Autumn Mood + Season Edit / A Modern Love Story
The summer of love is slowly transforming itself into a muted version for Autumn. Whether or not you’ve embraced the 70’s revival, its here to stay for a little while longer. Autumn is the lesser bohemian version of its Summer sister…the colours have become richer and darker and fabrics have naturally become more embellished, heavier and warmer for reasons of practicality and after-dark naughtiness. With Love Story being one of my all-time favourite movies, mainly due to Ali McGraw being a lifetime muse, it was an instinctive task to create a mood board as a starting point for the new season, which then naturally led onto introducing a number of key pieces to invest in, perhaps not to be worn all at once, but most definitely a curation most of us could gradually introduce into our warmer wardrobes to wear over the coming months….
Above : Stuart Weitzman Leggylady Over-The-Knee Suede Boots
Whether we like it or not, the OTK boot is here to stay. They made their initial appearance last Autumn and have clearly made an impact with us all, because they’re back again with even more choice than before. Personally I love them with a skirt with no more than an inch between the hem and the top of the boots. It’s a risky look, but its my preference, though they can look just as stylish with skinny jeans or a button-down A-line midi denim skirt, perhaps with a few undone buttons for a slice of je ne sais quoi. However you wear them, they’re a sure way of keeping your wardrobe fresh and on trend, not just just for Autumn, but for the foreseeable future. Like a cute puppy, the OTK boot is not just for Christmas.
Alternative Options:
ASOS Kickster Over-The-Knee Boots
Office Eden Stretch Over-The-Knee Boots
Above : Polo Neck Sweater from Zara
We may be sick of seeing the eyebrow-pulling-down static-hair-creating polo neck by the time April next year arrives, however its an essential part of any wardrobe at the best of times, never more so than this season. Worn underneath a denim shirt, a loose cashmere jumper with skinny jeans and your OTK boots, its a versatile piece so worth investing a few pennies in. This pick above is from Zara, selected for its tiny buttons along the sleeves however there are hundreds available to us on the high street and online. Personally, navy blue and black are my preferred colours – subtle, flattering and painfully classic but a burnt-orange soft number under a western shirt with a tan suede rope belt tied a couple of times around the waist is a clear winning look for the season.
Alternative Options:
Extra Soft Merino Rib Polo Neck Jumper from Uniqlo
Cashmere Classic Polo Neck Jumper from Johnstons of Elgin
Above : Ruffle Tie Blouse from Topshop
I’m a shirt lover through and through but this season allows the billowing blouse to have its moment again. Whether or not you choose a Victoriana look, the bohemian pussy bow or you simply add a slinky DIY narrow black scarf a la Chloe to an old faithful, you’re bound to fall head over heels in love with this wardrobe staple again.
Alternative options :
Pussybow Blouse from Warehouse
Blouse with neckline bow from Zara
Above : Leather Fringe Jacket from Zara
Fringe can definitely be overdone and I personally feel its a trend on the verge of being high fashion, merely because of the amount we’re seeing it on the high street, however as we all know, fringed jackets have been around for decades, with bikers and cowboys being some of the greatest pioneers. If fringe is going to be something you’d like to integrate into your wardrobe, keeping it simple and subtle is the best starting point with a bag or a pair of boots. Unless you love the flamboyance, ignore all previous advise and don’t hold back one bit.
Alternative options :
The Laden Showroom X Absense of Colour Suede Fringe Jacket from ASOS
Above : Heel suede ankle boots from Mango
Burnt orange has been a predominant colour this summer and it won’t be migrating to warmer climates like our birds – its here to stay for a little while longer. It looks pretty striking with indigo, so wear your jeans cropped and flared and show off your orange beauties with autumnal confidence.
Alternative options :
70’s Block Heel Boots from River Island
Etiwiel Suede Boots from Aldo
Above : Leopard Faux Fur Coat from Mango
Last but not least, its the leopard print coat. No longer considered wear for bar ladies alone, its a staple, a pre-requisite for any wardrobe. They never, ever date, look so chic worn with skin-tight black jeans, pointy black boots and a black fedora, if you feel like going incognito and are therefore an investment worth every penny. This Mango version above is cut a little shorter than many, therefore giving it a slightly mod-rock tomboyish look which means I’m sold, of course, but as you know, thats not difficult.
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