Cozy Up to London Fashion Week Trends

- - Fashion Shows, Trends

Fashion week in London has wrapped up for another season. Much like many of the wrapped-up models that walked the runways, the trends veered toward cozy, roomy and bundled-up in yards of luxurious fabrics. From stripes to plaids to polka dots and neutrals to neons, London offered a little something for everybody for Fall 2017.

If London evokes thoughts of drizzly weather and slipping into a dark pub for a drink or two for you, the first trend we spotted will fit perfectly into your London fantasy.

Trend-spotters would be hard-pressed to find a collection that didn’t feature some version of an over-sized sleeve this season. Long, cool and comfy cuffs reached well past the fingertips. Just imagine pulling into that pub and rolling up your slouchy sleeves as you order your drink. Instant comfy chic.

Take a look at the Fashion East show which included several emerging designers, including Sai Ta, featured in the first look below. The longer-than-long sleeve trend was popular with London veterans as well, including Burberry and Pringle of Scotland.

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Next up on the trend list? Shapes that alter the shape of the body. From billowy cocoon-shaped sleeves to airy confections down the side seams of a jumpsuit, designers sculpted shapes that were anything but body conscious.

For plays on size, shapes and silhouettes, take a look at Marques’ Almeida, AWAKE and the graduating students at Central Saint Martins.

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If the illusion of never-ending arms or exaggerated hips doesn’t appeal to you for fall, the next often-seen trend might. A just-below-the-knee-length coat with a notch-collar lapel spanned collections in London.

Natasha Zinko’s bright seafoam teal overcoat paired with polka dots and joggers sent us back to the 80s, while Victoria Beckham’s muted raw-edged double-faced overcoat + turtle neck + pleated wide leg trousers gave us the classic feel we’ve come to expect. Finally, Amanda Wakeley’s knit overcoat proved that no matter the designer’s aesthetic or fabrication, this trend is one that crosses style boundaries.

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London fashion week without plaid? Unheard of. This season, both newcomers to the runway and seasoned designers alike gave us what we crave from London.

Ashley Williams irreverent take on plaid was inspired by the “walk of shame” the morning after a night out. House of Holland wrote a love letter to the US in both plaid and iconic Americana references. Finally, we were treated to plaid ON plaid at Mulberry.

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As we dive into Paris Fashion Week, we are left with warm fuzzies from London. Just take a look at the images in the header. Looks like we can expect a fur detail or two come Fall 2017 from Anya Hindmarch, Isa Arfen, Dilara Findikoglu, and David Koma.

Images: wwd.com

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Kara Laricks is a regular contributor to the University of Fashion. She’s also a New York based women's wear and accessories designer. As the first winner of NBC's Fashion Star, Kara has designed collections for H&M, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her masculine meets feminine line, Kara Laricks, debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2012 and her S/S 2013 collection sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. Kara's designs have been featured on the Today Show and HBO's True Blood as well as covered in Women's Wear Daily and on Style.com. Kara holds Master's degrees in both Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas and in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. An educator turned designer, Kara is dedicated to supporting emerging designers and inspiring others to follow where dreams lead.