Miss Selfridge
Autumn/winter fashion by Miss Selfridge
Packing up your summer wardrobe for the approaching winter months can be depressing. Not only does it spell the end of long hot sunny days, but also the end of wearing all the clothes you've grown so attached to over the summer.
Because let's face it, all those frocks and strappy tops will just be taking up valuable wardrobe space, right? Not necessarily. Style experts say there's no need to banish your summer clothes to the suitcase on top of a cupboard when it starts to look gloomy outside. By getting creative, you can carry some of those much loved summer items right through...
Layer up
When you think of the transition between seasons, layering is the first dress rule that should spring to mind. Comfortable and practical, layering means you'll be able to get away with wearing loads of your summer clothes for longer. "Invest in some thermal underwear for starters" suggests Shannon Edwards, Director of Shopstyle.co.uk "Double up on vest tops, but make sure you think about coordinating colours and fabrics, then add warm winter accessories like hats, scarves, gloves, leg warmers and ear muffs." The good news is, with new season stock in the shops already, you can start stocking up now and you'll be prepared for any weather.
Get scissor happy
If you can't bear to pack away your summer maxi dress (provided you didn't spend a fortune on it), consider shortening the hem to maximise its wear in autumn with a pair of skyscraper ankle boots. "Team with an oversized boyfriend cardigan," suggests personal stylist, Chantelle Znideric. "Accessorise with a narrow waist belt worn on top and a mixture of chunky embellished cuffs." The same can be said for those t-shirt dresses we teamed with gladiator sandals in the summer. "They're just a bit too short to be worn in winter," says Znideric. "But cut off a few inches at the bottom and you've got a perfect shaped t-shirt you can wear with tailored trousers for work or with jeans for a casual look."
Dress it up
If you've got a gorgeous girly floral dress you're not ready to stop wearing, there are a whole host of solutions for carrying it through the colder months. For a really cool boho look (think Sienna Miller), wear an oversized thick cable-knit winter jumper over the top of your frock. "The contrast of fabrics will look really funky," says Edwards.
"The oversized jumper will also keep you toasty warm as well as making you appear quite slim." Or Style Guru, Nick Ede suggests teaming your dress with a pair of leggings, a military style jacket and a fabulous pair of Tameris boots to be bang on trend for autumn/winter. If it's something a bit simpler you're looking for, Znideric suggests wearing a long sleeved cotton t-shirt underneath: "Team it with a pair of buckled up leather boots for a smart/casual look and accessorize with a wide waist belt to cinch in your waist" he says.
Dye it!
If you bought lots of pastel and nude coloured garments last season that just seem too summery for the next season, then why not brighten them up by experimenting with dyes. "Look to transform an old dress or nude blouse by dying them in one of this seasons gorgeous berry or teal colours." suggests Znideric. "A quick go in the washing machine with a box of Dylon dye or a bottle of Jacquard acid dye will give those items a new lease of life!"
Sandals
If you think the time has come to put away your summer sandals, think again. There may have been a bit of a stigma about wearing socks under sandals in the past, but it's a great way to carry your favourite summer shoes through to the next season "For winter be sure to wear them with bright tights and thick socks because this season is all about colour and lots of it," says Ede.
Jewellery
If you bought a statement necklace for summer, don't pack it away just yet. "You can layer your bold baubles over chunky knits for day," says Cocosa stylist Carly Temple. "Or use them as the perfect way to add attitude to this season's 1980s power party dresses." If you didn't invest in the summer, see Cocosa's upcoming Stephen Webster, Garrard and Missoma jewellery sales for perfect statement pieces.
Denim
Denim never goes out of fashion, so if you've got a favourite little denim jacket, don't banish it to the back of your wardrobe. Winter is all about being cosy and warm, so casual wear is perfect. "Wear your cute frayed shorts with thigh high American Apparel socks and a pair of PUMA trainers." Says Ede.
Tuck in your trousers
Just because the days are getting colder, you don't have to stop wearing your cut-off trousers and Capri pants. "Tuck them into a pair of warm boots and they'll look just like you're wearing regular length trousers," says Edwards, "Slip a pair of opaque tights underneath the trousers in a matching colour in case they become untucked from the boots."
According to Temple, peg leg trousers are making a return for the autumn/winter in a smarter and much less relaxed vibe. "Style your favourite pair up by tucking them into ankle boots and teaming with a neat, waist-cinching jacket," she suggests.
Useful websites
www.missselfridge.com
www.shopstyle.co.uk
www.personal-stylist.co.uk
www.cocosa.com
www.hihosilver.co.uk/lostandfound
