I am fully immersed in autumn, and like many, LOVE everything about this season : the crisp walks, the cosy evenings, the frothy coffees and of course the comfy clothing and layers. We need to prepared for any eventuality this time of year here in the UK as it can turn from sunny and warm to stormy torrential rain in the click of the fingers : literally!
Today I want to chat a little about how I have found my style, some autumn looks with lots of re-hashing old favourite dresses, comfy clothing and good footwear to see us through the aforementioned change of weather at this time of the year. Contrary to popular belief about throwing all off our summer clothes up into the attic until next year ; we can still eek out a bit more life in those summery dresses and prints : think layers of jumpers, cardigans, scarves and chunky boots – even my most ‘pretty’, girly and floral dresses can look so perfect in the autumn and winter months if paired with the right accessories.
Layering is really key and I ALWAYS have a stash of extra clothing in the boot of my car to ensure I’m never without warmth when the British weather hits : wellies, a warm coat, a cardigan, some thick socks and even a blanket!
REDISCOVERING MY STYLE.
I have really found my style again since hitting my 40’s and becoming so much more comfortable in my skin and not sticking to rigid fashion rules and advice. Maybe it’s since moving to the country also? People seem to care a little less, look a little less and do not bat an eyelid when you are trudging through the shops in your wellies, wind swept hair and baggy jumpers : it’s a whole look! I think it’s also transitioning from trend-led fashion into comfort and security : what makes you feel YOU and confident whether it’s casual and comfy tracksuits, cute dresses, 90’s re-loaded or a romantic styles and whimsical blouses : it’s endless and it’s also really fun to explore and find your unique style.
If you are in a style rut and cannot find where you are or where you feel most comfortable – I would suggest going online and just doing some research and finding social media accounts of women who have a style you love and giving them a follow to get some tips and inspiration. I seem to always hone in on women who are around my age, who have a similar body type to me or at least I find interesting to watch – would highly recommend!
LAYERING YOUR CLOTHING.
Chucking on something over the other and over the other – it sometimes works in mysterious ways! The most unusual combinations can really work and you don’t know until you’ve tried it. Think clashing prints and colours and also experimenting with colours that you never thought would work for you. I like to grab out items from my wardrobe and chuck them across my bed and just start marrying things together until it looks like it could work. This is especially good with summer prints, or at least, things that you categorise as summer prints – take a step back and look at things with a clean slate and think how someone else may style it. There is a lot of misses but you will find unlikely combinations that work! Perhaps a jacket you fell out of love with 4 years ago (hello black leather biker jacket as below) can be something that will now work for you.Embrace the weather and know that you may get a bit wind-swept, possibly wet and muddy. I often opt for an easy up-do that is more adverse weather friendly and so much quicker to style – everything can be a little more un-done and care-free in my opinion.
UPSTYLING YOUR SUMMER DRESSES.
We are also in amongst a bit of a time where most of us have to watch our spending a little more and we are more conscious than ever on what we are buying, impulsive purchases and sustainability : making clothing work for us harder and longer over the seasons and being a little more clever with layering and styling. I do love a cute floral print, something colourful and fun when it comes to my dresses and I don’t think they should just be shoe-horned into the warmer months. If layered well then we can definitely wear these items year-long and I think it’s also really good to opt for timeless, good quality women’s dresses over the seasonal ‘pick-me’ styles that can easily get forgotten and unloved.
A NOD TO SOFT STYLING.
Soft style is a word that has been thrown about the last few years and it really spoke to me – because I am, for the most part, someone who really dresses for comfort *possibly* over style and I just have to feel comfortable as a number one. I LOVE a tracksuit and trainers, even at the ripe age of 43 years and even if my husband says I dress like a teenage boy on occasion. In all seriousness, tracksuits are absolutely acceptable now as an everyday outfit and not just for the sports field and honestly, for that I am VERY grateful.
If trainers, Uggs and tracksuits are calling you then embrace the soft style vibes and wear it all with joy. I also love a comfy shoe and something I can wear all day, do ALL the mum tasks in and even take a short stroll if the time allows. Uggs, wellies and my trainers are always a go-to. New Balance women’s trainers are super comfy and I love the different styles and colour-ways they do so you can really dress them up or down and I think they are such good quality and last ages. I have a few different colour ways of the New Balance 574 style which are the more classic ones but they somehow can also be a little smarter too.
I hope you have enjoyed my chat about Autumn style, up styling your summer clothing to last that little longer and dressing for comfort. I think aside from layering, the key is always choosing items of clothing that are timeless and practical to get the most from them for all seasons.