There’s no denying that by October, the evenings are cooler and it’s getting dark much earlier – autumn is here and winter is on its way. There will be a day soon when you suddenly realize that the wardrobe turnover from Indian Summer September is due – so, this month’s column will help you get ready for it. We want to make sure that when it comes to assessing what you already have, you’ll be able to breathe new life into a few old favorites and be clear about any gaps in your cool weather wardrobe. Let’s look at some ways to style the autumn 2024 fashion trends.
When you ask, “What’s new in autumn fashion?” the quick answer is “At first glance, not much.” That’s because the season’s refresh is quite subtle. There’s no great turnover in shapes, hem length or colors, and many of the trends are things that as midlifers, we’ve seen before and may already own – or at least, know how to wear them. However, there are some interesting adjustments to bring them current.
The whiplash reaction to the super-relaxed silhouettes of “lockdown style” continues and so, the key trend you’ll read about is “demure” – pieces that are a little bit posh and tailored. Think Hitchcock heroine in a fitted pencil skirt … after all, we have places to go and people to see! There will be versions of it – the gold-buttoned, tweedy Chanel-style jacket is everywhere, and the cardigan is key. The trouble is that the very classic Chanel-style jacket and pencil skirt look can be difficult for some women to confidently wear. If you love them, I’d suggest deliberately contrasting the other half of your ensemble; perhaps pair a sweater, oversized cardigan or simple button-down shirt with the pencil skirt and wide-legged jeans with the little cropped jacket.
“For 2024, the biggest, most overarching autumn trend is where the embrace of personal style meets maximal accessories.”
Leopard print: It’s still in … Yes! You’ll either be a leopard lover or you won’t, there’s no right or wrong about it. As we transition to full fall style, leopard jeans are currently the fastest selling items. Shine was big last year when silver reigned supreme. There are still metallics everywhere, which thrills me because nothing gives your skin tone a boost like the reflected glow from a metallic top. For 2024, the new high-shine texture is leather or faux leather with a much glossier finish than we’ve seen for a while. For a great example, see SHIFT’s copper-toned, faux leather five-pocket pants paired with a gorgeous cardigan.
The biggest, most overarching autumn trend is where the embrace of personal style meets maximal accessories. Use your current wardrobe staples as your base – for example, a great coat (October is the perfect season for layering), a beautifully tailored blazer and a luxurious knit should be equally prioritized. With a bit of innovation and well-executed techniques, we can make every day’s look unique and extraordinary!
Belts: Invest in a couple of great ones and belt a shirt, a sweater dress, your high-waisted jeans and tuck in that slimming top so all can see your key accessory! Another opportunity knocks when feather weather arrives. Once indicative of social status, feather embellishments give clothing an innate sense of drama. But for autumn 2024, feathers infiltrated in unexpected ways, even for everyday wear. SHIFT has exquisite feather earrings, and feather brooches make gorgeous and unique hat adornments.
Fringe is fabulous and faux fur is foxy! Accessories like a faux fur wristlet can be designed and custom made at SHIFT’s Parking Lot Party on Thursday, October 24 hosted by 1011 Fabrics and the whole team at the Corner of Creativity in Fenton. Follow our social media for more info and pre-registration opportunities to SHIFT YOUR STYLE into autumn mode!
