Ahh autumn, the time of mists, mellow fruitfulness and really great jumpers. I am unashamedly in love with all of the season’s sparkler-waving, pumpkin-carving, fire-warming cliches – after all, is there anything more British than a chilly woodland walk followed by a hot cider next to a pub fire? Just wrap up warm first in my autumnal picks.
Clever Rainwave’s waterproof capes are Little Red Riding Hood meets Kate Moss at Glastonbury. A handy waterproof outer layer you can pull on in seconds, these flattering British-made ponchos are perfect for cycling and country walks. Wear yours all winter and it’ll be perfect for moshing in the rain at next summer’s festivals, too.
2. Woolly socks
Warm the cockles of your feet in cosy ribbed socks as the nights draw in. Selina Scott’s sumptuous kid mohair bed socks, £15.95, are perfect for weekends in windswept cottages (or if your flat has dodgy heating) and Finisterre‘s thick cotton boot socks, £12, were made for sticking in welly boots on freezing mornings.
3. Navy wax jacket, £70.86 from Trespass at Rakuten
Need a nice new coat? The waterproof wax outer and warm check flannel lining of this dapper jacket from outdoor clothing experts Trespass (check out the great range at Rakuten) make it a versatile choice that’ll keep up with all your cold weather adventures.
4. Cosy mittens
I love mittens, mainly because they make me feel about five. Remember those gloves on a string that you’d lace through the sleeves of your coat? Grow-nups can get in on the mitten action too – Steller Handcrafted Goods in Minnesota, USA, make adorable gloves from old nordic sweaters, from £42, or search on Etsy for chunky knitted ones ready to make snowmen in.
5. Leaf pendant necklace, £12.94 from Happiness Boutique
Plead allegiance to your favourite season with this delicate golden leaf necklace from the lovely collection of trinkets at Happiness Boutique. It makes me think of photos of leaf peeping in New England – definitely on my travel wish list.
6. Retro beanie hat, £25 from Big Balls Collective
I’m very fond of the cosy bobble hats from the cheekily named Big Balls Beanies, as you can probably tell from my sidebar picture, as their chunky knits, fleecey linings and massive handmade pompoms tick all my hat boxes. Wear skiing or on leaf-crunching walks, but be warned – all your mates will try to steal them.
7. Cream Aran knit, £25 from The Idle Man
My penchant for men’s clothing continues, and now there’s a nip in the air I’ve pretty much lived in oversized knitted Aran jumpers. This cream pullover from The Idle Man is the perfect cosy layer for slouching about in with jeans and boots.
8. Rose print dress, £22.50 from Yumi at House of Fraser
Long-sleeved dresses with tights and boots are my autumn no-brainer, and the dark florals of this lovely Yumi dress will cheer you up a treat on rainy days.
9. Verona leather ankle boots, £180 from Muck Boots
Waterproof and beautiful – it’s a sartorial shoe miracle! Muck Boots make warm wellies and equine-inspired footwear that’s equally at home on the yard and in the city, and their lovely Verona boots can take any amount of mud and downpours and still look smart. Invest now and they’ll last you years.
