How to Stretch Summer Fashion into the Winter Months
The September return to university brings chilly autumn days and even colder nights. All those summer clothes you splurged on over the break? Time to put them to the back of the wardrobe. Or maybe you don’t have to. Regardless of the weather, transitional pieces will always work, elevating everyday street style and even evening wear.
Scarves are one of the most flexible pieces in your wardrobe. As a cover up or shawl in the summer and a wrap around in the winter, ‘frazzled English woman' season is back and so is figuring out how to style your scarf. Naturally, this is the first step to being stressed, rushed off your feet and unintentionally stylish all at the same time. Just make sure your scarf is flying dramatically behind you in the wind. As an accessory which can elevate a simple jeans and jumper look, as well as look great paired with a mini skirt and long boots, the scarf epitomises autumn’s look.
We’ve seen ballet core come and go but the girly ‘coquette’ vibe is here to stay. Think pink, ribbons in hair and an elegant choice of footwear. Ballet pumps of all descriptions are taking the influencers by storm, throughout summer and still as we go into winter. I recently saw a whole Instagram post dedicated to this delicate choice of footwear, each photo with a different style of pump located in a different city. Although coming through in the timeless baby pink, Aspiga’s velvet mary jane style is competing for the newest elevated pump. In an array of vibrant jewel colours, with stitching detail in contrasting colours, these provide a bold focal point for casual styles. Just please, please don’t wear these in the rain. I had to learn the hard way.
If velvet isn’t your thing, the kitten heels are back in an array of bright glossy colours, just waiting to be paired with a pair of low waisted, wide legged jeans for a deliberate, slouchy look. We’ve worn them this summer and I’m struggling to let go. Sometimes a dressy shoe is all you need to add.
My Pinterest is covered in another item of suede, that slouchy, carry all that everyone seems to be donning to the library. Again, not the most practical item to be sporting in Scottish weather but these bags just ooze put togetherness and add a subtle nod to wintery days ahead. I’ve been using mine throughout the year and its neutral, lightly battered look definitely adds to the charm.
Although they’ve been kicking around for a while, cardigans are my new favourite thing. Purchasing a few in neutral tones can pair with almost every outfit, dressed up or down. During cool summer evenings, I always tie one around my waist or bag and I’m still wearing these now, just maybe with a few more layers underneath. Long sleeves under jumpers can stretch the wearing of even the thinnest of cardigans well into the winter months.
Perhaps the best thing to come out of Copenhagen’s sudden surge in popularity are the striped ‘pyjama’ pants which aren’t just for bed. It’s confirmed, all the Copenhagen girlies are wearing them so they must be the latest autumnal piece. British coastal brand Tom’s Trunks classic blue and white pinstripe looks very classic with an oversized jumper or even a cardigan. I’ve been wearing mine for months and will continue even into the colder months. Small brand Moo Moda’s low waisted striped lounge trousers are like wearing nothing at all, keeping you comfy and put together from morning to evening, from bed to the library and back.
A long, thin trench coat, obviously not as warm as a formal wool coat, is something that can be worn at any time of year. A great piece to throw on top of anything and to pair with shorts or a skirt for as long as the weather will allow. As timeless as the trench is, a neutral colour is essential to maintain subtle sophistication with even the most plain of looks.
As there’s now no need to frantically buy new coats, jumpers and accessories, enjoy spending some time considering which winter pieces you want to invest in before the bitter north wind sets in for good. With a variety of options, elevating everyday style whilst still keeping summer pieces in rotation has never been easier.
Photography by Caroline Hellie