A Seasonable Update to my Wardrobe.

The Zara Trench Coat – this one is over five years old. they have similar in stock.

Zara Trench Coat – this one is over five years old.  They have similar ones in stock.

We are now officially in “Autumn mode”. This week, the odd sighting of the sun has not hidden that cool chill.  Fashion-wise, I’ve been observing the hottest trends on offer, this season.

The autumn/winter collections are, to say the least, “varied”.  There’s certainly an eclectic mix ranging from tartan and dramatic, clashing prints to the simple colour tones of neutrals and beige.  These simple tones don’t need to be boring, especially when worn with multiple shades which can be perked up with a mix of leopard print and khaki.

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and Beauty

Zara Trench Coat

Continuing into the new season are floral prints – this time, with a bolder theme. The designs have a soft colour base alongside vibrant petals, in-keeping with the autumnal theme.

The ideal autumn/winter capsule wardrobe includes classics that are timeless while being “fuss-free”. My natural style is smart/casual, “easy to wear” dressing.

My first step to sorting the new seasons outfits is to “shop my wardrobe”. Some of my favourites are quite old but have withstood the test of time and, while not looking brand new, are still classy in their own way.

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and Beauty

Marks and Spencer checked trousers – styled with a TU clothing cardigan – bought summer 2019

I love to style outfits, finding great combinations that work. I have been adding a few updates to my wardrobe – nothing too dramatic – items that will enhance what I already have.

I read this quote, recently, regarding buying new clothes. It really resonates!!

“Will I wear it a minimum of 30 times?  If the answer is yes, then buy it. But you’d be surprised how many times you say no.”  Livia Firth, Creative Director of “Eco-Age

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and Beauty

Marks and Spencer checked trousers styled with a brown blazer (Zara – bought Jan sale 2019) and ankle boots( Marks and Spencer – old)

I find that by organising my wardrobe each season, it opens up opportunities to experiment with clothes I’d forgotten about or not worn for a while, creating a handful of “get up and go” outfits. This means by adding just one or two new items, I can give my outfits that sassy upgrade.

New items must work for me and be cost effective. I’m not one to splash out lots of cash. I do, however, love great, quality garments so I will pay a little more, if need be. If I see an item and know it’s going to be a great addition, I’ll wait until the brand is offering 20% discount.  ‘Black Friday’ is coming soon!! So, a good idea is to shop for that camel coat or whatever, now – then buy it when it’s discounted. This is exactly what I’m going to do with one I’ve fallen in love with from Marks and Spencer.

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and Beauty

Cloud Nine Trench – House of Fraser used to stock this brand – wish they still did as I loved their outerwear)

One of those classics that I wear, all the year round, is the trench coat. It’s a wardrobe favourite – so versatile, perfect when temperatures are still in double figures and too seasonably warm for winter coats. It’s a trans-seasonal item to keep the light chill at bay. A great quality trench will last for a long time and it’s such a versatile item to throw on over any outfit. I bought this one in a “sale buy” from Zara. I was lucky to pay just £30.00 – I can’t remember how much it was full price as this was over five years ago. It is waterproof and such good quality. It still looks great, today, and I’ve had a lot of wear from it. They have similar in stock this season.

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and BeautyLong Woollen Cardigan from Zara £49.99

The cardigan seems to have made a resurgence as a wardrobe staple this season. Its appeal seemed to drop in the popularity style stakes. However, the ones on offer, this season, range from loosely belted styles to the classic buttoned up cardi. It is the ultimate layering item. I was attracted to this neutral chunky knit cardigan by Zara. It’s slightly oversized, fuss free to wear and oh so lightweight to pop on and off!

As you can see in the photographs, it is so versatile and, due to its neutral colour, it goes with almost everything. I bought the medium!

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and Beauty

Long Woollen Cardigan from Zara

Checked Trousers from Marks and Spencer

Checks are proving to be just as instrumental for the new season. There are no style rules where checks are concerned – bright, muted, big, little checks….in fact, there really is too much choice. They are a way to make a statement, add impetus to an autumn/winter outfit without being too dramatic – depending, of course, on how bold you want to be.

Midlife and Beyond Life, Style and Beauty

The check trousers can create a contrast to the outfit – check with plain colour with muted, busy with quiet – while taking care not to over-egg it. It’s a way of creating interest and drama to a plain outfit.

Thank you for reading my post. I hope you enjoyed it.  If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

Alison

xxx

This is not a sponsored post.  All items are my own.   Thank you.

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36 Comments

  1. /

    I love all of these hues and looks, Alison. Really nicely styled.
    xx, Lisa
    Midlifeinbloom.com

    • Thank you, Lisa. Neutrals are my favourite. Such easy colours
      to wear. xx

  2. I always enjoy your photos. You inspire me to work the wardrobe pieces I have harder as well as to enjoy fashion more. I think of dressing up and styling clothes as a form of art. – You are very, very good at it! ❤️

    • Suzana, thank you, so kind of you to say. I think currently we have to
      have a balance of enjoying fashion while thinking of sustainability.xx

  3. /

    I saw that quote too about 30 wears and it’s quite a sobering one! Some great looks for autumn Alison and very wise to be augmenting your existing wardrobe so that you have plenty of choices. Thanks for linking up at #WowOnWednesday!

    • I think in these times of sustainability we need to ask ourselves
      questions when buying new clothes, so this quote did resonate with me.
      thank you for hosting.
      Alison x

    • I’m having such a lot of wear from this cardigan, as it’s very versatile
      and can be worn with most things. Enjoy wearing your new cardigan.
      Alison xx

    • I’ve worn this long woollen cardigan a lot since buying it a few weeks
      ago. It’s so light. I love fuss-free clothing that looks good.
      Alison x

  4. Such pretty combos Alison, I am so happy you shared them with us on our Style Six Link Up! My favorite is the long cardigan – so cozy!
    xo,
    Kellyann

    • Thank you Kellyann. I do love the long cardigan, it’s such a versatile
      item for this time of year.
      Alison

  5. Nice style Alison, I love all your looks. Thanks for sharing on the #linkup Jacqui x

    • Thank you Jacqui – that’s very kind of you. Many thanks for hosting.
      Alison

    • Thank you so much Shelbee. Plaids are a great way to make an outfit
      more interesting and dramatic, depending on the check or tartan. There’s some
      fabulous ones this season – it’s difficult to choose!
      Alison xx

  6. All of your outfits are so cute! I love your trench! What a great classic find!

    • Thank you, Laura. I think it was pure luck! I’ve noticed
      there’s some fabulous trench coats on offer this season.
      Alison x

  7. /

    There are some great staples here Alison. I’m on the hunt for a good trench coat at the moment. They seem to be hitting the spotlights at present xx

    • They are such an easy item to wear. I’ve noticed some great
      trench coats in Marks and Spencer this season – you may
      see one you fancy there?
      Alison x

  8. Hi Alison!
    I adore these looks as I am all for Fall fashoin ! I think it is fun and you can mix alot. The last taupe cardi looks wonderfully cozy and especially great with your dark floral. I love your plaid pants too and how you changed up the look. I have a pair of plaid pants I bought Ill wear soon. Very pretty!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Thank you Jess! I love the new seasons. Alon,g with the colours and styles
      it brings. I couldn’t resist the long woollen cardigan – such an
      easy piece to wear.
      Alison x

  9. /

    I love that orange sweater. It’s gorgeous and can be used in so many seasons. A trench coat is definitely a classic and I wear mine year round!

    http://www.ruthyannie.com

    • Thank you, Ruth. I only paid £9.00 for this cardigan and because of the colour
      I’m getting a lot of wear from it. It does brighten an outfit up.
      Alison xx

  10. /

    So much outfit inspiration here Alison and you look lovely in them all. Trench coats are so versatile aren’t they and I love coatigans. Love Lizzy xxx

    • Thank you Lizzy! I’ve worn the long woollen cardigan a lot since buying it
      a few weeks ago. It’s so light. Plus, you can never go wrong with a trench
      coat – it’s such a versatile item.
      Alison x

  11. There’s so much style here – with fabulous pieces! I love the cozy cardigan, the boots with the girlfriend jeans, the plaid pants. It looks like you could do endless combinations with all this fall goodness! Thank you for sharing with us at the style six. 🙂

    ~Chrissy
    Granola & Grace

    • Thank you, Chrissy. They are great additions which I know I’ll wear
      a lot – especially the long
      cosy cardigan.
      Alison xx

  12. I love all the colors and styles of Fall. It’s definitely my favorite season! Thanks for linking up with The Style Six!

    • Thank you, Laura. I love the colours and textures that this
      Season brings. It’s my favourite.
      Alison x

    • Thank you, Emma. This trench was such a bargain in the sales – and has
      worked so well for me.
      Alison xx

  13. I’ve just ordered a boucle coat from ASOS 11.11 sale at 30% discount ! Love your outfits, btw.

    #AnythingGoes

  14. /

    Love all of your outfits 🙂 Thanks for sharing at The Weekly Link Up.

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