Not quite ready for winter dressing?
We did our bi-annual wardrobe clean, sort and seasonal swap recently.
Summer was packed away, autumn was neatly arranged and ready to wear. And yet, despite the definite drop in temperature, we’re still not quite ready to dive headfirst into winter dressing. Which is slightly strange because autumn is probably our favourite season. We love the colours, the textures, the return of wool, boots and a really good coat. But somehow, making that leap into chunky knits, heavy coats and winter boots always feels a bit too sudden.
The weather has definitely turned, there’s no denying that. The mornings are colder, the evenings darker and we’re certainly not suggesting we can get away without a few extra layers.
But does that mean we have to dress for the depths of winter already? We’re not quite ready for that. Instead, we’re enjoying finding that middle ground. Clothes that feel warm and cosy, but without being completely bundled up. And actually, it’s often these slightly unexpected combinations that make autumn dressing so interesting. A few things we’re reaching for at the moment…
Socks and sandals. We’re still not ready to put our sandals away. Add a lovely wool sock and suddenly they feel perfectly appropriate for autumn. We love the contrast of a chunky sock with a sandal, and it’s a nice alternative to reaching straight for boots every day.
Coat Louisa Charlotte Oats, Fisherman sandals Grenson,
Chunky knits and bare ankles. One of our favourite combinations. A big, cosy jumper and a little flash of bare ankle. There’s something about balancing a heavier knit with a less bundled-up bottom half that just feels right at this time of year.
Macs and fine knitwear. We’re making the most of our macs before the really heavy coats come out. Layered over fine knitwear, they’re warm enough for these colder days without feeling too wintery. We particularly love the combination of different textures and the slightly relaxed feel of a mac worn over something soft.
Studio Nicholson Trench coat, Beyond Nine navy Collette trench coat
The oversized blazer. A great alternative to a coat when you’re not quite ready for heavier outerwear. We love an oversized blazer layered over a fine knit or sweatshirt, with enough room to add another layer underneath when needed. It’s that lovely balance of relaxed and tailored, and makes even the simplest outfit feel a little more pulled together.
Vintage blazer, Fub grey cardigan, similar here
The humble sweatshirt. We’ve been reaching for sweatshirts a lot recently. They’re such a good alternative to knitwear and we love wearing them with something a little smarter. Tailored trousers, a skirt, or layered under a trench. There’s something about that high-low mix that makes an outfit feel more interesting, and a sweatshirt is often the perfect piece to do it with.
Breton top Stalf and Lesvacancesdirina , similar here
A scarf, of course. One of the easiest ways to add warmth and texture without committing to a heavy coat. We love a scarf casually draped over a jumper or tucked into a trench. Practical, yes, but also a lovely way to make a fairly simple outfit feel a little more considered.
We think that’s what we enjoy most about this time of year. Playing with proportions, mixing textures and finding new ways to wear things already hanging in our wardrobes. There’s no need to rush into full winter mode just because the temperature has dropped. The big coats, thick jumpers and boots will have their moment soon enough. For now, we’re quite happy holding onto our lighter layers for a little longer.