The art of the Autumn wardrobe update
As we move from the height of Summer, where mercury has risen to 40+ degrees on British shores, and towards the chai latte, pumpkin spice and thick knit season that “Autumn girls” clamour all year round for; what is one to do with their wardrobe?
The weather is no longer positively mediterranean with clear skies and a constant supply of sunshine, so we will not be able to rely on our favourite sundresses to keep us cosy for the next few months; but there are also plenty of days when it is too warm or humid to be wrapped up in knitted wear and warm coats.
Rather than going out and shopping for a whole new wardrobe, we recommend keeping hold of your summer favourites for now, and seeing if you can supplement by adding another layer or swapping out certain items.
A floaty summer dress need not be put in storage; it can deal with Britain’s blustery Autumn winds when layered under a chunky knit, a white-tee-and-jeans pairing; or with an oversized trench coat. Your favourite summer minidress or skirt will take on a cold weather edge when grounded with thick-soled Chelsea boots.
Maxi Dress
It may not be warm enough for sundresses or miniskirts, but a maxi dress is the perfect thing to wear when you want to enjoy the moments of autumnal sunshine.
Trench coat
This is less of an autumn update, and more something you should have access to all year round. Whilst we have been lucky in recent months with lots of sunshine, most of the year in Britain you will need a versatile coat.
Knitwear
Whilst it is currently too warm to walk around like a mummy, wrapped up in knitwear like the now famous cable knit sweater Chris Evans wore; it’s still a good idea to have a few items for when the weather starts to properly shift.
A thick knit sweater can be rather impractical, but the thin knit sweater is a brilliant late summer/early autumn option. It can be stylish on its own when its warm, be worn over the top of a shirt when it’s slightly cooler, or used as one of many layers during colder months.
Statement skirts
If you haven’t already got one from Spring or Summer, a kelly green statement skirt adds a pop of colour to your wardrobe which can be the perfect partner for your basics: white t-shirts, crew neck knits and slim-fit roll necks.
Layering shirt
A simple white shirt is a perennial favourite with the fashion crowd, and also happens to be a godsend for the tricky months sandwiched between the height of Summer and the chill of Winter.
Or if you want a dose of colour during the autumnal months, a kelly green shirt can also be used alongside other autumnal staples.
The transitional dress
A knitted transitional dress for the time between the two seasons is the piece that will tick both the “form” and “function” boxes.
Trousers that can be worn both at the desk and out to dinner
Autumn is a great time to embrace those tailored pieces that are usually covered-up in long winter coats later in the year. We’ll be wearing our favourite tailored trousers with tank tops and blazers over the next month like Angelina Jolie does here.
If you found those kelly green items in this piece interesting, we explored its renaissance here.
Just updating your wardrobe for Autumn will be fine for most people, but if you are pregnant then this guide to luxurious Maternity wear might be more useful.
Or if you want to capture some French style, read this exploration of Emily in Paris.
