I love this time of year, don’t you? Autumn is an exciting time to be alive: the air gets crisp, the days get shorter and cooler, and we get to pull out our cosy clothes and start wearing cute scarves and gloves again. If you’ve followed me for a while, you know that I love nothing more than a new season in fashion, so of course, I was excited to learn all about what’s trending this autumn. I’ve done my research, and I’ve curated several autumn/winter trends that I know you’re going to love. Here are my favourites.

My Favorite Autumn Trends

Slick Shades

Though the sun is not as bright in autumn as in spring and summer, there’s not an outfit in the world that a few accessories can’t improve. Another great thing about autumn is that you’ll be able to find a designer sunglasses sale or two to pick up a new pair for the coming months. If you’re going to shop for sunglasses this season, there are a few pairs that you can’t pass up. The sporty biker/cyclist style shades that have been in vogue for a few months are sticking around as the cold weather rolls in. A more sophisticated take on similar shapes comes from the Y2K classic shield glasses, preferably with a nice colour gradient and diamante inlay. Step back another ten years, and you’ll land where our next trend comes from — oval, wire-rimmed shades. Keep these in black or dark grey to add to that monotone 90s aesthetic.

Dark and Romantic

I’m not a fan of what I would call the classic Goth aesthetic, but I am a massive fan of the dark, romantic looks I’m seeing on several runways at the moment. Spooky girls are having their moment, and I love it. Think lace collars, black buckle shoes, and giant velvet bows. You can find this trend on social media under the hashtags dark academia or spooky girl, and there’s a lot of inspiration out there if you know where to look. Stick to white, black, grey, and maybe a little deep, oxblood red. If you need guidance, look to girls like the new Wednesday Adams or Stevie Nicks: they know how ghost girl autumn should be done.

Extra Padding

Take last season’s puffer coats and one-up them; you’ll have this season’s duvet coats: the cosier, the fluffier, the softer, the better. I see many full-length coats and lots of quilting; these design features add a lot of luxury to any look. Quilting is much more sophisticated than the clean-line puffer trend we’ve been seeing for a few autumn/winter seasons, so if you’re looking for a comfortable, practical way to level up your autumn outerwear, this is the way to go. Comfort is critical here: these jackets will feel like you’ve wrapped yourself in your warm downy duvet and gone out, but you’ll look like a million bucks.

Tailor Made

Nineties tailoring is still in this season, which is no surprise since the looks created using this design principle are classic and timeless. It’s easy to build an entire wardrobe by purchasing a few beautifully tailored pieces to function as mix-and-match options. You’ll need a well-structured blazer, a classic white shirt or blouse, a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers, and perhaps, if the idea appeals to you, a matching maxi skirt in the office-chic style. Pair these items with tees while the weather is mild, then turtlenecks and pullovers as the days get colder and colder towards winter. Well-tailored pieces of clothing made to last will never go out of style. These are investment pieces, so check out all the options and choose wisely.

Winter Blooms

Florals are a returning fashion trend, and they only briefly step out of the spotlight. Usually, flowers appear on garments as the seasons move towards spring and summer, but this year, I’ve seen a  few exciting blooming winter pieces. Winter florals take on a different look than their warm-weather counterparts — colours are darker, and the overall look is a lot grungier, even trending towards punk at times. Lots of moody looks featuring floral lace, pixelated prints, and flora accessories like brooches and sunglasses. If florals aren’t usually something you would incorporate into a look, take things slowly. Try a brooch or layering a floral shirt or skirt under a plain, darkly coloured coat. Little pops of something new will add interest to your looks all season long.

Autumn fashions make me excited for the weather to change. I’m ready to sip hot drinks and go on long walks to look at all the beautiful leaves changing colour in my best outfits!

P.S.: Images from Pexels