Happy Friday everyone, it’s a quick post from me today with a first look at the new season deliveries and some outfit ideas for Autumn 2020. I don’t know about you but I’m holding on to summer clothes for as long as I can although I’m slowly accepting that Autumn seems to be making an earlier appearance than usual – there’s no sign of an Indian summer here. I’m going to be more analytical about it in next week’s post when I’ll be dusting off my crystal ball and drilling down into what the months ahead might be like this year. But for now there are some things that have given my heart a little skip so I thought I’d share them with you.
I should add that all retailers are experiencing high levels of chaos in terms of deliveries – as we knew they would. As such, if an item is on pre-order and you really like it, it’s probably worth ordering it now. No retailer wants to be left with a heavy winter sale inventory this year so because deliveries are delayed, most buyers have reduced their order quantities for latecomers so you may well find that items sell out before they even go into stock.
Outfit ideas for Autumn 2020 – Dresses
In a season that is probably going to be more dressed down than any other Autumn, I think it’s worth having a dress or two in your wardrobe – just for a change of pace when you feel you’re falling into a rut. As it’s unlikely that there will be many high impact events, the important thing is going to be choosing something that you won’t tire of quickly so it’s probably best to avoid anything that has a lot of pattern. It needs to be comfortable to wear and have the facility for layering as the weather gets colder.
As such, my recommendation for today is the shirtdress. It suits almost everyone and it goes right through the next two seasons and into Spring. For now, wear it with bare legs and trainers or ballet flats. When it gets colder add tights and an ankle boot if you prefer – although this season’s trend is for knee high boots again. In October you can throw on one of the soft homespun cardigans that every retailer is stocking up on and then in January layer a jersey polo-neck underneath too. If your dre ss is in a neutral colour like these, you’ll have lots of options for changing your outfit up by varying the colours in your layering.
Grey cord shirtdress (pre-order): also available in red oak. Cord is soft and warm to wear and this seems to have a slim cut without too much bulk in the skirt which can look frumpy.
Navy cord shirtdress: cord again, this one appears to be slightly longer than the grey one and it has breast pockets which may be a consideration if you’re busty. It also has pockets which are accommodated by a slightly looser cut.
Denim shirtdress: this is a midaxi length which is worth bearing in mind if you’re petite. The darker shading at the side will have a slimming effect and the darker bottom nods to the dip dye trend.
Navy suede knee length sock boots: also available in black. Now there’s no denying that these are expensive but you can’t find anything like them anywhere else. I bought the navy pair last year and I love them because they’re suede and yet somehow they’re fully elasticated so they fit to your calf beautifully, whatever its size. I find they balance midi lengths perfectly by retaining the architecture of your leg that is lost with a looser boot and they also work well over jeans for that principal boy effect. They’re an investment but you’ll wear them forever.
Black studded ankle boots with low heel: this year’s ankle boot trend is for stompy Doc Marten style boots with big treads. If it isn’t for you these still have that element of masculine biker chic and they’re cut low at the front for a leg-lengthening effect. Plus the low heel will support your feet.
Tan riding boots (pre-order): also available in black. Some of you will be pleased to hear that riding boots are coming back from the cold land of fashion outcasts. A glossy leather finish is key and an ankle strap detail like this wins extra style points.
Navy soft wireless bra: also available in yellow, natural and pink. I’ve included this limited edition lingerie collab because it’s so pretty and such good value. One of the retail results of Covid has been that sales of underwired bras have drooped (couldn’t resist). However finding an attractive alternative isn’t always easy and this collaboration with French brand Princesse Tam Tam has the solution.
Navy star print high rise knickers: also available in pink, other cuts and colours available, see above.
Outfit ideas for Autumn 2020 – Casual
A lot of this season is going to spent in casual clothes so it’s a good time to update your wardrobe with clothes that you’ll be happy wearing day in, day out.
Bright blue cotton jersey top: also available in green, pink or black. An easy cotton top to throw on in a colour that will lift your spirits.
Striped retro baseball tee: also available in grey and other designs. Referencing the retro 70s trend that is everywhere, this will look great on its own now and later with a soft, fluffy cardigan.
Boyfriend cardigan: 20% off with code MIDLIFECHIC20. Speaking of cardigans, this has been my favourite since I got it in May. The length means that you can tuck tops in and still balance proportions. The neutral colour goes with just about everything.
Jersey blouse with tie-neck: also available in navy or yellow. A simple, easy to wear jersey top that is elevated by the tie neck which you can wear in a bow or loose. The good thing about this blouse is that it looks great with a cardigan or blazer.
Donegal fleck jumper: Donegal was a big trend last winter and it’s carrying through to this year as part of the mood for cosy, homespun appeal. A warm camel that will work well with navy, grey, black or ecru.
Kitten heel navy suede boots: also available in black. The ultimate in Parisian style chic, these boots have a low heel and will work well with jeans for a night out and with trousers and skirts too.
Dark wash jeans: the jeans trend is still for very light 80s style washes but I find them harder to wear in winter because I prefer a darker bottom half to balance my outfits. These are my perennial favourite, they’re generous so if in doubt, size down.
Long length pea coat: 40% off with code SEPT. Another classic item that is really difficult to find in the right cut. Pea coats work best when they hit the top of your thigh rather than being cut at the hip. A deep revered collar like this also adds to the rive gauche mood that they bring to an outfit. I’m not sure how good the gold buttons will be but at this price it would be worth making the effort to change them over for better quality ones and then you could choose silver if you prefer it.
Santé gold tee: I’ve been waiting for this to come into stock all summer and it’s just arrived. A simple t-shirt that adds a little gold glimmer to your outfit and the ‘cheers!’ reference will make anyone smile – assuming they’re in the know. The website is glitchy but it’s a small one woman brand so it can be forgiven.
Biker boots (pre-order): also available in oxblood. I mentioned the trend for chunky hardwearing boots above. These are solid but not too heavy and would certainly see you through the months to come.
Cobalt python print blouse: I ordered this as soon as I saw it, it’s exactly the blouse I’ve been looking for for evenings out. And as there probably won’t be many of those this season I like the thought that it will work with blue jeans now and then black velvet or coated ones as we approach the festive season.
Black studded ankle boots with low heel: see above – I’ve repeated them to show how versatile they are.
Washed black girlfriend jeans: these have such good reviews that I’ve ordered a pair to try. I’ve been looking for a washed black pair to slot in between my grey and solid black jeans – in a season when I’m anticipating wearing jeans a lot.
Mixed print blouse: I’m pleased that Zoom meetings seem to be waning in popularity but there are still a few so this is a good one for the weeks ahead when you want to have some standout on screen
Next week
And now I have to go. We’re working on a huge pitch for next week, it’s a big international retailer and it’s taking every last minute of my time. I daren’t even dream that we might win it but it feels exciting just being through to the last round – there are just four agencies left in the running and only two of them (including us) are in the UK. I’m hoping that it’s a sign that the new way of working might mean that clients are less concerned with office location and more interested in talent and experience. Time will tell. It also means that there will only be one post next week and I’m not sure on which day it will come I’m afraid. The pitch has meant that I haven’t had any time to think about the middle son’s imminent departure… which comes next Friday. So, I must crack on – happy weekend and I hope I’ve given you some inspiration and outfit ideas for Autumn 2020.
Disclosure: ‘Outfit ideas for Autumn 2020’ is not a sponsored post
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