Lauren Di Bartolo is a fashion stylist and human behaviour expert based in Melbourne. An industry innovator and founder of Australian Style Institute, she has spent decades observing the relationship between people and their clothes. She’s a regular contributor to Fashion Journal, answering our burning style questions in her fortnightly column.
Autumn is in full swing, shifting our focus to additional layers, heavier fabrics and transeasonal dressing. Investment items and transeasonal dressing… I know these are over-hyped words, but bear with me, this isn’t just fashion marketing, this can transform how you determine your wardrobe as a whole.
For more fashion news, shoots, articles and features, head to our Fashion section.
As a stylist, I’ve helped many clients fill their wardrobes with autumn essentials for years and I know that these two words are more important than ever. This can be attributed to many factors, a few being the unpredictable weather, shorter trend cycles and the desire to shop with more intention.
Summer and winter are often seasons for buying with necessity in mind (the weather usually demands what we wear at this time), whereas spring and autumn months bring more discernment when it comes to updating our wardrobe. So if you’re looking for items that give you immediate trend appeal while looking timeless, here’s what I’m always on the hunt for.
Knitwear
Knitwear is often one of the most underrated items that I introduce my clients to, because in Australia, it’s often considered ‘winter wear’. But, did you know wool is known to thermo-regulate? This means that it adjusts to your body temperature, keeping you warm in winter by trapping heat, and cool in summer by releasing moisture and heat.
For transeasonal dressing, we’re looking for light-to-mid-weight knits that can be layered. You can find these everywhere, from thrifted to luxurious items by iconic Australian labels like Lee Matthews, or New Zealand knitwear masters, Standard Issue.
Anna Quan’s Penelope dress in Mocha is giving me the autumn vibes of my ’60s dreams. it’s a perfect example of a transeasonal piece, as I’d pair with boots for cooler months and slingbacks in warmer months.
The trench coat
The trench is a global style shorthand for a reason, but that doesn’t make it overdone. The trench manages to be classic and contemporary, masculine and feminine, the main character and the supporting role all at the same time.
My tips here are if you’re shorter, you may want to consider a trench that finishes at the knee, rather than the mid-calf, and if you’re wanting one trench that will still feel contemporary in years to come (or just a little extra drama), then avoid a cropped trench. Local label Bassike does a few classic styles, while New Zealand label Paris Georgia has some sleek options.
The classic coat
The sophisticated sister of the trench is the black or navy coat. It’s the sort of item that when purchased well, can last you a lifetime. Fit is key here – a coat should drape over the body (think of a roomy fit, this isn’t an item you want to be buying on the smaller side). I’ve been bringing in autumn in this beautiful new Sophie coat from Commonry.
View this post on Instagram
A statement boot
Boots are one of the most versatile investments if style is your motive. They do a great job of anchoring an outfit while perfecting day-to-night style. I’ve had my eye on Alias Mae’s Crawford boot for some time. The bold croc leather makes a quiet statement, while the 4.5cm inverted heel is practical enough to clock miles in.
If you’re wanting to make your boots a true investment, if they’re leather soled, it’s worth getting them resoled while they’re still new. An additional expense that has a serious ROI.
A silk slip dress
A 100 per cent silk slip is another underrated wardrobe MVP. You can wear it alone and dress it up, add layers underneath like a merino turtleneck or tights (or thermals come winter), or add layers on top with a cropped jacket or long line coat.
Australian label Silk Laundry has perfected the classic slip dress in a range of colours, while Shona Joy has a more varied range of lengths and necklines.
Opt for a long-sleeve dress in a print if the classics aren’t your style. I’m loving the artist collaborations at Romy, especially the Sienna dress, or the interesting shapes that Alpha 60 are known for.
If you’re set for wardrobe staples, then autumn is the perfect time to shift gears to hosiery and accessories. Not only can they add practical variations on the same items we wear year ’round, it’s an opportunity to add tonal interest. On that note, chocolate and wine tones are still reigning supreme this autumn. But if you’re looking for something a bit different, olive green and variations of it are always classic and chic.
To learn more about the Australian Style Institute, head here.
This article Five timeless pieces to invest in for autumn, according to a stylist appeared first on Fashion Journal.
2025-04-11 10:34:00
#timeless #pieces #invest #autumn #stylist
Source link
