First Look: Penneys Womenswear Collection Autumn 2013

Things Irish women love: family, friends, laughs, a good cup of tea… and Penneys. 

Our affection for the bargain haven is legendary. In fact, so fond are we of explaining just how much of a steal our latest threads were, it’s now the case that ‘Thank you, Penneys’ is as familiar a refrain as ‘Fine, how are you? ‘.

Now the summer days are nearing a close, it’s time to start looking at our autumn wardrobe plans, and as usual Penneys is a great place to start when it comes to getting on trend buys at a pocket-friendly price.

With something for all tastes, the styles landing in stores across the country now include masculine and feminine, luxury and grunge, retro inspired tailoring and soft silhouettes, balanced with the continued trend for sportswear and the emerging look for all things punk inspired.

The Penneys fashion stories this year include Highland Grunge – expect plaid shirts, studded PU, mesh stockings, tartan skirts and biker jackets along with flannel checked bomber jackets with PU trims, slogan print t-shirts and ripped boyfriend jeans.

The sports luxe trend is sticking around this season but it takes a darker edge. PU is a staple for this look, worn studded and quilted alongside chintzy florals and embellishment. Item sweat tops and luxe, leather look, joggers, €17, are dressed up with stilettos and statement jewellery. 

Those of a more delicate fashion persuasion will appreciate the more demure story, combining masculine tailoring with soft powder pinks and warm dove greys, where romance and whimsy are key. Androgynous trousers are kept elegant with softly muted blouses and soft cable knits are embellished and unstructured allowing the feminine mood to be perfectly in tune to play against the masculine tailoring. Key coats for the season have dropped shoulderlines and cocooning silhouettes, buttons and trims are kept simple for a minimalist serene feel.

Accessories are key across all trends for the season, whether being worn to soften tailoring or to toughen up a dress. Necklaces are worn to make a “statement” embellished metals with oversized gemstones are layered together while rings are bold and dramatic, worn on multiple fingers for added impact. Footwear trends see high-heeled styles overriding the flat boot options with ankle height boots proving most popular, decorated with chunky laces, popper fastenings, buckles and heavy embellishments. Bag styles in store include bowling bags, miniature cross body bags or envelope clutches, something to suit every look.

The autumn collection from Penney’s is dropping in stores from now, have a flick through the gallery above to see more of the stunning shoot.