Early autumn can be a bit tricky when it comes to working out what to wear. We haven’t reached big coat weather, in fact some days we don’t even need a jacket. We haven’t even got into secret leggings yet, although some days a bare leg can feel a touch too chilly. Then there’s rain that comes or wind that whips up, catches us all unawares, and we have to dash into the nearest Boots to buy yet another one of those teeny-tiny pocket umbrellas. Honestly, I think I’ve got at least five of them, and the one time I leave the house without one I get an un-forecast downpour and have to buy another one. I should have shares in Totes.
Now that I’ve collated all these looks, I’ve noticed that there’s definitely a leaning towards black and blue. Not that I have any issue with that, as I love black and blue worn together. Let’s have a look at some outfits you can wear this week.
DOUBLE DENIM
If you fear the full DD, but you fancy giving it a go, then try it with black jeans instead of blue. This is a favourite of mine. It looks smarter and you don’t feel so ‘cowboy’. Talking of cowboy, I’m going to a conference in Dallas next month and one of the events has a dress code of ‘cowboy chic’. I nearly cancelled the flight there and then. But then I thought, well, I could just do double denim. I don’t own any cowboys boots and I doubt I ever will.* I know they’re ‘in’ again this year but I literally have no idea how I would wear them without looking like I’m doing fancy dress.
*Watch me return from Dallas with a suitcase full of hats and boots…
- Etoile Isabel Marant Tahisse denim shirt
- Kirstie Le Marque gold plated diamond lock necklace
- Astley Clarke goldplated polaris drop earrings
- Rag and Bone Andi wide leg jeans
- Staud Valerie leather shoulder bag
- Hush double breasted blazer
- Arket leather penny loafers
LEATHER MIDI SKIRT
This time of year is perfect for your leather midi skirt. It’s too hot to wear in the summer and I don’t really like it with tights underneath, plus it’s waterproof, so rain showers are not a problem. Now is its time to shine. I will be wearing mine with a navy jumper and trainers.
- John Lewis soft crop cotton sweater
- Celine square acetate sunglasses
- Arket relaxed poplin shirt
- Aligne Greta leather midi skirt
- Hopeful London braided boston Manhattan bag
- Adidas Spezial suede trainers
THE CARKET / JARDIGAN
Now I know that’s not a real thing, but what do we call that cross between a cardigan and a jacket? I saw this one at the Albaray press day a few weeks ago. As soon as it went online I bought it. I will wear it now with a T‑shirt underneath and later on I’ll layer it over one of those Uniqlo extra-fine merino wool jumpers that I was raving about in this post. Honestly, they are so good. Only £30, machine washable and come in loads of colours.
- Mint Velvet cotton extended shoulder t‑shirt
- Kenneth Jay Lane gold tone faux pearl earrings
- Arket Rose cropped stretch jeans
- Loewe Flamenco leather clutch bag
- Albaray military button cardigan
- River Island silver flat ballet pumps
THE EVERYDAY DRESS
There’s been some dissent amongst the ranks because I haven’t included many dresses on the blog recently. Apologies to dress fans: I am actively trying to seek out some more for you for the coming weeks. At the moment I’m enjoying the look of these two. I like the lightly fitted shape of this fine cord midi from Albaray and the two-tone denim of this one from Aligne. Both are dresses you could wear all day from breakfast to dinner if you’re out. Is it too early for boots? I’m saying no, it’s not: see earlier rain issues for proof. Next week I’ll do a full boots blog with ideas on what to wear with which style.
- Albaray organic cotton cord midi dress
- Oliver Bonas layered gold tone and pearl necklace
- Mango double button trench coat
- Aligne Jalen patchwork denim midi dress
- LK Bennett Karen black leather knee boots
- John Lewis leather pull on knee boots
CARGOS & SWEATSHIRT
For casual days I’m back in my cargos. A very old pair from the 90s, which amazingly now fit me again. I knew there was a reason I didn’t get rid of them. But if you don’t still own a ‘vintage’ pair (because yes, ladies – 90s clothes are now very much classed as vintage by the youth of today), there are loads of great styles in all fabrics now available. May I also recommend these Uniqlo sweatshirts. The fit and the quality is so good for the price.
- Uniqlo cotton crew neck sweatshirt
- Arket green suede curved bag
- COS denim cargo trousers
- Joanie Zou Bisou printed t‑shirt
- Autry Medalist leather trainers
YES YOU CAN WEAR A MINI SKIRT
EVEN IF YOU ARE OVER 40! Not sure I need to expand on that, but if I’m pushed and if you’re afraid, know that a good pair of 70+ denier tights will relieve you of some of your leg insecurities. As for footwear with a mini, you can wear any of the below styles. In addition, a good pair of flat loafers or Chelsea boots would also work a treat.
- Wyse London Marjoliane leather jacket
- All Saints striped chunky loose knit jumper
- Uniqlo wool blend mini skirt
- Feversole round toe Mary Jane flats
- Boden snaffle heeled loafers
- Sezane Pippa suede heeled ankle boots
I’m off to do some boot research for next weekend. Have a great week.
K x
