The Style Edit: I’m Finally Ready To Talk About Autumn

...and DAMN, I want it all.

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I’d argue that getting dressed has gotten significantly easier since I began prioritising practical purchases. Think my Tretorn Grappa Rainboots*, or my Toteme Barn Jacket*. Would I rather be wearing a pair of loafers and a wool jacket? Yeah, sure. But sometimes it’s tipping down with rain, you’re on the move, and there’s no way out of it; you have to surrender to the conditions. The fix is to find things that you actually want to wear in those moments. So the other day when we were being blessed with what felt like a month’s worth of rain in two hours, I bought two rain jackets to give myself some options:

I first bought the DONNI Nylon Anorak* (there’s more stock of the sage here*), a few months back, but it had a slightly dodgy zip, so I returned it. Turns out I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so I repurchased it. It’s very thin, so it’s a ‘summer showers’ kind of layer, but for the sort of weather we’re having, it’s just what I need.

This Free People Packable Raincoat* is far more technical, and therefore practical. But it just didn’t feel 100% right; I didn’t love the fluorescent zips and the branded patch on the back (which sneakily isn’t really shown online). It’s a return from me, dawg. Perhaps this is a better option*?

On the other end of the jacket spectrum - a new Massimo Dutti Leather Jacket*. I shared it in a newsletter a few weeks ago, clicked order and have been in love since. I’d always been a fan of my Whistles Clean Bonded Jacket*, but I sold it recently for one reason and one reason only - there was no lining. I’m a fan of wearing a tee or vest under a leather jacket, and without a lining the whole thing just felt… clammy. So I sold it in hopes of replacing it, and this Massimo Dutti number is just right. I like the little details: the diagonal stitching across the pockets, the pockets themselves are huge, and the glossy leather adds some texture to my wardrobe.

Size reference: true to size - I’m wearing the medium*.

I told you writing this newsletter is bad for my bank balance, because I also bought the NET-A-PORTER exclusive Valesque Cami Crushed-Velvet Shoulder Bag*. It’s SO CUTE!! It fits a phone perfectly into a zipped middle pocket, and you have space on either side for a few mini essentials and your keys. It’s just right for a day/evening when you can pack light. The crushed velvet appeals to me because it can get roughed up and you’d never even know.

Cutest bag I own and that’s a fact.

Speaking of bags, I was kindly offered a voucher from Sézane to shop their newly rebranded drop, and since the new canvas totes were the stars of the show for me from my online scrolling, I thought I’d do a show-and-tell of the three sizes available. I made a video for you comparing the three. SPOILER: I wasn’t really a big fan of any of them:

The final verdict? The Solange* style is a little too small and too relaxed to be a bag I’d use often, and although the Suzanne* was my favourite of the three, I’d prefer it to be a little bigger and have a shoulder strap option.

The Paule* was comically ginormous. Ludicrously capacious, even. In terms of a family travel bag? GREAT. But an everyday bag it is not.

On a brighter note, I am FLOORED at how comfortable this Aritzia workout set is - find the bra top here* and shorts here*. Oh yes, we can now get Aritzia in the U.K., with all duties and taxes included and free delivery on orders over £90. I tend to find workout gear too compressive, but half the day passed by and I realised I was still stomping around the house in this set with the tags flapping around. For low-impact, strength or Pilates-type workouts, it’s exactly the kind of no-fuss kit you want to wear.

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I had to grab an emergency towel from the car the other day to wrap around myself as we ate in a pub garden! I’ve worn socks for the first time since April! I’ve graduated from pyjama shorts to pyjama trousers! It’s grey, it’s windy, it’s… cold? All of this to say I am finally ready to address fun autumn things like coats and knitwear and leather and long-sleeves and jackets and loafers, and the list really is endless. BUCKLE UP.

It’s a close call between COS, ARKET, and Massimo on who has the best coat and jacket range each AW, but I have to say COS are bringing it this year. This Tailored Wool-Blend Coat* feels like the slightly heavier version of my Frankie Shop one.

…and the leather!! I practically swooned at this Toteme-esque Croc-Embossed Leather Coat*, and to me, this Funnel-Neck Jacket* gives Khaite vibes for a fraction of the price.

If you like the croc-effect leather, but don’t love the price tag, this is a v.good faux leather version*. I tried it on the other day, and it fits true to size.

Whilst I was on the hunt for the link above, I spotted this Satin Bomber Jacket* and just HAD to share. I mean, look at that colour! It would be a fun piece to pair with jeans in a classic light vintage wash and black ballet flats.

If I were on the hunt for a coat that felt more like a 10% piece that wasn’t animal print (my usual go-to), then I’d be buying this*.

I’d argue that this is the time of year when we can abandon our ‘going out top’ hunt and instead opt for a ‘going out jacket’. A far easier category to source (and style!) with options like this citrine jacquard number*, a semi-cropped floral one* and this black jacket with fabulous fringing*.

I know these jeans don’t look like much here*, but they are one of my favourite styles and a great all-rounder straight-leg. If I didn’t already own an indigo pair of denim, I’d be picking up these. Sizing info: if you’re usually between sizes, size up - I wear a 30.

& Daughter make some of my favourite knits, and their wool and cashmere hold up so well. This slouchy V-neck is the kind of thing you could live in all season long*. If you’re braver than me with colour, the butter yellow looks lush.

I feel like my go-to formula this autumn is about to be a pair of straight-leg jeans + ballet flats, with some kind of relaxed long-sleeve tee. I love the slightly-flared sleeve of the COS Brushed-Cotton T-Shirt* and I’m going to try this men’s version* to see if it gives the slouch I’m looking for (I’ve gone for my usual size).

This Christen Tee was all over my feed this week*. The sold-out long-sleeve shown in the IG Reel below is exactly the look I’m going for.

GUYS! A Bambi-print leather bag that isn’t going to break the bank*? Obsessed.

I’m on the hunt for a soft leather ballet flat because my current ones are absolutely ruined, as I have the gait of an elephant. These are fitting the bill for me*.

Or a mule? I kind of love the idea of just throwing these on with your favourite jeans and cashmere knit. These are a good round-toe option* and you know me, I love a soft square-toe too*.

…and finally, some bits on the side. Like this reversible leather belt*, a laptop sleeve that would legit double up as a clutch*, and a scarf to fashion into whatever you want it to be*.

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Your (semi)style-related smorgasbord for the week:

• Currently thinking about each and every outfit that Kelly shared in this note. Side note: I’m going to test out these cords* and this long-sleeve*. Coloured cords have never worked out for me, but a bootcut navy?! I’m gonna try.

• I feel like I type out the same sentence every time, but there are a few brand founders out there doing Substack quite like Jessie Randall of Loeffler Randall*. Jessie Loves is such a hub for, well, exactly that. I always bookmark her crafting posts and endeavour to pick up the keyring supplies she suggested so I can do a little art project with my mates one evening. UPDATE: I just bought these marble letter beads*.

RHONY playing in the background, M&S picky bits and making these. THAT’S my heaven right there.

• I want to be Ilona Hamner, co-founder of Matteau, when I grow up.

• I learnt a lot from Tina Boetto’s post ‘Practical Advice For Writing A Fashion Substack Newsletter’ - a tk flag!? That’s about to change my life right there. Happy 2nd newsletter birthday, Tina!

• Can confirm I’d be happy with every single one of these:

• The big question is: what book to read next from my stash?

I’m leaning towards Fruit Fly, but I can be turned!

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