It would seem that we have had the final hurrah of Summer, so it’s time to put those amazing Summer dresses away (unless they can be paired with a knit and ankle boots) and reach for the warmer items at the back of the closet (or bunged in another room, as is in my case!).

As we are all beginning to think more about our buying habits, I think it’s imperative at the beginning of a new season to look at what we already have in our wardrobes; what we can refresh, re-style and re-use, and then decide what we need to replace, and would like to add in.

With that in mind I have bought myself a new de-bobbler (this one) to go over my knitwear and make it look like new again. I used to have a smaller one from Lakeland but this is so much better.

My Autumn essentials (other than jeans) are:

1) Ankle boots (at least one flat pair and one high-heeled pair). My flats tend to be either an old and much loved pair of Jimmy Choo bikers and my go-to heeled pairs are by Gianvitto Rossi but I also love these:

 

 

If you want to be particularly fashionable go for a western or combat style. I have just snapped up these from Russell & Bromley’s kids section which go up to a size UK 5/38.

 

I’m so pleased with them! Not only are they a half to two-thirds cheaper than the similar adult styles but they’re true to size and the quality is just as good. I’ll be pairing these with jeans or tailored trousers and longline knits and trenches but they’d also look great with dresses and skirts.

2) Jackets and trenches. Here I’m talking smart jackets, oversized trenches and blazers, as you can dress these up and down. They’re a great investment and real work-horses in your wardrobe. Check, oversized blazers are still very much ‘in’ but this season for a bit of a refresh I’ll be belting mine.

I also love these:

 

Zara has some really nice trenches – I love this cobalt blue one. I always look for small details such as whether it has a back vent, storm flap, cuff straps, epaulets etc. all these little things can make a high-street trench look more expensive.

At the moment I’m focusing on less fashion-led pieces for my wardrobe which is why I opted for this Saloni jacket. This way I know it will last more than a few seasons. It’s a beautiful piece; the print, colours and slightly A-line shape with the cinched in waist is jacket-perfection. I can understand why it’s nearly sold-out.

If you want something more fashion-focused this Season opt for checks, herringbone or tweed. Still over-sized and with exaggerated shoulders; think Lady Di in the countryside.

3) Knits. I wear knitwear all year-round as I get cold easily. I always buy a mixture of plain knits (mostly cashmere from M&S and Pure Collection – the latter being better quality) and more statement knits (in interesting colours, textures and shapes). Ganni is still a favourite for these, as is Etro, although I do try and get these in the sales as they’re expensive (I’ll do a dedicated knitwear post soon).

 

I’ve added this Etro belted cardigan to my collection. I bought one last year and get so much wear out of it, I decided to take the plunge and buy another one in a similar style but different print. They are certainly investment pieces but are so flattering and beautifully made, I managed to talk myself into it fairly easily (it also helped that it’s included in Net-a-Porter’s 15% off Seasonal Edit). They also double as a jacket so it’s a win-win.

The detail in this is stunning. I love the patchwork-quality to it; the different prints and colours. Etro’s Autumn/Winter collections are always ones I look forward to seeing; their use of colour and print in Winter fabrics is always bold, bohemian and artfully done.

I’ve also been unearthing all my vintage bags as I’ve been living with totes and baskets all Summer:

What are your Autumn must-haves?

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