I Spent Hours Finding the Best New-Season Pieces—Here Are 45 I Stand By
For weeks, we’ve been scantily clad, contending with some of the hottest temperatures the UK has ever seen, so it’s hard to envisage the season changing. But if there’s one thing we know about our country's weather, it’s that we’re only one cloud away from a total U-turn.
It will soon be time to evaluate the autumnal pieces in our arsenal and assess whether anything needs adding or taking away. For me, this process begins around now and coincides with the early autumn drops.
In the past few days, there’s been an evident shift away from summer sales and into newness at our favourite online stores. Colours are graduating to sage green (which has proven itself as a staple), brown and indigo. In terms of styles, hemlines have been extended, and denim is everywhere—whether that’s the many dungarees on offer or jeans in varied sepia tones.
Autumn is a favourite for many. On good days, it’s warm enough to go sans coat in favour of a utility jacket or long-sleeve, and if we’re lucky enough, we can even extend the wear of summer dresses with a light layer tucked underneath.
Chunky flip-flops can be worn with maxi and midi dresses from summer to autumn.
Talking of which, for the first time, cult favourite Réalisation has introduced long-sleeve styles in its collection, so you can wear figure-hugging bias cuts with a little more coverage throughout the year. Additionally, the many ballerina iterations are everywhere just in time for us to retire our sandals. Keep scrolling for my early autumn shopping guide.
Shop My Early Autumn Style Edit
Dresses
A flowing light-knit dress crafted from Oeko-Tex finely spun merino wool. Pieces like this are fall-back items for most seasons that you can get your money’s worth from. Wear it with white canvas trainers in the spring, sandals in the summer, slip-on loafers in the autumn and boots in the winter.
The shape of this knitted midi is something to admire. I particularly like the finishing of the skirt, as it encourages sway with movement.
Skirts
This skirt comes with a matching top if you want to opt for a head-to-toe linen look.
A large-panelled waistband is the feature of the moment on dresses and skirts. This two-piece by Mondo Corsini gives the appearance of a dress but both components can be worn separately. Check out the matching top here.
Tops and Knitwear
This vest is a customer favourite for good reason. It’s just the right amount of crop to suit many high-waisted styles, and as the weather gets cooler, the thick texture will make it a great layering piece. It's also available in black.
I've road-tested this jumper for three years running now. It looks, feels and washes just like cashmere. Best of all, it’s £15!!
Accessories
I seldom get excited about belts, but this one is very chic. The width, colour, braided design and looped element mean you can wear it as tight or loose as you desire.
There are so many lovely belts available at the moment. The curved-buckle feature and brown colour fit the '70s style aesthetic. It's also available in tan suede.
Footwear
I’m a fan of the smooth boot with a wooden-heel detail.
Outerwear
Bags
Woven bags are best worn in the summer and autumn months. The patina gets richer with age and wear, making this bag even more timeless.
This slender-shaped bag with gold hardware is a classic accessory style that will never date.
Denim
It's been a while, but dungarees are back in all their glory. This mid-wash style paired with an embroidered blouse is guaranteed to be a staple look for many. Add a brown leather basket and fisherman sandals for a transitional look.
Coming Up, I'm Head Over Heels for These 34 Spectacular Pieces This August
Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist.
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