Summer may have just come to an end – but while there’s still a fair bit of warmth to the days, it’s never too soon to start thinking about the next season.
Chances are you won’t be retiring your wardrobe right away, however you can always add a few key items for a stylish autumn update, said celebrity stylist Donny Galella.
Here, Donny reveals his top five fashion buys – from a boxy blazer to a statement trench in the must-have colour of the season so you can take on cooler days simply, stylishly and with ease.
Elle Ferguson also shared with FEMAIL her favourite trends of the new season.
Celebrity stylist Donny Galella (pictured) said layering can get you through the cooler days but the trick is to mix and match with some key on-trend items
1. Choose checks, tartans, and the must-have print – plaid:
Expect to see all types of checks, ginghams, plaids and tartans make an appearance this autumn/winter, said the celebrity stylist.
While the trend will be especially big with coats and blazers (if you choose the later make sure it’s a boxy 80s style) pants, skirts and dresses will also feature the must-have print.
For those wanting to dip a toe into the trend, Donny suggested starting with a fine-check print trench.
‘It can be worn with a tee shirt and jeans for school pick-ups or glammed up over a dress with heels,’ he explained.
Australian model, Jesinta Franklin, has recently shown off the style with aplomb.
Australian model Jesinta Franklin wearing a boxy checked blazer – one of the season’s must-have items
2. Look for lace, frills and ruffles
There’s a greater embrace of femininity this season – so look for clothing which includes details such as a flouncy frills and rolling ruffles.
For those wanting to take the look a bit further, lace is also making a strong appearance, and it’s especially versatile, the sought-after stylist said.
This lace top with a ruffled sleeve from Witchery can be worn to the office paired with a skirt or dressed down for an edgier look with jeans or leather-look leggings
‘You can wear a long-sleeved lacy ruffle top day or night, it can be dressed up for work or paired leather-look leggings or denim for a more dressed down, but edgier look,’ he continued.
Shop the trend at Witchery, where you can get your hands on pretty ruffled tops with lacy details.
3. The statement coat
It can be a tough call if you’ve spent a fair bit on a winter coat only to find it’s not in step with the season’s cut, colour or style.
While last year’s statement coat was all about keeping it classic in shades of camel and black, this season more playful shades are coming to the fore.
Tonal dress is also having a moment: try a pink coat layered over a pink dress and offset with pink heels
Style blogger Elle Ferguson said modern boho was also on the rise: Look at mixing and matching unexpected pairings of prints, patterns, materials and tones – even metallic
Think blush coloured pinks, soft baby blues and creamy whites.
But Donny cautions to not spend too much on a ‘trend coat.’
‘It’s a seasonal piece,’ he said, ‘and one that’s unlikely to see you through the years.’
4. Floral frocks inspired by Gucci
The Italian fashion label has owned it on the runway for a few years now, and its style influence continues to be strong.
This season Donny said a statement floral dress, paired with a pair of knee-high boots was the ultimate way to wear the look and channel some ‘retro vibes’.
Jesinta Franklin teams a floral dress with a pair of knee-high red leather boots. She keeps the look sharp by adding a snappy black clutch
Style insider Bec Judd wearing a faux fur jacket in on-trend pastel pink
‘Add a belt, an embellished bag with pearl details, a blazer or boxy fake fur for maximum vintage vibes.’
5. Coloured fur
Fur is also having a moment – but it’s fake and comes in a range of fun colours.
‘Autumn will be all about coloured faux fur in beautiful jewel shades,’ said Donny.
Think orange, cerulean blue, mustard yellows, and baby pinks.
His number one style tip? Choose a fake fur that’s shaggy and for bonus points wear slightly oversized.