ORP
£385
Village
£258
Reiss
Blazers, bombers, and those borg-lined faithfuls; there are endless outerwear options to choose from. But purchasing the right pieces will save on new-season purchases (and valuable wardrobe space). “Blazers are perfect for trans-seasonal times. Choose a soft structure you can layer up with an oversized coat and statement scarf,” says La Roca Village's personal shopper, Jamal Sinno. As the temperatures drop, you’ll also need a handful of reliable, heavy-duty shapes. Puffers and aviators are easy throw-ons, while a classic maxi coat carries the sophistication needed for more formal occasions.
ORP
£385
Village
£258
Reiss
“Denim, cargo and oversized cropped jackets are all worthy investments,” adds Laura Stanley, personal shopper at Bicester Village. Endlessly versatile, this style from Reiss is perfect those early autumn days and the oversized fit allows for layering through colder months.
ORP
£389
Village
£261
Sandro
“A super-fine turtleneck is one of the most versatile pieces in your closet, thanks to its easy ability to be worn on its own or under everything from crisp shirts to slinky dresses,” says Jamal.
True investments stand the test of time – and as we journey into autumn, this means making use of all those pieces you’ve had on rotation this summer. Perfecting the art of layering extends the shelf life of your favourite dresses, skirts and shorts while embracing the changing climes. Tucking a jumper into a midi; donning a rollneck under your favourite dress; layering merino knits under a short suit – a few simple switches and you’ll be ready to tackle the new season.
Opposites attract, especially when layering. Wide blouses go with narrow trousers, a transparent tunic with opaque shirts , finer materials like silk and chiffon with coarser ones like knitwear, leather and faux fur.
From the last balmy days of summer to the crispest winter mornings, follow this formula to master season-to-season layering. First, consider a super-fine knit as your base - you’ll want something fitted as your canvas “otherwise your outfit will be too voluminous,” says Danica Rothemund, personal shopper at Ingolstadt Village. Then, add a functional jumper or cardigan (start with something lightweight and move towards chunkier knits in winter) before piling on an accent coat for depth and interest. “For the effect to really take hold, your layers should also differ significantly in length,” adds Danica.
ORP
£185
Village
£75
Axel Arigato
Don’t think you have to stick to knits to curate a winning look. “Embrace sporty separates”, says Jamal. Take a hoodie base and layer with a tonal blazer and shearling jacket to redefine that smart-casual look.
Avoid layering thick materials as they can be unflattering on your silhouette. Cashmeres, airy wool, Alpaca and cotton are all beautifully lightweight materials that can be layered with ease.
ORP
£79
Village
£52
Maje
New to the balaclava trend? Choose a tonal style to complement your favourite winter hat for a seamless additional underlayer. “Black and chocolate brown is a classic autumn look,” adds Laura.
Come autumn, accessories take centre stage in our wardrobes. From scarves to hats, gloves to glasses, and even the trending balaclava, there are endless ways to add dimension to a look. A statement print or fabric over a pared-back outfit is a playful way to inject personality, while a head-to-toe tonal look boasts a timelessness you can return to year after year. Just like your clothing, remember to start light (caps and sweaters are this year’s trans-seasonal power duo) and add in thicker pieces as the colder days settle.
As the leaves change hue, so too do our wardrobes. Dark berries and moody indigos are universally adopted and brighter shades are reserved for party season. Yet, vivid colour and print can still be embraced, if paired strategically. Pick a single colour (for prints, “use the same colours as in the patterns,” suggests Danica) and pile a few differing tones on top. Harmonising in this way creates a cohesive ensemble which not only looks tonally interesting but adds depth against any darker separates you might be wearing.
Etro
“Don’t be afraid to play with clashing prints” adds Laura. It’s easy to do with embroidered knitwear like this from Etro. It’ll work with those tonal base layers you’ve already invested in but creates a high-fashion look when worn over a brighter, patterned base.
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ORP
£289
Village
£169
HUGO
If you’re not into the socks and heels trend, make sure you choose a closed-toe style that’ll last into the winter months and can be worn with tights. A pair like this from HUGO are a perfect cold-weather fit.
Once the foundations of layering are mastered, moving from smart to casual dressing – and back – can be done seamlessly. “Trainers to heels are an easy way to smarten a look, especially on the warmer days” says Laura. But don’t be afraid to play around with accessories and outerwear too; something as simple as swapping a quilted tote and puffer for a sleek shoulder bag and wide-framed sunnies screams sophistication, while dressing down tailored separates with sneakers is always a winning formula.
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