PERSONAL SHOPPING TIPS: 5 MUST HAVE PIECES FOR FALL/WINTER

Autumn has to be my favourite season, I am sure for many that may seem surprising as I often am seen wearing dresses and high heels! However, layering a favourite blazer or jacket over the top of my dresses means I can transform a look even more easily, and not overheat!

For many of us, a year of staying indoors as the leaves change means there are hopefully exciting events in the calendar for this autumn. So whether or not you’re heading to meetings, attending evening dos, or a brunch with friends, you’ll want to add these 5 must have pieces into your wardrobe to play with as the weather changes.

A cosy sweater

Now is the time to break out your favourite cosy sweater! A sustainable woollen jumper that is effortless can be paired with your favourite jeans or be tucked into a midi dress for a more formal look. For even more comfort, try an oversized v-neck jumper/cardigan that has large buttons and the current trend of the year – puff sleeves. I love wearing something like this with a leather pair of trousers, or even over one my favourite summer dresses to continue wearing them into the cooler months.

Bring a blazer

If you know me, you know a blazer is an item I believe should be in every person’s wardrobe, with at least one formal/plain option, and a more colourful or patterned option (here’s my full article on styling blazers). They are the perfect option for making an outfit transform quickly into a more formal look, while adding that extra layer for the cooler nights. For a classical look, you can’t go wrong with the fabulous range of colours of tweed blazers by MIA GIACCA while if you’re looking for a blazer that is more contemporary, then this blazer will work beautifully across colour palettes thanks to its neutral base.

 A great pair of (combat) boots

Now, if you’re feeling personality-filled and want to show off your rocker-aesthetic then combat boots are a great addition for your shoe collection no matter the time of year, but particularly for autumn/winter! If you want to see a few fantastic ways to style your combat boots, and some inspiration on styles, then go to this article where I share 7 ways to style combat boots. However, if they’re just a little out of your comfort zone or your personal style, then there are other options!

For example, a beautiful knee length boot, like these, work fantastically at keeping your legs warm if you prefer not to wear tights with your skirts or dresses, while these simple ankle-high zip up boots are a classic go-to for wearing with your jeans, trousers, or skirts.

A wool blend or trench coat

Why is it that the camel or trench coats make an outfit look so…effortlessly chic? Well, if you’re wanting to exude French-classical style then you should add a trench coat to your wardrobe. It’s perfectly light for just adding a simple layer in case of rain, without feeling too warm, and now comes in a variety of colours, such as navy or mint green,  if the classic nude isn’t your style!

For a little more weight to your classic coat, a wool blend overcoat is great. I love the option of a wool coat being in a neutral tone, as this can mean you can play with a range of colours beneath, particularly when the coat is unbuttoned (or has no buttons!).  Whatever you choose, a coat will be a key part of your wardrobe for, when you care for it well, many years to come, so try it on if you feel comfortable to do so in a store, and invest in a piece that will feel joyous to wear.

Get your layering basics sorted!

Finally, my biggest tip for dressing for autumn/winter is having the basics ready to rock. We often forget how important these layers can be, particularly if we are outside for some time with friends and start to feel a chill of the British evenings. I highly recommend adding a few basics like a minimal turtleneck that you can wear under shirts, blouses, and even dresses; as well as comfortable tights in a black, and a skintone, so you can keep your knees warm!

For me, I’ll be bringing out my basics, popping on my favourite jewellery over that perfect turtleneck I’m wearing under my dress, and popping on some combat boots for a little rocker edge! What are your essentials for wearing during the cooler month?

If you feel a little overwhelmed by the changing seasons and would like some help in organising your wardrobe to reflect your style & needs, please get in touch as I now offer online personal shopping experiences for my national clients!

PERSONAL SHOPPER TIPS: AUTUMN OUTFIT INSPIRATION FOR 2022

Autumn is here and what comes with it new outfit options! My clients can find this time of year difficult to dress for as it’s not cold enough for a full winter outfit, whereas the summer clothes feel too light. Whether it’s layering or picking the right shoes for the weather and how to style them, I share my top tips for autumn outfits just for you.

Top colours for Autumn 2022

Autumn 2022 has a great selection of colours to choose from, but which ones work best for you? As you may know, I help people discover their best colours by using the seasonal colour analysis. You can find out more about how to know yours, here. These are my picks for each of the seasons:

Spring: Zesty lime - a bright and fun colour to add to your wardrobe.

Summer: Lilac is a strong contender for my favourite colour for Autumn 2022.

Autumn: Burnt orange is a truly Autumnal colour and can be a rich addition to your wardrobe.

Winter: Pink & cobalt blue for a cooler tone that works on your skin, while remaining bright and colourful for the seasons to change.

How to wear your Autumn trending colours

There are plenty of different ways to add colour to your outfit, from a little touch to an all out full monochrome look.

A perfect start can be a woolly hat, a leather jacket, or a pair of shoes.

The next step can be a pair of leather wide-leg trousers (very on-trend right now, and works great for most body shapes), or even a blazer.

For an all-out commitment to your colour selection, or perfect for abstract personality types, is to wear a full outfit in your colours. Whether it's a suit, or even a maxi dress, with a mesh top underneath to keep yourself warm in the cooler weather, with a handbag and jacket.

If colours feel a little daunting to add to your outfits, I'd love to help.      

Top trends for Autumn

Outfits for this time of year include great layering and light, yet warm options.

Some of the top trends coming into the season include "punk prep" - think leather, pleated midi skirts, and tailored blazers. Maxi dresses and full-length hem lines are also back in fashion, and great with a pair of over heeled boots.

One great trend coming into fashion for the season are tailored waistcoats. These are great for the androgenous look for the office, or with a pair of wide-leg jeans over a more casual long-sleeved top for a more casual look.

Statement leather is also a strong option for the 2022 season, and you can't go wrong with a leather jacket at any time of year. You could also try any of the leather trousers coming onto the shelves, or for a more approachable statement leather piece, think of a leather bag in the colour of your season.

Top 3 Shoes & Outfit Inspiration for Autumn

Now we’ve talked all about the colours and outfits on offer for Autumn 2022, we can jump to the shoes! Shoes can oftentimes be the most difficult part of the outfit to pair together. There are some unique and fun ways to play with the shoes and your outfit for this time of year.

Combat Boots: Best with cropped loose-fitted jeans, and shorter skirts

Combat boots continue to stay on trend, year on year, and they're a great piece to bring into your Autumnal wardrobe. As they come up to your ankle bone, they do need a little consideration when being styled.

One casual option can be matching them with looser-fitted jeans that are cropped or rolled up to show off up to about an inch above the top of the boot. Check out my blog for 7 ways to style your cropped jeans, here.

You can also wear them with a midi or mini skirt with tights, and as the days get cooler, even with a pair of thick socks peeking out of the top of the boot too.

Knee-high boots: Match with dresses, skinny jeans, and maxi skirts

There's something so elegant about a pair of knee-high leather or suede boots with a small platform heel!

While you can go quite nineties with the styles on offer, it's best to pick leather or suede if you prefer a more professional look.

Matching your boots with a maxi skirt will keep you warm without having to fight with tights while wearing a dress with a slit can mean you can show off your boots without getting too cold.

Another way to wear and show off your boots is by wearing them over your skinny jeans, or with a mini skirt, depending on the event.

There are some great options available for those of us with larger calves, and do opt for a boot with a zip so you can more easily put your boots on.            

Trainers: Casual chic looks with flares and wide-legged trousers

Workwear no longer has to include stilettos (as I shared in this blog) and this means you actually can wear trainers to work! There are some great options nowadays for us to pick up a pair of comfy yet professional trainers that work for all occasions.

Match your trainers with a pair of trending flares, or if you want to mix and match professional with sport-luxe, why not try with your trouser suit?  I would recommend looking for a pair of high quality trainers in a neutral tone, or go quirky with one of the colourful suede options now available to add a touch of personality at your feet.

Seasons change, and maximising your outfits and wardrobe items you already have is so important. If you’re finding it difficult to discover the seasonal outfits that work for you and bring you confidence, I can help with my Style Masterclass, or Personal Shopping experiences.