For a very long time, I thought a new season called for a new wardrobe, and therefore new clothes, but this year I've decided to look at things a little differently. Despite magazines alerting me left, right and centre of all the new and upcoming trends for autumn'12, I've been determined to carry a few of the summer trends I indulged in right through to winter.
So as promised, I've had a go at autumnising (yes, I did just make up a new word!) my wardrobe. I actually found this challenge really fun and exciting because despite adoring fashion, a lot of the time I just throw on the first thing I come across and put minimal thought into layering/accessories and the like. Although what I've done in terms of styling is pretty simple, the ideas I had refused to emerge until I found half of my wardrobe sprawled inelegantly across my bed, myself standing over it hmm-ing and ah-ing.
My point is, we all assume we have to follow every trend of every season when in fact, we already have what we need to make great fashion statements all year round. And while you may think yourself 'uncool' by not keeping up with the latest trends, the fashion industry adores and admires trans-seasonal fashion.
I am no longer yearning for quite as many new autumn buys, just from spending an hour or so really analysing what I already own and trying out new combinations of garments. The trick is to buy into timeless pieces that you're buying for you and not for the benefit of others; for example to look cool or to fit in with your friends sense of style. Once you have these pieces you can work with them all year round to create plenty of different looks without falling out of love with the purchase. It sounds pretty simple, but it takes a lot of thought and patience to withhold from impulse buys. It's not just about clothes, it's about finding your defining style, one that represents all sides of you and gives you lasting confidence and contentment. When you're wearing the right clothes, comfort becomes second nature, and who wouldn't want that?
Of course there will come a time when trends are not suitable any more. I don't think I'll be restyling my cropped tee for winter for instance! And after all, fashion is evolving incessantly, so I'll always be on the look out for the latest enticing trends but maybe, not just yet and not quite as much. Have you got any tricks for making your wardrobe more trans-seasonal?
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1) So I started with my Lipsy playsuit for this look. It's V-neck back makes it even more summery than the lace and colouring already does so layers were essential if the look was to keep me warm in autumn. I added my cropped mohair Topshop jumper, then my River Island blazer under my New Look waxed jacket and completed the look by adding a little grunge with black leather boots and a matching black leather shoulder bag. I also added my sunglasses to the look, even though I'm only holding them as I thought they'd be perfect for those sunny autumn mornings! The coat, boots and bag keep the look on-trend, dipping into those grunge and slightly military styles we've seen so much of recently. I love the contrast of 'pretty' and 'grunge' in this outfit and I think it will work well for autumn 2012.
2)
This is my attempt at reinventing the very spring/summer orientated peplum trend. When the trend first took off, it was mainly seen styled with pencil or tube skirts, but there is no reason why it can't be warn with jeans (as long as they're skinnies!). Although the cardigan and pashmina take attention away from the usually eye-grabbing peplum shape, the clashes of plain, bold white and infinite detail just seem to work. I love the way this look takes an item as defined and ladylike as the peplum and makes it casual and cosy!
3)
This cropped white tee is fairly new so I don't have an original photo to show you. However, over summer they have been spotted styled mostly with skirts, often midi's or maxi's. I'm actually glad I only delved into this trend very recently as wearing this top with a pair of shorts would seem a little tasteless; two small, tight items rarely look respectable. While I love this trend, I do worry about the 'image' a crop top can give off and so have done my best to make up for the revealing of my tummy by adding layers, jeans and boots. In theory, this outfit is ridiculous, a hugely summery top combined with rather winter-y garments, but in appearance I adore it. I judge whether my outfits are suitable or not based on what I'd think if I saw someone else wearing it, and for me this is one of those styles I'd love on someone else but never have the guts to try myself, except this time I have! While it is rather intimidating going out in such a small top, my love for this look out-ways (most of the time) any insecurities. Plus, the cardigan and jacket mean I can zip up any time I like, whether that's due to cold weather or an encounter with someone who I'd prefer to hide my stomach from e.g. grandparents, teachers and Dad!
4)
Last and in fact, least, is my Topshop bodycon dress which I have turned into a top for this shoot! Not permanently of course, I simply folded the skirt half up and tucked it into my jeans. That's the great thing about body-cons, they're so easy and comfortable to double up as a top. The tie-dye trend has been huge this summer and I'm not quite ready to give it up yet! I love this dress and have not had much of a chance to wear it this summer so it will be making an appearance this autumn! This look was basically an example of the dress-into-a-top trick, so accessories and layering have been kept to a minimum.
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