How To Make Your Summer Wardrobe Autumn Ready
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Every year as August ends and the days start to get colder; shops begin to fill with darker tones and warmer clothes in preparation for autumn and, of course, with this comes the worry of how to dress during this transition. Being in between two seasons can be confusing when it comes to choosing what to wear and causes a reluctance to put away your favourite summer pieces. However, as someone whose favourite seasons are summer and autumn, this is an exciting time for my wardrobe. I’ve gathered all my favourite tips and tricks that will help you out during this seasonal transition and allow you to utilise your summer pieces to give them a new life and get you the most value for your money. From layering up, to adding darker colours and wearing seasonal accessories, these tips can make even your mini-skirts and floral dresses autumn appropriate.
When it comes to choosing outfits for this awkward transition, it’s important to pair your summer pieces with darker tones to start bringing autumn styles into your wardrobe whilst still dressing for the annoyingly warm September weather. By adding deeper coloured items to your summer pieces, you’ll be able to make the item look less out of place by toning it down with the classic autumnal shades. This works particularly well when pairing lilac items with dark mustard, as these colours not only complement each other, but the mustard helps match the lilac item to the season.
When it comes to adding specific items to your summer pieces, adding tights, autumnal accessories and big jackets works super well and is a fun way to play around with patterns and colour. Cable-knit tights are a personal favourite, as they bring warmth to the outfit whilst also adding classic autumnal textures. Boots are also a classic staple when it comes to autumn outfits, as they make the outfit more functional and appropriate for the colder weather, whilst also making the outfit more casual. Adding other autumnal accessories, such as hats and scarves, alongside a statement jacket also works well during this season. These pieces can have a large effect on the tone of the outfit whilst also making it appropriate for the cold weather.
From this, a large part of making specific summer items work in the autumn, is by layering then with warmer items, allowing you to easily wear your summer dresses for a few more weeks before it gets too cold. Layering up your favourite summer dresses is the easiest way to carry them into autumn; with slip dresses paired with a t-shirt underneath being a trendy and classic autumn style. Layering is both functional and fashionable for this season and allows you to create new looks that also keep you warm. Cardigans or oversized shirts work particularly well for this, as they’re easy to add or remove during a time where the weather is unpredictable. Midi dresses are also perfect for autumn because there is more coverage for your legs to keep you warm and when paired with an oversized t-shirt or jumper, the outfit perfectly reflects the cosiness and warmth of the season. Pairing your midi dresses with a trench coat also effectively tones down your outfit for the season, whilst giving a minimalistic silhouette. From this, due to cottage core being a huge trend right now, carrying these trendy dresses into the autumn works perfectly with the tones and styles that come with the season, making autumn the perfect time for the cottage core trend to be at its fullest.
Another item that surprisingly transitions well into autumn is the classic mini-skirt. Denim or suede minis are an outfit staple during autumn as they carry a particular seasonal trend and can also work well with tights and an oversized jacket. This is the perfect way to follow the classic trend of baggy top, tight bottoms to create an incredibly flattering silhouette that helps avoid bulkiness. All you have to do to make it autumn appropriate is to swap out the sandals and cami tops for big boots and a turtle neck. This also works with shorts, which when styled right can be the perfect autumn item, especially if they’re knitted or patchwork as they continue to carry a classic autumn style in a piece that is still cool enough for the current weather. Personally, I find layering my shorts with a turtle neck and a big blazer or shirt holds a preppy style that is popular during autumn.
Although a lot of these steps seem like common knowledge, it is more about how you utilise your pre-existing wardrobe and style it in order to create the perfect autumn outfit. The best advice to follow when it comes to moving into autumn is to ignore the rules of the seasons. Don’t spend too much time worrying about if your outfit is autumn appropriate and just wear what you feel comfortable in, this will make you feel much more relaxed and at home with your wardrobe. Personally, I believe that as long as you’re warm and wearing what you’re comfiest clothing, you’re dressed perfectly for this season.
by Tia Janowski (Staff Fashion & Beauty Writer)
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Edited by Charlotte Osment (Editorial Assistant)
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