I find Autumn a difficult time of the year to keep up with fashion, with the temperature outside changing drastically from minute to minute. One moment you have full on sun and it’s nice and warm, then the next thing you find yourself running to find shade from the rain. How do you keep stylish when the temperature starts to drop then?

You will often find yourself layering up clothes and if you walk to and from work or uni, it is difficult to carry all those items. As for Manchester where I live currently, waterproof boots and umbrellas are essential at this time of the year. With temperatures dropping, you will also need a scarf and hat in your bag. So let’s have a look into my autumn guide in staying stylish to bring the autumn vibes to your wardrobe.

Check the weather

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with the weather when it changes so quickly but usually, the new technology apps allow you to check the weather as is changes from hour to hour. Download one of those apps to check what the weather will be like the next day. Check the time when you get into work, uni or meeting and look at approximately what time you will be leaving. You will then see the percentage of rain and temperature you will get that day at those times. This way, you will know if you can wear those new white trainers or if you’d be better leaving them at home. Usually, it will tell you what time you can expect rain, so you can easily check if you get caught on your way to your meeting or on your way back.

Prepare the day before

Prepare your clothes the day before. This will save you time in the morning but also, you will have time to put clothes together, try them on and see what works and what doesn’t. I usually prepare two sets of clothes for the morning, just in case there’s any changes with the weather. Then, in the morning you can properly check and decide what to wear, to see what potential layers or accessories, like an umbrella or a hat, you will need for later.

Layer up smartly

It’s easy to just put on long sleeve, a jumper, and nice coat thinking you can just take it off when it gets warm. I find this method works of course, but not always. As the temperate can change from as warm as 7 degrees in the morning to go as high as 16/17 degrees in the evening, you may find yourself with having too many layers. Think of the tasks/meeting you have that day. Are you going out later? Perhaps an event or meeting girls for some cocktails? You don’t want to end up at a fab event carrying that thick jumper, umbrella and coat. It’s also an opportunity to upgrade your wardrobe for some fashionable new pieces. For example, Orvis offers stylish jumpers and cardigans, so check their website out for some inspiration. Investing in a warm cardigan, paired up with a collar top, smart jeans and warm boots, can be a great way to dress before a meeting. A cardigan is easy to carry, and you already have a nice top underneath if you need to take some layers off.

Try to style your cardigans and jumpers with another type of trouser than just jeans. A great idea would be to try out culottes, a jumpsuit or dungarees underneath. This can be great to show off your new boots or trainers, but also, when it gets warmer you still have a nice outfit when you take off your jumper.

Practical accessories

As much as a big umbrella can be great as a cover against heavy rain, you don’t want to be carrying one if you have a few places to go. Instead, look for a smart small umbrella you can just hide in your bag when you’re not using it. Also, a big functional bag can be an item that not only will help you to keep your extra scarf or wallet safe, but can also be very stylish.