It seems the autumn chill has already arrived here in the UK. The following guide will help you look your best this season by outlining some of the most classically stylish garments that never go out of fashion. From womens coats to the timeless turtleneck sweater, these items stand the test of time because they always look good and they compliment most outfits.
Read on to learn how to add sophistication to your autumn wardrobe without breaking your bank balance or taking too many chances on some of the more dubious current fashion trends.
Black Pantsuit
Timeless elegance – the black pantsuit can double as both a power suit during the day or a classy number for the evening when complimented with a camisole, necklace and heels.
To find the one that looks best without much effort, it’s a good idea to keep your eye out for a fabric with drape, preferably in wool which has stretch for comfort. In contrast, pants suits made from a stiff or shiny material can look scruffy with creases very quickly.
Turtleneck Sweater
While neckline trends tend to change with every season, the good old turtleneck sweater never loses its classic appeal. It’s practical too – when the weather is a tad chill, it keeps you nicely covered without having to fuss over scarves. And when it comes to style strategy, the turtleneck has stood the test of time because it creates a blank palette to highlight gorgeous necklaces, cuff bracelets and the face itself.
When out shopping, it’s best to opt for soft, cosy materials because the neck area is sensitive and anything scratchy will soon become irritating. And if you don’t like the bulk of a true turtleneck, you can always go for mock turtleneck which has the same neck height but doesn’t fold over double.
White Shirt
This crisp garment never goes out of style – a fresh, long-sleeve white shirt adds class to even an old pair of jeans. What’s more, there is an endless range of fabrics to suit you, from cotton with stretch to chiffon that flows. The same goes for the design variety – there are different collar variations, fitted silhouettes, sleeve details and more. Take into account the shape of your body to decide what looks good on you.
Sheath Dress
A body hugging knee-length sheath dress is always a good bet in autumn or winter. Whether worn on its own with heels or with a hem-length coat, it always looks stylish. There are also a wide variety of fabrics to suit your body and preferences, such as crepe, knits, silk and even leather.
Pearls
Pearls, whether real or fake, always add class and elegance when paired correctly with the right outfit. Their femininity also compliments the more structured autumn styles perfectly. Some tips are to wear gray pearls with a black dress or pants suit for a sexy tonal look; or alternatively choose layers of creamy white pearls to go with a simple black sheath dress to get the timeless cocktail party effect.
Large Leather Bag
A large leather bag is a must have, since it will be needed for any occasion where you have to lug more items, such as when you’re on holiday or need to carry files to a meeting. Most women will also agree that their autumn and winter bags need to be bigger to accommodate such necessities as umbrellas, hats and wraps. The most classic look for these the timeless leather bag is feminine and understated luxury. But you can also opt for something with more pizzazz if that’s your style – these days you can find a huge range, such as patent, exotic skins, quilting, bold hardware and more.
Tall Boots
One of my standard items for autumn and winter, knee-high boots keep you snug and are versatile with almost anything – they look great with jeans (tucked in or out) and they let you wear skirts without feeling the cold. In terms of heel, it’s always a good idea to choose a mid-heel height (2 inches or less) as this makes them trend-proof plus suitable for most occasions.
Neutral Coat
The neutral coat is also one of my all-time favourite classics, because it’s useful and looks great with almost any outfit. Whether you opt for a black, brown, gray, white or camel-colour coat, this is one staple that is almost impossible to go wrong with.
My advice is that if you’ve got only enough money to invest in one coat, choose the simple black wool variety, since that will look good for both day and evening wear. It can be dressed up easily with a scarf, wrap or brooch and dressed down with jeans and flat shoes.
Conclusion
From womens coats and tall boots to pearls with a sheath dress, the above guide will help you not only get the elegant classic look this autumn, it will give you more choices for mixing and matching your current wardrobe so that you can look great without stretching your purse strings too far.
Anastasia Koko
