How to revive your wardrobe this autumn

Not sure about you lovely lasses, but I’m often a tad overwhelmed by the seasonal fashion trends. Last year, it was all about wide-leg pants, then, just like that, we’re told to hang onto our straight-leg pants and skinny jeans!

As for seasonal colour promotions, I see burgundy is back (was it ever gone, chuckles), and brown, going into deeply autumn hues, is the new black…

What to do when in a quandary? We stick to what works, I say, and, above all, we wear whatever our mood, or the occasion, requires.

I recently cast an eye on this year’s autumn fashion predictions in Europe, and I was delighted with Ralph Lauren and Georgio Armani’s revival of classic, classy chic, evocative of the late 70s, when neutral hues and sleek lines made for fabulous dressing on a shoestring.

So many of us were just starting out in the working world back then, and we had to count our dollars, yet we managed to stay on trend…

So, here’s a little glimpse into next month’s style news, whilst the latest fashion trends from Europe are still fresh in my head. Don’t ditch those flouncy, frilly blouses from some years ago as they are coming back!

Watching the mix of those feminine lace and silky blouses paired with cargo pants as well as flowing pants and skirts, got me rummaging in my wardrobe. I have those Dior-style tops, so reminiscent of the 80s, and again by early 2000, wrapped in tissue for this inevitable revival. I felt like a girl in a lolly shop.

So, if anyone calls us hoarders, just put on your Mona Lisa smile because we know something they don’t… quality style never dies, it only has a well-deserved break.

Years ago, buccaneer-styled pants and wide belts worn with long boots formed the foundation of those frilly shirts. This year, we’ll be pairing those provocatively feminine blouses with flowing pants or maxi skirts enhancing our silhouette.

Versatile black and white never date. When so inclined, we could add some zest with a colour of our choice and a pretty, shimmery lip colour to enhance that Midas touch. Classic style transcends current trends and creating a look unique to us, is, to me, the height of sophistication.

Scarves are treasures I could never live without. Again, it all depends on the mood. Want to create high drama? Go bold with scarf colours to elevate those basic black and whites. Want to simply show a dab of playful French panache? Add a charming little scarf around your neck or tied to your handbag.

Last month I demonstrated the use of the dress-coat vest, now, for added layering, I’m wearing that coatdress again, this time it doubles as a vest over pants. The colour? Black!

Going for black on black? Not in the mood for a fuss? Simply add accessories for effortless chic. Prefer winter white? Add black accessories, or, simply add a soft shade of beige to accentuate the white.

Autumn is a season of rejuvenation, shedding the summer skin, welcoming those cosy pieces, like boots, blazers, and vests. These basic items, when paired with care, are the foundation of the capsule wardrobe, which offers endless fashion possibilities. Add a white silk or crisp cotton shirt to the mix, and the stage is set for endless styling choices.

Keep shining, gorgeous gals, and I hope you feel inspired by the pieces I’ve styled here on repeat – see how easy it is to mix and match, creating entirely different looks that will make you shine even brighter. Don’t forget your two most powerful accessories: confidence and your smile…

The most recent items featured are from @fella_hamilton, @zaraaus, @decjuba, @witcheryfashion, and @ninewestaus (all on Instagram).

For daily style ideas on Instagram, see @tilly_thegoodlife_style and for my monthly lifestyle blog featuring life lessons, entertainment, dining, travel and ageless style, pop over to www.tillythegoodlife.blog