Autumn Wardrobe Additions, Creating a Cosy Space and TV to Binge

Everything I'm wearing, using, and putting in my home!

September might have the ‘back to school’ marketing around it, but it’s only now that really heralds a new season to me. Hibernation season is upon us and I need zero encouragement to get into the spirit. Pulling knitwear out of storage, easing my feet back into boots, and bingeing an excessive amount of great podcasts and TV (The Capture on BBC/Can I Tell You a Secret podcast by The Guardian to name a couple).

This is one of my favourite times of year to really nest at home. The lurex-clad merriness of Christmas is still weeks away and the chill (or not so much as the case has been this year) in the air makes me want to re-group, deep clean and bed down a bit. We’re finally getting around to jobs like changing lamps over to 5 amp plugs (it’s all well and good putting in the circuits, you’ve got to change all the plugs damn it), planting bulbs for next Spring and leaning into casserole season.

1: Benijo necklace - 2: Casa de Folklore bowls - 3: Cowboy boots

MY AUTUMN WARDROBE

I don’t know whether it’s the dire state of the economy or just an inclination to blend in a bit more, but I’ve really been veering more towards neutrals while building something of a staple uniform this season (my technicolour summer wardrobe is silently sobbing in the loft right now). All shades of brown in particular are my new weakness, the nuttier, chocolate-y ones especially. I used to work in trend forecasting for a moment and apparently, fashion does tend to move towards being more low-key and minimal in the light of a looming recession/political meltdown so maybe that’s to blame. Bah humbug.

Obviously, knitwear is the thing right now. I was lucky enough to go to NY with Cos last month and while their rooftop show was amazing, it was their in-store cashmere that really blew me away. This jumper and this jumper both feel like they could have cost 3 times the price. Lisa Yang is my latest knitwear obsession (think blanket stitch tanks and collared cashmere jumpers) while &Daughter ticks so many boxes; sustainable, ethical, local, and cool to boot. I particularly love their cropped colourful cardigans and vests. I love Spanish brand Babaa’s knitwear, particularly the shoulder-detail jumper. The last little brand shout-out is to A Day’s March which both me and my husband are now huge fans of. Swedish, timeless minimalism done just right, I just bought this brown, collared jumper and have had so many compliments on it and my husband’s new wear-everywhere jacket is from them too. Sweater vests are in their element right now (literally). Re/Done, Boden, Arket, Ganni and Acne all do some of the best in my mind; I like mine layered over a simple long-sleeve white t-shirt with a leather jacket to de-preppy it a bit.

I already have a pretty expansive coat wardrobe and have dug them out of storage and worked out what I still like (nearly all) and what I want to sell/giveaway (a couple, mostly anything too fitted). I did cave and buy the Toteme recycled shell jacket which I’ve already worn to death. Arket does a cheaper, similar, recycled version here too that I really like - I like the green in this style a lot. It’s perfect for layering up as it gets colder and works as well for country walks as it does for meetings in London. The only new thing I’m really feeling is, strangely perhaps, a workwear-inspired Carhartt jacket, probably because so much of my sartorial decisions revolve around walking the dog in the winter and partly because I feel like everything and anything utilitarian feels right at the moment.

I’m also mildly obsessed with Isabel Marant Etoile’s new parkas and am very partial to a gilet right now. I mean this Isabel Marant one would be the dream but I also really like Opera Sport, American Vintage, Tory Sport and The North Face. I have the slightly older version of the Opera Sport version and have been wearing this over a big jumper nearly every single day in the mornings to go to the park. I feel like British luxury brand Cawley Studio which really focuses on craftsmanship has probably made the ultimate gilet, the ultimate for me at least down to the fact it’s striped and you know I struggle to resist a stripe.

One pair of trousers I’ve bought and worn endlessly since the summer is a pair of cargo trousers by Jesse Kamm. I found them at General Store in Venice, LA when I was there in September and they are such a great shape on me. Straight, mid-rise, super comfortable and the perfect shade of dark khaki with a nice little workwear ripstop detail. Only since I’ve bought them that I’ve realised just how much of a cult following this pair of trousers has!

The Row zip-up boots are one of the best investments I ever made and I was actually excited to dig out again this season. I just bought these Wandler boots which I feel will work with EVERYTHING and I like the change in pace with the thick but flat sole. I’m still living in my black Adidas sambas, so much so I’ve been weighing up investing in another colour. Another key buy for me a good while ago was my Eytys trainers and hurrah, they’re actually still available now - they just make everything look better, to be honest.

I blame TikTok for luring me into Ugg Tasman boots (although I draw the line at the platform ones) although, for me, they’re no longer just confined to inside the house. Long, boyish jeans, an oversized cashmere jumper and a leather jacket (this one from Co is my new favourite) with said Uggs might just be my favourite thing to wear right now. I also love the felt version from Ugg. Ok I’ll stop talking about Uggs now because I’m aware I might have lost most of you by now.

Last but not least, if you’ve never tried Pairs socks, you must. When I say socks are one of my greatest pleasures in life I’m not even exaggerating and these have taken this sad little joy of mine to the next level. They’re wool-based rather than cotton and are a different league. Skinny, rapidly threadbare cotton socks just won’t cut it anymore.

HOME ADDITIONS

Just like my wardrobe, this time of year means layers at home too. I listened to a great episode of the Domino podcast with one of my favourite designers Frances Merrill of Reath Design while designing my house. This episode has really stuck with me.  She succinctly verbalised something I've long been unconsciously aware of which is that patterned or more pigmented rooms lend themselves to the humdrum of daily life far better than super simple, neutral rooms. Essentially they allow 'mess' to blend in better rather than sticking out like a sore thumb.