Now that summer has drawn to a close and the colder weather has well and truly set it, it's time for a wardrobe update! Keeping warm while still looking cute is what the autumn wardrobe is all about- the problem is clothes are expensive, and doing it on a budget can be stressful. But not to fear, even if you don't have money for loads of new items there are ways you can build your autumn wardrobe and look and feel your best over the colder months.
Transition Your Summer Clothes
Now the sun has disappeared and it's windy and icy outside, you might feel like there's not a lot you can do with your pretty summer outfits. And sure, it's definitely time to retire your flip flips until next year! But there are things you can do with some items. Take summer dresses for example, most styles will look fine paired up with opaque black tights, boots, a black waist belt and a leather jacket. Swipe on some red lipstick (very on trend for this time of year) and you've totally transformed a delicate day dress now that the sun is no longer out. Some styles might be able to be worn with a long sleeve black or white top underneath, have a play around with layering and see what works. Again skirts could be worn with black tights, boots or ballet flats and a long sleeve top to bring an edgier, autumn appropriate look to something that was quite flowy and light for the summer. Not every summer dress or skirt will be able to be transitioned, but there are plenty that will so it's worth experimenting. It saves you from having to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Look Through Last Year's Wardrobe
Trends come and go, and so you might feel like you'd rather buy new than raid last year's items. However if you shopped smart to begin with and went for quite classic pieces, you might find some gems from last year (or previous years) that you can work into this autumn's clothing rotation. Jeans, jackets and boots that you forgot you had for example could be pulled out and worn again, you might choose to style them a little differently or pair them up with newer items but again it saves you having to buy everything brand new.
Buy Things That Will Last You Through To Spring
If you do need to buy new things for your autumn wardrobe, the trick is to choose well. Go with classic styles- for example women's parka coats remain in fashion year after year. Black leather boots, skinny jeans, they won't go out of style and can be worn through autumn, into winter and even into next spring before the sun comes out. Then of course they can be put away and worn each year too. If you choose items that will last you all the way through the coldest part of the year, come winter you won't be shopping for another load of clothes again.
Search Second Hand Shops
A great way to save money while helping a charity is by shopping in charity shops. You probably won't be able to get your whole autumn wardrobe in these places, but if you pop in regularly you're sure to find some hidden gems which are extremely cheap and are the perfect addition to your outfits.
