London designers take a refined approach to workwear silhouettes and khaki colors, extending the range into soft peach tones with accents of yellow. A midcentury brushstroke print adds more visual dimension to these warm neutrals. Utility items like boiler suits, shirtdresses, blazers and duster coats are softened with gathers or tape ties. Even lingerie gets the khaki treatment in a mix of leather, girdle mesh and lace.
Drawstrings are no longer for sloppy sweats or casual hoodies. The new breed of drawstring appears on polished skirts, pants and dresses, providing an adjustable fit and a sense of ease. Designers used the strings in unexpected ways: wide tape creates a “bunched” hemline, or a self-fabric sash gathers in a halter neckline.
With the abundance of velvet saturating the runways in recent seasons it’s no surprise that corduroy, the plush material’s workwear cousin, has emerged in full force for fall’s daytime looks. Paired with cozy sweaters, hefty wide wale cords take the shape of slouchy pants and roomy sack skirts, while fine pincord is cut into 70s-inspired pantsuits. New ways with the material include novel XXL wales and unexpected piecing with luxe fur, but the familiar earthy brown palette maintains a classic, vintage feel.