A/W 2020 key pieces: the new looks and styling you must know Refresh your fall wardrobe.

FashionOutfit ideasSeptember 22, 2020

A/W 2020 key pieces will be a bit different than what fashion designers had in mind when they presented their fall/winter collections in February. Nobody could have predicted, at that point, that we would go through a pandemic like Coronavirus. But since lockdown changed our lives completely, the way we dress – and the way we consume fashion – have also changed quite a bit. Now, more than passing trends, we’re looking for timeless and wearable pieces that will last more than one season. Additionally, we want styling tricks to achieve new fall looks with what we already have in our wardrobes.  Mindful consumption and sustainability are the mots du jour. Read more about it in Will Coronavirus change the way we dress?

And because nobody knows what the COVID-19 situation will be like by the end of the year, fashion lovers are more interested in investing in A/W key pieces they can style in different ways for all types of occasions instead of buying party outfits. Keep scrolling to check the new looks for fall and the styling tricks to refresh your autumn wardrobe.

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Statement collars are a must

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Focusing on the waist up has become the new normal in these Zoom-meeting times. So it’s only natural that collars are getting so much attention and becoming A/W key pieces this year. Wear wide Peter-Pan collars or bright shirts with pointy collars (hello, the ’70s) to brighten up dark suits and style great office looks, whether you’re working from home or not. This is a styling trick you can recreate with any shirt you have in your wardrobe. Just make sure to pull out the collars over the jacket lapel, like Ganni or Miu Miu. And wear contrasting colours.

Such dramatic collars transform instantly any jumper into a party outfit. Consider this smart styling for dinner parties, Christmas and New Years.

Chic knitwear

images courtesy @prada and @gucci

Although we want comfort, we’re also longing to dress up again. The key knitwear pieces for A/W 2020 come in natural fabrics like cashmere. And knitted vests are the absolute heroes of this season. Every fashion designer presented them, from Dior and Prada to Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Preppy vests are the easiest way to transition into fall. Wear them with buttoned-up shirts. For extra fashion points, borrow a tie from your boyfriend, husband or father, and pair it with your vest, as seen on the runways.

Additionally, we’ve seen plenty of knitwear embellished with fringes, pearls and crystals like the ones Prada, Simone Rocha or Christopher Kane presented. You can easily recreate this trend by adding brooches to your favourite pullovers.

Comfort is king, but elevated, please 

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After months at home in baggy clothes, fall brings us the return of the bodycon. The figure-shaping knitted dresses are a more elevated version of the loungewear we’ve been wearing during the lockdown. And although the fitting bandage dresses of the noughties are back, they now come in comfortable fabrics and more elegant shapes; with longer hemlines. Jacquemus, Proenza Schouler and Michael Kors are some of the fashion houses that brought back these key pieces for A/W. Wear your midi or long bodycon-dress with boots this fall for a sexy but comfortable and elegant look.

Key pieces in leather for contemporary looks

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You probably already own a few pieces in leather or faux-leather by now, right? Leather has been present in the past seasons and is one of the key pieces for A/W 2020. It is also a hot fall trend that emerged from the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week. Long leather coats are a staple that will update any look. We saw them at Stella Jean, Saint Laurent, Loewe; you name it. But we also spotted separates in leather at Akris, Louis Vuitton and Lanvin, that will be everywhere this season. Capes, dresses, skirts, pants and shirts in nut-brown and beige leather are chic and super versatile. Plus, they are absolutely timeless and easy-to-wear. Leather separates look fab together or mixed with comfy knitwear.

’40s silhouette for autumn and winter

images courtesy @miumiu and @isabelmarant

The ‘40s silhouette we spoke about in spring is still present this season. Lady-like skirt suits and pleated skirts with blazers are flattering key pieces you can wear with over-the-knee boots in A/W chillier days or with chunky ankle boots for a modern take. Focus on the shoulder is also a typical 40s silhouette. Fashion houses like Miu Miu, Isabel Marant, Hermès and Rejina Pyo are some of the fashion designers that presented beautiful 40s inspired looks for fall.

Belts and chains are the key pieces you must have

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Belts are key pieces you must have to refresh your A/W looks. In fact, belted coats, jackets and, especially, skirt suits are a must this season. Wear leather belts over pullovers and jackets for a feminine cinched figure. Also, chain belts like Chanel’s in the ’80, are a big trend this season. By the way, adding anything with golden chains, the chunkier, the better, will elevate and update your outfits in 2020. Oversized chains are everywhere; around your neck, on bags and shoes, or part of your knitwear.

Bring out your tartan

images courtesy @saintlaurent

Tartan and checks are classic staples that come back year after year. But in fall 2020, try this styling trick; mix and match some unusual colour combinations. Don’t be shy and mix check patterns like Saint Laurent did, or wear the heritage print with leather, another of the key pieces for A/W.

You may also want to watch the runway highlights from Milan Fashion Week SS21, a season bringing back the essentials in fashion and life.

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