Although there may still be a few precious weeks of summer remaining in the UK, it’s never too soon to begin planning a capsule wardrobe for the upcoming season. Now’s the perfect time to start thinking about the key pieces you'll need to see you through the unpredictable days ahead.
Here in the UK, where the weather can—and does!—shift unexpectedly, having a well-curated capsule wardrobe is not just a matter of style but of practicality. Planning your wardrobe now, instead of waiting for the cold weather to hit, will ensure you step into the new season well-prepared.
Trend Highlights for Autumn 2024
Fashion trends are unavoidable and often irresistible. They play a powerful role in shaping what we wear, influencing everything from the clothes available in shops to the way we put together our daily outfits.
Our choice to participate in fashion trends doesn't have to lead to a disposable approach to clothing. It's possible to incorporate them into our wardrobes in a responsible and sustainable way.
By making thoughtful choices about what we purchase, and choosing items that can be restyled in multiple ways and worn for years, we can enjoy trends without contributing to the wastefulness of fast fashion.
As part of my seasonal style inspiration round-ups, I'll be introducing fashion trend highlights and sharing how I plan to incorporate these trends into my wardrobe sustainably.
Sheer Elements
Sheer fabrics offer a playful and creative way to experiment with textures and layers in your wardrobe. They strike the ideal balance between modern trends and timeless elegance. This season, sheer black dresses are a standout trend, providing a subtle glimpse of what lies beneath while maintaining a polished appearance.
I've had a sheer dress on my wardrobe wish list for months ever since I fell in love with the Emiko Kozo Dress (there's one on Depop!) I recently thrifted a similar-ish sheer dress that's more transparent and less structured. My plan is to style it with minimal jewellery and a slip dress underneath. I’ve even put together a Pinterest board with styling inspiration!
Vintage Silhouettes
Refined style is making a strong comeback this season, with a focus on vintage clothing. High-waisted trousers, A-line skirts, little black dresses, and tailored blazers are perfect for creating a polished, timeless look—and the best part is, they can all be thrifted! When paired with seasonal trends and modern accessories these classic staples will feel fresh and relevant.
After a summer packed with playful outfits, I'm eager to return to classic silhouettes and a less colourful capsule. My style inspiration for this season is heavily influenced by the Dark Academia aesthetic, so I'll be incorporating vintage shirts and thrifted knitwear in my next seasonal capsule.
Interesting Necklines
Necklines are getting a lot of attention this season, with asymmetrical styles and unique cuts making a strong statement. These distinctive necklines add an unexpected twist to classic pieces, instantly becoming the focal point of any outfit. Whether it’s a turtleneck jumper, cowl-neck coat, or a deep V blouse, an eye-catching neckline instantly elevates a simple look.
I’ll be paying closer attention on the necklines of my outfits this season, opting for pieces with deep V-necks, square necklines, or unique details. I plan to accentuate these features with statement jewellery that complements the neckline.
Voluminous Layers
Layers are essential for autumn, and this year, it’s all about volume. Oversized coats, chunky knits, and flowing dresses layered together to create cosy yet sophisticated silhouettes. The trick is to play with proportions—pair a voluminous coat with a sleek, fitted dress, or wear an oversized sweater with a more structured skirt.
This autumn, I’m focusing on making the most of my existing wardrobe, and I’ve got a boxy coat that perfectly fits this trend. I plan to style it over more fitted outfits to create a balanced look, pairing the coat’s oversized volume with a sleek, structured silhouette.
Bag Charms
These playful additions add personality to your essential wardrobe staple: the handbag, turning an everyday accessory into a statement piece. From miniature trinkets and novelty keyrings to small pom-poms, bag charms offer a fun and creative way to customise your look without the need for a major investment or permanent alterations.
I recently thrifted a bag and have begun personalising it with a collection of charms, including travel souvenirs, gashapon keyrings, and enamel pendants. I’ve attached the charms using a heart-shaped carabiner, making it easy to add or change the trinkets whenever I want to change things up.
Personal Style Inspiration
Taking some time to pin style inspiration can be incredibly helpful when planning a seasonal capsule wardrobe. I do this every season to gain a clearer idea of the key trends, colours, and silhouettes I'm drawn to and want to incorporate into my own outfits.
This creative exercise can make the transition into a new season much smoother. Having a visual reference not only ensures that your wardrobe choices remain cohesive and true to your personal style but also streamlines the shopping process, helping to avoid impulse purchases.
Dark Academia Aesthetic
Autumn is perfect for the dark academia aesthetic, which features many of this season's on-trend styles. My style mood board in particular features a lot of cosy yet refined outfits with classic silhouettes and comfortable clothes that are perfect for everyday wear.
The colour palette for autumn 2024 is also spot-on, with deep browns, forest greens, and black as the foundation, complemented by warm accents of cream or ivory.
Classic Outerwear
A longline coat is a timeless cold-weather wardrobe staple that works well in any setting. It can be worn with any outfit, and effortlessly transitions from day to night, and from casual to formal.
I already have two classic longline coats in my collection—one black and one camel, both thrifted—so I won’t be shopping for new outerwear this autumn.
Textures and Layers
It’s clear that textures and layers are essential to creating impactful outfits in autumn. Tactile, luxurious materials not only offer warmth but also add depth and dimension to different looks.
As the weather turns cooler and begins to limit styling options, I’ll be focusing on layering different fabrics and texture to keep my outfits visually interesting.
Delicate Jewellery
The jewellery trends for autumn 2024 are all about bold colours, mixed metals, and textured designs, with sculptural pendants and nature-inspired pieces as key highlights.
I plan to embrace these trends by incorporating gemstone jewellery to add colour to my outfits. I’ll also be experimenting by layering necklaces with textured designs or sculptural pendants to create personalised combinations.
Florals in Unexpected Places
Whether in the form of a bouquet, botanical jewellery, or a floral perfume, flowers add a softness to cold-weather outfits. Floral elements are a key part of my style inspiration, and this autumn, I’ve decided to incorporate them into my wardrobe through fragrance.
Two perfumes in particular suit this theme: Fox in the Flowerbed by Imaginary Authors and Rose Café by Tom Ford.