Autumn is the season where everything suddenly gets all rich and cosy. After a summer of mini heatwaves, when October hits it can sometimes feel like we’ve been thrown into an alien climate without any real time to adjust. I’m all about embracing this time of the year, and however much I love the light evenings and al fresco dining that summer brings, I probably look forward to lighting the log burner, snuggling under a great blanket or getting wrapped up to go out for walks in the crisp autumn air more. Of course the excuse to snap up some new autumn dresses is pretty high on the list too.
There’s no ignoring that your wardrobe will require some tweaking for autumn. Jackets and knitwear need to come out of storage (or that crumpled pile squished right at the back of your closet) and you’ll most probably need to invest in a great new pair of boots. Note: buckle-up ankle styles of the suede variety get my vote at the moment – they don’t feel too heavy having lived in sandals and sliders all summer – pick a neutral colour like these White Stuff ones and they’ll soon become your go-to. Don’t forget to spritz with some suede protector!
Take the easy route by sliding into the new season with a few key autumn dresses. Focussing on longer lengths and shapes with much more coverage than your skimpy summer slips is a good way to go. Pick striking autumnal colour palettes of reds, oranges, blues, berries and monochrome with dark bases that feel more fitting for autumn/winter months. A couple of these throw-on autumn dresses will become day in, day out staples, styled with jackets, coats, boots and accessories that transition easily from morning to evening. Floaty shapes can even double up as party dresses come Christmas time with killer heels and jewels, so you see, they’re really duel-purpose!
It was the bohemian print, colours and dramatic sleeves of this Zara beauty that really caught my eye. Tapping into the season’s folk rock trend perfectly, the print has that 70s thrift appeal, and the pretty, organic leaf pattern reminds me of the turning and falling leaves. Rich, spicy tones make it a real head-turner, but you can tone it down too with a simple leather biker jacket. Accommodating my baby bump was obviously a must, and this shape goes one better, with a bump-enhancing added layer of ruffles. As far as hero dresses go, this is pretty much killing it.
Right this way for my edit of statement autumn dresses.
Autumn Dresses: Wear Them With
More dress picks this way with Autumn’s Ultimate Shirt Dress staples.