Fashion Forecast: Master The Art Of Autumn Dressing With Layering & Simple Separates

Yes, there are still months of heavenly sunshine-filled days ahead, but now is the time to start turning your attention to planning your autumn wardrobe update. The key way to ensure a smooth transition and keep your look feeling fresh, modern and interesting is layering. Think vintage waistcoats over pretty blouses, a sharp, modern jacket teamed with a soft necktie, well-chosen accessories. It’s about being brave enough to mix colour and texture.

Cameo Appearance
A beautiful tailored suit is a sight to behold, and often all that's required layered underneath is a crisp shirt with cuffs that elegantly peek out at the wrist.

Gucci blazer $5550, trousers $2050 and shirt $800. Vintage cameo brooch, $1940, and vintage lapis and diamond ring, $3860, both from Walker & Hall. Partridge Jewellers gold and diamond ring $4750.

New Frontier
Just like in any true Sloane Ranger's style playbook, the best way to offset prim pieces is with a skew-whiff detail. The myriad western-style accessories available right now add a surprising layer to an otherwise traditional ensemble.

Crane Brothers skivvy $295 (in-store only). Vintage blouse, $145, from Wixii. Caroline Sills skirt $369 (available for pre-order). Omega watch, $7300, from Partridge Jewellers. Vintage sovereign coin pendant, $1180, from Walker & Hall. Jasmin Sparrow pearl earrings $399. Isabel Marant belt, $1189, from Workshop.

Vested Interest
You have fashion's eternal love of the 70s and Annie Hall to thank for the revival of the sharp vest, a prominent feature in recent collections from Tory Burch to Louis Vuitton. Close to home, visit your local op-shop or consider a custom option like this one from Liz Mitchell made with luxurious Dormeuil wool $795.

Toteme skivvy $299 and flared jeans, $409, from Fabric. Liz Mitchell Liberty print shirt $595. Vintage fob chain, $3390, from Walker & Hall. Omega watch, $35,785, from Partridge Jewellers. Louis Vuitton bag $6500.

Precision Palette
Tonal autumnal hues are the perfect way to dip your toes into beautiful colours inspired by Mother Nature, providing some thoughtful inspiration for dressing as temperatures cool.

Kate Sylvester trench coat $1200. Wixii blouse $276. Liz Mitchell skirt $995. Natalia Peri earrings $219. Fope lariat necklace, $27,500, from Partridge Jewellers.

Blanket Statement
When it comes to layering, go straight to items that make you feel snug. Take a leaf out of the Danish concept of hygge and invest in blanket dressing, oversized cardigans and scarves that envelop you.

Vanessa Bruno cardigan, $798, from Workshop. Caroline Sills shirt $329. Jasmin Sparrow earrings $829.

Team Players
Whatever the dress code, a classic camel trench continues to be a wardrobe staple that will never date. From its humble military roots to its varied incarnations over the years, consider a languid option that will see you through to spring.

The Row trench coat, $4950, from Scotties. Levi's rugby top, $80, from Playpark by Karen Walker. Caroline Sills trousers $319. Natalia Peri earrings (POA). Merchant 1948 boots $370 (available for pre-order).

Model / Manahou Mackay from N Model Management. Makeup / Kiekie Stanners for M.A.C Cosmetics. Hair / Leandro Moreno. Assistant fashion editor / Rosie Herdman

STOCKISTS: Gucci (09) 368 1138; Caroline Sills Sillsandco.com; Crane-brothers.com; Fabric thisisfabric.com; Jasminsparrow.com; Liz Mitchell.co.nz; Karenwalker.com; Katesylvester.co.nz; Louis Vuitton 0800 586 966; Merchant1948.co.nz; Partridgejewellers.com; Nataliaperi.com; Scottiesboutique.co.nz; Smithandcaugheys.co.nz; Walkerandhall.co.nz; Wixxi.co.nz; Workshop.co.nz.