Notes on Fall

Is it me, or does it feel like summer is winding down already? The festivals are dwindling, we’ve waved goodbye to the heatwave and the bikinis have been moved to the back of the shops. Even with one last getaway just around the corner, I can’t help but a detect a new season firmly on its way….

Pinpointing some new details or pieces always helps ease the pain of transitioning from summer to autumn. Silver linings and all that… So in a similar vein to my recent denim guide, I’ve highlighted some seasonal updates I’ll be delving into come September and beyond.

1. Attack of the Big Hats

Thanks to Tibi’s amazing flat, wide-brimmed hats (bottom pic) for A/W 14, I’m coveting these oversized boaters in a big way. Great in straw but I’ll be going for a black felt version to see me through till Spring.

Shop the new season Tibi collection here.

2. Black Polo Necks are Always a Good Idea

I love a black turtle neck. Always have, always will. And it’s even better when it’s still just about warm enough to keep your legs out in a leather mini or pair of denim cut offs…. If in doubt, check out W Mag’s insane September Issue editorial (bottom image). Shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott and featuring Kate Moss, Daria Werbowy, Lara Stone and Raquel Zimmerman to name a few, its pretty much the stuff dreams are made of.

(Shop my favourite black polo necks at the bottom of this post)

3. Grey for Days

Layering up different shades of grey is the way forward this fall. It’s softer than black but feels suitably subtle as the days start to shorten…. Texture is also key. I’ll be looking for softer-than-soft knitwear, fuzzy coats and mottled jersey pieces.

Head down to the bottom of the post for some current favourite grey buys.

4. Tie Your Coat Round Your Waist

On, off, on, off… When the weather can’t decided what it wants to do, practicality inevitably rules (although I hasten to add I’m definitely not encouraging a cagoule). However in some cases, it’s the most practical solutions that end up looking the best. Knot your trench, crombie or biker jacket round your waist for a look that says effortless but is in fact ready for anything.

5. Transeasonal Knitwear

Working sweaters into your wardrobe before the first tree’s turned brown can prove tricky. Smug as you leave the house on a chilly morning only to become a sweaty mess on the tube and end up feeling a bit like an overdressed idiot when it’s suddenly boiling come lunchtime. Open sides, zips, sleeveless styles and teaming the chunkiest jumper with shortest shorts are all ideal ways to fight the fickleness of Indian Summers.

6. Unbutton One Too Many

You’re back in jeans and boots with a jacket constantly on hand, but aren’t ready to totally lose sight of summer just yet. Undoing one too many buttons on a simple white shirt is one of my favourite ways to show off the last remains of sun-kissed skin. Even better with layers of gold chains and a few last remaining freckles….

7. The Long, Grey Cardigan

This is number one on my Autumn shopping list. Just as good in August as October, this guy will see you through from summer evening barbeques to Sundays spent hibernating from the snow.

I just bought this one from Topshop and have my beady eye on this one too.

8. The Statement Earring

The earring is deliberately and literally a single entity on this occasion, as this season’s key accessory comes alone. The statement, shoulder-grazing earring is how everyone will be adding detail to otherwise warm and wintery looks. Ghesquiere and his inimitable debut collection for Louis Vuitton are behind this one hit wonder but there are affordable ways into the trend too… Just keep it graphic, streamlined and ditch one of the pair.

Below are some of my current favourite Fall updates on my internal wishlist….

Images via Pinterest, Mija, TheyAllHateUs, Studded Hearts.