Autumn offers abundant styling opportunities, but it can also lead to predictable wardrobes, according to an award-winning personal stylist. Reaching for the same dark coats, sensible boots, chunky knits, and jeans can inadvertently make outfits appear dated.
While a complete wardrobe overhaul isn't necessary, updating the cut, color, or styling of existing pieces can make a significant difference in achieving a more current look. The stylist identifies seven common autumn items and suggests simpler alternatives.
Knitwear Updates
The shapeless, oversized knit, while comfortable, can sometimes overwhelm the frame and appear frumpy. The recommended swap is a knit with more structure, such as a slightly cropped shape, a defined shoulder, or a V-neck. The goal is for oversized pieces to look intentional rather than borrowed.
Long black cardigans, a frequent choice, can sometimes drain color from the face and feel dated. Alternatives include softer neutrals, richer autumn shades like chocolate brown or burgundy. Instead of always wearing it open, a shorter cardigan or buttoning up a longer one to wear as a top can offer a refreshed look.
Denim and Tailoring
Skinny jeans, if loved and worn with confidence, can remain. However, a wardrobe composed solely of this silhouette may feel stuck in a past fashion era. More modern alternatives include straight-leg, relaxed straight, barrel, or subtle wide-leg jeans. The key is balance, pairing wider-leg styles with more fitted tops, tucked-in shirts, or shorter jackets to create a contemporary silhouette.
A classic black blazer can become outdated if it features narrow lapels, a dated fit, shiny fabric, or has lost its shape. A more contemporary cut, such as a slightly longer length, stronger shoulder, or relaxed tailoring, can modernize the piece. Exploring colors beyond black, like navy, chocolate, burgundy, grey, or camel, can also offer a more flattering and modern appeal.
Footwear and Coordinated Sets
Ballet flats are currently in vogue, but the issue arises when wearing the same conservative style for years. Directional versions, such as those with square toes, Mary Jane details, interesting textures, metallic finishes, or sculptural shapes, can update an existing wardrobe. Shoes are noted as an easy way to make current outfits feel more modern.
Matching knitwear sets, while useful, can sometimes appear overly coordinated and less contemporary. The stylist suggests breaking up these sets by wearing the cardigan with denim and a T-shirt, or the knit top with different colored trousers. Accessorizing with a belt, scarf, or statement shoes can also add a modern touch. Creating a bit of visual tension within an outfit, rather than perfect coordination, is often key to modern style.
Boot Choices and Overall Approach
The 'practical' ankle boot can make an outfit feel old-fashioned if it has a dated toe shape, heavy sole, or an overly functional design. Updating the shape to a pointed or softly squared toe, or opting for sleek knee-high boots, modern loafers, or streamlined chunky boots can instantly update an outfit. The proportion of where the boot hits the trouser hemline is also important for a modern look.
The stylist's overarching advice for autumn styling is to consider whether an item still feels authentic and current, rather than solely focusing on whether it is on-trend. The aim is not to dress younger, but to dress in a way that reflects one's current self. The most stylish individuals, according to the stylist, understand what works for them and how to integrate existing wardrobe pieces to reflect their present identity.