About to delegate your summer favourites to the back of the wardrobe for another year? think again: the arrival of a new season doesn’t have to mean a full fashion overhaul.
A few clever tricks can transform beloved pieces into outfits that are both suitable and seriously stylish for autumn.
Carry pretty prints through on floral maxi dresses. team a trusty tea dress with a belted Mac.
try contrasting lighter-coloured items with khaki, navy and camel, and add oversized accessories in autumnal hues and heavier textures.
Finally, think about footwear. Summer’s open-toe sandals and espadrilles can be replaced with elegant courts and backless loafers for an effortless transition.
DON’T pack away all your pretty floral prints — the long-sleeved, longline dress that has seen you through many a summer evening can last right into next season, too.For now, you can pair it with court shoes in an autumnal hue, such as burgundy — then, when the weather turns, swap them for ankle boots and add a pair of opaque black tights. Floral-print dress, £299, meandem.com; Burgundy courts, £39, office.co.uk ALTHOUGH often considered a summer classic, a brilliant-white blazer is just what you need to add a touch of style to an understated autumn wardrobe.This eye-catching jacket pulls an outfit together perfectly and will work well over dresses and skirts, or jeans and a top. White blazer, £65, topshop. com; Camel knit, £125, and pleated skirt, £35, marksandspencer.com; Black courts, £225, russellandbromley.co.uk FLORAL PRINTS WHITE BLAZER
SYNONYMOUS with summer, the classic Breton top is endlessly versatile for the colder months, too.Wear the navy and white stripes in cosy jumper form with anything from loosefitting jeans and trainers to a smart, tailored pencil skirt and heels. Crew-neck jumper, £45, johnlewis.com; Skirt, £79.99, zara.com; Burgundy courts, £39, office.co.uk THAT ditsy summer dress you lived in through the heatwave can work right through to winter, with the addition of an elegant belted Mac or tailored jacket. Above-the-knee styles can seem a little risky at this time of year — but simply add a pair of opaque tights when necessary. Dress, £135, jigsawonline.com; Mac, £79, marksandspencer.com; Courts, £49.99, zara.com THOUGHT this wide-legged, cropped trouser style was only for summer holidays?Don’t relegate culottes to the back of the wardrobe so fast. Give them an autumn upgrade by pairing them with a long-sleeved shirt, smart blazer and elegant heels instead of sandals. White culottes, £135, lkbennett.com; Navy blazer, £59.99, khaki shirt, £79.99, and courts, £69.99, zara.com A LIGHTWEIGHT midi skirt — ideal for warmer weather — looks just as great with an oversized knit, which means it will be easy to wear through to winter.Dress it up with heels or pair with white trainers for a modern twist. A ropedetail bag adds interest. Cashmere jumper, £75, marksandspencer.com; Skirt, £120, jigsaw-online. com; Courts, £49.99, and bag, £39.99, zara.com BELIEVE it or not, the delicately embroidered peasant blouse you bought for your beach break can feature in your winter work wardrobe. Smarten it up with tailored trousers, loafers and a tote — all in shades of the same colour to tie the look together. Blouse, £39.99, zara.com; Trousers, £29.50, and tote, £19.50, marksandspencer. com; Loafers, £195, lkbennett.com BRETON STRIPES TEA DRESS CULOTTES MIDI SKIRT EMBROIDERY