Autumnal Layers
We’ve had the most incredible summer (honestly, I can’t remember one this sunny and lovely). But now that September’s arrived, it feels like the weather has flipped overnight.
I was going to write today about ways to make your outfits feel slightly more autumnal — keeping that breezy summer feeling but tweaking it for cooler days.
But as I sit here with the rain lashing the windows and the wind howling, it feels like we’ve skipped straight past that in-between stage and gone full-on autumn already. 🍂
“I’m still wearing sandals… but I’m freezing.”
Or: “I put my big coat on and immediately overheated.”
Sound familiar?
September’s doing that thing it always does — pretending it’s still late summer one minute, then giving you sideways rain and soggy sleeves the next.
And I know loads of you have found yourselves standing in front of your wardrobe muttering, “I have no idea what to wear.” You’re not alone.
So let’s talk layers. Because layering is the secret sauce of autumn style, and the thing that makes this season so fun to dress for.
🍁 First: this weird in-between bit is meant to be awkward
You’re not doing it wrong. Transitional weather is awkward for everyone. You leave the house in the sunshine, and by 3pm you’re caught in a full-on gale (or the other way round) No one’s outfit is perfect right now, and your not doing anything wrong, and that’s kind of the point. Layers let you adapt as you go.
The key is to build outfits up layer by layer. (Like a lasagne. That’s a terrible way to describe an outfit, isn’t it? But also… it kind of works.) Start with something simple, then add pieces you can peel off (or pile on) as needed.
Especially now, when it’s not exactly cold, just confusingly soggy.
🧥 Your autumn layering toolkit:
Here are the pieces that earn their keep over and over again in early autumn:
Cardigans – lightweight or chunky depending on the day. Try belting one over a dress or tucking it into high-waisted jeans for a more polished look. (Did you see the red one I grabbed from OB? That’s exactly what I’ll be doing with mine!)
Opaque tights – instant warmth and a way to keep wearing your summer dresses just a bit longer.
Scarves – not just for warmth. They’re one of the easiest ways to add colour and interest, and easy to pack away in your bag if you get too hot.
Trench coats & Macs – ideal for rainy days without feeling heavy or bulky.
Waterproofs – especially useful for school runs, dog walks, watching your kids play footie! The kind you can shove in your bag and thank yourself later.
Quilted jackets or shackets – effortless and stylish. You can even layer them under a Mac if they’re thin enough.
Ankle boots or Chelsea boots – great for grounding floaty pieces and giving your outfits that autumn feel and more importantly waterproof!
👗 Don’t ditch your summer wardrobe yet
This is the time to build on it. That midi dress you wore all summer? Add tights, boots, and a cardi. Your denim shorts? Pair them with a fine-knit jumper, boots and tights . Did you see my post on this on insta this week?
As always, keep your colour season in mind when you’re layering. Autumn dressing doesn’t mean everything has to be rust and mustard (unless you’re an Autumn, in which case, you are winning right now). If you’re a Summer, think soft greys and dusky berry tones. Springs? Lean into your warm creams, peaches and camels. Winters? Try navy, charcoal or bold jewel tones.
And finally, layering is meant to be a bit messy
It’s okay if you get it wrong some days. It’s okay to look a bit thrown together (everyone else is feeling exactly the same way) It’s okay to still be figuring it out.
The whole point of layering is that you get to adjust, to the weather, your mood, your plans. There’s no “perfect” autumn outfit, just combinations that feel like you.