THE NEW SEASON VIPS (VERY IMPORTANT PIECES)
With autumn on the horizon, it’s time to update your everyday wardrobe with one (or all!) of these 10 new style heroes
10 must-haves for your autumn wardrobe
THE CHECK DRESS
How did we ever do without the day dress? Puff sleeves, look-at-me yellow hue, cool plaid print and a bow at the back… this dress couldn’t get much dreamier and will make you feel amazing, too. What to wear over it when the weather turns chilly? Look to a voluminous balloon-sleeve coat or cardie, which will be able to handle the dress’s roomy sleeves. Simply pair with chunky boots for a modern look and a play on contrasts. Dress, £110, 6-16, Selected Femme at Anthropologie. Boots, £155, 2-9 (wide-fit available), Duoboots
THE FAUX LEATHER SKIRT
Never been tempted to try a faux leather skirt? This one from Marks & Spencer comes in soft, sophisticated olive green, burgundy and conker-brown tones and may persuade you to take the plunge. Endlessly versatile, the thicker structured fabric gives a wonderfully flattering shape. Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of the real thing, is kinder to the environment, and you can hardly even tell the difference. Top, £56, 6-16, Paisie.
Faux leather skirt, £35, 8-22, Marks & Spencer
THE SILKY SCARF
Listen up, ladies… the silk scarf is cool again. In fact, it’s so ‘in’ you really can’t get through the new season without one. Wrapped around the neck and styled like a rollneck, tucked into shirt collars, worn as a headscarf (as seen at Versace and Max Mara), or with the ends dangling free on breezy days, one thing’s for sure, they pack a visual punch and are a welcome distraction for when the skies are grey. For more beautiful scarves, turn to page 31.
Jumper, £62, xs-xl, Woolovers.
Trousers, £14, 8-24, George.
Scarf, £50, Pure Collection
THE SLEEK PUFFER
If you’re going to invest in just one coat this winter, it needs to tick all the boxes. Enter this season’s scene-stealer – the chic quilted coat. On-trend yet timeless, cool yet classic, and practical yet perfect for parties, too, it’s an investment buy you won’t regret. You can even adjust the drawstring waist on this LK Bennett coat to suit your mood; cinch in to add shape or wear loose for an easy-breezy fit. Make every day a duvet day! Coat, £299, 6-18; boots, £329, 3-8, both LK Bennett.
Dress, £75, 8-20, Seasalt.
Rollneck, £39, s-xl, Kettlewell
THE ‘IT’ KNIT
If any lesson has been learned from the past 18 months, it’s that when given the option, people choose comfort every time, and that means a cosy-knit jumper will be your ultimate go-to come autumn. For a Scottish Highland vibe, look to traditional woolly textures and an ever-so-slightly oversized vibe. The slouchy silhouette is made infinitely more feminine by the addition of Gant’s playful pleated skirt.
Jumper, £79, 8-18, Somerset by Alice Temperley at John Lewis & Partners.
Skirt, £145, 6-16, Gant
THE HERITAGE HOODIE
Once upon a time, hooded jackets were the preserve of mountain explorers and dog-walkers, but now, not only do they help navigate summer-to-autumn rays and raindrops, they make everything look cool, too. Take practical pieces up a notch by teaming them with ‘unpractical’ style staples such as winter white trousers and silk shirts. The effect is less urban street and more ladylike and elegant.
Jacket, £79, 8-22, Marks & Spencer.
Silk shirt, £120, 8-20, Pure Collection.
Trousers, £149.95, xs-xl, Scotch & Soda
THE CREAM BOOT
Urgently seeking a new pair of boots? It’s time to break out of your brown and black boot rut. From Chelsea boots to lace-up hikers and welly-inspired designs, it’s all about the luxe-looking, light-coloured stompy boot. Agreed, it’s not the most practical colour for muddy puddles, but still a great way to freshen up a dark, wintery wardrobe. Choose creamy tones for elegance or crisp white for a high-fashion finish. Longline cardigan, £49.99, xs-xl, Mango. Belted cardigan, £199, 6-18, LK Bennett. Skirt, £50, 8-18, Joe Browns.
Boots, £45, 3-8, Marks & Spencer
THE KNITTED CAPE
The key to mastering the art of transitional dressing? Look to the newest knit on the fashion scene – the carefree cape. Ideal for layering, it can be artfully thrown over romantic summer dresses to carry them through to autumn (or over this exquisite dress from Boden’s 30th birthday capsule collection for something truly special). Great for adding some drama to your day-to-day.
Cape, £98, one size, Paisie.
Dress, £240, 6-22, Boden.
Loafers, £145, 4-9, Mandarina Shoes
THE POLISHED LOAFER
If you want to look effortlessly on-trend (and frankly, who doesn’t?), it’s all about the smart chunky loafer. This once-preppy shoe gets an edgier look thanks to autumn’s sturdy track sole. Wear with everything from silky skirts to this season’s smart dark denim or even corduroy. Have you tried cords yet? Wide-leg and casually tailored, they’re the trousers you never knew you needed. Cashmere jumper, £130, 8-20, Pure Collection. Trousers, £65, 8-20, Seasalt.
Loafers, £98, 3-8, Boden
THE OVERSIZED SHOPPER
It’s official, big bags are back! Autumn welcomes the return of the sleek leather handbag. Minimalists will adore the clean, graphic lines of the XL tote, and maximalists will love the fact it offers optimum storage. Laptops, gym kit, picnic blankets or the kitchen sink… the new plain and simple shopper is larger than life and will only get better with age. Plus, it’s chic and goes with everything – what’s not to love?
Dress, £35, 8-22; boots, £59, 3-8, both Marks & Spencer. Bag, £150, Boden