Autumn is fast approaching. The days are becoming ever-shorter, and the soaring temperatures are beginning to drop. It won’t be long before you’re packing away your swimwear and summer dresses in favour of woolly jumpers and knee-high boots. However, if you feel as though your Autumn wardrobe could do with a much-needed overhaul, look no further. Here are some of the must-have garments to enrich your wardrobe this September.
Fabrics in shimmering shades of luxurious gold and futuristic silver are having a major moment this autumn, demonstrating that there are more ways to wear metallics than in the form of jewellery. While sparkly garments are generally reserved for the festive season, high-end designers like Gucci, Versace, and Chanel have all included metallics in their Autumn 2023 collections. You can add a touch of sparkle to your wardrobe by mixing different metallic shades or combining them with other textures like denim or silk for contrast.
Just when you thought it was gone for good, peplum is making an unexpected comeback. What was once a staple of the 2010s, peplum is equally loved and hated by fashion enthusiasts. That being said, in lieu of the other skin-tight garments and accessories that traditionally accompanied a peplum dress or skirt, oversized blazers and wide-leg trousers are now being used to create balance and contrast. Consider giving peplum another try by pairing a corset-style top with a maxi skirt for a dramatic, whimsical look.
Oversized scarves, shawls and ponchos will always come storming back into fashion every year once Autumn approaches. The beauty of an oversized scarf is that it can be a focal point of your outfit rather than a meagre accessory. For instance, opt for a bold pattern or statement colour and build your outfit accordingly, keeping your scarf centre stage. You could even add a waist belt to a scarf or poncho for a more flattering, shapely silhouette while keeping yourself warm outdoors.
Of all the colours that are in fashion for Autumn 2023, butter tones are arguably the most unexpected. Often associated with Spring and Summer, these muted yellow hues are synonymous with lightweight sundresses and dainty cardigans. However, you can add a touch of sunshine to your Autumn wardrobe with a warming pastel yellow garment or two. Unlike the bolder colours of the season, such as scarlet and fuschia, butter tones exude elegance and quiet luxury, so why not experiment with these softer hues?
Quiet luxury is a concept currently on every fashion enthusiast’s lips. Defined by sophistication, elegance, and high quality, the idea of quiet luxury emphasises refinement in a subtle, understated manner. You can embrace quiet luxury by choosing high-end pieces with subtle branding and premium-quality materials like cashmere and silk. That said, you don’t need to spend a fortune to source a stunning cashmere wrap in the UK. By taking advantage of sales events and online discounts, you can enjoy high-quality materials for less.
Will animal print ever go out of style? It’s unlikely. Animal prints, particularly zebra and leopard, are set to be huge this Autumn and Winter, and there is no sign of them going away any time soon. The key to styling animal print is to let it speak for itself by pairing it with basics or contrasting it against bright colours. For instance, style a silk leopard print skirt with a sleek, black turtleneck sweater and boots for a quintessentially autumnal smart-casual ensemble that is both office appropriate and suitable for an evening out.
You simply cannot have an autumn wardrobe without one of the key staples of trans-seasonal fashion - a good-quality trench coat. With their clean lines, tailored silhouette, and functional details, trench coats are the ultimate outerwear option for mild autumn days. Additionally, a smart, effortlessly chic trench coat can work with numerous outfits; for instance, you can throw your trench coat over a cocktail dress for a formal occasion or wear it casually with jeans and sneakers. In terms of colour, you could opt for basic beige or camel to keep things timeless and neutral or black for a touch of elegance and sophistication.