While summer isn't officially over, autumn is just around the corner. For fashion enthusiasts, that means one thing: a wardrobe refresh. Whether you’re storing away your slip dresses and sarongs in favour of cosy autumn staples or layering them with a few new weather-appropriate pieces, we want to ensure you make the transition with confidence.
As temperatures begin to dip, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to adapt your wardrobe for the changing season. The popular Instagram page, Data, But Make It Fashion, which keeps its followers informed with the fashion insights we crave, has already highlighted key trends for the upcoming autumn months. From the revival of skinny jeans and Gucci loafers to the iconic Maison Margiela Tabi shoes, these trends are essential to consider as you update your wardrobe. Keeping a few of these in mind will ensure you’re on-trend and ready for the season.
To provide expert guidance on transitioning your wardrobe, we spoke with stylist Ahmad Alek (@ahmad.alek), who shared his insights on how to navigate this in-between season. He stresses the importance of adaptability: "Autumn is a tricky season—it's not extremely hot or cold. The perfect outfit must be versatile in ways you can change depending on the weather. Take an item off if it's too hot and add an item on if it's too cold. A capsule wardrobe is perfect for the season."
Layering
The shift in seasons doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to all your summer favourites. With some creativity, you can extend the life of your summer pieces by incorporating them into autumn looks. One of the best ways to transition your wardrobe is by layering. Ahmad suggests mixing summer and autumn pieces to create stylish and functional outfits. He advises, "You can start with a tank top and long denim shorts or jeans. Keep the style but change the wash or colour of the jeans - transition into a medium blue or a darker wash. Layer summer pieces like a slip dress with jackets. A cardigan or quarter zip is great for transforming any look into a classier fit that suits different occasions."
Fabrics and Textures
Another effective approach to autumn dressing is experimenting with different fabrics and textures. If you’re feeling adventurous, nothing says autumn like the newly released JW Anderson Hedgehog Clutch—perfect for adding a quirky yet stylish touch to your ensemble. Combining light and heavy materials can add depth and interest to your outfits. Ahmad explains, "I love the mixture of fabrics in autumn - try pairing linen trousers with a wool jumper or a t-shirt and blazer. And don’t forget that boots and dresses can still work in autumn. Just add tights or leggings, even graphic tights like the Gucci monogram tights, to give a seasonal touch to these looks."
Colour
Colour is another important factor when transitioning from summer to autumn. Ahmad highlights how the right palette can set the mood for the season. "For autumn, focus on warm and neutral tones like caramel, camel, grey, navy and beige. These colours allow you to add warmth to your wardrobe without resorting to dark winter shades or bright summer hues."
In addition to clothing, updating your accessories can help ease the transition into autumn. Swap summer straw bags for leather totes or structured handbags. Replace sandals with ankle boots or loafers, which pair perfectly with autumn outfits. Scarves, hats, and gloves also become essential. The Miu Miu AW/24 campaign will leave you eager to level up your glove game and not shy away from colour or texture either.
When it comes to brands that capture the essence of autumn, Ahmad has a few favourites: "The brands I love for autumn are JW Anderson, Polo Ralph Lauren, Ami Paris, and of course, Bottega Veneta."
As you prepare your wardrobe for autumn, keep these expert tips in mind to ensure a smooth and stylish transition. By mixing and matching summer and autumn pieces, experimenting with fabrics, and choosing the right colours and accessories, you’ll be ready to embrace the new season with confidence and flair.
