Goodbye trainers and chunky jewellery: a more delicate touch

Something is stirring in fashion this autumn and winter. This is evident in jewellery and especially in footwear. Trainers, for example, are on their way out. According to Claudia Schulz from the German Shoe Institute, footwear is set to become significantly more feminine this season.

“The autumn/winter trends feature many new silhouettes, for example in boots and ankle boots,” says Schulz. The lasts are becoming narrower and the cuts more delicate. She also notes that tall boots, including over-the-knee styles, are now in vogue instead of trainers. Western boots are also popular, “coolly paired with a short or midi skirt”.

For Schulz, one shoe is particularly on-trend this autumn and winter: the slender ankle boot, which can also have a slightly pointed toe.

Showcasing your socks

The practical aspect is that “the ankle boot is ankle-high and therefore suits almost any look,” says Schulz. “I can wear them very well with skirts or dresses, especially midi and maxi lengths, and with pieces featuring sequins or lace. This is not a shoe that can only be styled for formal occasions.”

Quite the opposite, delicate ankle boots can create a great contrast in an outfit. For instance, they can be worn with the currently popular straight-cut or slightly flared-hem jeans. “You can also play with socks, letting them peek out slightly from the ankle boot,” says Schulz.

Another elegant and fashionable alternative to the trainer is the loafer. According to Schulz, it is often seen in a croc-effect this year. The footwear expert’s “favourite everyday look” is croc-effect loafers paired with a wide-cut blazer, a pussy-bow blouse and jeans.

Earrings are also getting a delicate update

For accessories, the trend is also moving towards delicate pieces. “We are seeing fewer statement necklaces and fewer statement earrings,” says style consultant Dunja Heß. Instead, more understated earrings like hoops are making a comeback. Brooches are also frequently seen now.

In autumn and winter, they are worn on the lapel of a blazer, for example. For Dunja Heß, they can be a beautiful alternative to jewellery pieces that are usually worn closer to the face. A word of caution: do not overdo it and avoid clashing combinations. “Brooches with pearls and gemstones work well,” says Heß, “as they can reflect the colour of the outfit”.