Matalan Autumn Winter 2011

So our Winter 2010 wardrobe has only just been nicely tucked away and our Summer 2011 essentials purchased, but already the fashion retail industry is thinking about the upcoming Autumn season.

Yes, yes, I know its only June and we've barely had the opportunity to apply our factor 30 (!) suncream, but its time to look forward to the cooler months and see what AW11 has to offer us. And who better to do that with than the reinvented high street giant Matalan?

Their Fall lookbook is full of alpine knits, spotted mini dresses and wide legged trousers. Think camel and navy hues mixed with a retro pallette of black and white sophistication.

The first story "Modern Retro" is Matalan's most iconic trend for the ipcoming season. The 1960's is a major focus here with adorable Mary Jane's and cute ankle socks. Think Twiggy meets Alexa Chung and your on to a winning formula.

Key Details: peter pan collars, pleated skirts, polka dots and colour blocking

Pleat Dress £25 Knee Socks £2.50 Mary Janes £20

Peter Pan Collar Dress £25

Colour Block Dress £14 Knee Socks £2.50 Babydoll shoes £16

Matalan completely won me over at their press day with their "Global Mix" collection. Chunky knits, clashing prints and mixing textures creatively is what winter should be all about.

I adore Matalan's use of aztec and alpine inspirations. Mix your knitwear with faux fur and wooly bobble hats. Clash with a tartan skirt or boldly coloured ankle socks and tights. Feeling more reserved? Tie denim into your look with a great pair of jeans instead. Super skinnies are gonna be huge!

Key Details: alpine knits, aztec shawls, shearling details, cable knit snoods.

Cardigan £25 Crochet Dress £18 Chunky Socks £4

Shearling Mitten £6 Shearling Bag £10 Knitted Boot £22
(PS Hands off - the boots are mine!!)

Cable Snood £8 Crew Neck Jumper £18 Skater Skirt £10

Cardigan £25 Tunic with Snood £18 Faux Fur Collar £6


The 70's trend remains a strong contender for the Fall sason. Matalan's "Abigail's Party" seduces Autumn/Winter with oranges and mustards. Think back to the original Biba era with paisley shift dresses, floral tunics and printed palazzos. Taht's it ladies, hang on to your staple palazzo pants and prepare to team them with simple knitted jumpers and pussy bow blouses.

Key Details: shift dresses, wide legged trousers, batwing sleeves, fringed knitwear and bold prints add a modern twist.

Paisley Shift Dress £20 Retro Sunglasses £12

Printed Shift Dress £18 Gloss Tights £1.50 Mary Janes £20

Pussy Bow Blouse £18 Wide Leg Trouser £18

Fringed Zip Cardigan £28 Pleat Front Skirt £20

For all you sophisticated ladies out there, Matalan has catered for your effortless chicness with "Retro Prim"; think classics reinvented with a quirky twist. Embracing the female form with cinched in waists, fitted blouses and knitwear and dramatic silhouettes. Who says workwear is boring? Not Matalan!

Key Details: skater skirts, belted capes, pussy bow blouse, lace overlays. A school satchel quintessentially completes the look.

Wide Leg Jumpsuit £30 Strappy Wedge £18

Pussy Bow Blouse £16 Pencil Skirt £14 Trouser Socks £3

Belted Cape £35 Pussy Bow Blouse £16 Pencil Skirt £14 Satchel £10

Cube Tunic £20 Mid Length Skirt £18 Tassel Tote £10

So there we have it; Winter 2011 at Matalan. Summer may not be even half way through, but my pre-fall list has been made, has yours?