Fashion

My Autumn Wardrobe Must-haves

Let’s be honest right now, even though we have been blessed with a few beautiful sunny days over the Easter weekend, autumn is now in full swing! Therefore it’s ideal to know which items should be in your Autumn Wardrobe.

One of the things I absolutely love to do as the weather changes is my seasonal wardrobe edit.  What does this involve? You eliminate any piece that does not fit properly anymore, anything that you simply do not wear, pieces that have served you well and are ready to be replaced – or anything that simply does not bring you joy anymore. (I am a firm believer that what you wear should make you feel fabulous, every day! ) I also pack away the summer items and unpack the autumn/winter items. This makes your everyday wardrobe tidy, organised, and really making it so much easier to get dressed in the morning!  A wardrobe edit is a time-saving, stress-eliminating, game-changer. I highly recommend you do this at least twice a year. 

Next, I make a list of items I need for the coming season, so when I am out and about shopping – I am more mindful and strategic about what I’m buying and spending my money on. This eliminates buyers remorse, and blowing your budget on a few items and still feeling you have nothing to wear (sound familiar?). My philosophy with my wardrobe is that when you have good basics, and you add a few trendy items each season, you will have endless outfit options. I now have fewer clothes, but since shopping smarter – I have more outfit options for each season.

Now, let’s get into the fun stuff.

1. Denim Jacket

Image credit: Andri Parlett

Ladies, I have said it before and I will say it until the end of time. A good, well-fitting denim jacket is a great transeasonal piece and ideal for layering. Choose a light/medium or dark wash denim, whatever you prefer!  Whether more fitted, or oversize, it’s all about comfort. If you live in cooler areas, it’s always a good idea to get a size bigger so you can wear warmer/ chunkier knits underneath as it really starts to cool down. 

2. Trench coat

Image credit: Andri Parlett

The classic trench in that traditional oatmeal/honey colour is a wardrobe staple you will have forever. Another perfect layering piece, it’s usually made from a light to mid-weight fabric, so ideal to throw on or over the shoulders for cooler days, when you still want to look chic. This piece is perfect for the office, straight to date night or to elevate your street style. The options are endless with a classic trench! Life goals for me is a Burberry trench – a girl can dream right!

3. Shacket

Image credit: Andri Parlett

Introducing the schacket –  a shirt and a jacket combined into one. The shacket comes in a variety of fabrics, prints and leather. There are so many options available and so many ways to wear this piece! I have embraced this fabulous new trend and purchased a super cool, leather shacket. I opted for something slightly pricey, but in this classic tan colour this is a new investment for me. 

4. Basic tee

A must-have for all year round not only for your Autumn wardrobe, is a high quality, good fitting classic tee. I would recommend starting by adding a tee in either white or black, as these are the most versatile basics for a capsule wardrobe. I have a few options in both white and black tees in different styles and fabrics, and I also love adding the odd designer tee to my wardrobe for a more polished look. 

5. Oversize Shirt

Image credit: Andri Parlett

I’m all about comfort, so another new autumn trend we are seeing everywhere right now is the oversize shirt, which I absolutely love!! Again if you start with either white or black – this will give you the most options to mix and match within your own wardrobe. Wear it completely out, half tucked in the front or completely tucked in. One of my absolute faves! 

6. White Sneakers

Image credit: Andri Parlett

Another item you will see me in pretty much every day is a pair of sneakers! For me there is no better everyday shoe, I’m a sneaker addict really! Pair with absolutely everything in your wardrobe, pants, jeans, dresses, skirts – it’s an absolutely essential item. If you stick with something that is mainly white as a first pair, you will get the most leverage out of them initially. Add some funky styles to your wardrobe as you go. 

7. Ankle boots

I know we want to try and stay away from boots until we really have no other choice in winter, but living in a cooler regional area – an ankle boot is a fantastic piece for your Autumn wardrobe. I personally love a cognac colour as I find this is more versatile than a black boot. Flat or with a slight heel, whatever works for you. My personal preference is a more pointy toe, and something flatter. Super cute paired with skirts or dresses, beautiful with midi to long dresses and always a winner with your jeans or leather tights. 

8. Midi dress

Image credit: Andri Parlett

A mid-length dress with ¾ to long sleeves is now your most versatile dress! Layer with a beautiful cardigan and sneakers, your trench coat with ankle boots, or throw your denim jacket over your shoulders with a pair of loafers or even chunky dad sandals if the weather permits! 

9. Good pair of jeans

There is so much debate at the moment about skinny jeans, and which jeans to have right now and which not to wear. I must honestly say – to me denim is all about what feels and looks best on your body. I still prefer a good mid-waist, skinny jean, and the straight leg is also a fabulous, versatile style. Your body, your style – your choice of denim, as long as it fits you well and is comfy!

10. Leather skirt

Image credit: Andri Parlett

Another trend we are seeing everywhere this autumn is leather. Shackets, shirts, dresses, pants, skirts – you have so many options. A piece I personally love is a black leather skirt, midi length or mini. A great investment piece to have!

If you want to follow me for styling tips like this Autumn Wardrobe simply check out my Instagram account here.

Andri Parlett

Andri Parlett is a Personal Stylist based in regional Goulburn, NSW. Her love affair with fashion has spanned a lifetime. Andri has a background in corporate marketing, with always that desire to be working in fashion. This combined with her entrepreneurial spirit and goal of becoming a successful business owner, is what led her to opening her own clothing boutique in Cape Town, South Africa where Andri grew up. This is what really inspired her to shift her career into fashion styling. Moving to Australia, Andri continued to build her fashion career choosing the path to study her Masters of Professional Styling with the Australian Style Institute. As a certified ASI stylist, Andri is passionate about working with the everyday woman, and to educate that Personal Styling is not something that is reserved only for the rich and famous, but it is a Professional Service accessible to all women, to help them to be the best version of themselves. She thrives seeing her client’s eyes sparkle, their smiles grow bigger and their renewed confidence within each session is what Andri finds most rewarding. Andri not only works closely with 1.1 styling clients but also hosts pop up events in regional NSW as “The Closet Queen”, where she sells pre-loved fashion pieces to help reduce the fashion’s impact on the environment. With Andri’s background in marketing this enables her to have a clear understanding working with both corporate women and businesses, to develop their Personal Brand & Style through her training and workshops.

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