In 1985, the American fashion designer presented Donna Karan the ‘Seven easy Pieces’ collection in front: bodysuit, wrap skirt, fitted jacket, cashmere sweater, coat, trousers and evening dress. Her idea was a simple wardrobe stripped down to the essentials – seven basic items of clothing. Their minimalist concept was a welcome change from what was otherwise the most lavish and opulent decade of the twentieth century.
Today, almost 40 years later, consumer behavior is characterized by a bewildering variety of options and products. In such times, the fashion designer’s minimalist idea is a concept that buyers should consider again.
In October last year, British designer Phoebe Philo returned after a six-year hiatus with a similar approach to Karan. With the support of the luxury goods group LVMH, she released a collection in two versions, which was largely sold out just a few hours after its launch. The capsule consists of a limited, seasonal offering that focuses on quality materials and craftsmanship, as well as designs that remain relevant over time.
The womenswear fashion shows for the ready-to-wear collections for the fall/winter 2024 season are starting soon: New York Fashion Week begins on February 9th, followed by London, Milan and Paris. FashionUnited shows in advance the most important trends that buyers should keep an eye on – based on the concept of ‘Seven easy pieces’.
The coat
A wool coat is a must-have for any winter wardrobe. In the coming season, coats will be structured, for example through the use of fabrics such as tweed or patterns such as checks. The silhouette can be designed in a classic trench coat style or with detailed embellishments, with fringes being particularly popular. Floor-length coats often appear.
Puffer coats
Puffer coats in different shapes and sizes are the core pieces of the FW24 collections. They can be short or long, with or without details and in a matte or shiny upper. The idea is to create a look that is compatible with both everyday wear and evening wear.
The knit dress
Knitted dresses will appear in unusual designs in the coming season, especially with asymmetrical hems. Bright red also offers a change from the otherwise dominant dark color palette of the winter season.
The midi skirt
After the mini skirt set the tone last year, hems are getting longer again and the midi skirt is taking over in the coming season. Again, texture is key and the skirts appear to be made from tweed and are trimmed with sequins. Other details played with include waistband height, pleats and leg slits.
Cable knit sweater
Chunky knit sweaters are becoming increasingly popular. New cable knit patterns bring a breath of fresh air. They can be fitted or long, with or without a turtleneck.
The velvet trouser suit
In a season where texture and material reign supreme, there’s no better choice than a velvet pantsuit.
(Art) leather trousers
(Faux) leather pants are essential for fall/winter 2024. The silhouette varies from narrow to wide trouser legs. And the style is also diverse – simple models meet looks that were inspired by motorsport.
This translated and edited post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk.