Seamless Switch from Summer to Autumn wardrobe

 Autumn is just around the corner and for many ladies the change in seasons, particularly with the unpredictability of the UK weather, comes with a huge headache.  For months, we’ve been floating around in sleeveless tops, breezy dresses and sandals.  But soon we’re going to have to start wearing shoes or boots and add a cardigan or jacket to our daily attire.

But there’s no need to fret if the changing window displays at your favourite shops remind you that you’re not ready for the autumn. Chances are that you have the foundation for a great autumn wardrobe already in your wardrobe. By adding a few key pieces and wearing your summer staples in different ways, you make a seamless switch from Summer to Autumn no matter what the weather brings.

The team at Goose Island has come up with some of the simplest ways to stretch your wardrobe and make all your old favourites work until winter.

Keep Your Maxi Dress

Equally at home on the beach as it is weekend shopping, maxi dresses are easy and cool for those hot summer nights. But before you relegate them to the back of your wardrobe, refashion them by wearing them with long sleeves. Whether it’s a belted blazer, a chunky-knit sweater, or even a knotted linen shirt, the trick to wearing a maxi dress in the autumn is to layer up and then define your waist to offer added structure. The end result is a beautiful casual outfit.

 

Add Tights or Leggings

Adding tights to your outfit can be a fun way to play with pattern, colour, and texture for the autumn. By stocking up on tights, which generally cost just a few £’s, you have a way to extend the life of your favourite summer skirts and dresses like this bell sleeved polka dot dress. If you’re not into tights, try leggings. Some styles look a lot like trousers, but have tons of stretch. They’re perfect to wear under your summery dresses or tunics for more coverage.

Layer Up

Layered looks aren’t only fashionable and trendy but they’re also completely functional. As you layer up your summer clothes, you create new looks that will actually keep you warm in colder weather. But how do you know which looks to layer? Try this rule: Layer long over lean. This means matching up longer-length tops (think tunics or boyfriend cardigans) over leaner bottoms, such as tights or skinny jeans. This can help you extend some of your summer favourites, such this three-quarter sleeved tunic.

 The “long over lean” rule helps to avoid the bulkiness that can sometimes be a result of overenthusiastic layering. Then, just add a sweater or jacket, a light scarf, and a pair of boots to finish your perfect autumn outfit.

Add Deeper Colours

Deeper colours often come with the changing leaves of autumn.  The pastels and neons of the spring and summer give way to rich jewel and earth tones. But don’t worry if your closet isn’t already stocked with turquoise, plum, and ochre, you can add a couple of pieces to extend the life of your lighter summer clothes.

Take this long sleeved pink dress for example. It was perfect for a summer evening visit to a restaurant or lunch with your girlfriends, but do you have to put it away for autumn? If you add some heavier textures and jewel tones, you’ll be able to keep wearing it. Consider pairing it with a fuschia or navy cardigan and a sleek pair of booties. Suddenly, the addition of a deeper colour tones contrasts with the pale pink, resulting in a more cohesive and fall-appropriate outfit.

It’s more than your Wardrobe

Clothing is only part of the story as make-up also moves with the seasons. You can make simple adjustments like opting for warmer, tawnier colours for eyeshadows or blushers and switching your sheer summer lip gloss with a darker lipstick formula.

Exfoliate your skin once a week to get rid of any summer flakiness, and switch to a slightly heavier moisturizer to protect your skin for the coming cooler and drier weather. Though you could also keep a dusting of bronzer on forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin to maintain some of that summer glow.

And last, but not least, ask your hairdresser to trim away dry, dead ends and perhaps tone down your summer highlights. This is also a great time to deep condition sun-damaged hair.

For more ideas on how to transition from summer to autumn, visit our website at www.goose-island.co.uk.