Today marks the start of London Fashion Week and to kick things off on Diary of a Dashing Fashionista, I’ve put together my round up of this season’s sportswear trends.

As I’ve mentioned before, I love Autumn fashion. After months of pastels and bright cotton sundresses the richer, darker colour schemes, opulent fabrics and sharper lines of the AW season are a bit of a relief.
Both haute couture and high street designers are celebrating the new season with edgy rock n’ roll and grown up goth ranges. Purple, cerise, royal blue, grey, black (of course) all feature heavily and where patterns and florals do appear they are bold and richly coloured – baroque is one of the big trends and as such brocade features in several collections.

This year, my favourite sportswear brands have also outdone themselves capturing the darker side of fashion in their latest ranges.

Sweaty Betty are ready to lure us over to the dark side of yoga with camis, vests and leggings in gorgeous tattoo prints.

Sweaty Betty’s run and workout collections stick faithfully to the AW colour scheme – blacks, greys, purples and blues feature heavily – as well as an interesting flower print on running capris, shorts and tops.
The capris and shorts are a bit too bright for me, but I’m rather enamored with the full length tights and tank top with their subtle floral trims. The tailored design of the tank suggests corsets or bustiers and this kind of sexy, structural sportswear is present in several other collections.

Next are a bit of a wildcard this season, really upping their game to provide fashionable, affordable and functional sportswear. The range features technical tights and tops as well as luxurious soft cotton lounge wear. I’m particularly impressed by these gorgeous dark blue animal print technical tights and funky cool down cotton leggings in black and grey with animal print or sequin trim.

The corseted, structured trend I mentioned earlier also makes an appearance in their structured swimwear.

In my opinion, the Stella McCartney for Adidas collection is a return to form for the designer and successfully showcases her signature style with sportswear.
My favourites are the very structured tops and long line leggings in glossy, dark fabrics which are then softened by the pale pink floral motif cover up.

Nike have edged towards a tough, urban vibe for their AW collection. Patterns, particularly the splatter pattern that was so successful for them last season, are a big feature in their collection.

LuluLemon have provided a capsule, transition wardrobe for the unpredictable weeks in September when the weather can’t seem to make up its mind whether to rain or shine. The flirty run skirt, with built in shorts, comes in a variety of colours – my favourite is this muted orange. LuluLemon do capri tights so well, these are part of their ‘Be Seen’ range and feature reflective material on the waistband for stylish safety when running on dark Autumn nights.
The two jackets, the shorter, tougher biker-style running jacket and the long line cycle cover up provide a stylish solution to the unpredictable weather.

No Balls have a couple of new gems in their minimal collection, the gathered leggings are both fashionable and functional and bamboo tank top with crossover detail on the back gives a subtle nod to this season’s silhouette.

Wellicious – the luxury yoga and Pilates brand – have also embraced the corset look with this beautiful yoga tank. The draped cover up top in gorgeous mulberry provides a rich splash of colour to an otherwise dark colour scheme.

What is on your fashion wish list this season?