September always feels like a fresh page in the style diary – Probably by the end of the month, the air changes, the light shifts, and suddenly we’re thinking about layers, richer colors, and ways to feel our best as the seasons turn. This month I’m here to help you:
- Refresh your color palette for autumn
- Fine-tune your style for the new season
- Make the most of what’s already in your wardrobe
- Give your make-up a seasonal glow-up
Your Autumn Energy Boost
As summer fades, the brighter light softens, and richer, warmer tones really come into their own; well for some palettes at least! Here are a few color combinations for everyone to think about to lift your mood and your look.
- Lights – Keep your look fresh and airy by pairing your lighter neutrals (stone, taupe, light grey) with gentle autumn shades like dusty rose or light aqua. Avoid going too heavy or dark.
- Deeps – Lean into the richness of the season with teal, aubergine, and chocolate. Use them as statement pieces or layered tonal looks for maximum impact.
- Warms – Autumn was made for you! Terracotta, amber, lime and olive will harmonise beautifully with your natural warmth. Try them in cosy knits or patterned scarves.
- Cools – Of course you can do autumn in your own way! Opt for jewel tones like sapphire, cassis and cranberry-tones to stay vibrant without drifting into overly warm territory.
- Clears – Make your colours pop with high contrast. Team crisp white or dark navy with a bold accent like emerald green, light teal or true red to keep your look lively.
- Softs – Embrace the mellow mood of autumn with blended, muted combinations – think sage with rose brown, or charcoal blue with claret for effortless elegance.
Pro tip: Try mixing one of your signature neutrals (such as navy, chocolate, charcoal) with a seasonal accent color for an instant update.
Transition With Confidence
This is the perfect month to sharpen your style game – not by buying more, but by styling smarter. Try these high-impact, low-effort tweaks:
- Play the proportions game – Shorten a hem, roll a sleeve, or half-tuck a top to instantly modernise your silhouette. These micro-adjustments can make last year’s pieces feel on-trend. Do what works for your body shape and style personality.
- Mix summer and autumn fabrics – Layering is your September superpower. Think linen trousers with a fine knit jumper, or a silk-like fabric dress with a leather, denin or faux fur jacket. It’s unexpected, but it bridges the seasonal gap beautifully.
- Elevate with accessories – Swap your summer straw bag for a structured leather tote, or change your belt to a statement buckle. Small swaps, big difference.
- Refresh your “third piece” – Your third piece is the magic layer that turns “clothes” into an outfit. If you always reach for the same cardigan or blazer, swap it for something with personality – a cropped boucle jacket, a longline waistcoat, or even a quilted bomber. This single swap can transform your basics into something fresh and intentional.
- Re-style one hero piece – Take that sharp tailored blazer you usually wear for work and throw it over a sweatshirt with wide-leg trousers and chunky loafers. Or belt an oversized shirt dress over leather-look leggings and add chunky boots. It’s about putting a favourite in an unexpected context so it feels brand new. But, always consider your own style personality and dress with intention.
Style isn’t always about more – it’s about knowing which details to shift so you look current without a complete overhaul.
Style Starts At Home
Before you head to the shops, spend a little time looking at what you already own – you might be surprised how many “new” outfits are already waiting for you.
- Rotate by season – Bring forward autumn-weight pieces you stored away. The change in textures and colors will instantly make your wardrobe feel different.
- Style in new clusters – Group 3-5 items together that all work with each other (a top, bottom, layer, shoe, and accessory). Instant mini-capsules for mornings when you’re in a rush.
- Re-accessorise – Try a forgotten belt over a dress, swap the straps on a bag, or pair jewellery you never usually mix.
- Create a ‘maybe’ rail – Pull out pieces you’re unsure about. Challenge yourself to style them 3 different ways this month.
The aim isn’t to wear something you don’t love, it’s to rediscover what makes you feel confident, without defaulting to ‘buy more’.
Did you know that I offer Wardrobe Edits?
Make-up: Seasonal Switch
As you lose the healthy summer glow, you may want to adjust your make-up accordingly.
- As your summer glow softens, a foundation with a little more coverage can even out your skin tone.
- Don’t forget your brows, a little definition frames your face.
- If you embrace deeper colors in your wardrobe, a bolder blush and lip will help your face stay radiant.
- Don’t be tempted to go too heavy or too dark with your eye-liner.
