As the leaves turn shades of crimson and gold, and the air carries a hint of crispness, it's time to say goodbye to summer attire and welcome the cozy embrace of autumn fashion. Dressing for this transitional season requires a blend of style and practicality. In this blog post, we'll guide you on how to dress for autumn, offering tips and outfit ideas to help you make the most of this beautiful season whilst making sustainable choices.

Layering is Key:
Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so mastering the art of layering is essential. Start with a lightweight, long-sleeved base layer, add a versatile cardigan or sweater, and top it off with a stylish jacket or coat. This way, you can adapt to changing temperatures throughout the day.

Choose Earthy Tones:

Embrace the colours of autumn by incorporating earthy tones into your wardrobe. Think warm shades like deep greens, rich browns, burnt oranges, and classic neutrals. These hues not only complement the season but also exude a cozy, autumnal vibe.

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Don't Forget About Denim:
A good pair of jeans is a timeless autumn staple. Opt for classic denim in various cuts and washes to create versatile outfits. Pair them with cozy sweaters or dress them up with a tailored blazer for a polished yet comfortable look.

Boots for Every Occasion:
Autumn is synonymous with boots. From ankle boots to knee-highs, there's a style for every occasion. Consider investing in a timeless, durable, pair that you can wear year after year. And don't forget to accessorize with warm socks or leg warmers for extra coziness.

Accessorise with Scarves:
Scarves are both functional and fashionable during autumn. They can add a pop of colour to your outfit while keeping you warm. Experiment with different scarf styles, from oversized blanket scarves to sleek silk options, to match your mood and the weather.

Transitional Outerwear:
An essential part of dressing for autumn is selecting the right outerwear. Opt for a versatile, mid-weight jacket or coat that can take you from brisk mornings to cool evenings. Trench coats, leather jackets, and quilted vests are popular choices. A well-made classic coat will look great for years. Look for an ethically made new item or search out a high quality jacket from a charity shop.

Incorporate Texture:
Autumn fashion is all about texture. Experiment with materials like tweed, corduroy, and knitwear to add depth and warmth to your outfits. A textured blazer or a chunky knit sweater can instantly elevate your autumn style.

Hats and Gloves:
As temperatures drop, don't forget to accessorise with a stylish hat and a pair of gloves. Not only do they keep you warm, but they also complete your autumn look. Consider felt hats, berets, or leather gloves for a chic touch.

Personalise Your Style:
Ultimately, the most important aspect of dressing for autumn is to express your unique style. Mix and match the pieces that resonate with you, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Your autumn wardrobe should reflect your personality and make you feel confident.

Upcycle and Repurpose:
A great way to personalise your style, have fun, reduce your environmental impact and save money is to get creative by upcycling your old clothing items. Transform a worn-out denim jacket into a trendy vest or turn an old sweater into cozy leg warmers. Upcycling not only reduces waste but also adds a unique touch to your autumn wardrobe. #Upcycling #RepurposeFashion

Shop Mindfully

Think carefully about what you purchase and where you shop. Opt for clothing made from natural and organic materials like organic cotton, wool, hemp, and Tencel which have a lower environmental impact compared to synthetic materials. Choose ethical outlets and look for certified organic labels, circular fashion and recycled materials.

Autumn is a season of transformation, and you can give your wardrobe a stylish and sustainable transformation too. By shopping mindfully, embracing layers, earthy tones, cosy textures, and essential accessories, you'll be ready to step out into the beauty and coziness of autumn with a clear conscience.

Whether you are a seasoned designer, a thrifty fashion enthusiast, or someone looking to make a positive impact on the planet, upcycling clothing offers a world of possibilities.

It empowers us to reimagine the potential of our wardrobes, inspiring us to embrace creativity, sustainability, and a more conscious approach to fashion.

*Photo by* *Utopia By Cho* on *Unsplash*

Our ‘how to’ guide to upcycling helps you dive into the world of upcycling and unlock the hidden treasures in your closet, one stitch at a time.

1. Assess your wardrobe: Start by going through your wardrobe and identifying clothing items that you no longer wear or that are damaged. Look for garments made from materials that can be easily repurposed, such as cotton, denim, or wool.

*Photo by* *Olena Sergienko* on *Unsplash*

2. Gather supplies: Before you begin upcycling, gather the necessary supplies. These may include sewing tools like scissors, needles, thread, and a sewing machine. Additionally, consider collecting buttons, ribbons, lace, and other decorative elements to enhance your upcycled creations.

3. Brainstorm ideas: Let your creativity flow and brainstorm different ways to upcycle your clothing. Think about how you can transform a shirt into a trendy crop top or turn jeans into shorts. Research upcycling projects online or look for inspiration on social media platforms like Pinterest or Instagram.

*Photo by* *Kelly Sikkema* on *Unsplash*

4. Repair and mend: If you have garments with minor damage, like small tears or missing buttons, repair them before proceeding with upcycling. Simple fixes can extend the life of the clothing and make them suitable for upcycling projects.

5. Plan your project: Before cutting or altering any garments, create a plan. Use a sketchbook or paper to sketch out your ideas, note measurements, and visualize how the final product will look. This will help you stay organized and ensure your upcycling project turns out as intended.

6. Get cutting and sewing: Once you have a plan, start cutting and sewing your clothing. Use your scissors to remove unwanted parts or to modify the shape of a garment. Consider adding patches or fabric inserts to give new life to old clothes. Get creative with different stitching techniques to add unique details.

7. Add embellishments: Enhance your upcycled creations by adding decorative elements. Sew on buttons, beads, ribbons, or appliques to transform a plain piece into a statement item. This is your opportunity to add personal touches and make your upcycled clothing truly unique.

*Photo by* *Ratih Mandalawangi* on *Unsplash*

8. Experiment and learn: Upcycling is a chance to experiment and learn new skills. Don't be afraid to try different techniques or combine various fabrics and textures. If something doesn't turn out as expected, view it as a learning experience and adjust your approach for future projects.

*Photo by* *Nathana Rebouças* on *Unsplash*

9. Share and inspire: Once you've successfully upcycled your clothing, share your creations with others. Post pictures on social media, participate in local fashion shows, or organize a clothing swap event to inspire others to upcycle their textiles too. Encourage sustainable fashion practices and promote the idea of reducing waste.

*Photo by* *Anton van der Weijst* on *Unsplash*

Remember, upcycling clothing and textiles not only helps reduce environmental impact but also allows you to express your creativity and create unique pieces that reflect your personal style. Enjoy the process and have fun with your upcycling projects!

How to Dress for Autumn

How to Upcycle Clothing