Retro styles inspire autumn’s individual look

Silhouettes are still casual with more focus on the waist, often accentuated with drapings and waistbands above the hips.

Colours are light or dramatically dark, with muted pastels and stronger shades introducing the more vibrant palette of seasons to come. Materials are mainly natural. Wool and cotton dominate, but silky smooth surfaces and airy georgettes provide all-important contrasts.

Sportswear goes high-tech with the latest manmade fibres. Knits and accessories are important through all collections. Chunky knits of all kinds, patterns and jacquards as well as soft mohair and more delicate, fully-fashioned pieces. Details are in focus. Cuts are further accentuated with pockets, zips, over-sized buttons, seams, beaded embroidery and ribbons. Well-tailored is the keyword, even for leisure and workwear.

Rustic romance makes for indispensable accessories ranging from ethnic jewellery to beads, chains, belts and bags of all kinds. Scarves, shawls, hats and caps are also evident.

H&M designers have been inspired by:
The 30’s
For women, 30’s style ‘feminine romance’ rules with bias cut velour and chiffon pieces à la Gosford Park, teamed with contrasting masculine tailoring from the same period. For the younger collections, it’s the ‘girl next door’ look inspired by British countryside styles. Think underwear-inspired dresses with cardigans and ‘hand knit’ accessories ? a mix of fine and heavier materials.

For men, rustic workwear with reference to city dockland areas. Trousers and jackets in heavyweight wool or cotton are teamed with work shirts and granddad vests.

60’s
The new 60’s style for women shows winter sport decadence. This is autumn’s strongest trend styling-wise. Clean lines combine with simple graphic prints and other typical 60’s designs. Mini-skirts, shift dresses, narrow trousers, princess coats and short lumber-jackets are key pieces.

The men’s collection takes on a slimmer silhouette with less accentuated shoulders and narrower trouser legs. Tailored pieces are teamed with chunky knits or fine-knit polo necks. Materials are classic tweed, checks, pinstripes and glen checks.

70’s and 80’s
Punk de luxe with roots in London, late 70’s and rustic folklore bridges to 80’s looks in the ladies’ collections. Contrasting volumes, like oversized tops teamed with narrow trousers or skirts, are evident. Shiny satin and leather with soft shades of whites and muted pastels. Sweatshirt material makes a big comeback, worn in an updated combination with the romantic, tailored or punk-inspired looks.

For men, it’s glam rock meets American Indian, with suede, fake fur, brocade and every kind of shiny material mixed with abandon. Beaded embroidery or shimmering threads on shirts with chunky knits, patterns, zips and buckles are important details. Items are styled layer on layer but the silhouette stays slim. Yellow, red and turquoise are important accent colours in an otherwise neutral palette.