By Editor,Hannah Skelley
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Tricks to extend your summer wardrobe to autumn and beyond
READ MORE: Stylist: The three VERY surprising fashion trends about to be everywhere this winter – and the two that are ‘definitely OUT’
By HANNAH SKELLEY, FASHION EDITOR
Published: 08:01 BST, 20 September 2025 | Updated: 08:01 BST, 20 September 2025
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The back-to-school appeal of September sparks a need for newness in all of us. I love browsing the autumnal updates that the high street has to offer and feel a buzz at the thought of bundling up as the mercury dips.
But it’s also the perfect opportunity to ‘shop’ your own wardrobe. You may not know it yet, but some of the best new-season looks are already hanging on your rail: with the right styling tweaks there are plenty of ways to stretch your favourite summer outfits to autumn and beyond.
From the playful printed dress I’ll be dancing in at festive events, to layering tricks, accessorising advice and the shorts you can still rock in November (yes, really), these are the warm-weather staples I will be adapting for colder days.
THE KHAKI BARREL TROUSERS
Uniqlo’s olive-toned barrel-leg trousers have been a hit among fashion editors and It-girls since spring. They cost less than £40 and come in five shades, with deep pockets and a comfortable waistband that doesn’t dig.
All this makes them a great alternative to the heavy denim styles we tend to get bogged down in come autumn. It’s time to put the toes away, so I’ll be swapping my breezy jelly shoes for transitional 1970s-inspired clogs. If it’s brisk, wear them with some chunky beige or cream socks. I’ll also shelve my beloved basket bag for this season’s most sought-after style: a roomy chocolate-brown suede tote.
Over my plain white vest, I’ll be layering a similarly neutral ecru striped cotton jumper, beneath a black leather bomber from All Saints. The suede accents of the accessories and the rich texture of the hide jacket effortlessly elevate these simple basics and give a luxe finish to the look.
Devon Jumper £140.00
https://www.withnothingunderneath.com/
Sofi Drawstring Leather Bomber Jacket £399.00
https://www.allsaints.com/
Kite Hobo Maxi – Bag £525.00
https://www.strathberry.com/
Miles closed-toe studded clogs in black suede £38.50
https://www.asos.com/
Jersey Barrel Leg Trousers £34.90
https://www.uniqlo.com/
Trudy Fine-Rib Ruched Vest Top £38.00
https://www.reiss.com/
Black Sheer Jelly Sandals £10.00
https://www.riverisland.com/
Suede Studded Skinny Belt Black £16.00
https://www.accessorize.com/
Polly Sayer Knot Chain Necklace £119.00
https://www.daisyjewellery.com/
Eny Puffy Medium Hoop Earrings £165.00
https://www.missoma.com/
The Elma Sunglasses £135.00
https://www.jimmyfairly.com/
Catwalk Handbag £34.99
https://www.deichmann.com/
THE POLKA-DOT DRESS
This summer we saw the return of the spotted print, which made for a fun alternative to florals. When the sun shone, I liked to wear my print dress with bright accessories and cat-eye sunglasses. But you can easily carry your polka-dot dress on into the party season. As we veer away from bare-leg weather, the navy base colour of this long- sleeved Kitri mini is perfect for styling with sheer tights – any dark-toned summer frock (think grey, black, brown and burgundy) with a light overprint will complement black tights. Calzedonia make some of the best non-snagging pairs on the high street.
Knee-high boots come around annually and these square-toed leather kitten heels from Hush are a worthy investment. They will look sophisticated under midi-length dresses, too. A black waisted jacket, like this one from River Island, aligns with the other elements of the outfit. Finally, a baguette shoulder bag, rather than a clutch, is both modern and practical for parties.
Faux Leather Clean Baguette Bag £8.79
https://www.marksandspencer.com/
Black Puffed Sleeve Tailored Blazer £59.00
https://www.riverisland.com/
40 Denier Sheer Tights £6.99
https://www.calzedonia.com/
Katlynn Leather Kitten Heel Knee Boots £129.00
https://www.hush-uk.com/
Stefania Navy Polka Dot Satin Mini Dress £165.00
https://kitristudio.com/
Spiral Dome Oversized Stud Earrings £145.00
https://www.missoma.com/
Stefania Navy Polka Dot Satin Mini Dress £165.00
https://kitristudio.com/
Henrietta Sunglasses £160.00
https://www.finlayandco.com/
THE CITY SHORTS
Shorts in autumn? You might think I’m mad, but I don’t mean bottom-skimming Daisy Dukes or blue jorts (jean shorts). I’m talking about long-length tailored ‘city’ iterations, which will look just as good with knee-high, not ankle, boots as they would sandals, pumps or kitten-heeled mules. Pick boots with a pointy toe for a leg-lengthening effect. Layering a plain white tee under a shirt adds levels of interest to the look, while the sharp shirt collar contrasts nicely with the chunky ribbed jumper. French tucking thick knits into the front of your waistband makes them appear less boxy and adds a waist to your shape. A smooth classic leather belt and a textured woven bag tie the outfit together.
Relaxed-Fit Poplin Shirt £77.00
https://www.arket.com/
Suede Belt Black £16.00
https://www.accessorize.com/
Woven Shoulder Bag £109.00
https://www.dunelondon.com/
Knee High Kitten Heel Boots £199.00
https://www.dunelondon.com/
Cotton Linen Blend Bermuda Shorts, Khaki
https://www.albaray.co.uk/
£29.99 Shop
Cotton Linen Blend Bermuda Shorts, Khaki £29.00
https://www.albaray.co.uk/
White Fitted T Shirt £29.00
https://www.albaray.co.uk/
The New York Shoulder £395.00
https://demellierlondon.com/
Polly Sayer Knot Chain Necklace £119.00
https://www.daisyjewellery.com/
Spiral Chain Necklace £169.00
https://www.daisyjewellery.com/
Woven Buckle Belt Black £9.00
https://www.accessorize.com/
Kitten heel sandal with metallic detail £49.99
https://shop.mango.com/
Eny Puffy Medium Hoop Earrings £165.00
https://www.missoma.com/
Rectangular-frame sunglasses
https://shop.mango.com/
£19.99 Shop
THE CREAM MIDI SKIRT
Not all skirts need tights, as long as you have the right boots. The cream tiered circle midi has been trending since May and instead of adding wedges, straw bags and ruched vest tops to mine, I will take it into autumn with Western-inspired pieces. This indigo-wash shirt from With Nothing Underneath is a favourite and contrasts with the feminine feel of the skirt. It looks great whether tucked in or hung loosely over this high waistline.
Tall, tan suede cowboy boots with a little slouch are better than a solid black boot here. Finish with a boxy, hip-skimming trench coat, which is light enough to wear over denim and knitwear. I like the extra cuff details on this one from Topshop.
Cream Pintuck Maxi Skirt £99.00
https://mintvelvet.com/
The Classic £130
https://www.withnothingunderneath.com/
Tan Brown Suede Cowboy Boho Knee High Boots £90.00
https://www.next.co.uk/
Penelope Slouch Mini Acai Suede £356.00
https://wandler.com/
Topshop short trench coat in stone
https://www.asos.com/
£65.00 Shop
Skirt, as before.
Top, £19.99, mango.com. Sunglasses, £55, lespecs.co.uk.
Bangles, £48 for three, anthropologie.com.
Bag, £19, asos.com.
Sandals, £69, next.co.uk
Cream Pintuck Maxi Skirt £99.00
https://mintvelvet.com/
Asymmetrical draped top with straps £15.99
https://shop.mango.com/
Tan Brown Signature Premium Leather Cross-Over Stud Detail Slingback Platform £69.00
https://www.next.co.uk/
Round Bangle Bracelets, Set of 3 £48.00
https://www.anthropologie.com/
Mini Chain Link Earrings
https://theysso.com/
£260.00 Shop
Styling: Hannah Skelley
Hair: Dayna Vaughan-Teague using GHD tools.
Make-up: Levi-Jade Taylor at Carol Hayes using Charlotte Tilbury
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Tricks to extend your summer wardrobe to autumn and beyond
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