Autumn Work Wardrobe Refresh
Get a smart work wardrobe with these mix and match pieces
The shops are now filling up with Autumn clothes ready for the switch to the new season. I have to admit, that ‘back to school’ feeling a the start of September is something I can’t seem to shake off as an adult. Refreshing the wardrobe is one of the more joyful pursuits and a good distraction as clothes often are for me. There’s no doubt, September and a brand new season is a really good time for another reinvention. I like to tweak my style and make sure it works for my lifestyle NOW and not 1, 2 or 3 years ago.
Image from Pinterest
It’s helpful to step back and take stock at certain times of the year and make sure your wardrobe is working for you but people rarely take the time to do that and end up with a wardrobe full of clothes that they don’t really love. So have a think, what has changed for you since last Autumn? Maybe you are more senior at work or you have changed jobs altogether. Something really common right now is working from home more since the Pandemic which means you might need different things from your wardrobe than before.
We evolve all the time as people and our situations change so it’s really good to stop and think about what you really need from your wardrobe before buying anything to add to it.
Something I say a lot is “every good wardrobe starts with a declutter” - if you can spend even just two hours weeding out things that don’t really fit well, look dated or fit a past version of you then you will get a far more functional and stylish wardrobe. It pays dividends to invest a bit of time in this activity right at the start of a new season. If you don’t have time to do this and live in or near London, contact me and I’ll make sure your wardrobe is decluttered, organised and contains the right pieces for you.
It’s incredibly helpful to think about how you want to look in your clothes. What message are your outfits sending now and how do you want to be perceived? Many people say they’d like to look ‘polished and pulled-together’ at work. Do the clothes in your current wardrobe give off that vibe? If not, it’s easily fixed! A really good exercise is to do a Pinterest board and look at the colours, styles and sillhouettes you are naturally drawn to. Don’t fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, once you know what suits you, your lifestyle and bodyshape, everything will fall into place.
If you want some advice and help with working out your style personality, bodyshape and other personal style advice listen to my podcast - The Style Stories Podcast’ - it is packed full of totally free style advice. Listen here or anywhere you get your podcast.
Image from Pinterest
My picks for a smart Autumn work wardrobe
Now on with the main edit. This season it’s all about wide-leg trousers (still!), baggy jeans if you work in a casual workplace and lots of tweed. Also making a big comeback this year is over the knee or high boots which I am a big fan of.
The edit I’ve pulled together here are key items to have in your wardrobe to make sure you have a good selection of outfits ready to go that are smart and polished.
A shirt dress - smart and versatile, great with shoes now or long boots when it’s colder
Jacket or blazer. Absolutely essential for when it’s cold but not that cold and generally just to pull an outfit together and make you look smart.
Cashmere jumper. Alas, it will be October before we know it and a bright cashmere jumper brings the polish to your wardrobe and feels nice to wear too.
A selection of blouses or shirts. Ideally a couple plain and a couple patterned so you can wear the patterned to brighten up plain trousers or skirts and wear the plain with any pattered trousers or skirs. Easy outfit building with the right pieces.
Wide trousers. There is a pair out there for everyone I promise. Even if you are petite you can wear a wide leg - I have a blog all about this a few months ago - check it out.
Midi skirt. There’s a reason these are now a total wardrobe staple. Really good with boots and a jumper, this is easy and feminine work style.
Autumn coat. This can be a trench coat if that’s your style and that is certainly what all the influencers/fashionistas recommend. I prefer my shiny iridescent pink raincoat from Rains but the point is, you need a raincoat or light-ish coat before the wool/wintertime season kicks in.
Boots. Even though I prefer the season of Summer, I actually prefer Autumn/Winter dressing and boots play a big part of that. As I mentioned, over the knee or knee high boots are ‘in’ but. not everyone can easily wer these. If you have larger calves it can be tricky but luckily Erika Davies the influencer has created a wide fit range with John Lewis that are wildly successful.
Love this one from Massimo Dutti with the brown boots and a brown belt
I love this cropped jacket from Massimo Dutti. Would smarten up black jeans in a more casual office or wear with black trousers. Classy and elegant.
If you prefer a longer line blazer check out ME&EM who do really stylish work wear
Massimo Dutti have great workwear this September. Lots of bright cashmere jumpers to choose from
Me&Em have a great selection of blouses and shirts. Love this pussy bow blouse
There’s nothing plain about this gorgeous navy frilled blouse from Claudie Pierlot. A super handy wardrobe addition
These Maje trousers are smart and stylish. The shops are awash with wide trousers. Me&Em also do great versions.
Midi skirts are easy and great with boots. If you are curvy the handkerchief hem on this Joseph midi skirtis really flattering.
This season fitted clothes are back and that includes fitted pencil skirts. After a few years in the wilderness a pencil skirt is very welcome for some body shapes including hourglass and apple. Avoid if you are pear shaped though. This one is by Victoria Beckham at Selfridges and looks amazing on.
Trench coats are still massively ‘on-trend’ this year as well as being a total classic. I like this one from Cos and it would get so much use in a UK climate.
Over the knee and knee high boots are big this year. It’s still a bit early in the season to have lots of choice but I like these croc boots from Dune. If you have larger calves then check out Erica Davies range at John Lewis.
I hope you found this edit useful. If you don’t have time to shop and feel in need of a style update I’m here to help. Get in touch today and book your wardrobe edit and personal shopping day to refresh your wardrobe for autumn/winter 2022.
Lisa Gillbe is a highly experienced Personal Stylist in London. She has been helping busy professionals for 11 years with their wardrobes, is a podcast host and blogger and lives in London with her husband and two teen boys.