The latest collections have dropped into stores at Claremont Quarter, making it time to start thinking about what you need to replace or add to your autumn wardrobe. Is your trusty coat that you pull out each season starting to look a little worse for wear? Maybe it’s time for a refresh with a few new season essentials, that are guaranteed to add warmth to your autumn style.
Every season there are a number of trends that launch into stores to get you excited about the season ahead. I’ve taken the stress out of
shopping for autumn, by culling down all the latest trends and selecting my top three autumn essentials for men and women, that will help you get through autumn and into winter.
WOMEN: TOP 3 AUTUMN ESSENTIALS
1. The Bomber Jacket
The Bomber jacket is a must this season. Teamed with jeans, dresses, and pants, it’s easy to throw on over a top on a cool autumn day and not over-heat. The Holland Belted Bomber from Camilla And Marc, is a relaxed fit that can be styled with a removable belt. The belt is a great option for those who feel the need to emphasise their waist and define their shape more, it’s also great for balancing your proportions. Country Road also favours a relaxed bomber style with its Reversible Recycled Bomber Jacket, which has all the essential features of a jacket, pockets, front zip, collar and of course, an external quilted layer for warmth. I know that everything seems black or navy, but there’s lots of colour in store as well, you just have to look for it. Head to Gorman if you want to guarantee some colour! Their Scrapbook Bomber Jacket features an adorable, embroidered artwork that is vibrant and fun.
2. Anything Leather
Leather. It’s timeless, chic and complements every outfit. Witchery’s Leather Straight Leg Pant is the epitome of autumn dressing. The high waisted silhouette is a classic and flattering cut for all body shapes. Witchery’s Leather Double Breasted Coat is also a beautiful addition to your wardrobe. The trench-style, mid-length coat is on trend and crafted from 100% leather with a fixed waistline. My styling tip for buying a new season coat is to remember to allow space for a jumper underneath, going a size up is never a bad option. If you’re more of a skirt person, then Seed have released a Leather Midi Circle Skirt that is also 100% leather. The constructed panel design is a flattering cut that sits high on the waist and doesn’t have any added bulk with large zips, buttons, or side pockets. A subtle hint of leather can also be achieved with a belt, like Sass & Bide’s Animal Layered Belt, which sits on the waist and can be worn over any dress, top or jacket ensemble.
3. Ankle Boots
You can’t go wrong with the trusty ankle boot, especially when the style is not only comfortable, but easy to incorporate into your day-to-day style. Midas has opened at Claremont Quarter bringing with it an assortment of styles, including the Zorry Almond Leather Ankle Boots, which are also available in black and light chocolate suede if you prefer a darker colour. Embrace a more relaxed street style boot with Wittner’s Franz Black Leather Block Heel Ankle Boot. The square toe cut, and buckle detailing adds some edge to the design.
MEN: TOP 3 AUTUMN ESSENTIALS
1. Long Sleeve Polo
The easiest autumn transition is to swap your short sleeve
polo for a long sleeve style. M.J. Bale’s Finlay Stripe Longsleeve Ashby Polo will have you ready for the cooler weather, thanks to its 100% single sourced Merino wool, which makes it nice and soft. Country Road’s cult polo is also available in a long sleeve Merino knit style. It’s the classic button detailing at the neckline that gives you the option to leave it open or buttoned up; autumn colours currently jumping out are navy, caramel, and multiple shades
of grey. David Jones also has a selection of long sleeve Rudgy Polo tops in season in plain black. The relaxed cut allows you to layer underneath with a t-shirt if the chilly weather calls for it.
2. A Touch of Checkers
This season is less about bold prints and more about subtle check. M.J. Bale’s new Kent Suit Jacket and matching pants features a grey check. It’s slim fitting and made from 100% merino wool, so it will take you through autumn and into winter. Plus, it’s a classic cut that won’t date. Although if you don’t want to be wearing head to toe checkers, then simply add a blazer. The Watson Item Blazer by Saba features a check design in shades of blue – perfect for dressing down with jeans or chinos. The cotton blend and Italian fabric makes it enjoyable to wear throughout the day and into the night. If you’re new to the world of checkers and it seems a little too daring, then start off with a check shirt and see if you can warm to the idea of embracing the pattern. Gazman has an assortment of check shirts (in large and smaller check print styles) so you can see if anything jumps out at you. My pick with be to start with a subtle check in a darker colour, like the Casual Double Faced Check Long Sleeve Shirt in midnight and pair it back with some jeans.
3. The Shawl Cardigan
Opt for a cardigan over a jumper as it’s more modern and elevates any outfit. The shawl style cardigan is a favourite this season with multiple stores rolling out the style. Saba’s new Angus Shawl Cardigan is a soft knit cardigan that features a shawl collar design with a button-down centre front. The v-neckline embraces layering with a t-shirt or shirt, or you can wear it completely open if you prefer. French Connection has also released a Shawl Collar Cardigan this season, made from 100% cotton. Available in French Navy, the cardigan has two front pockets and just the right amount of stretch, so it feels comfortable and cosy for autumn.
