Friends, cold weather is almost upon us. Right about now, you’re probably packing away your sundresses, beach towels and linen playsuits for another year and reminiscing on the warm arvos and good times. It’s bittersweet, but there are better things to come – and planning your Autumn/Winter wardrobe is absolutely one of them.
I don’t mean to get all Pumpkin Spiced Latte and Ugg Boots on you, but there is no better time of the year to dress like an absolute chic fashion-killer. It’s because cold-weather wardrobe staples are timelessly stylish and effortless to pull off. There’s something endlessly cool about a statement coat, a black turtle neck and a pair of boots that a hyped trend of the now probably won’t ever have.
Styling timeless looks helps you get into the habit of really thinking about what you’re buying. It’ll get you considering whether you’re just latching onto a trend that’ll die in a few months, or if it’s an impulse decision, or whether it’ll actually serve a purpose for you. All of that together means you’ll be less likely to over-buy, keep things for longer and actually appreciate what you have, which is a way more sustainable mindset to have towards clothes.
In my humble opinion, your wardrobe is the only thing that’ll stick through everything, so here are four timeless trends you should consider for when the weather gets colder.
Statement Dresses
Having a winter dress you can whip out for a pal’s bday dinner, a night out or even a day at work is essential in shaking up the ‘jeans and a nice top’ routine we can get into in Autumn/Winter. No shade on that look, but we’re all for keeping things spicy. H&M has just launched a new range of lacy dresses that nail the entire timelessness vibe and will also fill the statement dress void.
They’re inspired by silhouettes of the 1930s and ooze cottagecore and goth aesthetics through their vintage finishing touches like high necks and textured leaves. They’re a little bit edgy, a little bit playful, and a whole lot gorg, made 100% out of recycled materials too, which makes them a hugely sustainable buy.
Lace Stand-Up Collar Dress ($29.99)
Big Coats
Picking a coat that you’ll wear ~everywhere~ is the first step to crafting an Autumn/Winter wardrobe that screams cool. You’ll want something that’s warm enough for the morning commute, portable enough for a night out – you get the picture. It’ll save you from buying multiple different jackets that muddle the consistent vibe/look of your whole wardrobe too. You can suss H&M’s online exclusive range of coats that are made from 50% wool, that are guaranteed to keep you cozy and sorted for many chilly nights to come.
Calf-Length Coat ($119)
Chunky Boots
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but buying one pair of chunky black boots that go with everything is the only investment you’ll ever trust. NTFs and cryptocurrency will fluctuate, but will black boots ever decrease in value? No. Will they ever give out on you or let you down? No. They’re the only truly reliable support you’ll ever have.
They work with jeans, dresses, skirts – you name it. Since Autumn/Winter is generally too frosty to rock a pair of strappy heels, boots are the universally accepted nice event footwear of the season, meaning you’ll not only be the most fashionable person in the room, but the most comfortable too.
Lace Stand-Up Collar Dress ($79.99)
Monochrome
Wearing black and white and nothing else is the ultimate power move. Why? Because it doesn’t give anything away. It draws people in. It’s mysterious. Colours will go in and out of fashion (a lesson I’ve learnt the hard way trying and failing to sell the many millennial pink pieces I bought out of hype-induced impulse in 2017), but black and white will never let you down.
Try shopping for a few staple pieces in black and white (high-neck long sleeves, tank tops to layer etc.) and then choose a few more unique pieces like one of the lacy dresses above to add a bit of textural pizzazz to your wardrobe. You’ll be able to keep the clothes forever and adapt them to whatever trends are popping off at the time with accessories – which saves you from burning through new garments every season.
Lace-Trimmed Dress ($29.99)
If you’re looking to sort-out your Autumn/Winter fits and shop consciously, suss out the entirety of H&M‘s new collection in-store and online.
