Autumn has officially begun and I have to say it’s my favourite time of year to get dressed. I just love layers, cosy knits, winter boots and chic coats. 

At this time of year I help my clients edit their wardrobe from Summer and transition it into Autumn/Winter. This will often involve putting much of their Summer wardrobe away for a few months BUT wherever possible I will re-style as many items as I can to make them suitable for cooler temperatures too.

I live and work by the philosophy ‘buy less, choose well, wear more’ as it promotes more mindful purchasing habits and ensures my clients get as much bang for their fashion buck as possible. So how can you transition your Summer wardrobe and continue getting wear out of it into the Autumn?

Skirts and dresses are most women’s staple pieces for Summer and are also the easiest items to re-style for the season ahead, here are my top tips to transition your Summer wardrobe into Autumn/Winter.

• Layer up - the first thing I’ll try is an additional layer; so a skirt that was styled with a vest top in the Summer can now be worn with a lightweight knit or denim shirt for Autumn and then something chunkier for the Winter. Experiment with adding a thinner layer underneath a dress too - fine-knit roll necks in particular can look fabulous layered underneath dresses for but you could also try a simple short or long-sleeved tee. When it comes to those delicate vest tops - add a chunky knit over them with a deep-V neck to show some detail or throw a denim shirt and leather jacket over the top to create a layered look.

• Switch your footwear - try a trainer or boot with bare legs to start with and then when the temperatures really drop you can add some tights. I’m not a huge fan of flesh-coloured tights and will opt for an opaque black tight in most instances (at least 40 denier) - particularly if you’re wearing something short as sheer tights aren’t as flattering on the leg.

• Mix your textures - floaty dresses styled with a leather jacket are a classic ensemble that never fails in my opinion. Add some biker boots or trainers and you have the ultimate trans-seasonal outfit. If you don’t have a leather jacket in your repertoire then now is the time to take the plunge! It will certainly be an investment but one that will last you for years.

• Get creative - have some fun mixing and matching things from your Summer wardrobe with existing Autumn pieces. Rather than putting lace detail vest tops away for the Winter try combining them with a chunky longline cardigan and your jeans, then belt everything over the top to cinch in your waist. Simple, effective and a not a penny spent on a single new item.

Some pieces, particularly footwear and beach dresses/cover-ups will need to be carefully stored for a few months but be thorough as you go through your wardrobe and really consider the different ways you could style each item - I guarantee you’ll find you can get more wear out of many items than you may have originally thought.

My new season top picks….

If you find you do have some gaps in your wardrobe here are a few of my recommendations from the New Season collections that are currently in-stores.

Knitwear 

This longline cardigan from Mango is perfect to throw on over a Summer vest top - belt on the outside to create shape and as the weather gets cooler layer a roll neck underneath.

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Leather

When it comes to leather jackets you can’t beat All Saints in my opinion. The Dalby style in Dark Raspberry is my favourite; the perfect shade for Autumn.

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Culottes

I wear culottes all year round (with sandals/trainers in warmer months and long boots in Winter months) - they’re so chic and super comfortable. These cropped, slim fit trousers from Jigsaw are great for the office and look fabulous styled with a silk blouse or simple round-neck cashmere jumper.

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Footwear

I live in Air & Grace trainers for most of the year and am loving their range of boots this season. Whether you’re looking for a more causal ankle style to wear with jeans or smarter knee highs, they’ve got you covered.

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