Accessible A/W 2024 Fashion Trends for Dressmakers

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As we transition into the colder months, the fashion scene for A/W 2024 is packed with exciting trends that offer dressmakers a variety of accessible options to explore. This season's trends focus on wearable, versatile pieces with an emphasis on texture, colour, and comfort, making them perfect for wearable dressmaking projects. At Fabrics Galore, we provide a summary of the key themes, colours and prints with our suggestions for patterns that you can easily incorporate into your Autumn wardrobe to be bang on trend.

 

A/W 24 Prints and Patterns

Prints and patterns play a significant role in the Autumn and Winter 2024 fashion landscape, offering dressmakers plenty of options to explore.

 

Checks and plaids are prominently featured, with bold, oversized patterns lending a modern twist to traditional designs. These prints are perfect for skirts, blazers, and coats, evoking a timeless British countryside aesthetic.

 

Brushed Cotton Tartan Moray

Florals, often associated with spring, evolve this season into darker, moodier versions, ideal for dresses and blouses that blend romanticism with an edge. We think a Ginkgo print is perfect to emulate this trend:

 

 

 

Leopard print continues to be a standout, particularly in trousers and outerwear, offering a fierce, statement-making option. For those seeking variety, other animal prints like zebra are also trending, providing an opportunity to play with different scales and contrasts. These prints, whether classic or modern, add depth and visual interest to any garment, making them a must for any dressmaker's collection. This leopard cotton poplin fabric has been our number one best-seller all season and will work in winter too. Or try our crepe de chine version:

 

 

Key AW24 Themes and Garment Types

Reality and Daywear:

• The emphasis on practical, everyday wear continues to dominate. Look out for relaxed blazers, wide-legged trousers, and trench coats that blend style with functionality. Dressmakers can experiment with these staples, focusing on tailoring and comfortable fabrics.

 

Protective Dressing:

• The trend of "duvet dressing" is all about swaddling the wearer in warmth. Bomber jackets, quilted skirts, and oversized coats are in vogue, offering dressmakers a chance to play with padded and quilted materials for maximum comfort.

 

Boho Revival:

• Boho styles return with a modern twist, featuring ruffled dresses, chiffon blouses, and flowing silhouettes. Dressmakers can embrace this trend by incorporating frills, layers, and ruffles into their designs for a romantic, free-spirited look.

Chalk and Notch Ivie Dress, Top and Skirt at The Foldline

 

Countryside Core:

• Embrace the charm of rural life with countryside-inspired pieces like tweeds, corduroy, and plaids. Think tweed blazers, check skirts, and cosy knitwear that evoke a cosy, rustic aesthetic.

 

Corporate and Preppy Chic:

• Classic corporate dressing gets a stylish update with blazers, pencil skirts, and checked shirts. Preppy elements like pointed collars and Bermuda shorts also make a return, offering dressmakers a chance to craft smart, polished outfits.

1. Extravagant Details:
• Go bold with oversized collars, wide shoulders, and bubble hems. These dramatic details can add a statement-making touch to any garment, allowing dressmakers to experiment with structure and volume.

 

Tactile Textures:

• Texture is the name of the game this season. From faux fur coats to soft, draped dresses, fabrics that hug the body and add a tactile element are in demand. Dressmakers should consider using plush materials like velvet, faux fur, and satin to create luxurious, touchable pieces.

 

1. Le Smoking and Masculine Elements:
• The iconic "Le Smoking" tuxedo style continues to inspire with sharp tailoring and androgynous appeal. Wide shoulders and structured jackets offer a nod to this trend, allowing dressmakers to create powerful, gender-neutral designs.

 

 

A/W24 Colour Palette

Burgundy and Merlot:

• Rich wine tones like burgundy and merlot add depth and elegance to the winter palette. Use these colours for statement pieces like outerwear, dresses, trousers and accessories like bags.
  
  

 

Earthy Tones:

Olive, rust, conker, and various shades of brown (from pale coffee to dark chocolate) dominate the colour spectrum. These versatile hues are perfect for creating warm, grounded pieces that feel both stylish and wearable.

 

 

 

Coffee Shades:

Chocolate, camel and cream are ubiquitous, and part of the earthy trend mentioned above.

Soft Pink:

• A softer, more wearable pink—think dusty blush—emerges as a key colour this season and is great for the Boho revival. This delicate hue is ideal for romantic, feminine designs that still maintain an air of sophistication.

Metallic and Sheer:

• For a touch of glamour, incorporate metallics like gold and shades of sheer fabrics. These materials are perfect for eveningwear or special occasion pieces, adding a hint of luxury to your collection. Note that the sellout M&S silver faux leather trousers from last year have been reinvented in gold for this season.

Gold Satin Fabric

Final Thoughts on A/W 24 for Dressmakers

This season's trends provide ample opportunities for dressmakers to explore a variety of accessible styles. Whether it's the comforting embrace of quilted garments, the nostalgic charm of boho chic, or the sharp lines of tailored daywear, there's something for every creative maker. By focusing on the key themes, colours, and textures highlighted here, dressmakers can craft pieces that not only align with current fashion trends but also offer practicality and wearability for the colder months.