Fashion trends seem a bit wishy-washy of late. Dressing up, whether for the office, brunch with the girls or date night, feels more like a chore, than something to look forward to. This makes total sense after spending an entire year in just sweatpants and hoodies. As we gradually become more comfortable with re-igniting our social life, it’s time to also refresh our wardrobe with items that can make us look and feel good again. But this can be quite tricky during a season like autumn where the weather is quite temperamental.
The key is grabbing transitional pieces that are lightweight and can be worn regardless of the weather forecast. Our advice is to keep things simple with a minimal selection of 5 need-to-have items that are both comfy and will have you covered through Autumn and as winter hits.
The knit gilet
This trend has managed to push through the sweats and sports bras that have invaded our wardrobe and is gaining more traction on the Instagram streets. Say hello (yet again) to the knit gilet – or ‘sweater vests’ as some may refer to them. Grandad’s sweater vests meet modern fashion; it’s a total must-do that will carry you right into winter and even spring.
Made from breathable cotton and wool blends, this item sorts out not only layering goals but also embodies all three c’s that every fashion item needs to have: comfort, contemporary and chic. The knit gilet has been making a comeback since designers such as Dior and Gucci reintroduced them in their A/W ‘20 collections. Since then, various iterations of the knit gilet can be found in almost every retailer; from turtle necks and crops to oversized silhouettes and bold prints. We’re loving Mango’s eclectic collection that can be found at Superbalist.com. Layer it over a long-sleeved shirt, a bold coloured t-shirt or simply throw a lightweight coat over. Talk about versatility!
The overshirt
An underrated wardrobe staple, the overshirt or ‘shacket,’ as it’s been dubbed, is the perfect duality between the design aesthetic of a shirt coupled with the warmth and comfort of a lightweight jacket. It’s quite possibly the answer to all your springtime and autumnal wardrobe woes in one garment. That’s why it’s quite surprising that many women haven’t acquired this staple in their closet.
When shopping for the right overshirt for you, there are a few things to look out for. “The best versions are cut in fabric that’s heavier and warmer than a shirt,” says Kasia Katner, a personal shopper at Thread, “flannel is particularly good as the brushed nap traps heat and it also offers a nice depth to outfits”, he says.
Twill, cotton, suede and denim version are also common fabrics in this two-in-one utility item. Don’t be shy to visit the Men’s section either, or even bae’s closet. Style it with a printed tee, leather trousers and a utility boot for a relaxed, yet super trendy look for lunch with friends. Or style it up with a knit mini dress and knee-high heeled boots for date night.
The Tinted Sunglass
The trend of wearing sunglasses indoors use to be common amongst rappers and front-row posers at fashion week. Nowadays, your average joe at the grocery store has his or her sunglasses on… but this time with a slightly lighter shaded lens. Tinted sunglasses are nothing new but now they’ve become the accessory that adds an ultra-cool factor to your look. Best part? You can rock them indoors with your mask without looking like you’re hiding bad decisions from the previous night.
Whether you wear them with prescription lenses, as blue light blocking glasses or just as a fashion statement, a pair of modern, eye-catching glasses can elevate your entire look. Sunglass Hut has got you set with a wide selection of designer investment sunglasses that you can try out. Cotton On and Woolworths also have a wide variety of styles to suit your face and personal style.
The Combat Boot
Have you heard the saying, “the higher the heel, the closer you are to heaven”? Well, when it comes to the combat boot, the higher the chunk the closer you are to fashion heaven. Although we’re all about building a timeless, capsule wardrobe; this trend is worth investing in. Lending inspiration from military and utility boots, this trend has made another comeback but this time strutting a sophisticated silhouette that hugs your ankles and is oh-so-flattering to your legs. From lace-ups to zippers to the Chelsea style, faux leather and suede, combat boots are the perfect edge to add to your autumn capsule wardrobe.
While many of us have gotten used to wearing flats 99% of the time during a year of lockdown, it doesn’t seem like we will need to go back to wearing heeled boots anytime soon. Despite what you may initially think, combat boots are really versatile. Many of your fashion favs on the social media streets have been seen sporting this trend with slip silk dresses, shorts and even leather trousers. Not only is the chunky combat boot really comfortable, but it’s also so edgy and it would be a miss not to include it on this list.
Cropped and oversized button-up shirts
Button-up shirts are a timeless classic that just seem to reinvent themselves every year. We just can’t get enough. Cropped buttoned-up shirts are in the spotlight this time around and we can’t even imagine how this trend hasn’t been around before. There’s something really effortless but sexy about a crisp and cropped shirt paired with high-waisted denim and a statement blazer. It’s both sophisticated with a youthful edge that is popular amongst street stylers such as Hailey Baldwin and Shelley Mokena.
From linen blends from H&M, to warmer fabrics like cotton from Trenery and Country Road, it’s business meets casual just the right way—a seasonal staple.
CONTRIBUTORS
Words | S’nothando Mthimunye @snothando_mthi
Editor | Nikki Temkin @nikkitemkin