Autumn is here and we are SO here for it! You might have spotted our last blog all about the autumn/winter fashion trends, and we’re in the ‘ber’ months, loving cosy season and stepping out in gorgeous new season looks.
But we’re very conscious of not encouraging our wonderful customers and followers to buy a whole new wardrobe for every new season. We’re not at all here for fast, disposable fashion and instead we want to make sure that you have the confidence to weave in new season trends and some of our fabulous, if we do say so ourselves, autumn/winter looks, into your existing wardrobe. Here’s our top tips for how to refresh your wardrobe for autumn…
Start with reminding yourself what you already have
Before you even think about adding anything new, have a good rummage through your wardrobe, chest of drawers and bags under the bed. Get out the knitwear that’s been tucked away since spring, find those jackets hiding at the back and remind yourself what you actually own.
It’s easy to forget about warm coats, gilets, jumpers and glam winter ball dresses when you haven’t worn them for six months. You might rediscover a favourite pair of trousers, a gorgeous blouse or a jacket you’d completely forgotten about, and suddenly you’ve got the beginnings of several autumn outfits without buying a thing.
It’s also a good opportunity to try things on. Does everything still fit the way you’d like it to? Is anything looking a little tired? Are there pieces you love but never wear because you’re never quite sure what to put with them? Knowing what you’re working with makes it much easier to spot the gaps.
Take a look at your diary for upcoming events
Now think about what the next few months look like for you. Have you got a smart dinner coming up? A work event? A ball? A weekend away? Maybe there’s an autumn holiday in the diary or you already know that party season is going to be a busy one.
As well as the bigger occasions, think about everyday life. What do you tend to reach for on a normal working day? What do you like to wear for lunch with friends or a day out? Which outfits make you feel good without requiring half an hour standing in front of the wardrobe?
Making a quick list of what you’ll need can stop you being distracted by something gorgeous that doesn’t really have a place in your life. Although we all occasionally fall in love with something first and find the occasion afterwards!
Dress for the autumn weather you get
As much as we’d love autumn to mean crisp mornings, golden leaves and perfect coat weather every day, we all know it doesn’t quite work like that. The autumn months can still throw in a chilly morning, a sunny day followed by a downpour and then glorious sunshine again by the evening. So, this is the time of year when pieces that can work together really earn their keep.
Blouses, lightweight knits, waistcoats, jackets and easy layers give you plenty of options now, while still having a place in your wardrobe when the temperature drops. Think about which of your summer favourites can carry on into autumn too. A favourite dress might work beautifully with boots and a jacket, while a blouse you’ve worn all summer can sit under knitwear later in the season. And, of course, make sure you have something fabulous that can cope with a rainy day. This is Britain, after all.
Have some fun with colour and texture
One of our favourite things about autumn dressing is the chance to play with texture again. After months of lightweight summer clothes, it’s fun to be bringing back soft knits, wool, suede, leather, cord and beautifully structured fabrics.
You don’t have to completely change your colour palette either. Take a look at the colours you already wear and love, then think about how you can give them an autumn feel. Richer shades, earthy neutrals and deeper tones can sit beautifully alongside pieces already in your wardrobe.
Texture is also an easy way to make an outfit feel more interesting without doing too much. A beautiful knit with your favourite jeans, a suede boot with a dress or a structured jacket over a simple blouse can completely change the feel of pieces you already own.
Work out what’s missing
By this point, you should have a much clearer idea of where the gaps are. Perhaps you have plenty of lovely tops but nothing to throw over them. Maybe your jeans and trousers are sorted, but you could really do with a great pair of boots. Or perhaps you’ve realised that the one thing that would make several existing outfits work is a versatile jacket or coat.
This is where we think a little planning pays off. Rather than picking up several pieces on impulse, look for the things that will unlock more of the clothes already hanging in your wardrobe.
Invest in a few new-season favourites
And now for the really fun bit! Once you know what you own, what you need and what you’re likely to wear, you can start looking for a few, special new-season pieces that will give your wardrobe a lift.
We’re big believers in choosing clothes because you love them and can already imagine how you’re going to wear them. Before buying something, picture it with pieces you already own. Could that gorgeous jacket work with your favourite jeans as well as smarter trousers? Could a new blouse be worn for work, dressed up for dinner and layered under a knit later in the year? Will that coat still make you happy when you pull it out again next autumn?
A few considered additions can make your wardrobe feel new again, without starting from scratch every season. And if you do find there’s a gap or two after your autumn wardrobe audit, take a peek at the latest arrivals at Etton Taylor. We’ve got plenty of gorgeous new-season pieces ready to work their way into your wardrobe this autumn.
