My autumn wardrobe essentials
Every year, at the beginning of October, I take the time to reorganize my wardrobe to lighten the racks of clothes that I will not wear for the next six months. Chunky knit cardigans replace light summer dresses. Wool skirts and cashmere sweaters are brought out of storage. Shorts and tank tops go into hibernation for a few months. And every year, I take immense pleasure in rediscovering these pieces that I love to wear in the fall. Soft, warm fabrics that I love to snuggle up in when the wind is blowing outside. And clothes with a style inspired by the English countryside that are truly made for autumn.
Blazers
Without a doubt, the most versatile piece in my wardrobe this season. It can be worn with light tops when it’s still mild, or paired with a knit sweater or turtleneck for colder days. After years of struggling with large lapels or using hair elastics to keep the sleeves at a certain height, I decided to go to a seamstress to have the sleeves cut to 3/4 length. It took me a long time to decide because it’s quite a definitive solution, as you’ll agree. But with my build and height (1.52m), the three-quarter sleeve helps to better balance my silhouette when I wear a blazer. Style-wise, I tend to choose them in warm shades (brown, beige, camel) with Prince of Wales check, plaid, and gingham patterns. And I’ve been looking for a nice green tartan pair for a few years now.
Turtlenecks
I could almost wear it every day! Timeless and classic, they allow me to create dozens of different outfits depending on the occasion or my mood. With simple jeans, I really like to accessorize them with a pearl necklace like the ones you can find in this selection of trendy sautoirs, or with a silk scarf to dress up the outfit with a touch of color and beautiful patterns. I also wear them under a blazer or with my autumn/winter skirts. In solid colors, they pair easily with tartan or gingham, and they effortlessly add a touch of elegance to an everyday outfit.
The barn jacket
An outdoor jacket that is an integral part of the classic English country wardrobe (see first photo of the article). For the past two years, they’ve been available in almost every fashion store. And so, perhaps for the first time in my life, I’m wearing a trendy piece… even if I’m wearing it in a way that’s probably too classic to really be fashionable. My “barn jacket,” or “waxed jacket” as it’s properly called, is one of Barbour’s most traditional models. It took me several years of searching and a trip to Scotland in 2022 to finally find my size in a store. However, I didn’t choose the iconic olive color, which I love; the sage version was a better match for my skin tone. I obviously wear it a lot in my daily life since I live in the countryside. It accompanies me on our walks in the forest, our chestnut picking, our gardening work in the vegetable garden… or during our strolls at the village flea markets on Sunday mornings.
Quilted jackets
One of my seasonal essentials for over a decade. I love quilted jackets, also known as “quilted jackets”, to wear with a casual outfit, for window shopping at the garden center, or to go to my weekend theater workshops. A few years ago, I fell in love with a model in a beautiful khaki green from the Barbour brand, warm enough to be almost as warm as a light down jacket that I can wear with a big scarf when it’s really cold. And last week, I ordered one in beige with a small velvet collar; a lighter, very classic model – and budget-friendly! – which I found at H&M.
Leather and rubber boots
These are kind of my signature pieces. The ones I wear absolutely all autumn/winter, whatever the weather – or almost. Although I have some pumps for evening wear and some lined ankle boots/low boots for snowy days, I wear high boots almost daily at this time of year. As you look at my outfit photos on Instagram, you can see the different styles. There’s dark brown leather – cognac, boots that are more of a camel color, a black pair for days when there’s a chance of light rain, and rubber boots for walking through puddles.
Wool and felt hats
While autumn signals the end of the straw hats that I love to wear, in summer it also heralds the return of wool and felt models. This season, I particularly like the Fedora models from the British brand Hicks & Brown for everyday outfits in the “country living” style. And to go with dressier outfits, with a skirt or a dress, I bring out cloche hats, which add a touch of elegance to the whole look.
