Sara Whatley looks at stylish ways to bring your summer wardrobe into the autumn season without breaking the bank.
Hopefully the sun will still be blazing in September, but the evenings bring a chill to the air and usually by the end of the month it’s time to start thinking about the autumn cover up.
But stop! Before you go out and invest in everything new, look at what you already have in your wardrobe to see you through the transition of seasons. You probably have most of it already. It might just be a few essentials that you need, such as boots, which can then take you through the winter as well.
Use these five top tips to bring your summer wardrobe into autumn, letting you enjoy your summer clothes for a bit longer and being kind to the environment as well.
1) Layering: Take your summer dresses into autumn with the addition of a shirt or long-sleeved T-shirt underneath. Play with pattern and colour for a whole new take on the outfit, and think about proportions as well. On top, layer long over tight fitting, and short tops over long tops for fun. Try adding scarves and cardies for further layers.
2) Legs: Covering your legs will give summer outfits months more wear. Tights are a perfect place to start. If you don’t already have a couple of trusty pairs it is worth investing in some good fitting ones; there is nothing worse than droopy/twisted/pinching tights. Also think about leggings or jeans under dresses and skirts; to avoid looking chunky opt for floaty and delicate dresses, accessorised with heals, and channel the 00s trend perfectly.
3) Boots and socks: A pair of boots can bring just the right amount of warmth to an end of summer day. Swap sandals for some chunky ankle boots and stylishly stomp your way into autumn. Alternatively, pull on some cosy socks and slip back into your clogs or sliders for a seriously on point look.
4) Jackets: A light jacket can transform a summer outfit into an autumn one in one fell swoop. Try an oversized suit jacket over shorts and a T-shirt, or a short denim or leather number over dresses. Blazersand trenches work well with skirt combos, and this year wraps and ponchos, especially in tartan, are desirable for A/W.
5) Autumn colours: Introducing an autumnal colour palette to your summer outfits will make them work though the transitional season. Use accessories such as tights, hats, bags and jewellery to channel crisp autumn leaves in tones of red, orange, yellow and brown. Or reach to the rich and opulent deep purples, blues and greens, which look fantastic on nails.