AW16’s Power Pieces (And How To Give Them A Punch)

Your go-to guide for AW16’s power pieces.

A Plaid Coat… Layered Over More Plaid

Play to this pattern’s strength by pairing it with plaids of varying sizes and strengths for a really graphic take on the trend. Laura Biagiotti and Calvin Klein owned this look, making it work for the boardroom and the bar.

?An A-Line Skirt… Worn With Slippers

The smart A-Line skirt is reimagined when worn with slipper shoes. Silhouette is key to this season’s strongest looks, and pairing a full skirt with flats creates a fresher silhouette than when worn with heels. It also gives you an air of sartorial insouciance – always attractive.

A Trouser Suit… In Head-To-Toe Print

Trouser suits have lost a lot of their edge in recent years, as the predictable options of grey and black can look a little stale (although these colours come back to life in a directional silhouette). This season, put the punch back into the power suit with an unapologetic print. Wear it loud and proud.

Leather Trousers… Softened With Feminine Frills

There’s a confidence and dynamism inherent in pulling off a pair of leather trousers, but they’re much more impactful when juxtaposed with feminine frills and girlish bows. This is modern sexiness at its most sophisticated.

A Turtleneck… Paired With A Dress

High necklines ruled the runway this year, and the turtleneck/dress fusion is top of our wish list. Valentino championed this combination, cleverly balancing soft knits with sensual velvet dresses. They may not sound sexy, but turtlenecks are the hottest piece of the new season.

This article originally appeared in the October issue of IMAGE magazine, on shelves nationwide now.