How to do the AW17 trends the Emporio Armani way

Marie Claire's Jayne Pickering gives you the lowdown

If you want to look on trend yet timeless, there really is only one way to go: the Emporio Armani way. No one does impeccable tailoring and chic evening wear better.

Since starting his label in 1975, Giorgio Armani has had timeless designs and a rigorous focus on fabric and craftsmanship firmly rooted in his design DNA. From perfectly cut jackets in the finest wool to party dresses in sumptuous silk velvet, his clothes are the embodiment of the 'Made in Italy' ideal.

Yet Emporio Armani knows how to stay on top of the latest trends, as anyone who witnessed the impeccable SS18 catwalk show at London Fashion Week will know.

And to prove it, Marie Claire's Fashion Director Jayne Pickering travelled to the Emporio Armani store in Manchester and Glasgow for a special shopping event to share this season's top trends with customers, and how to style them.

Speaking at the event, Jayne said, 'I have worked in the fashion industry for 30 years and have been lucky enough to go each season to fashion shows in New York, Paris and Milan. Armani was one of the first shows that I saw when I worked at Vogue and found myself sitting opposite Sophia Loren and Ayrton Senna... a very glamorous front row! The finale of the show was completely spectacular, with exquisite red carpet Armani dresses twinkling and sparkling coming down the catwalk. There have been some memorable moments over my career and this was definitely one of them.

Shop the new Emporio Armani collection here

'You know that if you are wearing Armani, it’s going to give you confidence and a feeling of being put together, whether you’re in a super chic suit at the office or heading out to an event in beautifully embellished evening-wear that's glamorous but not too OTT.'

She added, 'I’m personally a particular fan of Armani accessories, Armani’s sense of colour and fun really comes to the fore in the incredible statement jewellery that’s become an Armani signature. Adding some oversized earrings or a necklace is one of my favourite ways to lift an outfit or dress up a work look for evening.'

For autumn/winter 2017, Jayne shared her six key looks and how to style them.

The first two looks were the ultimate in great coats this season. Red is a big colour and you will never go wrong with a statement coat. The soft leather of the second belted jacket is gorgeous and will work over anything from jeans to tailored trousers.

Mr Armani says that he loved the energy of monochrome, and this checked coat is the epitome of this. It was actually featured in Marie Claire in our Collections issue.

These last two looks are the embodiment of perfect evening wear. Smart but casual in the most understated way but will certainly make heads turn walking into a room wearing these outfits.