September always feels like a bit of a fresh start.
The summer holidays are coming to an end, children are heading back to school, routines are returning and, for many of us, it’s back to work and a slightly more structured way of life.
But September is also one of those slightly tricky months to dress for. The mornings might feel cooler, but by lunchtime it can still feel like summer. One day you need a jacket, the next you’re wondering why you wore one at all!
Rather than suddenly switching from your summer wardrobe to full autumn mode, this time of year is all about making small changes, introducing layers and gradually transitioning your wardrobe as the season changes.
Layering is your best friend
Early autumn is the perfect time to embrace layering.
You don’t need to reach for heavy knitwear just yet. Instead, think about lightweight pieces that you can easily add or remove as the temperature changes throughout the day.
A few simple combinations could be:
- A T-shirt or vest with an open shirt
- A dress with a lightweight cardigan or over shirt
- A T-shirt with a blazer
- A blouse with a denim jacket or overshirt
- A vest, shirt and lightweight jacket
- A dress with a jacket and trainers
These lighter layers are particularly useful if you’re leaving the house early for the school run or commute when it’s cooler but still want to feel comfortable when the temperature rises later.
Layering can also make an outfit feel much more interesting. Mixing different lengths, textures and colours can make even your simplest wardrobe staples feel more styled.
Don’t pack away summer just yet
September doesn’t mean your summer wardrobe suddenly becomes redundant.
In fact, this is a great time to find new ways to wear some of the pieces you’ve loved over the last few months.
That summer dress you’ve worn with sandals could work with trainers and a denim jacket. Your favourite skirt could be paired with a T-shirt and blazer. Linen trousers can still work beautifully with a shirt, lightweight knit or jacket.
Even something as simple as swapping your sandals for trainers or loafers can make an outfit feel a little more appropriate for the changing season.
Transitioning between seasons is much easier when you stop thinking of your wardrobe as strictly “summer” and “winter” and start looking for pieces that can work across both.
Think about your September routine
The change of season often comes with a change of routine too.
Maybe you’re heading back into the office more regularly, the school runs have started again, your social calendar is changing or you’re simply returning to normality after the summer holidays.
It’s worth thinking about whether your wardrobe actually works for what your days look like now.
What do you need to get dressed for during a normal week?
Perhaps you need comfortable outfits for working from home that can easily be smartened up for meetings. Maybe you need more workwear again. Or perhaps you’re constantly going from work to school pick-ups, appointments and evening plans and need clothes that can take you through the whole day.
You don’t necessarily need more clothes — you need the right clothes for the life you’re actually living.
Start rediscovering your autumn wardrobe
As the month goes on and the weather begins to cool, it’s a good time to start bringing some of your autumn pieces back into rotation.
Rather than buying lots of new clothes as soon as the new-season collections arrive, have a look at what you already own first.
Bring out your jumpers, jackets, boots and warmer trousers and try them on again. After months of not seeing them, it can almost feel like shopping your own wardrobe.
Ask yourself:
- Does it still fit comfortably?
- Do I still enjoy wearing it?
- Does it work with my lifestyle now?
- What can I wear it with?
- Is anything looking tired or in need of replacing?
Our bodies, lifestyles and tastes change, so something you loved last autumn might not feel quite right this year and that’s okay.
You might also rediscover pieces you’d completely forgotten about.
Spot the gaps before you shop
Once you’ve looked through what you already own, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what you actually need for autumn.
Perhaps you’ve got plenty of knitwear but you’re missing a great everyday jacket. Maybe your jeans need updating, you’re missing an easy pair of everyday shoes or you need a few tops that will work underneath your existing layers.
Before buying something new, ask yourself:
Can I think of at least three ways I could wear it?
Does it work with pieces I already own?
Does it fill a genuine gap?
Does it suit my lifestyle?
Taking a little time to think about what you actually need can help you avoid those impulse purchases that look lovely in the shop but somehow never make it out of your wardrobe.
Make September your wardrobe reset
A seasonal wardrobe reset isn’t about getting rid of everything and starting again.
It’s about reconnecting with what you already own, finding new ways to wear your favourite pieces and gradually adapting your wardrobe as your lifestyle and the weather change.
And if looking at your wardrobe leaves you feeling more overwhelmed than inspired, this is exactly where a little styling support can help.
During a Wardrobe Revamp, we can go through your wardrobe together, look at what works for your current lifestyle, create new outfit combinations and identify any gaps.
Or, if you already know there are a few pieces missing but you’re struggling to find them, a Personal Shopping experience can help you shop with more direction and find pieces that work with both you and your existing wardrobe.
As a personal stylist covering West Sussex and the surrounding areas, my aim isn’t to tell you what you should be wearing. It’s to help you create a wardrobe that feels like you, works for your lifestyle and makes getting dressed that little bit easier.
September doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to your summer wardrobe overnight. Instead, think layers, make the most of the pieces you already love and let your wardrobe transition into autumn along with the weather.