I know it's July...
But I'm talking about autumn already
Disclaimer: I’m going to skip ahead to autumn, so if you’re in a sunny, summer state of mind, stop reading now. Lol.
Is it just me, but I’ve been instantly feeling autumnal? Maybe it’s the grey skies and slightly less warm weather. Even my husband has been mumbling how nice it will be to start wearing a jacket again soon. I’m right with ya, babe.
But it’s not just me, actually, as I’ve started to see some autumnal drops coming into the shops, in the form of pre-fall. End of July and beginning of August have always been the time when crisp-weather staples arrive, and although I’m not exactly ready to invest, I think it’s important to take stock and see what trends are filtering through and what might make sense for my wardrobe.
Also, I always feel some hero pieces are coming through that are sell-out status, so it’s sometimes worth being an early bird, snapping them up now, and saving them for later. Or some pieces are perfect for now. So what’s in for autumn and what can you buy now to give your wardrobe a cool-weather mood?
Bold Shoulders
As seen at: Chloe, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney
If you want to give your jeans game a little more oomph, and maybe dress it up for evening, you can’t go wrong with a blazer or T-shirt with some structure. Playful proportions were seen on the runways of Louis Vuitton with space-invading oversized jackets and sculptural silhouettes.
While Stella McCartney went double whammy with bustles and big shoulders. But for real life, the trend is a little more subtle; a softly structured T-shirt, like this Cos one, is ideal for sharpening the silhouette and giving an outfit more polish.
The Check Jacket
As seen at: Burberry, Acne, Chloe
Checks never disappear that’s a given- but this season they are feeling a little less heritage, country-chic, and a little more relaxed, cooler and more directional.
Think more cropped jackets, boxy blazers and oversized jackets that make a good transitional jacket now and feel super modern worn over a tank or white tee, then layered with leather and knitwear later.
Something Pink
As seen at: Chanel, Marc Jacobs
Good news is there was so much pink for spring that you might pick up something in the pretty shade in the sale and take it through to autumn. Also, you can definitely wear it now, as the shade works so well with fresh cream, ecru, and butter yellow, and then it’s so gorgeous given an autumnal spin with navy, chocolate, or olive. Yum.
Modern ‘20s
As Seen at: Khaite, Chanel, Rabanne
Instead of looking like you're heading to a Gatsby-themed party, designers are cherry-picking some roaring twenties references and making them altogether more modern - think drop waists, fringing and embellished details.
This dress from Cos nails the modern interpretation perfectly.
Lady Like Tailoring
As Seen at: Dior, Chanel
Between skirt suits and shrunken jackets, tailoring has shaken off its go-big-or-go-home aesthetic, and a more refined, ladylike version is emerging. There’s also a lot of grey tailoring, which is a perfect partner to pink for a sweet effect. The best way to give it a whirl is to opt for a more sculptural or wrap-style blazer, and luckily Arket is already on hand with a grey blazer with asymmetrical detail that’s a double whammy.
Animal print, again
As seen at: Celine, Fendi, Givenchy
No, I didn’t plant this one - I swear. Designers are just getting more on board the animal print train; of course, I am here for it. In particular, they have gone wild for the animal print coat in faux fur and textured shearling, but to be honest, you can’t go wrong with any bit of animal print; in particular, I’m loving the tiger/zebra print this season from Fendi.
And Ganni to the rescue with this beauty.
Or add a hint of print with these flats.
Ahoy Sailor
As seen at: Ferragamo, Dries Van Noten
I know I grew up by the sea, and I tried and failed at sailing, so I’m not sure where my love of nautical style comes from. Maybe it’s because I’ve never met a stripe I didn’t like, but what’s more, I love a sailor collar.
And luckily for me, it’s making waves for autumn. Designers delved into maritime chic with sailor collars, pea coats and a hint of piratey style too. If you want to nod to the trend, this sleek shirt with a subtle sailor collar does the trick.
Oh, and I fell in love with this dress too - part sailor, part animal print. Sold.
Autumnal Shoes
Autumn and boots go together like chips and ketchup. But before you break out your boots right now, I always try to hang on to my ballet flats for as long as I can, and this season, luckily, I can.
Suede and satin replaces leather, there’s more square and almond toe coming in, and rich shades of mustard, chocolate, and olive make them feel so autumnal.
I even spotted a shearling-lined pair coming into Dune for the winter season in a press preview - obsessed - toasty toes, yes please!
And if you need a little more structure - loafers are hanging around, this time decked in croc, giving gorgeous texture and depth. Love these ones from Arket already.