An Autumn Wardrobe Style Edit

Took some time this week to review my closet, and have a think about what I’m excited to wear on repeat this autumn. Instead of focusing on any particular colour palette or theme, I relied more on my gut. The beauty of an edited – or carefully curated – wardrobe is that most items will generally go together.

I tend to have my “closet regulars”; basics which get worn on repeat throughout the season, forming the core or basis of my seasonal wardrobe.

The ten-day forecast ahead is pretty dreary, so it felt time to finally give up the ghost of summer in favour of knits. Not that I’m complaining; I’ve been craving the chance to start layering. Perfectly timed with the end of my pregnancy. 

Key pieces in my wardrobe for the season ahead include: 

Toteme Pomerance Blouse | This was a lucky sale find from late last year. I’d missed out on buying it “in season”, having hesitated just a little too long. So I didn’t skip a beat when I had the opportunity to finally add it to my wardrobe. There’s almost a poetic feel to the cut; gathered at the collar, with sweeping sleeves that have a dramatic air about them. I love this best with skinny and straight leg jeans, as well as a nice tailored trouser. 

Karen Walker Undertow Blouse | Almost twenty years since my first purchase, Karen Walker’s designs remain a staple in my wardrobe. Similar in cut to the Toteme blouse, there’s some key details that set this one apart (the colour notwithstanding). Buttons on the shoulders frame the sleeves, and the elasticated cuffs give you the ability to create slightly different silhouettes. It’s also worth noting that you can adjust the neckline to wear it off the shoulder too. 

Low Classic Overfit Shirt | A shirt is easily up there as one of my top wardrobe essentials. I love my Box Shirt from Moia, but I wanted to centre more of my autumn outfits around this striped number from Low Classic. With an exaggerated cuff, buttons along the seam of the sleeves, and long fit through the body, it feels like a modern update; a classic with a twist. I know that these super relaxed, oversized and androgynous cuts aren’t to everyone’s taste. But I’ve found that it’s exactly this that I’ve been craving. Something different to what I was wearing before. 

Marle Vada Knit Jumper | I was so thrilled to see that this knit has been re-released for 2022. This was one of my favourite wardrobe staples; one I ultimately ended up wearing on repeat because it was so effortless. I tend to like how this looks mostly worn loose, or with a slight French tuck with denim. 

Urago Cotton Strap Pants | Comfort is king, and I’m really starting to lean into that more with my personal style of late. I suppose it does go hand in hand with those relaxed silhouettes. But these trousers give me that comfort factor through the elasticated waistband, and soft twill fabric. I love that I can really have fun with my proportions with these pants; the cotton strap at the ankle can be buttoned and cinched to create a balloon leg effect, or left open for a straight fit. I don’t have a preference either way, but do love the fact that it gives me options. 

Toteme Standard Jeans | As far as denim goes, these jeans were a splurge for me. Straighter in the leg than my beloved Everlane 90s cheeky jeans, I was drawn most to the twisted seam detail. It felt unusual, and added a little bit of extra interest to an otherwise basic style. Quality of these jeans is fantastic; despite being worn countless times already, they’ve held up incredibly well. So much so, that I decided to snag the same style in black while I was pregnant (a gamble given you never know what postpartum will look like!). 

Tibi Faux Patent Leather Skirt (in a lemon yellow here) | Texture is something I’ve really started to explore more of late. Especially as I really do have all the basics down pat. I talk a lot about how texture, and the use of it in an outfit can really create visual depth and interest, yet I lacked many of those more tactile textures in my own closet. Faux patent leather adds a huge element of shine. Plus I do love the silhouette; an a-line fit. Originally designed to fit lower on the hips, I sized down as I wanted the skirt to sit more so on my natural waist.

Frankie Shop Bea Oversized Blazer (also here) | Consider this a little sneak peek into one of my April purchases. I’ve been loving my Tibi Liam blazer, and was keen to add a second colour way into my closet. That said, the Tibi blazers cost a pretty penny. With our home renovation plans finally kicking into motion, there’s no way I could justify that. Plus it didn’t really fit into my budget anyhow. The Bea Blazer from The Frankie Shop is pretty similar in terms of the silhouette, but a fraction of the price. I opted for the size S but it’s very generously cut. The size XS probably would have served me just as well.

QUAINT Josephine Coat | Gingham is a print that I’ve continuously found myself drawn to. Typically I tend to associate it with spring and summer; picnic dresses and days spent down at the beach. I keep bringing up the same point: modernity. When your personal style aesthetics lean so heavily towards the basics, it’s little details like this that inject an air of newness. Something I’ve personally been craving. It goes without saying that this coat is a stunner – so much so I’ve had friends snap it up after sharing it. It’s on sale too, so perfect timing if you’re looking to add a special statement coat to your own A/W wardrobe.

Celine Trio Bag | It’s been a while since I’ve had this bag on rotation. Pragmatism has been at the core of what I’m inclined to reach for, and this is as practical as they come. While I’ve been hesitant to recommend Celine bags in the past, due to a poor experience with one of my first trio bags, my tune has definitely changed. I think it’s in large part due to the fact that I’ve had zero quality issues with this one, plus it was an incredibly lucky (and reasonably affordable) pre-loved find. Which has meant I’ve felt less precious, instead enjoying the bag for what it is. The three pouches are great; perfect for sectioning out your daily necessities. 

Porte & Paire Chunky Boots | Lug soled boots were a huge trend in 2021. Personally, I don’t tend to buy into a trend unless I see it being an enduring style in my closet. It has to have the right balance of feeling fresh, while remaining a classic – whether that’s in the style or the colour. These have a combination of leather and ribbed knit, which is a great combination. As for a note on sizing, ignore the guide and stick with your usual size. I have mine in an EU39.5 (I’m usually an EU40), and feel like they fit a little snug.