I love the fashion buzz at this time of year, seeing the new collections coming online and into the shops.  The on trend colours I have spotted are fiery red, shades of grey, browns, neon and metallics.  Style-wise, the maxi mini and midi length are here to stay, as well as tapered and wide-leg pants.  Then, there is the trend of skirts over trousers – not sure about that one! Though, never say “never”.

As the cold weather is approaching, I have been dipping into my Autumn/Winter wardrobe.  The two items I have been reaching for, mostly, are these two dresses which you may have briefly noticed in previous posts. They are the same style but different vibrant prints. They are the perfect autumnal backdrop for outerwear which is starting to make an appearance. I have been wearing them with knitwear, blazers, and coats.

The style of these dresses is great for my rectangle frame and they both have pockets – what’s not to love? I bought the orange dress from Zara, a few years ago, then realised it had a fault, so I had to return it. When trying to repurchase, it was out of stock, constantly, so I reluctantly gave up. In the meanwhile, I saw the purple dress in the same style and loved the retro print.  Then, roll on two years to this September, and the orange dress was for sale on Vinted for £10. I bought it and now realise how much I still love it – what a bargain!!

Belted up!

The prints for these dresses may be a little loud for some – but the vibrancy of the print works so well with a simple jacket or coat, making the outfit more interesting.   Someone said to me a while back that they had tried one of these dresses and felt that it was wearing her instead of the other way around.  I didn’t feel that at all.  I think it’s all about getting the key components to an outfit right, showing our personalities and feeling happy through our style and clothing.

I suppose I qualify for “Second-hand September”, buying my dress from “Vinted”. Plus, I bought a midi-length sequinned skirt on eBay which I’ll show you, soon.  If you like the look of these dresses, check on both eBay and Vinted as I have seen them on there at a great price.  I have found a few for you, below.  Size wise, two years ago, I bought the “Large”.  Losing weight in the last year, the dresses are a little roomy but I prefer this look.

Do you like sequins or “sparkle”?  It has never been my thing…..but, in the last few years, I’ve been making up for lost time.  I’ve now acquired two pairs of sequinned pants and, now, two midi skirts and a sequinned vest. I’ve gone a little bit over the top and need to stop!

I bought this sequinned top in the summer for my holiday – there’ll be more of this in my next post

Here is the outerwear I have styled with my dresses over the last couple of weeks.

1. Bomber Jacket

I purchased this, my first ever  bomber jacket, in the spring of this year (Marks and Spencer).  Since then, I find it to be a hard working, versatile jacket – a change from my favourite blazers and perfect when the weather cools.  I love the length of this bomber, it sits on my hips  – I don’t think I would suit the cropped version.  I’ve got my eye on a creamy, beigh one.  Perfect to throw on with your favourite jeans!

2. Knitwear

I am such a fan of knitwear but I’m extra fussy. It must be lightweight and a great style/shape, not itchy or scratchy and, most importantly, it has to allow for the odd menopausal hot flush! The knitwear that I have acquired, over the years, has lasted me well. I am a firm believer in spending a little more on an excellent quality yarn, then really caring for it, packing away, carefully, in the summer months. This jumper is over ten years old and is still in rather good condition. Great, flung over a dress or with jeans – I tend to wear a vest underneath in case of hot surges! There are some lovely,  jumpers and cardigans on sale, now. I am very tempted to add to my collection.

3. The Trench

Rediscovering my style, in later years, made me realise what I have missed by not wearing certain items, such as this classic trench. I bought this one over five years ago in the Zara sale, sizing up to include layers when the chill hits.  It’s been perfect for the downpours throughout the summer months and, now, for this unseasonably warm weather we are having. It still makes me feel good wearing it – great for layering. I sized up, mainly to wear jumpers when the weather gets colder. There is a fabulous green one I have my eye on – I may be purchasing it with my birthday vouchers.

4. Black Blazer

Bring on the blazer! A great staple which can make an outfit. Depending on the material, a must-have throughout the year, taking us from Summer to the cooler months, effortlessly. When I was younger, I used to wear my then-boyfriend, now husband’s jackets – this was “post-punk”, the beginning of the New Romantic era…. Do you like the oversized jacket style? Back then, I loved this feminine/masculine look, and still do. This quality jacket was a great purchase from Mint Velvet, a few years ago.  The material is light but a good quality wool to keep the chill at bay – such a versatile staple and “must have” in my wardrobe.

5. Barbour Jacket

A few years ago, I won a £250.00 voucher from Barbour.  Their PR team contacted me to explain that a photograph that I had shared on Instagram wearing one of their jackets had acquired a few views, hence winning this competition.   To be honest, I was not aware there was a competition at the time…… So I was able to acquire this timeless piece. I was thrilled and wrote about it here.  Since then, I have worn this jacket throughout the year with dresses, miniskirts, leather trousers and jeans, both skinny and wide leg style.  Wearing my Barbour, today, with my orange dress and flat knee length boots.

I hope you have enjoyed my post which may contain some affiliate links. If you click through to the product, there is no cost to you. The small commission I may earn helps me with the costs of running my blog.

Until the next time.

Alison x