Not too hot, not too cold… how to find an autumn outfit that’s just right
It’s that time of year when autumn leaves are falling, and pumpkin spice lattes have been resurrected. It’s time to leave the summer colours of coral and teal behind and embrace the neutrals of autumn. Fashion week had commenced at the start of the year, predicting this year’s continuation to embrace trench coats, blazers, and a new move to bolder colours such as electric blue and vibrant reds. This is seen in October’s edition of Vogue, with actress Wunmi Mosaku gracing its cover. Though many are ready to fast-forward to the end of October to the peak of autumn, excited for plaid scarves, boots, and cable-knit sweaters, an issue is posed.
The weather does not yet seem to have embraced this change of season, remaining mercurial in its day-to-day forecasts. So, as university students, how can this dilemma be overcome?
Catching my eye were the vast amount of military jackets (a revival from the 2000s) and linens (perfect for the changing weather)
The temperament of the weather during freshers’ week had personally rendered me helpless. Wrapped in my cosy navy trench coat, I assumed the typical autumn chill of Warwickshire, yet, to my surprise the weather could have not been more different. The weather had reached a peak of 20 degrees and I was stranded on campus, unable to return home and change. Surrounding me on campus was a wide array of carefully crafted outfits amongst more comfortable choices. Catching my eye were the vast amount of military jackets (a revival from the 2000s) and linens (perfect for the changing weather) as well as chic ballet flats refusing to conform to a certain colour palette. Thus, campus may be a great source of fashion inspiration that can also help you to dress appropriately for the weather.
A great example of carefully curated autumn outfits are worn by Lorelai Gilmore
To combat the situation I had faced, I suggest packing a range of clothes to keep you warm as well as cool during this seasonal change. Overpacking, however, might just be the worst solution. A couple of pieces should suffice. In my wardrobe I like to showcase 7 sweaters, 3 skirts, 4 basic tops, tights, and 3 pairs of shoes as well as two coats or jackets. A good example of this can be viewed by Prada’s use of layering and removal of clothes during their fall collection on the Milan runway in February. Models like Bella Hadid and Amanda Murphy proved the importance of layering – once they removed one layer such as a jacket, a completely different outfit was revealed underneath. Thus, we can look at this fashion show as an example of how to combat this wardrobe issue through utilising layers to not only create more outfits but as a convenient way to change our wardrobes spontaneously on campus.
Whilst it may seem like the obvious option, appealing to the media through TV shows and iconic magazines such as Vogue and Elle, you are able to carefully craft a wardrobe suited to your physical and aesthetic needs for the change in weather. A great example of carefully curated autumn outfits are worn by Lorelai Gilmore. To combat the volatile Connecticut weather faced in the transition from summer to autumn, her iconic outfits which often consist of perfectly fitted bootcut jeans are paired with tops accompanied with zip-ups. This allows her to craft her outfit to be prepared for sudden changes in weather. More iconic outfits can be seen in Schwartz’ Gossip Girl worn by Blair Waldorf. Her array of trench coats, skirts, and boots prepare her fashionably for the New York mercurial weather.
So, to overcome this changing weather, ensure you have a good range of summer and autumn clothing, and do not forget an umbrella!
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