LAYER PLAYERS | HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER PIECES

Whether you love it or hate it, make no mistake autumn is fast approaching and our wardrobes are inevitably going to have that seasonal shake up. I've made a start on mine- storing away my summer goodies for another year and bringing out the hoards of knitwear that I packed away when summer began.
But don't get too excited now my fellow autumn fans, think wisely about what you put away for another year and take a good hard look at your favourite summer items. Can they be styled in a new and fun way to make them seasonally appropriate?
Chances are YES!
I mean your denim shorts can go as there's not much room for them to be restyled in a way that is seasonally acceptable, but your slinky summer dresses, your floaty tie-waist skirts and your sleeveless linen jumpsuits there is still hope for yet.

I picked this checked jumpsuit up whilst in Urban Outfitters in New York and whilst I'm not sure you can get it here in the UK (damn it!) I think you'll all agree that it was a piece I simply had to add to my wardrobe.
I saw it hanging in the "summer dresses" section, and whilst it may have been 32degrees over in New York at the time, I was on the hunt for knitwear, for denim and for absolutely anything that featured corduroy... Naturally.
But there was something about this piece, with it's multi-coloured check print, it's nod to this seasons new trends and the overall silhouette of the jumpsuit that had my styling juices flowing and I just knew it was a great piece for wearing on warmer days (apparently the end of September is where it's at!?) and for layering up to the nines when it's that little bit colder.

On first look, you'd ideally want to style this halter neck jumpsuit, in checked linen and with key hole back detailing, simply with a pair of sliders or lace up wedge espadrilles, with a big ole pair of sunglasses and those natural waves only achieved through a lazy day lying on the beach.
Now unfortunately I didn't actually get chance to style it in such a way this time around having purchased it in early August which we all know was an absolute WASH OUT of a month.

However, that didn't stop me as earlier this month I layered it up with a really gorgeous structured denim jacket by Me & Em. A thick dark wash denim with contrast stitching and belt fastening, with it's utility style patch pockets and oversized collar it was the perfect ode to the seventies to take this look seamlessly from summer to autumn. Whether you choose to wear the jacket open or belted, it's the perfect coverup to combat the chill but to quite frankly finish off the look in a way that looks a little more put together and autumn ready.

Now if that isn't layered enough for you, then simply throw on a plain white tshirt underneath your chosen summer dress or jumpsuit for both extra warmth and for extra style points. A high neck fine knit jumper would also look killer to add further warmth and of course a touch of sixties mod, a touch that never goes a miss in my books.

The trick with restyling for autumn is usually all in the layers. Throw things over, slide things under and build up a look that feels new and fresh. The reason I am SO big on autumn/winter styling is that is requires a little more thought and a lot more creativity to create a fun look that feels brand spanking new. It's not about having the latest pieces, it's about looking constructively at your current wardrobe and seeing how far you can push a piece. Perhaps it's the mini dress you had a cheeky splurge on such as this Reformation baby of mine, or simply a linen jumpsuit that spoke to you whilst on a recent shopping spree in New York, have fun and get creative, throw on all the layers, accessorise to the max and don't give up on your summer faves all too easy, they still have life in them yet.

As per the above, giving your summer pieces a new lease of autumnal life can often be done easily with some key accessories.
Take my much loved Marc Jacobs handbag, the perfect mini bag to tie the whole look together colour wise with it's dark autumnal jewel tones. The beauty of this bag is that it's an iconic bag style for Marc Jacobs, so it will never, ever be irrelevant for as long as they keep bringing out new colour-ways and finishes. It's a teeny-tiny bag I have to say but one that has served me well so far this year. It's the perfect little seventies slice of heaven and I really feel that the canvas chain-print strap is the finishing touch to this look.

The boots are new in at Topshop, who, might I add are KILLING IT once again in the footwear department this season. Not a week has gone by since the new season pieces began to drop where I've not lusted after a pair or two from their newest collection. I'm an absolute sucker for a square toe, especially when a patent finish is involved and not to mention an inverted chunky heel, yep, thats right Topshop have designed my dream boots, thanks huns!

Finish off your refreshed look with some statement sunglasses, whether they're super old like these Miu Miu babies or fresh off ASOS in this seasons must have oval shape, sunglasses are always the key for turning a look into something special. And finally, of course you've got to layer up the jewellery a la summer 18 and hey presto your look is complete and ready for stepping into autumn with.

And with that I bid thee farewell! I truly hope you liked hearing about how you can totally get more wear out of your summer favourites this season. It's all in the layering, the accessorising and having both the imagination and the confidence to try it out. Styling is all about trial and error, about experimenting in front of the mirror and being brave enough to go with it. As long as you feel bad ass, then that is ALL that matters!
Enjoy it!

x M

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROSIE BUTCHER