A look ahead into what autumn/winter has in store for our wardrobes with White Feather Boutique’s Saffron King.
DESPITE the rain in recent weeks having a lot of us feeling like we’re already well into winter, we’re really only just stepping our toes into the first of the autumn season. To get ahead on what our wardrobes might be looking like over the next couple of months, I sat down with a local in the know.
Saffron King runs White Feather Boutique (WFB) on Limerick City’s Denmark Street. The Cornwall native, who studied at the Limerick School of Art and Design, took over the local store last year, having worked with the previous owner.
A veteran fashionista, Saffon spoke to the Limerick Post about some of her predictions into trends across this autumn/winter season.
The colours of the season
“Pink is the colour of the year, you’ll see more tones of pink throughout autumn/winter,” Saffron sagely says, highlighting the Barbie movie’s impact on wardrobes worldwide right now.
As well as pinks, she foresees deep reds, purples, browns, and orange tones to be popular throughout the colder season. Though she has her money on the classic white shirt as being a standout style, emboldened as “more of a longer version that you can style with faux leather leggings and pair with waistcoats or knitted vests”.
Winter weddings
As far as winter weddings go, this is where the colour chart starts to broaden and get a little livelier, according to Saffron.
“Think vibrant winter florals with some added sequins. Winter florals are always a good idea to brighten up a winter occasion,” she advises.
“Sequins and metallic occasion wear that stand out from the crowd are always a big hit at weddings.”
Timeless pieces and practicality
Trends are bittersweet. They come, they go, they change before we’ve even gotten a chance to catch up. Thankfully, some pieces never go out of style. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have a penny left.
Saffron says that, in her experience, the tried-and-tested biker jacket is one that’s here to stay. The LSAD graduate says the leather look always comes back in at the first sign of autumn, and can easily be dusted off at any time of year over dresses or casually with jeans.
In terms of practicality – because let’s just be honest with ourselves, I think we have seen the last of the sunshine for 2023 – the word from the Limerick fashionista is that it’s time to get colourful with some knitwear when wrapping up over the folder months, suggesting we veer towards some less predictable colours.
“We always tend to wear black a lot in winter. Although a classic shade, try adding more fun prints and warmer tones to brighten your look.”
Looking ahead to 2024
Saffron and WFB try to think long term, stocking up to six months ahead. This, she explains, can often mean getting out ahead of trends so customers can crest new waves early.
“This year saw us step away from the skinny jeans and embrace the wider leg. Much more flattering if you are a pear or hourglass shape as the wider leg balances out the hips,” she says.
Next year we can expect abstract floral prints and lots of denim. Denim skirts were huge this year, and it looks like they will be around a while.
Keep it sustainable
The question on everyone’s lips is: Is it sustainable? For Saffron and the White Feather, that answer is a resounding ‘yes’.
The boutique stocks a number of sustainable brands that use friendly dyes and fabrics, as well as ensuring to order only small quantities of each style – meaning surplus is kept to a minimum and each item is made that little bit more exclusive. Good news for anyone who has bumped into someone wearing the exact same outfit.
Saffron says the best advice when trying to shop sustainable is to ask ‘how many times can I wear this?’.
“Weddings are becoming way more casual, so choose a style that you will get multiple wears out of. When my customers choose a dress for an occasion, I always give them some options on how to wear it again, either with a biker jacket and runners, or with a chunky knit and style it as a skirt.”
Sound advice. Now, I’m off to start planning my autumn/winter looks.
