Winter trends crush…

Although those sneaky designers like to throw a zillion and one trends at us each season, the best way to figure out what’s actually going to be a great trend to follow, is to check out the street stylers at any given fash week. At London Fashion Week this past month, the Avenue 32 team hot-footed it from show to show, to snap what’s really going to fly as a winter trend for us regular folk.

Here are my top 5 to look out for:

First up slogan knits – I love a knit at the best of times, but when you add a slogan it throws that knit into the fashion-rebel camp harking back to the Katherine Hamnett 80’s stylie days. A statement knit works well for most occasions – dress it up for the office with a sharp pencil skirt (but ensure your slogan is not too punchy as to offend in this environment obvs!) or dress it down with patchwork jeans and sneakers for the weekend.

Dress like a dude: The menswear trend is still galloping along at a pace. If the thought of raiding your boyfriend’s closet has you coming out in hives…(if I was brave enough to delve into my husband’s closet, I’d come out looking like a 90’s castaway lost in a time warp)… ease yourself gently into the trend by opting for a buttoned up shirt. Wear it with capri pants, pointy flats and a blazer for a cute Audrey-Hepburn-does-menswear look.

Statement skirts: A skirt doesn’t have to be all prim & proper and simply act as a foil to your awesome top. Why not road test a statement skirt this winter to keep ahead of the fash pack. There’s a load of neoprene skirts around which are genius for both showing off that fab fit & flare vibe, but also keeping you warm in chillier climes or air-con offices.

Fur trim: You can work this trend whether you are in the faux or real fur camp this season. Simply opt for an item with a little fur trim on it and you will have nailed one of this season’s hottest trends. Loving the way Ms Ella Catliff is working her trim in this street style shot. Think collars, cuffs, clutches and even key rings to add luxe to your look.

Blanket coat/Poncho: This one has been all over the media thanks to Cara and her fellow catwalk crew working monogrammed Burberry numbers during the AW14 Burberry runway show. Luckily for us regular folk, there are plenty of choices to snag in this snuggly trend at a far more sensible price point.

This post was created in collaboration with Avenue 32. Props to them for their awesome street style shots from London Fashion Week.