In-between the pomp of the bi-annual catwalk collections that take place across New York, London, Milan and Paris, designers don't just out their feet up and wait to be struck by a lightening-bolt of inspiration for the next round. Oh no, they've got yet more collections to create, ones largely considered to be more commercial and accessible, and because they aren't projected via the theatrics of runway presentations (save for Chanel), are subsequently less ubiquitous that their catwalk counterparts.
Slowly being released now are the so-called pre-fall lines, which hit stores around May and bridge the gap between the spring/summer and autumn/winter collections. Confused? Don't be - these collections are essentially for autumn and can be a good pre-cursor as to what luxury labels are cooking up for winter.
We've rounded up our favourite looks so far and pulled out the most accessible trends that you can start experimenting with now
BALENCIAGA
This achingly elegant collection is what dream wardrobes are made of - imagine being enveloped in that black shrug for an evening out... Best of all, the models are styled in tights - do we see practically and comfort ruling here?
This achingly elegant collection is what dream wardrobes are made of - imagine being enveloped in that black shrug for an evening out... Best of all, the models are styled in tights - do we see practically and comfort ruling here?
The try-it-now styling tip
Take a tip from smart boys and wear your scarf tucked into your coat or jacket. Practice folding it to get it just-so and chose a suitably contrasting pattern.
Take a tip from smart boys and wear your scarf tucked into your coat or jacket. Practice folding it to get it just-so and chose a suitably contrasting pattern.
CHANEL
Staged in The Leopoldskron Castle in Austria, Telegraph Fashion style director Tamsin Blanchard, who reviewed the show, wrote: "this collection was a could have resulted in a kitsch 'Carry on up the Tyrol' type parody - all overflowing dirndls, lederhosen and Heidi plaits" but it was in fact "an exemplary exercise in refinement, research and development" which showcased the work of Chanel's Paraffection companies, age-old manufacturing artisans specialising in the manufacture of lace, embroidery, beading, cashmere and millinery.
Staged in The Leopoldskron Castle in Austria, Telegraph Fashion style director Tamsin Blanchard, who reviewed the show, wrote: "this collection was a could have resulted in a kitsch 'Carry on up the Tyrol' type parody - all overflowing dirndls, lederhosen and Heidi plaits" but it was in fact "an exemplary exercise in refinement, research and development" which showcased the work of Chanel's Paraffection companies, age-old manufacturing artisans specialising in the manufacture of lace, embroidery, beading, cashmere and millinery.
The try-it-now styling tip
Ruffled collars and cuffs were big news in this show and the high street is already getting in on the act. Look to Zara for its printed blouses adorned with velvet ribbon.
Ruffled collars and cuffs were big news in this show and the high street is already getting in on the act. Look to Zara for its printed blouses adorned with velvet ribbon.
MIU MIU
Continuing the love affair with all things Seventies inspired, Miuccia Prada's mischievous little sister line offers a great line in retro and washed-out prints, which makes for perfect autumn attire. And if you secretly dreamed of being in the Scouts then this collection is definitely for you.
Continuing the love affair with all things Seventies inspired, Miuccia Prada's mischievous little sister line offers a great line in retro and washed-out prints, which makes for perfect autumn attire. And if you secretly dreamed of being in the Scouts then this collection is definitely for you.
The try-it-now styling tip
Time to shake off the association of neckerchiefs are only for the aforementioned Scouts, cowboys and sailors; pick a pretty print and listen to the compliments roll in.
Time to shake off the association of neckerchiefs are only for the aforementioned Scouts, cowboys and sailors; pick a pretty print and listen to the compliments roll in.
LOUIS VUITTON
Nonchalant layering is key to this collection, and anything goes - the more mix-and-match the better. If you've already invested in a luxe shirt dress then be reassured that the trend isn't disappearing anywhere fast.
Nonchalant layering is key to this collection, and anything goes - the more mix-and-match the better. If you've already invested in a luxe shirt dress then be reassured that the trend isn't disappearing anywhere fast.
The try-it-now styling tip
Adorning one's bag with a silky tie is nothing new, but if Nicolas Ghesquière is giving the finishing touch a nod with Louis Vuitton's latest arm candy, we're back on board.
Adorning one's bag with a silky tie is nothing new, but if Nicolas Ghesquière is giving the finishing touch a nod with Louis Vuitton's latest arm candy, we're back on board.
MARNI
Consuelo Castiglioni's latest offering is as eclectic as ever but there's an art to throwing such clashing prints together. We're admiring the rich palette, suggesting that it's perhaps time that blue and burgundy were made mainstays of a capsule wardrobe.
Consuelo Castiglioni's latest offering is as eclectic as ever but there's an art to throwing such clashing prints together. We're admiring the rich palette, suggesting that it's perhaps time that blue and burgundy were made mainstays of a capsule wardrobe.
The try-it-now styling tip
Breathe life into serious and sturdy ankle boots by having a bit of fun with your socks. A glittery pair pulled up to peek through is just the ticket and certainly on't break the bank.
Breathe life into serious and sturdy ankle boots by having a bit of fun with your socks. A glittery pair pulled up to peek through is just the ticket and certainly on't break the bank.
CHRISTOPHER KANE
The try-it-now styling tip
Time to buckle-up - Kane's fastenings, seen on belts and pochettes, make for a refreshing alternative to the norm.
Time to buckle-up - Kane's fastenings, seen on belts and pochettes, make for a refreshing alternative to the norm.
MARY KATRANTZOU
The London Fashion Week designer has made an abstract take on the much-loved houndstooth print the mainstay of this collection. The result is an arresting take on colour splashed across statement dresses and skirts.
The London Fashion Week designer has made an abstract take on the much-loved houndstooth print the mainstay of this collection. The result is an arresting take on colour splashed across statement dresses and skirts.
The try-it-now styling tip
If you haven't already experimented with layering rollnecks under short-sleeved tops then let this be your cue .
If you haven't already experimented with layering rollnecks under short-sleeved tops then let this be your cue .
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN
With timeless leather jackets and sumptuous chunky knitwear, we'll take one of everything from this Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen collection, please.
With timeless leather jackets and sumptuous chunky knitwear, we'll take one of everything from this Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen collection, please.
The try-it-now styling tip
If you're already on board when it comes to accessorising your coat with a belt, try taking the proportions even wider
If you're already on board when it comes to accessorising your coat with a belt, try taking the proportions even wider
GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
If we could saunter through autumn in Valli's bohemian gowns and cinched minidresses then we would most definitely would. Knee-high boots a must.
If we could saunter through autumn in Valli's bohemian gowns and cinched minidresses then we would most definitely would. Knee-high boots a must.
The try-it-now styling tip
Time to resurrect those calf-hugging boots and see them as the new partner to all manner of short dresses with sleeves currently lurking in your closet.
Time to resurrect those calf-hugging boots and see them as the new partner to all manner of short dresses with sleeves currently lurking in your closet.
ROKSANDA
The London-based designer's collection is not for wallflowers: only confident, strong and driven women need apply to wear these punchy, beautifully executed creations.
The London-based designer's collection is not for wallflowers: only confident, strong and driven women need apply to wear these punchy, beautifully executed creations.
The try-it-now styling tip
Once you get round to buying the pair of culottes you've had your eye on, earn extra style points by pairing them with a peplum-hem top.
Once you get round to buying the pair of culottes you've had your eye on, earn extra style points by pairing them with a peplum-hem top.
VALENTINO
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's vast collection doesn't disappoint. The romantic, breath-taking dresses the duo have become known for are there, as are the prints that sets it apart from the competition each season.
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli's vast collection doesn't disappoint. The romantic, breath-taking dresses the duo have become known for are there, as are the prints that sets it apart from the competition each season.
The try-it-now styling tip
Capes aren't going anywhere - if you've already invested, time to embellish with a sprinkling of brooches.
Capes aren't going anywhere - if you've already invested, time to embellish with a sprinkling of brooches.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
If you hate being restricted by clothes then Stella's languid tailoring and Yeti-style coats that come big enough for two is the collection you should be bookmarking.
If you hate being restricted by clothes then Stella's languid tailoring and Yeti-style coats that come big enough for two is the collection you should be bookmarking.
The try-it-now styling tip
Another item that has been simmering on the cusp of a trend for some time - the humble tunic - is here in all its effortless glory. Pair with wide-legged trousers for the freshest of takes.
Another item that has been simmering on the cusp of a trend for some time - the humble tunic - is here in all its effortless glory. Pair with wide-legged trousers for the freshest of takes.
BALMAIN
Sexy, loud and proud, the Balmain woman is hitting the dancefloor hard in the run-up to winter, and she's doing it in risqué tops and fringed minidresses. But what do we spy here, a pair of tights with everything ?
Sexy, loud and proud, the Balmain woman is hitting the dancefloor hard in the run-up to winter, and she's doing it in risqué tops and fringed minidresses. But what do we spy here, a pair of tights with everything ?
The try-it-now styling tip
Forgive us for being so obvious, but when do you ever see a model/ catwalk/ lookbook in which the model wears tights? We think Balmain and Balenciaga are finally cottoning-on to what us normal folk team with absolutely everything in the winter
Forgive us for being so obvious, but when do you ever see a model/ catwalk/ lookbook in which the model wears tights? We think Balmain and Balenciaga are finally cottoning-on to what us normal folk team with absolutely everything in the winter
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