Never one to shop entirely “in” season, my eye (and mind) is always laser focused in on what staples would be best for rounding out my closet as a whole. So it didn’t feel out of sorts that I’d continued shopping for A/W, despite any lingering sense of winter now being long gone.
While I lost the audio for the video I’ve embedded below, I hope this snappy little video with voiceover serves as a worthy replacement to intro this items.
WOOL RIBBED MIDI SKIRT
First item I added was a wool ribbed midi skirt from Kenzo (sold out but this is a cute alternative). This had been on my A/W wishlist from early on in the year, but I just hadn’t found the right piece. I was very close to purchasing this creamy ribbed midi from Anna Quan, but ultimately felt that something in a dark grey or black would make more sense. Initially, anyway…
COTTON DRILL UTILITY JACKET
I have a deeper green – lightweight – utility jacket, but was looking for something that skewed different. Had more structure to it, was thicker, and perhaps had some element of contrast. This utility jacket from ASOS ticked all the boxes (bought pre-loved; similar option here). It reminds me a lot of a premium/designer jacket, but without the designer price tag. I especially love the contrast quilted lining.
FAUX LEATHER PANEL PENCIL SKIRT
Another pre-loved purchase I made was this Stella McCartney pencil skirt, with faux leather panel. I was drawn mostly to the fact that the silhouette feels incongruous with my wardrobe. A slim-fitting pencil skirt, perhaps more suited to an office environment than working at home, or dashing about after a toddler. Opposites attract though, and I thought it’d be perfect with some sneakers and a super oversized knit, or even a pointed toe ballerina pump if I wanted to dress it up a bit.
RIBBED KNITTED DRESS IN IVORY (& CHOCOLATE BROWN)
There was clearly a bit of a theme with these purchases; texture. In particular, the ribbed knit. For me this adds an element of interest to a simple piece like a fitted – or loose – knitted dress. So I added two very different styles. The first being an oversized jumper dress from Mango with bell sleeves. The second is more figure-hugging; a chocolate brown ribbed midi with flared sleeves from & Other Stories.
BLACK LEATHER LOAFERS
Now I know as well as you that I didn’t need another pair of loafers. But, hear me out. My Sam Edelman loraine loafers are almost on their last legs, so I was keen to seek out an affordable replacement before they bit the dust. I’d previously suggested these loafers from Atmos & Here as a good dupe (style wise) to the Gucci loafers, so figured I’d give them a go. I’ll be honest, I’m not even close to thrilled with the quality, especially when I compare them to the ones I own from Sam Edelman. The style might be spot on, but the leather feels squishy and foamy. Not at all what I’d expected. That said, they’re comfortable, and if your budget only extends this far, then you could do worse!
BLACK SILK SLEEVELESS MAXI DRESS
My final more “autumnal” wardrobe addition was a silk sleeveless maxi dress. Coincidentally, it was the one item I ended up buying from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. This is what I consider a year rounder. A rare style staple that can transition throughout all four seasons; layering where necessary. Safe to say it’ll be on high rotation through spring and summer, worn with a cardigan to start, then just with little slip on sandals as it heats up.
