What to wear this season? Autumn is definitely here and we’ve now started to layer up which means it’s the perfect time to check out your autumn wardrobe – try a few things on, remind yourself what goes with what, what you might need to replace and what you’re missing.
By having a play around in your wardrobe and reviewing what you’ve got you are in a much better position to consider what you need to invest in this Autumn/Winter. So what better time for me to give you the heads up on the latest trends as we transition into earthy hues and cosy fabrics.
I attended London Fashion Week Festival in September and the one thing it confirmed is that fashion is fluid, diverse and can encompass anything you want as long as it’s worn with attitude and conviction. Creativity is about your individuality, so get rummaging in your wardrobe to rediscover garments or accessories you love but haven’t worn in a while, mix these up by wearing them with some of your newer garments. To help inspire you further I’m going to run through the latest Autumn/Winter trends, some of which you might want to weave into your wardrobe.
…Starting with footwear – often an area thought of last and it shouldn’t be, it needs to take pride of place in your outfit selection. The outfit won’t be complete if the shoes/boots don’t have symmetry.
Boots –
This season sees the return of the ‘knee length’ boot competing for pole position over our beloved ankle boots – think 70/80’s stacked heeled and slightly slouchy. Great for those of you who, for the last few years, having been struggling to squeeze your honed calves into knee high boots. They make the perfect match with floral winter dresses and midi skirts, which are still going strong and now being teamed with chunky knits. If you’re going to invest, opt for tan, dark red, rich brown or chestnut.
Western –
If knee length boots aren’t your thing why not go for a cowboy boot? The western theme requires a subtlety to it, so pick just one aspect – it could be a silver tipped belt, checked shirt, flared jeans (especially good if you’ve got an hourglass or pear shaped body). Don’t go overboard but then that’s the same with all these trends. The secret to good style is picking a few key aspects and weaving them into your own personal style. This way you keep a contemporary look that is true to your personal style.
From Uterque and Jigsaw
Animal print –
This never really goes away but it’s having a big revival with different niche contenders like snakeskin, and zebra. The colour too has moved on from the natural colour-ways you’d expect from animal print to incorporate blues and greens.
Checks and Tartan –
Never fail to show an appearance this time of year so you can’t go wrong with having some check in your wardrobe. The trend encompasses everything from heritage tweeds (with silks, think Queen at Balmoral) to the extreme of punk. So put your own interpretation on this – pair with flouncy, feminine blouses or wear over something sparkly for the evening. Give some consideration to houndstooth and there’s some great jackets around at the moment.
From Kitri, River Island and Hobbs
Knitwear –
Is becoming brighter and more cheerful so embrace a bit of colour to glam up your wardrobe. Or even think about swapping your blazer for a cardigan, but this season consider wearing it with a leather belt to nip in your waist, perfect with a longer length skirt. Talking of which, there’s still lots of pleated skirts about.
Coats –
Oversized puffers, faux fur and lots of layers (yes, I’m talking about more than one coat, or that’s what the fashionistas would have us do!) are the way forward to keep you warm and cosy this winter. For those of you that are more classic and would rather be wearing something more tailored, revert to the trench coat.
Colour –
The catwalk’s answer to colour this season is bottle green. It’s so dark it’s almost black and looks great with both autumn and winter tones.
If you have a warm skin tone definitely look for rich earthy shades, such as chestnut, rust and brown, plus dark camel. The key is to keep it tonal as you layer your clothes, rather than matching colour exactly. If you’ve got a cool skin tone think about being brave and including some red. And play with texture – head-to-toe shades work particularly well when the fabrics are varied. Think suede, canvas, leather and of course corduroy – the fabric which is taking centre stage at the moment.
From &Other Stories and Anthropologie
For the day – wide leg flowing trousers and silver. For evening attire, take your cue from 80’s proms and 90’s cocktail parties…need I say more!
For more helpful styling tips why not follow me https://www.facebook.com/LesleyClarkeStyleAdvisor
And I’ll be on Helen Blaby’s Radio Northampton lunchtime show again on Wednesday 3rd October at 1.05pm!
