As we wave goodbye to a summer full of festival antics and sporadic heat waves, we welcome the start of a new school and college year with some stunning autumn fashions courtesy of Brown Thomas, Galway.
Niamh O'Donovan, a personal shopper of Galway's Brown Thomas store gives us the low down on all the colours, styles, and accessories we can expect to see this season.
"Autumn and winter are exciting, vibrant, and nostalgic seasons with lots of new trends including checks, brights, and power suiting. There is a classic femme elegance, a nostalgic nod to the eighties and nineties while timeless black makes a beloved return."
Warm shades of camel, brown, and earthy tones are said to be the dominating factor this autumn which cater best to the usual pale Irish complexions.
Brown Thomas Galway has introduced exciting new brands for AW18 such as Preen Line and Hobbs. Victoria, Victoria Beckham, MaxMara and Hugo Boss showcase sophisticated and elegant collections once again for this season.
"For those who love print and colour, Rixo and Ganni are the go-to brands," O'Donovan said.
Autumn and winter must-haves are a big focus of the Brown Thomas' fashion section and Brown Thomas' personal shopper gives the key items needed to complete your seasonal wardrobe.
"The camel coat is a staple this season along with knitwear, turtlenecks and straight-leg trousers. Asymmetrical hemlines and silk skirts are still very popular. A classic cut blazer is always a must-have and investing in jeans for the weekend makes off-duty dressing very easy. The Denim Bar in store has the best selection of brands to choose from such as JBrand, Paige Denim, Salsa and 7 For All Mankind."
For advice in styling your looks during the colder months, Niamh O'Donovan confirmed the upcoming trend of layering and how applicable that is the fashion offered in the Brown Thomas stores.
"There is a huge focus on layering this season through knitwear, brushed wools, shearlings and leather. Wraps are a great accessory piece to layer over a leather jacket or wool coat. The Spanx faux leather leggings from our lingerie department are a great addition to your winter wardrobe and are perfect for layering with knitwear – they are easy to wear with lots of styles and colours to choose from."
Whether it's minus degrees outside or a breezy autumn evening, accessories are a definite for making your look stand out in the crowd.
Niamh O'Donovan said: "The oversized handbag is a key accessory for AW18 in either tan, burgundy or classic black. The Marc Jacobs camera bag is a firm favourite with optional straps to change up the look. Instagram famous brands Danse Lente, Cult Gaia and Mansur Gavriel are recent arrivals to the accessories hall and offer designer aesthetic at affordable prices.
"Handbag add-ons such as key rings in faux fur and leather are also proving popular with our young contemporary customer."
On a personal note, she revealed her two go-to looks this autumn that she is thrilled to have back in her daily wardrobe.
"The Teddy coat from Max Mara is a favourite for me, it’s a classic staple piece that will work for years in your wardrobe. Silk pleated skirts and shirts from Victoria, Victoria Beckham in wonderful autumnal colours are on my wish list too.
"I also love anything from Rixo and Ganni, they have amazing silk blouses, dresses and skirts that flatter all body shapes and are easy to wear."
Talking footwear, ankle boots are a key silhouette for this year's autumn/winter shoe collection in tan and burgundy. Not only these but sock boots and trainers remain on trend especially in leopard print designs.
Ending advice for the season ahead, Niamh suggested everyone should invest in classic, basic staples to work within your own wardrobe. Tailoring is important this season as is feminine elegance which focuses on the waist to create a flattering silhouette.
"By looking good you will feel great so do spend a little time choosing your daily looks. Know your body shape and if you need a little guidance pop into Brown Thomas for our amazing complimentary personal shopping experience. We will do the hard work for you."
Find Brown Thomas on 1-2 William Street, Galway or call (091 ) 565 254 for all your fashion and beauty enquiries.
