And just like that, another summer has come to an end, and we find ourselves stepping into a new autumn season. While this might put you in a slightly melancholic mood, there’s no need to feel nostalgic and look back on the sunny days, wishing summer lasted a little longer, because before you even know it, the temperatures will start dropping, and you have to make sure that your wardrobe is ready for what’s about to come.
Now, we’re not saying that every time autumn comes around you have to build a new wardrobe from scratch. We’re all about making sustainable choices and selecting pieces that you’ll be wearing for years (or even a lifetime). Besides, many of the clothes that make up your summer repertoire can be re-styled (mastering the art of layering can be a game-changer), so you can wear them during chillier months as well.
But a bit of refreshing or filling out the missing pieces can surely help, especially if your style preferences have changed and you no longer resonate with some of the garments you own. And as a bonus, focusing on your autumn wardrobe will definitely lift your spirits in case you’re still trying to get over that end-of-summer ache.
A dependable trench coat
If there’s one clothing item that simply screams autumn, that would be the trench coat. When you need to get out of the door real quick and don’t have time to think about what to put on, the good ol’ trench coat will be right there, serving as your go-to piece, come rain or shine, although rain is definitely the time when it’s most appreciated.
We recommend going for the classic version because it’s easier to style, and that can make your life a lot easier when putting together an outfit. The iconic beige trench coats remain a wardrobe staple thanks to their versatility and the ability to make any ensemble look a bit more polished. Choosing a slightly oversized fit might be a good idea as well, since you want to have room for layering underneath.
A cosy throw-on knit
You can never have too many cosy knits to keep you warm and comfortable. There are so many patterns, styles and colours you can add to your knitwear collection that it can turn into a real addiction, but we’re not here to judge.
Whether you prefer relaxed crewnecks, drop-shoulder sweaters, or buttoned-up cardigans, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from. But it’s quality, not quantity, that you should be focusing on. We suggest you look for items made of wool or cashmere blends. Even though they might be pricier, the premium quality and design are definitely worth the expense. Besides, if you care for them properly, you’ll be enjoying them for many autumns, so you won’t regret the purchase.
A bit of colour
Speaking of colours, you probably need more. We don’t know what you have in your wardrobe right now, but judging by the collections that most brands launch, chances are your autumn clothes are dominated by neutrals or earthy tones, which can be very nice – don’t get us wrong – but things can also get pretty dull if that’s all you have in your closet.
So, how about you inject some colour into your outfits? Bags and shoes in vibrant hues can provide just the pop of colour you need. Adding brightly coloured jewellery is another simple way to transform a rather lacklustre outfit. Printed scarves and shawls are also a fun option to consider. If you can’t find a pattern that’s to your liking, look for African print fabric collections, and choose a fabric you like to make your own scarves. Clothes are supposed to be fun, no matter the season, so feel free to be as bold as you like.
A quintessential white shirt
If you don’t have a simple white shirt in your wardrobe yet, you need to fix that right away. If you’re wondering why this piece is so important for your autumn gear, it’s because it’s a layering powerhouse that just so happens to come in handy during those tricky transition months when everything you put on feels either too hot or too cold.
You can wear it under a chunky sweater or a blazer, or on its own, depending on what the weather gods have in store for you that day. A white shirt also contrasts nicely with whatever you put on, especially with the darker hues that are so common for cold-weather clothes.
Sturdy cold-weather boots
You may be able to get away with wearing loafers or ballet flats for some time, but when the weather worsens, as it so often happens during autumn, you’ll have to bring out the big guns, and by that we mean a pair of trusty cold-weather boots.
Riding boots seem to be quite the crowd-pleasers as they’re comfortable and pair well with everything, but if you’re more of a high-heel type of girl, don’t let us stop you from getting the ones you prefer. Whichever style you favour, you need a sturdy pair of boots in your life, so you can splash through puddles and go about your day without a care in the world.
A versatile dress
A lot of people complain that you can’t put together cute outfits when the weather gets cold without freezing, but we beg to differ. Transition midi dresses are proof you can. Pair them with boots and a cosy cardigan, and accessorize them with some lively printed fabrics from AfricanFabs, and you’ve got yourself an outfit that is both pretty and functional.
Moving from summer into autumn can be bittersweet, but alas, the change of seasons is inevitable. Since there’s nothing you can do about it, you can at least make sure you have some nice outfits to push through. With a carefully curated wardrobe, you can smooth the transition and even enjoy it a bit more this year.
For more, visit Pure Magazine
