Like spring, autumn brings unpredictable weather, making it a tricky season to dress for. Consider it an ideal time to give your wardrobe a thorough clear out as well as a pre-winter changeover.
Autumn is by far my favourite season and not just for the fashion. Nothing beats those crisp autumn mornings, walking the dogs along the river watching the morning mist rise and the sound of leaves crunching under my boots. I find the season extremely romantic. With blankets out and candles lit, the nights get cosier, the food gets tastier, and of course, my wardrobe gets an update.
Autumn is the season where my favourite fabrics and pieces come out in full swing, in particular my leather items and multiple pairs of boots.
A lot of people see this as a time to reach for those warm autumnal shades – not for me – I like to reach for different fabrics. It’s the perfect season to try layering different combinations – knitwear, leather, suedes and wool blends all add depth and texture keeping your all black outfits looking interesting.
This season, with a little help from my book All Black Everything, I’ve added a few new pieces to my rail which I have shared with you below, as well as in my Autumn Capsule Wardrobe video on YouTube – watch it here. These are the key pieces that will transition seamlessly from late summer through to early winter and work with my growing bump – yes that’s right, if you haven’t heard the news, I’m currently 17 weeks pregnant and the bump has popped!
(You can watch my pregnancy announcement here)
This Topshop maxi cardigan is possibly my piece of the season – I absolutely love it! The knit is just the right thickness, draping perfectly without swamping you, and the split detail on each side gives it beautiful movement. An ideal transitional piece, this maxi cardigan looks great belted at the waist layered over a midi dress, or worn open with a pretty lace cami and jeans.
I lived in these last year and when I was in store the other week and saw they had brought them out again this season I had to grab a pair…this time I sized up so I can at least get a couple of months wear out of them!
If like me your go-to is a pair of black skinny jeans, then you will love these leather-look trousers from Topshop; they’re the perfect staple piece to add to your autumn wardrobe and will see you all the way through till spring. Much like your denim jeans, a pair of leather trousers will go with just about anything.
Tip – Style them with knitwear for a sophisticated mix of fabrics.
This long sleeve midi dress by ASOS design is going to be great over the next few months as my bump starts to grow and temperatures start to fall.
If you’re looking for the ultimate in weekend styling, this Little Black Midi Dress has you covered. Ideal for those Saturday afternoons when lunches turn into drinks with the girls – wear on its own and simply add a pair of pumps or layer under your trusty leather jacket with chunky boots.
I love an oversized knit and this mini jumper dress from Topshop ticks all of my cosy yet stylish requirements.
To style, simply pick a pair of boots and grab your favourite bag, and you’re good to go!
Tip – If you’re worried about flashing your knicks, pop a pair of cycling shorts on underneath for a bit of added security.
A sharp, black blazer is one of the best investments your wardrobe could ask for, as well as being a great transitional piece, it’s possibly the most versatile too.
My wonderful husband treated me to the Madeleine Blazer from Anine Bing for my birthday back in April. Several weeks of lockdown and a few heatwaves later I can finally wear this beautiful piece of tailoring. It’s a wool blend so it’s ideal for this time of year, the cut is perfection and the style is classic so it will remain in my wardrobe for many years to come.
STYLE TIP – If, like me, your leather jacket is your go-to piece for EVERY outfit, the black blazer will come into play when you’re wearing leather on your bottom half. For a look that’s less biker chick and more sophisticated.
It will probably come as no surprise that I have already added to my growing boot collection; it wouldn’t be a new season without a new pair of boots now would it?!
I caved and gave in to the minimalist style chunky track sole trend and picked up this gorgeous pair from Arket. And boy were they worth the splurge.
Like most of the pieces I’ve mentioned so far, these boots will work with my entire wardrobe. I love the way they toughen up a slip dress, the silhouette they create when worn with skinny jeans and I can’t wait to wear them with my blazer and a hoody for a contrasting mix of styles.
If you’re looking for more All Black outfit inspiration, you can pick up a signed copy of my book, All Black Everything, from my new shop which now features a selection of my illustrations available to buy as gorgeous fine art giclée prints.
