look – and when worn in a loafer or boot they evoke enough preppy energy to earn your outfit top marks.

GET THE LOOK: 

Topshop faux snake patent leather mini skirt in burgundy, £30
Topshop faux leather shiny mottled patch pocket shacket in black, £76
New Look patent pointed heeled boot in burgundy, £40
Rains 12040 a-line belted waterproof longer jacket in green shine, £119

These unlikely trousers first emerged during the tail-end of summer, and if recent looks are anything to go by, they’re here to stay. Such inflated proportions might not be your usual choice, but the billowing silhouette is roomy and comfy in equal measure. Perfect for throwing on when you’re lacking creativity (or just fancy heading to the office with ease), balloon pants are the ideal alt to your sweatpants or pyjama bottoms – especially when neither of these prove suitable for the setting. Pair with a cinched top or simple tank to balance the oversized style and create an on-trend ensemble that’s worth a second look.

GET THE LOOK: 

ASOS DESIGN cotton balloon trouser in plum, £35
Bershka Technical balloon parachute trousers in black, £35.99
Topshop high waisted satin cuffed balloon pant in brown, £46
COLLUSION balloon leg trouser in khaki, £32.99

It’s certainly fitting that black lace is trending ahead of Halloween. But this classic fabric deserves to be seen far beyond spooky season. Not only does it complement any colour palette, but the intricate design adds some welcome texture to your everyday wardrobe – perfect for mixing up those extra layers when the temperature drops. Black lace can also do a lot of heavy lifting in the ‘night out’ department, bridging that fiddly gap between warm and sultry by providing a sheer element to your otherwise cold-weather-approved ‘fit.

GET THE LOOK: 

Pull&Bear Long sleeve lace t-shirt in black, £22.99
ASOS DESIGN floral lace tights in black, £12
ASOS DESIGN lace scarf in black, £20
ASOS DESIGN Pluto high heel mule in black lace, £32

We’re gonna go out on a limb here: leopard print will never go out of style. At this point, the animal print has enjoyed too many comebacks to count – and this autumn it’s cropping up in every accessory you can think of. There’s the wild mash-up with pony hair (especially effective in the form of jackets and bags) and subtle nods with shoes and belts. The most important thing to remember with this particular print is that you really can’t overdo it – and even when you do, the infamous pattern is so well-loved that a maximal approach still feels chic and intentional.

GET THE LOOK: 

Mango leopard print fur jacket in brown, £119.99
JJXX Toyko wide fit jeans in leopard print, £45
Stradivarius Leopard print high heel shoes in combined, £35.99
Pieces formal maxi coat in leopard print, £85