Get the look for less: Top trends of VAMFF
THINK designer fashion is out of your budget? Think again! Carene Chong caught the hottest looks from her front row seat at the Melbourne Fashion Festival and shares how you can rock this season’s runway trends for a fraction of the cost.
Image: Lucas Dawson Photography
Boasting some of Australia’s most innovative designers, the VAMFF premium runway delivered some amazing new trends that are just begging to be included in your 2014 autumn wardrobe.
The show was presented by Frankie Magazine and featured much-loved labels such as Alpha60, búl, Gorman, Leonard St, Livia Arena, Jolet and Kuwaii.
The color palette of the night was truly a mixed bag – a range of bright prints and classic neutrals. Each piece made a statement but still suited off-the-runway wear. There was definitely nothing too over the top or too quirky for the streets.
Here are some of the trends spotted on the runway and our wallet-friendly picks so you can look like you’ve shopped the catwalk without breaking the bank.
Mesh paneling
L to R: Kuwaii, Kuwaii and búl. Image: Lucas Dawson Photography
Spotted in Kuwaii, búl, Gorman and Livia Arena’s collections, the mesh panel detailing shows just the right amount of flesh for a sexy peekaboo effect without raising any eyebrows.
Whether it be mesh cutouts on the sides of a dress, along the neckline on a blouse or across the knees on a skirt, the mesh panel is definitely one of this season’s looks du jour.
And don’t just stick to the classic mesh LBD, be daring and make it a bright one as featured in Kuwaii.
Our looks for less:
From left: Club L Pencil Skirt with Mesh Panels, $29.71 from ASOS;
Eden Fitted Blouse With Mesh Panel Neck, $35 from Boohoo;
Colette Cobalt Blue Skater Dress With Mesh Detail, $39.98 from Missguided.
T-shirt/shift dresses
L to R: Alpha60 and Gorman. Image: Lucas Dawson Phootography
Overindulged a little over the summer months? Don’t stress as the T-shirt dress is so hot right now, as seen in Alpha60 and Gorman.
The T-shirt dress–also known as the shift dress–is essentially a loose hanging, non curve-hugging outfit which looks sporty and simple and is most importantly comfortable to wear.
Boring? Anything but. If you think the lines are a bit too straight along the sides, opt for the swing dress instead which is like a shift dress that flares out at the hem for a girlier look.
Our looks for less:
From left: Ponika Swing Shift Dress In Neon Orange, $45.98 from Missguided;
Atmos&Here Denim Shift Dress, $69.95 from The Iconic;
Anastasia Swing Dress, $59.95 from Sportsgirl.
Quirky prints
L to R: Gorman, Leonard St and Leonard St. Image: Lucas Dawson Photography.
Forget florals and pass on polka dots. Quirky patterns like Gorman’s veggie patch print and bold animal motifs like Leonard St’s deer head is the way to go.
Be it your blouse, trousers or dress, take that daring step and go wild with a unique pattern or print.
Just be sure to pair the crazy prints with a solid block colour to avoid giving someone an epileptic fit.
Our looks for less picks:
From left: ASOS Sweatshirt with Spring Bambi Print, $59.42 from ASOS;
Lilie Eye Print Long Sleeve Shirt, $30 from Boohoo;
ASOS Petite Exclusive Leggings In Panther Print, $25.75 from ASOS.
Larger-than-life outerwear
L to R: Jolet and Livia Arena. Image: Lucas Dawson Photography.
Coats that envelop your body in a warm embrace, keeping you snug as a bug in a rug in the colder months? Yes please!
As seen in Jolet and Livia Arena’s collections, oversized outerwear with a slim or no lapel is set to be a staple item in your autumn/winter wardrobe.
Such a simple but classic look never goes out of style, looks great in any colour and goes with just about any outfit.
Our looks for less:
From left: Born Charmer Jacket, $78 from Tobi;
ASOS Textured Zip Detail Oversized Coat, $62.39 from ASOS;
Hether Textured Tailored Boyfriend Coat In Camel, $109.98 from Missguided.
Brights, brights, brights
L to R: Kuwaii and Livia Arena. Image: Lucas Dawson Photography
Neon orange or coral hues to be precise. As seen on the Frankie Magazine runway as well as several other runways at the VAMFF, this vibrant shade needs to find its way into your wardrobe stat.
Gone were the days when autumn and winter equaled grays, darks and navy. As if the shorter winter days weren’t gloomy enough!
Other warm colours like reds and pinks are also welcome shades in the 2014 autumn/winter season. Warm colours for winter days – the perfect combination.
Our looks for less:
From left: Rocky Singlet in Orange, $20 by Bardot;
Focello Knit Sweater, $42 by Tobi;
Ladakh Online Orbit Dress in Neon Pink, $45.46 by The Iconic.
What trends will you try this season? Share with us in the comments below.