It is almost time for another fashion month, and here at Who What Wear UK, we are most excited to see how the street style set will interpret the new-season trends. Surprising outfit ideas and unlikely high-street hits always emerge during fashion week, but some high-end pieces are destined to have plenty of air time on the front row. The autumn/winter 2017 collections are dropping as we type, so to help you know the items that are about to be big, we turned to those who know how we shop better than we do ourselves—fashion buyers and designer experts from Net-a-Porter, MatchesFashion.com and more. Scroll below to see—and shop—the cult items you'll see in every street style gallery this month.
Natalie Kingham, buying director at MatchesFashion.com, thinks that the wicker box bags from the Gucci runway show are set to be a cult accessory.
"The Balenciaga polka-dot 'knife' pump is this season's statement shoe," says fashioninfluencerand entrepreneur Roberta Benteler. "The super-pointy toe is what it's all about and perfectly captures the renaissance of grunge." Lisa Aiken, Net-a-Porter's retail fashion director, agrees: "We've all been quick to adopt Demna's [Creative Director Demna Gvasalia] vision for Balenciaga, and these pumps are the perfect evolution of the brand's signature mule."
"Raf Simmons for Calvin Klein's plastic covered trench coat—the perfect grungy spin on this classic staple," adds Roberta."
Net-a-Porter's Lisa Aiken adds, "We all rely on accessories to give our outfits an instant update, and The Row's Ascot tote is the perfect size to fit all of your necessary fashion week essentials."
"The ultimate accessory for the season is the Dorateymur Harput loafer, which you can customize on Farfetch by adding your initials," says Candice Fragis, buying and merchandising director at Farfetch.
When it comes to footwear, Natalie Kingham thinks it's all about Saint Laurent's slouchy boots.
"Magda Butrym has become a go-to for effortless yet interesting pieces," says Lisa Aiken. "We expect to see plenty of her cutaway dresses throughout this season."
"Red is one of my favourite colours to make an outfit pop, and I particularly like styling it with a bright blue—denim works well too," explains Farfetch's Candice.
"Gucci's logo T-Shirt was a huge hit last season at fashion week, and we haven't seen a slowdown in demand," says Lisa Aiken. "It's the perfect piece for off-duty dressing with a statement."
"Acne's striped cord suit—two things to invest in this season are definitely tailoring and a pair of corduroy pants," says Roberta.
"We have seen a real return to glamour this season, and Michael Halpern's approach is different to everything else out there," says Natalie Kigman. "I love his sequin pieces; they make you feel fabulous and brighten up your day and night. You can wear them with platforms for a Studio 54 feel or wear the sequin pants with a T-shirt and trainers."
"Newcomer Halpern was one of my favourite A/W 17 presentations at London Fashion Week—they are the new London darling for fabulous eveningwear," says Farfetch's Candice.
"We love seeing standout prints come to life during show season, and Prada's poster-girl collection featuring illustrations by Robert E. McGinnis will definitely be key to this trend," adds Lisa Aiken. "We expect to see it on fashion week favourites, such as Giovanna Battaglia and Natasha Goldenberg, who gravitate towards this style."
"The Row's double circle bag, as it's just a beautiful new shape that promises to become a classic straight away," says Roberta Benteler.
"A checked coat from Balenciaga, which can be worn in different ways," adds Natalie Kingham. "It is timeless and beautifully cut, the perfect outerwear piece for the season ahead."Next up, see our guide to the key trends for autumn/ winter 2017.Opening Image: Style du Monde
