Top looks from Paris Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2016

We round up our top looks from Paris Fashion Week. Look forward to military-inspired pieces, quilting and some daring leather looks. Spoiler alert, flats aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Velvet

There was velvet-a-plenty at Paris Fashion Week, with designer’s like Roland Mouret showing a number of pieces sporting this strokable fabric. The designer’s signature, form fitting dresses were appliquéd with velvet flowers and geometric shapes, while a loose fitting velvet jumpsuit with lace sleeves was worn with peep-toed, lace-up boots. Vetements also showed oversized velvet trouser suits, paired with a plaid shirt for a more 1970s vibe.

Military Jackets

Though they are one of Hedi Slimane’s signature styles, military jackets are coming back next winter in a big way. Slimane, unsurprisingly, showed a red wool military jacket in “Part 1” of Saint Laurent’s autumn/winter women’s collection, first unveiled in Los Angeles in February. Bill Gaytten over at John Galliano and Temperley London (the autumn/winter collection was first shown in London before coming to Paris) also featured military-inspired pieces. Our favourite, however, was Temperley’s long admiral coat. Wear with a midi-dress and ankle boots to complete the ensemble.

Ruffles

Ruffles can give the impression of being childish and even tacky if not done right. Luckily there was none of that. Designers like Paul & Joe took a more an edgier approach with ruffled chiffon dresses, in pink and black, that were paired with cravats and metal-chain shoulder bags. Wear with a pair of pumps for instant evening wear attire.

Trench coats

To say the weather in Paris was unpredictable would be an understatement - one minute it was sunny, the next it was hailing. It also made for the perfect stage for unveiling the many trench coats we can expect to see next winter. Voluminous trenches were sent down the runway at Chanel, while those from Celine were long and flowing, including one petroleum blue trench that we’re most definitely coveting.

Quilted

If you’ve ever found yourself contemplating donning your duvet to work on a Sunday morning, you’ll be happy to know quilting will be on trend for next season. From a patterned tunic by Finnish design house Marimekko, to an oversized, floor length coat and a drawstring jacket - worn by Gigi Hadid - from Chanel, these quilted pieces work perfectly with your favourite jeans and comfy loafers.

Beading

It really was all in the detail at Paris Fashion Week, and by that we mean beading. Intricate beaded designs adorned several Temperely London dresses, including a gorgeous midi lattice number. Over at Christian Dior, beaded detail was seen on a long-sleeved black ruched dress with floral print, and a midi-length floral pencil skirt. Accessories also received their fair share of embellishment, with beads of all sizes and colours covering wallets and a mini Lady Dior bag. Pair with skinny jeans and flats for a more funky look.

Flats and low heels

If you were a fan of flats and lower heels when they first reappeared on the catwalk in 2012 - who doesn’t love looking chic while being comfortable - then you’ll be happy to hear the trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Vince presented a series of gorgeous, yet simple, flats, slides and low-heeled boots, perfect for day and evening wear. At Chanel, models sported lace-up wellies, while even Louboutin, known for their skyscraper heels, showed an impressive selection of loafers, flats and low-heeled pumps, many in unapologetically bold colours.

White

Even though white has been making its way into our winter wardrobes for a few seasons now, we’re still always a bit surprised when we see it reappear on the autumn/winter runways. Dior showed several irresistible pieces in white, including an oversized coat, a high-necked, sleeveless, midi- dress, and a white skirt suit. White cashmere knits were a wardrobe stable at Vince, while white skirts and a cape were displayed at Paule Ka. Add a brightly coloured bag or shoe and you’re good to go.

Polo necks

When polo necks came back into fashion last year, some of us were a little more than skeptical (the idea of reliving the wardrobe of our school days was less than ideal). But after seeing how gorgeous they look with high waisted pencil skirts, jeans and pretty much everything else in our wardrobe, we were sold. At Paris Fashion Week, polo necks were everywhere, from the catwalk - Paul & Joe, Valentino and Celine - to street style looks.

Leather

Leather will be the fabric of choice for next season, and it’s not just your bog standard jackets and skirts either (though admittedly we did see one or two bomber jackets that are on our wish list). There were leather trousers - in black and red - partnered with a cropped leather jacket at Louis Vuitton. A long-sleeved leather jumpsuit was shown at Saint Laurent, while a pair of leather overalls were on display at Zadig & Voltaire, both for those who are a bit more adventurous with their sartorial choices.