As summer draws to a close and we begin to see temperatures dropping and leaves falling from trees, it’s time to start thinking about updating your wardrobe for autumn. The new season is all about layering, which, as well as ensuring you’re always prepared for unpredictable weather, is the perfect excuse to add an extra level of interest to your look through jackets, lightweight coats and of course, plenty of accessories.
If you’re so used to throwing on a summer midi and some sandals and can’t work out where to start when it comes to making the transition, then here are some easy ways to make the switch, combining practicality with style so that sophistication is never compromised.
Upgrade your winter coat
It might not be winter just yet, but colder days are already beginning to creep back in, and a stylish winter coat is one of the most important investment pieces you’ll add to your wardrobe at this time of year. While it’s often tempting to stick with the trusty designer coat you know, love, and have been wearing for the last three autumns and winters in a row, a new one is the easiest way to breathe some new life into your new season wardrobe – and you can never have too many.
When it gets cooler, you’ll often find yourself wanting to put on a coat every day to keep warm, so ensuring you have a standout piece you love is key. It’s the garment you’ll be wearing the most over the coming months, so make it a good one – or better yet, splurge on a few different styles and varieties to suit different moods and occasions so that you don’t get bored of wearing the same thing all the time.
Check out these women’s coats and jackets for some elegant options to get the inspiration flowing.
Work with thin layers
Autumn weather can be changeable, and while some days will be bright and mild, others might be wet and windy. Often, the day can start off heading in one direction, only for the weather to suddenly do a 180, which can make dressing difficult. But, by opting for several thin layers rather than a thick woolly jumper or a heavy coat, you can make your life easier. Doing so will mean you can take a layer off without worrying about having to carry a bulky sweater around or being cold left in a thin cami once you’ve removed your chunky jumper.
Layer under as well as over
We tend to layer garments over our key pieces, adding knitwear on top of a dress or shirt for easy warmth. But this can mean that you are hiding away the most stylish parts of your outfits, so consider layering underneath them instead. Wearing vests, long-sleeved tees, or even high-neck, slim-fit jumpers under dresses is a great way to get more wear out of your spring and summer attire, and will look effortlessly stylish while keeping you just as cosy, too.
Try tonal dressing to add some colour
Many of us opt for darker, easy-to-wear colours like black and navy in colder weather, and often, this is simply because we don’t know how to combine colours when wearing so many different layers.
Tonal dressing – wearing different tones of the same colour – is a great way to keep enjoying colour without having to worry about clashing or getting it wrong, and will add interest and flair. Try combining various shades of green or blue instead of your usual black, and you might be surprised at how much better your outfits look and feel.
Size up your accessories
There are bound to be plenty of days in autumn when you don’t feel like wearing a big coat – which is where oversized autumn and winter accessories, like big chunky scarves, come in. An easy alternative way to keep warm whilst injecting a little glamour into your look when worn over a light jumper or jacket, it’s also easier to take on and off if the weather changes throughout the day.
They’re also a great way to add colour and texture to any outfit, which is a great way to create a sense of opulence and luxury.
Dressing for autumn can seem complicated – you want to be warm and dry, but also avoid overheating on warmer days, and getting the balance right can be tricky. While looking fantastic is the goal for most fashion-conscious females, you’ll also want to be comfortable – and by trying out some of these tips, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.