If you are anything like me, following trends are all very well, but if I am spending my hard-earned cash then I usually want something that I can wear longer than for three months.
Since becoming a woman of a certain age, I have tended to spend more on up-to-the-minute accessories to make my outfits on-trend, and stick to more classic pieces that will see me through another season. Although I have to admit to weakening sometimes, by buying a “must have” piece that I know will only last a few months – but I blame that on my inner fashionista!
That said, if you are looking to update your autumn wardrobe, then here are some of the key pieces that are likely to tempt you over the chillier months. Choose wisely in terms of color, print and cut, and you’ll still be wearing them in seasons to come.
The Colored Coat
Without doubt autumn/winter 2011 is all about color and none more so that the colored coat, with some having a very 60s feel. Autumn is always the season where outerwear comes into its own and women who want to be both warm and on-trend should invest in a colorful statement coat that they really feel good in.
A well chosen up-to-the minute coat (but still stylish and timeless enough to past muster next season) is the one piece that can update your wardrobe in a flash, and cost-per-wear it is good investment, given the amount of times it is likely to get worn over the next few months, or even years. Last year's classic camel coat was a good example of that. Mustard, yellow and orange are on-trend colors but run the risk of being a one-season wonder, not to mention the difficulty in finding a hue that actually flatters your skin tone rather than making you look washed out.
Red is always a safe bet and flattering fuchsia (in all its guises) has been around for several seasons now. Both add a welcome pop of color to winter’s day and can look classy when pared with black patent shoes and black opaques. If you are one of the lucky ones that can “do” mustard then consider teaming it with gray accessories such as gray ankle boots for a chic look. Otherwise, a more timeless jeweled-color coat such as a ruby red or sapphire blue is likely to give you more bang for your buck.
The Easy Blouse
Dubbed the "easy blouse" by Woman & Home magazine because it will go with everything – be it business suit or jeans. This may be a classic white shirt, a polka dot print or a plain pussy bow blouse. Pussy bow blouses are enjoying a fashion moment (especially when paired with a pencil skirt or full-on flares) and playful polka dots are traditional enough to last longer than a season (unlike the alternative star print). The secret to making the pussy bow blouse look modern and more relaxed is tying the bow lower down your neck rather than directly under the chin.
The Midi Skirt
Whilst I have always thought longer-length skirts are not particularly flattering for those blessed with less than perfect legs, when teamed with long winter boots they come into their own. The midi skirt is a key piece for autumn, and comes in the guise of the pencil skirt, a fuller-skirt that forms part of a 40s silhouette or playful pleats. Given the current economic climate the midi (and not forgetting last year’s maxi) is likely to be around for sometime to come. When times are tight, skirt lengths traditionally get longer, when the economy is buoyant skirt lengths tend to rise.
The Flared Trouser
Whether it's palazzo pants or a full-on flare – these trousers, which fall from the widest part of your hips, will elongate legs and create the illusion of a smaller waist. Choose a soft flowing good quality fabric that will add some elegance and femininity but the golden rule is pair them with a high heel or platform.
The Roll-Neck Jumper
Plain, simple yet versatile and timeless. Ready to be layered under chunky knits, dresses, tunics or teamed with trousers or midi skirt. A neutral but on-trend color such as tobacco or gray will look great with black and brown, including the dreaded mustard!
Luxe Boots
With the season’s longer-length dresses and skirts, now is the time to invest in some knee-high suede boots with a heel, in a neutral color. These can last you a lifetime if well looked after as long as you avoid the now fashionable ultra-pointed toe.
Animal Print Accessories
This season is all about python and leopard prints. It could be a bag, a clutch, a silk scarf or some animal print pumps, but if its longevity you want, choose these accessories in a natural shade rather than the high-colored versions. I have to hold me hand up here and say that this is the point where I weakened and invested in an on-trend coral pink handbag with a contrasting python print – a frivolous purchase, which because of the color will date quite quickly. However, when I wear it with simple classic pieces such as a plain cashmere knit and trousers it does get a lot of attention and looks much more expensive that it really was, so that's my self- justification!.
You don’t have to spend much to update your wardrobe for autumn, but if you are watching the pennies then do spend wisely. If you are looking to make your money go further then work on an 80-20 rule – around 80% of your purchases should be on pieces that you know can be worn for longer than a season, and 20% on those that are more edgy and on-trend, but consequently may only last a few months.
Sources:
- Bella, Amanda. "If You Buy One Thing," InStyle (UK edition) September 2011
- Morgan, Julia. "Shop Like a Fashion Editor," Woman & Home, September 2011
Gill Hart - Gill Hart is a fashion and image professional who specializes in women's fashion over 50.
