The Autumn Edit

If there’s any consolation to the end of warm weather and the return to early morning routines after holidays and endless glasses of Aperol, it’s the back to school vibe that shuffles in along with September.

I’m not one for getting out my jumpers and boots as soon as the kids go back (and this year in it would’ve been a seriously duff move) because then the winter is far too long, but I do relish new ideas, fresh colours and the thought of an imminent wardrobe reset.

This autumn, despite the gloomy financial forecast, there is much on the sartorial horizon to look forward to and I say this both as a personal stylist and a middle aged mum who’s spent most of her cash this month on school clubs and yet another school uniform. The overarching theme is wearability and if that sounds a touch dull, it really isn’t; think slouchier more comfortable relaxed cut trousers instead of muffin top inducing skinnies and soft feminine co-ordinate sets in place of awkward jumpsuits. The trends are enticing because they offer so much potential for mixing and matching with things you already have and if that isn’t enough, you get a far better cost-per-wear as a result.

Suiting

This will be my third time around the block with the pinstripe suit. The first was circa 1989 when Madonna made headlines with her mannish Jean Paul Gaultier trouser suit, styled as it was with an oyster coloured bustier and a choppy bob. It’s interesting to note that the bob is also enjoying a renaissance and it certainly works well with the sharper look this season’s tailoring offers. A pinstripe suit, particularly one with three pieces, can be broken up and worn separately with jeans, skirts, and even hoodies. If you didn’t buy a waistcoat over the summer then even more reason to invest in the whole suit now.

Long skirts

Did anyone not add a denim maxi to their wardrobe last season? Another super versatile piece, it was refreshing to discover a denim style that truly appealed across the age groups, all weather eventualities and equally as cool with knitwear and boots as with heels and a blazer. For autumn, try a straight cut non-denim version and team it with loafers or trainers to take the edge off during the day and a crisp shirt or skinny rib polo neck at night. This look will take you from school run to after work drinks - you may even fit in some work in between.

Mary-Janes and ballet pumps

For many of us ballet pumps are never too far away, however from time to time they’re reimagined with a contemporary twist and this season the addition of a strap and a pointy toe has seen them become a must-have item. I don’t need to explain the practicality of a flat shoe but I will suggest a bright colour or fun tights for a nod to the Mary Quant school of style. Not convinced? Your other option is a spin on another classic; the Mary-Jane shoe is back and this time it’s patent, it’s chunky and there may be a double strap. One thing’s for sure, these most feminine of shoes are going to add an instant update to those cropped jeans while it’s mild enough to flash a bare ankle.

Red and yellow

The new Uniqlo and Clare Waight Keller collaboration features the softest yellow pieces that’ll suit even the palest of complexions. This buttery shade of yellow doesn’t show up too often in the cold months so it feels like a breath of fresh air and one I’ll definitely be embracing with a bit of knitwear or perhaps a dress. For those of you more drawn to brights, the good news is that red is back. Make sure the red is right for your skin tone as you won’t feel good in the wrong shade (an orangey red is not flattering for a cool skin and vice versa) or if you’d rather just dip a toe in this trend, tick two boxes and wear it on your feet.