Styling for Autumn

Well, hello again!  I hope you are all keeping really well.  As I write this, it’s Tuesday afternoon, I’m looking out of the window, and it is CHUCKING it down (cheers Scotland).  This delightful weather is due to continue for almost the entire week - again, the reality of living up North.  With that in mind, I wanted to look at starting to move from my summer wardrobe to my autumnal one.  I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news everyone, but Autumn really isn’t that far away now.  Rather than just sticking a jumper on and calling it quits, I thought I’d try and mix it up a bit in this blog-post, and offer you some different ways of styling up some of your late summer/early autumn looks.   I’m going to be splitting this post in to 3 sections, which will look at key factors when styling up autumnal outfits - layering, comfort & texture. So - let’s get started!

LAYERING:

This time of year really allows you to be more experimental with layering.  This can create some really dynamic silhouettes, which makes autumnal dressing just that little bit more interesting:

Can we take a moment for this blazer please - ain’t it a beauty?! I picked this up in the M&S sale this week, and am so chuffed with the quality and finish.  It’s got a real 80s powerhouse look to it, which I really like. I’ve been on the hunt for a decent blazer for some time, so this was a right good find.  I’ve paired the blazer with a white shirt and a knitted vest, which I think creates a fun silhouette, and really nods to the layering aspect of your autumnal styling.  Pairing it with a cross-body bag would also add an additional point of interest.  With the party going on at the top, I wanted to keep it super simple on the bottom, with my trusty & Other Stories straight leg jeans, and a pair of white converse.  I really love this outfit - it made me feel really put together, and is something a little bit different for me. Throw this on, and you’re good to go for almost any occasion!

COMFORT:

I’m ALL about comfort with my style, particularly as we move out of summer.  Honestly, who has time for shapes and fabrics that make you feel uncomfortable, conscious, and therefore grumpy and irritable?  

This is the kind of outfit that I’d wear to work, and feels very ‘me’.  I love a tailored trouser, and I think that people should utilise them more as a piece which can be dressed-down, as well being super formal.  Don’t be scared of tailoring!  With a black tailored trouser, the best way to achieve this dressed-down look (for me)  is to rock them with a good pair of trainers, preferably white trainers (think Zara staff member outfit).   As well as looking really class, a good pair of tailored trousers should be relatively comfortable.  I paired the trousers with a simple grey t-shirt and a leopard print cami on top (who doesn’t love leopard print?!).  I’d probably throw my trusty faux leather jacket on top of this as well.  This really is an outfit of staple pieces (and I’d literally wear my leather jacket every day if the weather allowed).  Anyway, I digress .. 

Again, on those chillier days, swap the t-shirt and cami out for a light jumper (I’d go bretton striped), or even something cosier, and you’re good to go.  Similarly, stick with the outfit pictured above, throw some strappy heeled sandals on, and you’re ready for a night on the tiles.

TEXTURE:

We can also afford to play around with textures a little bit more at this time of year. Yes, of course we will be more heavily reliant on all things wool - but it’s nice to throw some other fabrics in to the mix as well:

Ok, lets take another moment for this skirt .. every time I wear it, I fall a wee bit more in love with it.  She’s from & Other Stories, and she’s a gem.  Midi skirts are such a fail-safe way to elevate your outfit up by a couple of notches, and this one really packs a punch with the leopard print (I repeat - who doesn’t love leopard print?!).  I’ve teamed the skirt with a simple lightweight black jumper, a cropped denim jacket and leather black boots.   This outfit has a real mixture of fabrics and textures going on.  As we’re not in full-blown winter yet, it felt right to still have plenty of slightly more summery fabrics and textures on offer here, with the silk material of the skirt, and the denim jacket.  This outfit could so easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.  I’d throw on some trainers for day-wear, or swap the jumper out for a dressy top for evening-wear.  

So, there we have it - 3 looks, and 3 key factors to keep in mind (amongst other things) for your autumnal dressing.  Which look is your favourite? I really loved planning the outfits for this post and writing it up for you guys.  I hope you enjoyed it too.  Is there anything in particular you’d like to see from me on here going forward? All of the outfit details can be found below (or similar alternatives).  Thanks to my sister for getting the snaps in her lovely flat - she’s a gem.   I can’t wait to see how you all start styling your autumnal looks going forward. You can also find all of my social media platforms below - do go and have a nosey.

Lots of love,

El x

Outfit Details:

Layering Outfit:

1. Blazer (Mango alternative). Closest I could find in terms of colour and fit.

2. M&S Vest

3. M&S Shirt (alternative)

4. & Other Stories Jeans

5. White Converse

6. Missoma Lucy Williams Malachite Necklace

7. Missoma Lucy Williams Horn Necklace

Comfort Outfit:

1. Zara Tailored Trousers

2. Asos Grey T-Shirt (alternative)

3. Asos Leopard Print Cami (alternative)

4. Oliver Bonas Belt (alternative)

5. White Converse

6. Missoma Lucy Williams Malachite Necklace

7. Missoma Lucy Williams Horn Necklace

8. Daniel Wellington Classic Sheffield Watch

Texture Outfit:

1. & Other Stories Skirt (alternative)

2. Asos Black Jumper (alternative)

3. Asos Denim Jacket (alternative)

4. Topshop Leather Boots (alternative)

5. Missoma Lucy Williams Malachite Necklace

6. Missoma Lucy Williams Horn Necklace

Social Media:

1. Instagram; elmcc

2. Twitter; elmccartney_

3. Facebook; Ellie McCartney, (search elmccartn)

4. Pinterest; elliemccartney