Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

High Low Dressing

As the new season rolls in it’s time to have fun with some mega new looks. Be bold, bright and big, says Sara Whatley

Dressing this autumn and winter is going to be fun. In the move out of comfortable slouchy dressing we have all embraced over the past year or so we now turn to colour, embellishment, exaggeration and a little bit of sexy.

Year on year staples for cool weather dressing still apply – layering, knits, boots – but this year they have all put a party hat on. Layering is fun, flexible and incredibly easy, with a combination of crisp white shirt worn under a dress. It’s as simple as that! Any style dress goes from sweetheart neckline to lace to pinafore, whatever you fancy just pop a crisp white shirt under it and you have the look nailed.

Knits this season have gone mega. Extra chunky, super long, layered up, patterned, embellished, it’s knitwear on steroids. This is a perfect look for staying comfortable and snuggled up as the cold hits. Perfectly paired with a chunky boot, because this season’s boot is also embracing the chunk with extra big soles and exaggerated treads.

Cast your grey jogging bottoms and black leggings aside and make way for head to toe colour therapy. Think ‘matchy matchy’ with tops, jackets, bottoms, shoes and even bags – it’s a go bold or go home situation! If you really can’t face the monosyllabic look, try just one bright with a neutral background and still enjoy a bold punch of colour.

Another bold look to try is all over logo mania. Print up your whole person for a loud and shouty angle this autumn. This is not a look for the shy retiring types, it will get you noticed.

This autumn and winter it’s all about pairing fun and extravagant with simple and low key. Meeting mates down the pub? Try a huge sparkling bell skirt with a hoodie, jacket, cap and chunky tread boots, or giant jeans and a cut out top – here’s where the sexy comes in – with cut out tops and dresses being big business this season. Flash your bare shoulders or a hip and midriff for a tantalising grown-up take on bare dressing and reveal just as much as you dare.

To keep the chill out as the temperature drops sling on a super padded coat or a fuzzy and fabulous combo. And when I say combo I mean the whole lot, faux fur coat, shaggy boots, hat and scarf. Time to release your inner animal!

Whatever style you add to your wardrobe this autumn/ winter remember to have fun with it, that’s the key to the season: a little bit of silly and a lot of fantastic fashion.

More from Downtime

  • If You Ask Me: The Jobsworth and the Frog

    There is a malaise creeping through society whereby authorities and businesses use absurd interpretations of regulations as excuses not to provide services or assistance, writes Flo Whitaker

  • What to Watch in March 2024

    From science-fiction epics to supernatural horrors and family adventures, here's our guide to the best new films and TV shows arriving in March...

  • If You Ask Me... Politicians need a Translator

    With elections, resignations and government enquiries aplenty, 2024 is already proving to be a busy year. In these confusing times, Flo Whitaker offers her interpretation of the most frequently-occurring narratives and themes…

  • Dark Skies Festival 2024: Where & When to Gaze at the Stars

    Embrace the darkness with our guide to all the stargazing opportunities coming to Sussex over the next week…

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Walking & Silence

    In our new series on wellness and movement, Sara Whatley will be diving into two complementary health topics each month. She kicks off with silence and walking

  • Special Interest Holidays: Try Something Different

    A chance to take a break, relax and recharge is one of life’s great pleasures, this month Lisa de Silva looks at combining interests with time out

  • If You Ask Me... Who needs Television anyway?

    The first thing people say when they visit Flo Whitaker’s home is “Where’s the TV?” Unimpressed by television from an early age, Flo still reckons the radio has the best pictures

  • 5 Ways to Cultivate Mindfulness

    In the bustling world of 24/7 technology and constant demands on our time, mindfulness is more relevant and necessary than ever. For many, the daily hustle and bustle can become overwhelming. Mindfulness, the art of being present and fully engaged in the moment, offers a respite, enabling us to find calm amidst the chaos.

  • Love Local Community Campaign

    Sussex Living is proud to be launching a campaign to support our High Streets, bring prosperity to businesses and help grow a thriving community.Because if we don’t use them, we will lose them.

  • Summer Activity Ideas To Entertain You and the Kids

    Summer in Sussex offers long, sunny days perfect for making memories with the kids.

  • Summer School - Part 2

    In the second part of our series on summer holiday learning opportunities, Hanna Prince looks at how to keep kids engaged with practical, creative and hands-on activities. Learning needn’t end when the holidays begin. The focus on maths and literacy in schools means that children don’t always get the opportunity to explore other topics – and summer is the perfect time to give their natural interests free reign. Whether you’re nurturing a budding artist, a sports fanatic or the next Bear Grylls, here’s how to broaden their horizons and weave extra-curricular education into your summer routine.

  • The Ultimate Act of Love: Providing for Your Family's Future with a Will

    Making a will is one of the most important things you can do, regardless of your age or financial situation. Unfortunately, many of us put it off, whether it’s because of the morbid topic of our own mortality or because we just don’t know where to start.

  • Five of the best anti aging facial exercises

    Facial exercises are often utilized as an alternative to more invasive treatments for combating the appearance of aging. By strengthening and toning the muscles under the skin, facial exercises can promote a more youthful appearance. Here are five of the best anti-aging facial exercises:

  • Five Essential Fashion Classics For the Mature Woman

    Fashion is an ever-evolving art form, but some styles withstand the test of time, epitomizing timeless elegance and sophistication. For the mature woman, embracing classic fashion styles allows her to exude confidence, grace, and a refined sense of style. In this article, we explore five enduring fashion styles that perfectly complement the mature woman, helping her look and feel her best in any situation.

  • Get your children involved in litter picking this Summer holidays

    Be like the Wombles and become the worlds best litter pickers and recyclers, making good use of bad rubbish, says Sara Whatley

  • So you think you know Brighton’s history?

    Brighton is one of our favourite seaside destinations in Sussex and is renowned for its lively atmosphere, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage. With a history that spans centuries, Brighton has seen a myriad of transformations and historical milestones. Let's explore five fascinating historical facts about Brighton that showcase its unique past.

  • Five Early Summer Reads to Enjoy in the Sunshine

    For June, five releases that combine romance, rock, and restorative justice.

  • A basic guide to insurance by Lisa De Silva

    Insurance can safeguard you, your family, and your property against the risk of loss, damage, illness, or death. In return for paying a regular premium, an insurance company will compensate you against any financial loss.

  • 6 ways to improve your golf game in Sussex

    If you have ever stood at the first tee on a golf course you’ll know the familiar polarity that follows. Your first shot can either go dead straight down the fairway and set you up for a great round of golf or, most commonly, it’s shanked into the trees and you know you’re shooting close to 100.

  • How to plan your perfect marriage proposal

    Have you found your soulmate, the person you want to spend the rest of your life with? If you’ve reached the stage in your relationship where things are getting serious, perhaps now is the right time to make it official. But how exactly do you ask someone to marry you?