Microtrends Autumn/Winter 2018: Your Expert Guide

last updated 1 October 2018

Microtrends are often an offshoot of defining looks from the runways. After a few months of percolating and being adopted early by fashion enthusiasts, the eagle-eyed can start to see key buys emerging. What's more, they're often easier to weave into our daily looks without resulting in side-eye from passersby in the street.

Take animal print, for example. It's undoubtedly one of autumn's frontrunners (showcased at Dolce & Gabbana, Givenchy and Halpern in the most delightfully extravagant ways), but you may find that in reality, wearing it head to toe isn't the simplest option. Instead, we'll likely turn to hero pieces like a coat, skirt, or a jumper.

Another example of a microtrend that came to life this past summer via street style and social media was Réalisation's leopard-print skirt. Why did it become so popular? Because it's a game-changing item we can style with T-shirts and our go-to shoes.

In addition to reflecting the top trends, you'll also find that microtrends are often more affordable (win) and more likely to garner a nod from those in-the-know (double win). Keep scrolling to discover and shop the microtrends dominating autumn/winter 2018.

PUFF-SLEEVED DRESSES

Style Notes: Type the words "puff sleeve" into the search engine of any website and lots of options will pop up. We're especially here for the minidresses.

Staud

Tai Puff Sleeve Dress

This dress will work just as well with sheer black tights and biker boots as it will dainty slingbacks and a beaded bag.

Paper London

Bay Puff Sleeve Flared Ramie Mini Dress

Another day, another pink dress to pine after.

Zara

Short Puff Sleeve Minidress

We've seen so many influencers rocking this minidress.

RECTANGULAR-BUCKLE WAIST BELTS

Style Notes: That's right—waist belts are officially back, but they're infinitely cooler than the elasticated numbers we wore back in the day. We're thankful that butterfly clasps have been replaced with much sleeker rectangular buckles.

Frame

Leather Belt

Layer this belt over your favourite checked blazer for a glossy overhaul.

Attico

Velvet Waist Belt

The easy way to sass up your fail-safe LBD.

& Other Stories

Wide Rectangle Buckle Leather Belt

Chocolate accessories still achieve the same impact as black pieces but provide a softer contrast to pastel or light-coloured clothing.

ZEBRA-PRINTED KNITS

Style Notes: Leopard and snake motifs are all the rage right now, but zebra print is quietly rising through the ranks too. We recommend integrating it into your wardrobe with a monochromatic pullover.

New Look

Black Zebra Print Jumper

Dip your toe into the zebra trend without worrying about the cost with this frugal knit.

Mango

Zebra Textured Sweater

Prefer more subtle motifs? Then this minimal Mango offering is for you.

Topshop

Zebra Skinny Crew Neck Jumper

We love the flash of orange on this monochromatic pullover. Why not match your bag to it? Trust us, it works.

STATEMENT PEARL EARRINGS

Style Notes: Nothing can overhaul your look quite like a pair of statement earrings. This season, instead of coloured gems and hammered metal, the baubles to flaunt are pearls.

Lele Sadoughi

Faux-Pearl Hoop Earrings

Your favourite hoops, only significantly more extra.

Oliver Bonas

Pearl Flicker Fan Earrings

No one will believe where these beauties came from.

Simone Rocha

Faux-Pearl and Metal Earrings

After losing sleep over her pearly hair slides, Simone Rocha's drop earrings are also keeping us up at night.

YELLOW TROUSERS

Style Notes: Standout strides always make a comeback for autumn, this time in a sunny hue. Wearing a pair of wide-leg yellow trousers is the fashion equivalent of taking a Berocca.

H&M

Lyocell-Blend Trousers

Yellow strides needn't be super bright. This muted marigold pair is easier to style but still stands out from the crowd.

Mango

Cotton Corduroy Trousers

Just when we thought our cord obsession couldn't get more out of hand, we then discovered these Mango strides. They're in the sale, too.

Roksanda

Randella Wool-Blend Trousers

Opt for wooly textures that will keep the chill at bay as we delve further into autumn.

MOCK-CROC SHOES

Style Notes: Commonplace on handbags it may be, but mock croc is fast becoming the It material of shoes too. They're effortlessly elegant. Use them to add polish to ripped jeans, miniskirts and floral frocks.

Rejina Pyo

Barbara Brown Leather Shoes

Wrap-around shoes will never fail to look sexy.

Miista

Edith Mock Croc Leather Ankle Boots

Still not found the perfect pair of boots this season? Consider edgy mock croc.

Topshop

Two-Part Court Shoes

The double-straps, architectural heels, square toes… These Topshop heels scream high end.

Shopping on a budget? You need to see our expert edit of the best buys under £100. Enjoy!

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Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.