Taking the first steps on Autumn leaves

Even though the last few months hardly felt like a summer, it’s time to start thinking of autumn style. Paula Burns says the way to stay on trend is to go back to the future with 1970s-inspired boots, suedes and fringes.

There’s something refreshing about the beginning of a new season. It’s never easy to say goodbye to summer but for me September has always been my favourite month. While I love carefree summer style I’m always ready to make that transition to autumn/winter, even though it can be quite daunting.

While September marks the beginning of the autumn/winter season, we haven’t fallen deep into the depths of winter yet where only outerwear matters.

Changing our wardrobe each season can be a costly matter, a cost which most of us can’t really give in to. It’s always reassuring to know that some of those key pieces that were right on trend for summer can brings us straight through to autumn/winter. So for the first few months it’s easy to translate some of those precious buys of summer into your autumn wardrobe.

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The over-the-knee boot

Don’t worry, we are not asking you to get your inner Pretty Woman on. Surprisingly, the thigh-high boot has moved up in the world and has become the statement boot for the past couple of seasons. It was making its way to the high street last autumn/winter with it becoming a firm favourite during the summer months especially amongst the Irish bloggers out there. The over-the-knee was ideal for Irish summer when matched with a mini dress, giving just enough coverage while showing the perfect amount of flesh. This can be seamlessly brought through to next season.

The catwalks were inundated with versions of the fiercely glamorous over-the- knee boot with Dior winning hands down with their second skin glossy rubber take which actually covers the entire leg. But with an out-of-reach price tag for most, they may remain a dream purchase.

On the high street the on-trend suede version is perfect. Grey is the shade of the season and works well with the autumn/winter tones of burgundy, wine and of course black. Don’t be afraid of this trend. The thigh-high boot does carry certain connotations but wear with this season’s mini and black opaque tights for a more demure look that can take you from day to evening wear.

Suede and fringing

Suede has been the much-loved fabric of the last season. Embraced by the Instagram fashion pack, suede will slide perfectly into next season’s wardrobe. This ’70s favourite is adorning the rails of the autumn/winter collections. If you bought the summer’s must-have suede a-line skirt then this will work through next season.

For the colder autumnal months, match with tights, which don’t have to be black – in keeping with the ’70s vibe, shades of mulberry and grape have seeped through. Add the other statement boot, the ankle to complete the look.

Hanging alongside the suede trend has been fringing. For summer, fringing finished the hemlines of skirts and tops alike. The easiest way of carrying this trend through the seasons is with accessories.

The accessory on my fringing wish list is the Stella McCartney Black Falabella Shaggy Deer-Fringed Tote – a girl is allowed to dream! Stella wasn’t the only one taking on the fringe trend with designers from YSL to Burberry creating some stunning bags adorned with fringing. As always, the catwalk has trickled down to the high street with plenty of fringing choice.

Dungarees

Dungarees have been the must-have piece of the last season. It’s a trend that has been sneaking in over the past few years reaching its pinnacle in Spring/Summer 2015. A favourite back in the 1990s, the dungaree has transformed into a versatile prominent wardrobe piece.

Dungarees come in an array of styles with the high street offering the full denim over-all to cute printed shorts and pinafore dresses. For summer, the dungaree was all about matching with a light crop-top and deciding to go either with one buckle or two, aka Cara Delevingne.

For autumn/winter, the pinafore dress style – or dungadress as I like to call it – is the perfect transitional piece. When styling for this season, think the preppy Alexa Chung look. The blouse, a coveted piece of Miss Chung, is the statement piece of the season. For the new romantics out there, the ever-so-pretty pussy-bow blouse would be the perfect ensemble. Match with black sheer tights. Yes, you heard correctly: we’re heading back to the 1980s, with sheer tights, preferably 10-denier and add a block-heel Mary Jane to complete the preppy style.

Or alternatively, the full denim flared style as worn by Taylor Swift this summer matched with a polo neck would fit perfectly amongst the ’70s inspired trends of autumn/winter.

Boho

If there is one thing to remember this season, it’s that the 1970s are back with a vengeance. The boho style of the hedonistic summer months translates perfectly into the autumn/winter wardrobe.

The embroidered blouses, voluminous bell-sleeved shirts of summer that once complemented cut-off shorts can now be revived for autumn. In keeping with the 1970s theme, texture is paramount. Snakeskin, croc and leather embellish this season’s mini and a line skirts. Mix with the freeness of a boho shirt to keep with the groove.

The folksy dress of summer fits comfortable in the ’70s vibe. Choose the ankle-grazing style matched with the suede boot to create the perfect groove.

And don’t forget the over-sized faux fur from last winter. This will complete the ’70s look. Think Margot Tenenbaum for this season’s style pin-up.

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