Welcoming Autumn 2012

Reflecting back on the past three months, I've had a bit of a whirlwind summer. I left my home in Champaign, Illinois, in early June, saying goodbye to one of the best years of my life, returned to the UK and my family, and then took off again in mid-July and spent just over a month traveling around Thailand and Vietnam. And now I'm back, with many tales to tell and so much done that I get a little dizzy if I think about it all at once. It's been an awesome summer, but autumn is just around the corner, and I can't help but get really excited about that.

One thing that excites me the most about Autumn is the change in the clothes I wear. Autumn welcomes back the over-sized jumpers I've had folded away in my closet, the always comfy black leggings, and the gilet and boots combo I've missed wearing. (More excitement is not having to prep my legs for wearing shorts everyday, and a chance to hide my not-so-tanned-anymore body).

I've been inspired to make an Autumn 2012 wishlist after buying the September issue of ELLE magazine which came with a free ELLE Accessories mini-mag. Designer brands aside, it's reassuring to find that Topshop, Miss Selfridge, H&M, and all my other favourite high street stores haven't failed to deliver in their 'New In' autumn items. I have to remember that I am back in the UK now and will have to make some sort of effort to be that little bit more stylish this autumn, hence this wishlist I have compiled. (Emphasis on wishlist - I'm not sure my student budget would appreciate me buying any of this).

On Campus

1. The coat

My method has always been to buy a new coat every other autumn. It's an absolute essential for an Autumn closet - not too thick, and a classic style so I'm able to carry it into the year after. My favorite find is this Zara parka, with a removable fur collar.

2. Boots

Equestrian style is in again this autumn but I feel like going against the trend when it comes to boots. It's usual to see the 'riding boot' everywhere - knee high, comes in brown/black, leather material, etc etc. These suede ankle boots from Dune still adhere to a trend that's in this autumn - studs -whilst being a change from the standard riding boot that you usually see people wearing.

3. Jumpers

I really do like my oversized, ridiculously comfortable jumpers ('sweaters' for my American friends). I didn't have any trouble finding them online! This is my favourite find, from Miss Selfridge.


4. Jeans

I always try to have a few good pairs of jeans in my closet as I do actually prefer wearing them to leggings. However, sometimes they can feel quite restricting, especially when sat down in class for hours on end. I discovered these and found a compromise - high waisted soft jeans, from Topshop. They feel like and have the thickness of jeans (but they aren't jeggings, thankfully), and are super stretchy and soft like leggings.

5. Handbag

I have an unhealthy obsession with handbags and I absolutely love the Longchamp Pliage large shopper bags. They have so many pros - they look really nice, the bag is waterproof, you can fit a tonne of books in there, and a zip is always helpful when carrying your laptop around. I've seen a lot of dark green whilst browsing A/W'12 collections, so this colour choice is a safe bet.

Going out

Autumn tends to affect the going out wardrobe too. It's not a good idea to wear a thin, bright, flowery playsuit when autumn hits - it's probably going to look like you can't let go of summer, and an alcohol blanket might not save you when lining up outside a club. Here are my favorite finds.

1. The 'tights and shorts' combo

I do love going out wearing shorts with tights and killer heels. High-waisted shorts are so flattering and make a change from the standard bandage skirt you see in all the clubs. These grey studded shorts, from Miss Selfridge, would look perfect with black tights, plain black heels, and a deep-coloured strap top, such as wine red or dark green.

2. Heels

A good pair of darker heels is also essential for autumn. I love these colour block heels, from Miss Selfridge. Perfect for with or without tights, and the blue stops your outfit looking too grungy. Also available in nude.

3. Bodycon dress

I love wearing bodycon dresses - they can be very flattering. The bodycon style has been in for years and is a recyclable trend, so why not embrace it? If you feel like going against the dark autumn look and wearing something that pops, this red cotton spandex dress from American Apparel is perfect, and the long sleeves will save you from getting too chilly!

4. Wet-look leggings

Not everyone is a fan of wet-look leggings, but with the trends this autumn heading more towards grungy, gothic styles, and faux-leather, I feel that these leggings would fit in nicely. They look awesome on, teamed with heels and a loose top (maybe one that covers your bum if you don't want it showing!). ASOS.com has these ultra wet look leggings which I would definitely consider.

5. Necklaces

Collars and choker necklaces are very popular at the moment. I'm loving these two chokers, both from Topshop. Simple but a statement at the same time. Beaded tube necklace left; snakeskin bunting necklace right.

Overall, the main idea is to embrace the grungy trend this autumn and don't think that choosing to go dark means going boring. All the fall catwalks were saturated in dark colours, so look to any fashion magazine to help you put together an outfit. Simple accessories like big necklaces or a studded bag will add to your outfit, and a great idea is to team bright jumpers with dark jeans - you don't have to go dark with all of your clothes!

- A. T.