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The unexpected fashion pairings to know for autumn

Winter temperatures are really setting in, it's time to refresh your wardrobe
Winter temperatures are really setting in, it's time to refresh your wardrobe

The winter chill has really set in this week (did anyone else throw an extra layer into the mix this morning?), and with it, the need to reevaluate our daily looks.

With the temperature signalling the end of ‘bare ankle weather’, you’d be forgiven for thinking that only chunky knits and wool trousers were fit to see you through the next few months, but that needn’t be the case. Over the past few weeks, a handful of styling tricks have cropped up that have proven our sartorial options for the new season are endless.

These stylish and unexpected combinations not only maximise on cost-per-wear, but will freshen up older winter looks and curb the need to splash out on new pieces for the change in season.

These are the new pairings to make note of:

Statement shirts over knits

Cotton shirts are an obvious staple in the warmer months given the breathable fabric and smart design, but as the mercury dips, they don’t quite cut the mustard on their own. Typically, throwing a knit over the top of just about anything is an easy way to have it winter-ready, but with structured or puff-sleeved shirts being big news this season, not only are they tricky as a base layer, but it means statement styles go unnoticed.

Enter the humble turtleneck knit. Across the high street, slim-fit knits are being styled underneath cotton or silky shirts, upping their cosy factor and allowing them to still take centre stage. If you’re keen, choose one in a contrasting shade to add interest.

Green shirt, £19.99, Zara; Red satin shirt, £19.99, Zara
Green shirt, £19.99, Zara; Red satin shirt, £19.99, Zara

Green shirt, £19.99, Zara; Red satin shirt, £19.99, Zara

Knitted vests with printed dresses

Knitted vests have been on the radar for some time now, but their traditional sartorial partner has long been the shirt. The most modern pairing however is teaming it with a printed midi dress instead.

A cardigan or jumper on top of a floaty dress can feel rather restrictive, but the slim vest makes for the ideal warm layer. It won’t hide a fabulous dress, and as it’s a smart knitwear option, it works perfectly for the office. It doesn’t add bulk to the arms, so on particularly chilly days, you can throw a blazer on top with ease, too.

Printed midi dress, £95; and knitted vest, £65, & Other Stories; Knitted vest, £58; and dress, £118, Baum und Pferdgarten
Printed midi dress, £95; and knitted vest, £65, & Other Stories; Knitted vest, £58; and dress, £118, Baum und Pferdgarten

Printed midi dress, £95; and knitted vest, £65, & Other Stories; Knitted vest, £58; and dress, £118, Baum und Pferdgarten

Party skirts by day

Party season is fast approaching, which means our workwear looks will be challenged with taking us straight through to evening events. Save the faff of a complete change of outfit at 6pm by dressing down a special skirt for day.

It’s a styling trick that appears across the new high street collections this autumn: Boden has paired silky bias cut skirts with chunky jumpers and stompy boots, which means only a quick change of accessories is needed. Statement earrings and strappy mules are ideal. Speaking of which…

Satin midi skirt, £110, Boden
Satin midi skirt, £110, Boden

Satin midi skirt, £110, Boden

Cargo trousers with heels

With lockdown came the comfy shoe takeover, which means that heels of any height feel like quite the fashion statement now. In the same vein that chunky boots dress down an evening skirt, a pair of great heels can be used to elevate casual trousers. The result is a high/ low mix which will make heels look modern.

Cargo trousers are the perfect example of this: they’re big news for the next season, and where trainers or boots might feel too relaxed alongside, sparkly mules or suede pumps contrast nicely. It also means you needn’t save your special shoes for best: a sparkly pair will brighten up grey mornings a treat.