Here in Brisbane, Australia we can feel the cooler mornings. Autumn has arrived and with it comes the urge to celebrate the change of seasons by embracing a new colour palette, digging out those jeans and wearing your existing clothes in new and more interesting ways. To help you define your Autumn style I’ve been scouring the runways and stores to find the latest trends, colours and fabrics. I’ve noticed more olive greens, rust and mustard creeping into my everyday wardrobe. So here are just a few of the wearable trends we’ll be seeing this season.
- Suits- I have never seen so many tailored suits as on the runways and streets this year. They come in bold colours like pink, green, red or cerulean blue. If you like a more subdued palette look out for the many russet, neutral, checked or houndstooth versions. Check out Country Road, Witchery or Zara for some great options.The cropped pant is a flattering new addition to this look. Patterned suits are also eye catching and it’s about finding the silhouette and colour to suit you. Suits are so versatile as you can wear the pieces separately or look put together in a flash by wearing the whole ensemble.
- Knits – It’s no secret that I love a knit, but this year look out for some great knit dresses flooding our stores. Style them with boots for the edge. Witchery has some great off the shoulder knit dresses and Scanlan and Theodore do an amazing range. My haute couture friend Maria Aristidou specialises in knitwear, so look to her Paris catwalk pieces for inspiration. Don’t be scared to try a few options if it’s not your usual style. I find knit dresses some of the most flattering and comfortable to wear. Knitted cardigans, jumpers and gilets are also worth a revisit for Autumn.
- Colourful leather/ pleather – In the last few years my black leather jacket has been relegated to the back of my closet, making way for my show pony leather, pleather or vegan leather pieces. Colours this year include red, purple, mustard and yellow, shades of orange, gorgeous green, dove grey and snake print. There are faux leather pants and tops from Top Shop and Zara that can add a bit of pizazz to any outfit.
- Vintage florals -The revival of romantic dresses and accessories in vintage floral fabrics are a welcome addition to any fashionistas wardrobe. Zimmerman are the masters of this feminine style of dressing ; featuring lace, ruffles, interesting sleeves and high necks. For a modern look wear with your trainers or flat boots. Add a leather / pleather or denim jacket as the weather cools. Russet, rose pink, marigold, green and purple are all great base colours for these floral looks. Not your style? Add a floral headband or vintage hair clips as a nod to the trend.
- Polka dots – If you’re like me you’ll already have some beloved polka dots lurking in your wardrobe. Whether it’s the classic black and white or a colourful and playful take on the trend with new colours like marigold, red and blue , I guarantee you will never have a bad day in polka dots. Local Brisbane brand, Maiocchi have always embraced polka dots in a range of colours and styles. Look out for their CLEO dress in black or blue spots. Perfect for our Australian climate this classic dress is made from breathable bamboo. Look for spots in brighter colours, vintage silhouettes and more graphic modern prints for a totally modern take on this perennial favourite. The shops are awash with polka dots , which are also great pieces as they transition from day to night easily.
Colours for Autumn include all shades of blue and green, russet, marigold, red and purple. Enhanced neutrals like turmeric, sage green plus earthy brown, beige and grey are winners. Other trends include fringing, shoulder pads (if you dare), fancy cowboy boots, feminine slingbacks, chunky sneakers and one of my favourite go to looks, capes and vests. Now that we’re all spending more time at home it’s a great time to go through those wardrobes and pick out some Autumn looks you might already have. Rifling through my wardrobe I found a pretty vintage Easton Pearson floral shirt, a silver knit skirt and a vintage Sass and Bide vest in sage green that will all add some Autumnal vibes to my outfits or work together. Autumn is very short here in Brisbane, so enjoy having fun with your Autumn looks and trying out some different colours, fabrics and silhouettes as the seasons change.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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