With September swooping in, I've started to notice Manchester is just about getting ready for autumn. It's my favourite season for fashion, because you can have so much fun layering looks with all those gorgeous, rich, neutral tones.
This week, turtlenecks, tailored suits and knee high boots have all been taken off the hanger for a spin out of the wardrobe as people start to get ready for the upcoming season. Even my trusty bakerboy hat was dusted off, and a quick trip into Accessorize in the train station confirmed they are very much all the rage this season.
Last week, the men of Manchester were somewhat shy, but some stylish gents did stop for a chat with me this week. If I had to guess male trends this season - which I'll admit, isn't my forte - the shacket is going to be big. Smart shoes are also looking to be very popular.
READ MORE: Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival dress from Tatton Park goes on sale at Nobody’s Child today
It's safe to say that the 70s will see a resurgence this autumn - something we see time and time again around this season. It's further confirmed by the likes of Dani Dyer releasing a vintage-inspired range for Matalan this week, featuring some fun prints that are very much of the era.
Celebrities have very much been a source of inspiration this week, too, with Harry Styles, Katherine Ryan and Hailey Bieber all being named as icons to look to for trends in 2022. It's not the first time I've heard Bella Hadid's street style mentioned, either. So, without further ado, here are this week's trendiest city dwellers, and how you can Steal Their Style.
Alicia Pollitt
Journalism student Alicia hailed Harry Styles as one of her major fashion icons as she strutted alongside Piccadilly Gardens in a denim jumpsuit.
The 20-year-old studying at MMU styled the piece with a black turtleneck top from New Look, and Dr Marten boots, as well as a Harry Styles Love On Tour tote bag.
She said: “It’s a very Harry Styles inspired outfit today, he’s a fashion icon. There’s also an influencer called Francesca Perks, from Manchester, she’s amazing. I try and follow her style as she’s giving plus size girls a rep which I love to see.”
The jumpsuit was £40 on ASOS, and as it happened, Alicia wasn’t the only person I saw wearing it in Manchester on this very day.
She added: “Fashion is a big part of my life. An outfit can decide what kind of day you're having. When I go to uni I try to wear something great to set me up for the day. It’s like a cup of coffee for me.”
Emma Tomlinson
Stunning in a 70s inspired get up was Emma, aged 21, who was off to meet a friend for brunch. The 21-year-old Physics student, from Preston, said her outfit cost a grand total of £14.50, and was all secondhand.
She said: “My boots are from eBay. They came as a bundle with a black pair, which was the pair I was interested in. I couldn’t buy them separately, so paid £25 for both pairs. They’re so comfy and I’m going for an autumn vibe.”
Emma divulged that her dress was from a charity shop in Cheadle, and she picked it because she loves the flared sleeves.
She added: “My general style is quite a 2000s vibe but after watching Buffy I’m obsessed with knee high boots, too. I also love Bella Hadid’s street style, it’s really simple and cool.
“When I go to the charity shops I pick up pieces I like and build outfits around those. I have loads of clothes that don't form any outfits but I love them all.”
Bonnie Hay
Suited and sandaled up was 41-year-old Bonnie Hay, who had travelled from Birmingham to promote a new TV show that she’s featuring on, called All That Glitters. The jewellery maker had been filming on Morning Live to chat about the Bake-Off style show, hosted by Katherine Ryan.
And in fact, it’s the glamorous host from whom Bonnie gets a lot of her style inspiration. Wearing a gorgeous green tailored suit, she said: “Katherine Ryan hosts the show and I totally tried to steal her style. From her I’ve gleaned that more is more. It’s all about elegance, big bows, frills, glitter and she goes big with it. Go big or go home.”
Bonnie’s suit was from Warehouse, costing around £120 in total. The marble-effect tote was also Warehouse, while her slider-style sandals were £5 from Primark. Speaking on the suit, she added: “The colour is pretty memorable and works all year round, and the quality is lovely, too.”.
Callum James Taylor
Callum, from Stockport, was spotted looking pretty sharp on Deansgate as he popped out of work on his lunch break. The 26-year-old spent around £200 on his outfit, which is a more ‘work appropriate’ version of his usual every-day style.
He said: “This is my usual style, but off-duty I might wear a more casual shirt or more casual trousers, but generally I dress this way. My shoes are from Dr Marten and my trousers are from TK Maxx. I got my top from The R Store just down the road. It’s a cheap and cheerful work uniform. Work uniforms are much more casual post-covid now.”
Callum said he often looks for other stylish Mancs to steal their style, adding: “I don’t tend to look to celebrities for inspiration - I look at people on the street mostly and if I like what they’re doing I’ll give it a go. I’ve always worn smart trousers, shirts and shoes, but my style has probably adapted as I’ve gotten older.”
Raj Takhar
Birthday girl Raj was celebrating her 26th birthday in the city, doing some shopping and grabbing a bite to eat. Having travelled from Leeds, Raj wore a girly striped dress, dressed down with some white trainers for a fun, summery look.
She said: “My dress is from Topshop at Asos and cost around £50, then my trainers are Adidas and were around £70.”
Raj’s dress is still available online, featuring a square neckline, frill straps and tie back. She added: “My style has changed with age - now I love to dress comfortably and I dress how I feel on the day. If I’m feeling chic and girly I’ll go for a dress, or I wear trousers quite a lot. I enjoy a dressing-down smart outfit.
“I really like Hailey Bieber, her street style is lovely and she’s the woman of the moment when it comes to trends at the minute.”
Billy Liggins
Billy works at a solicitors in the city centre, and was on his way back to work when I stopped him while wearing a cool and casual workwear look.
Aged 26, Billy admits he loves a deal, and got his shoes and jacket in the sale for £70 each. He added: “My shoes are Wallabees, my jacket is Universal Works and my trousers were from Uniqlo. Uniqlo do some really good basics, it’s good quality and Japanese style, they do great socks, and free alterations, too.”
A self-confessed overshirt lover, Billy often wears a capsule wardrobe with ‘one of about 20 different overshirts’. He added: “Instagram is a good place to get style inspiration, the algorithm works out what you like, and I follow a lot of the stores where I shop like Peggs and Sons, Universal Works and Oi Polloi”.
READ NEXT:
- Holly Willoughby's Nobody's Child dress is now £12 as store launches summer sale
- I pitted Charlotte Tilbury against 'identical' Revolution’s £10 viral dupe
- Steal Their Style: Shoppers sport outfits from M&S, Primark and Topshop
- PrettyLittleThing launch beauty box with £60 worth of products for £15
- Shoppers ‘obsessed’ with £4 watermelon facemask with 800 five star Amazon reviews
