8 Easy October Outfits Combinations

I started putting together this post with a focus on general outfits I’d like to wear in October earlier this week. But as I was checking what the shops and websites had to offer, I realised I needed to mine my own wardrobe first. It’s something I would also advise you to do before you start buying a load more clothes each season. Have a look at what you’ve got, decide which items you still like, and maybe have another think about new ways to wear them. Or even old ways, as it’s OK to be a serial outfit repeater. If you love it, wear it, and then wear it again.

So for this post I’ve picked out 16 pieces that I already own (not always the exact item, but you get the drift) to show how I plan to wear them this month. I imagine that you’ll own at least 10 similar items, so let’s see what we can put together.

THE CHECKED SHIRT & LOAFERS

The checked shirt is big this season, and I’m guessing you have one tucked away somewhere. If you don’t, the man in your life inevitably does, so you can borrow his. To bring it up to date, layer it over a lace-trimmed camisole so you’re mixing the feminine with the masculine. Or you can just tie it around your waist 90s style.

Once you’ve done that, we can use the ‘wrong shoe theory’, which is exactly what it sounds like. Weirdly, adding a shoe that traditionally wouldn’t work seems to have the opposite effect. A smarter pair of loafers with jeans and a checked shirt looks way more stylish than traditional trainers. Trust me on this.

THE M&S JEANS & COLOURED SOCKS

I heard last week that M&S is the biggest seller of women’s jeans in the UK and their best seller is the barrel jean. So I’m guessing at least 50% of you have a pair already, and if you don’t, maybe this is the time to cave. My only advice is to go up one size, as M&S aren’t as generous with their waistlines these days. Pair them with a nice coloured sock and a chunky loafer.

THE BLACK BLAZER & DANGLY EARRINGS

Surely everyone has a blazer. It doesn’t have to be black, as navy would also work here. If you put a blazer and a pair of dangly earrings on over almost any outfit, you’ll immediately look like you’ve made an effort. Blazers always do that, and you’d be surprised what a difference a pair of fancy earrings can make. They don’t have to be expensive; they just have to make a statement.

THE GREY CASHMERE JUMPER & MIDI SKIRT

Your jumper doesn’t have to be cashmere, but I do believe every woman deserves a nice cashmere jumper, and a grey one will literally go with everything. My current favourite is this one from The White Company. The shape and quality of the wool are top notch, and I’ll be wearing it for years. I wore almost this exact look the other week (minus the coat as it’s still not coat weather yet in London) and I felt like a proper lady.

Shout out to this Avalea bag, which is a way more affordable version of the Balenciaga Rodeo bag. The leather is lovely and soft too. It took a while to arrive, but there were no hidden taxes, which can be a risk when ordering from a US website.

THE OVERSIZED WHITE SHIRT & CROPPED JEANS

I don’t know about you, but I’m very happy that it’s de rigueur to wear your shirts untucked at the moment. I love a loose-fitting top half, but to balance out your proportions, I would advise showing an extra bit of skin. So leave your shirt unbuttoned at the top and the bottom, roll up the sleeves, and show a bit of ankle by wearing your cropped jeans instead of a full-length pair.

THE TRENCH COAT & STRIPED KNIT

We’ve all got something like these, right? So why not get the legs out and wear them with a mini skirt? I find that wearing a longer coat with a shorter skirt is the way to feel more comfortable, and you’d have the trench coat for coverage while you’re out and about. And if bare legs are a touch too much, get yourself a nice pair of 10-denier tights.

THE FLOWING TROUSERS & BALLET FLATS

Remember those flowy palazzo-style pants that you only seem to wear on holiday with sandals and a vest top? Don’t consign them to the out-of-season holiday drawer just yet, as they can work for a night out at home too. Add a satin-style long-sleeve top, some ballet flats and a bit of extra jewellery, and this is a definite going-out look.

THE ARGYLE KNIT & BARN JACKET

They were big last year (and the year before, I think) and they’re still good this year. In fact, I’m saying the barn jacket is now a bona fide wardrobe staple. When something has been ‘on trend’ for three consecutive years, that makes it a classic in my book.

Next week I promise I’ll do those going-out looks. I’ve actually come up with some ideas now. I can’t guarantee they’ll be any good, but we’ll see.

WearsMyMoney

I spent it all on clothes by the looks of things...