OK, so let’s talk Mango. I’ve been seeing the Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne ads everywhere (I swear I’ve been on their mailing list for a decade) and felt compelled to enter the store and see what I could find for my bod. All of the new season drops have got me pretty excited, there’s suede, button-up skirts and cosy knits galore and sometimes this brand gets overlooked thanks to stalwarts like Zara & Topshop. You can actually find decent suede jackets here at a reasonable price plus sweatshirts with completely random statements (if that’s your kind of thing).
Most of my outfits revolve around disguising my lack of hips, so I’m always on the hunt for decent dresses, a-line skirts and jumpers that are just the right side of oversized. It probably wasn’t the best decision to try all of this on after a massive lunch (goodbye waist) but at least I know what works for me in the worst-case scenario. There’s plenty of bits for the (sort of) Indian Summer we’re having plus they can be layered up even more when the chill sets in. Yay.
The Playsuit That Thinks It’s A Dress
Ok so the whole going-to-the-toilet thing becomes a lot more complicated once you add tights into the mix, but you can’t beat a playsuit for Autumn. This one is pretty roomy and gently flares into slight trapeze shape, to stop it from falling into the tent-like category. This sort of proportion also looks great with over-the-knee boots, just add a shearling jacket for a cosy look you can wear in most situations.
Jumpsuit, £39.99
The 70s knit
I don’t know what it is, but all of a sudden I want a wardrobe that rivals Velma from Scooby Doo and lots of jazzy striped knits to match. I blame the Gucci show, with all of its charity shop vibes and eclectic patterns. This jumper is worth adding to your collection, it’s nice and fitted and works well with anything denim or when layered under a pinafore dress.
The Sartorial Suit
The key to wearing a suit when you don’t have to? Go for a slightly relaxed fit and whatever you do, don’t wear a shirt. Stick to fine gauge knits and tees instead, a grey polo neck is probably one of the best purchasing decisions you’ll make all season due to its versatility. This look is also perfect for boyish figures, add some trainers or chunky brogues to really blur the boundaries.
The Suede Transitional Layer
Suede is everywhere this season and if you’re looking for something to complete your collection (I already have two patchwork skirts, oops) then a jacket may be the answer. This version does the job of a cardigan as well and is a great light layer for this in-betweeny weather period. Flares complete the oh-so-retro look and are a great trick for balancing out a straight-up-and-down frame, especially with a heel.
The Update To Your Denim Jacket
This is the time to really make the most of all your casual jackets. If you’re a little bored of the typical denim styles you’ve been wearing since your teens then this longer-line version with gold embroidery is a good bet. My trick for combining different patterns is to add a stripe into the mix, since it doesn’t overpower the leopard print skirt.
Denim jacket, £89.99; Skirt, £34.99; T-Shirt, £14.99
The Culottes & Jumper Combo
Sometimes I walk around a shop and think ‘What would Instagram do?’ when my mind draws a blank. A quick scroll told me that culottes and a cosy jumper were the way to go. It means you can show off a little more of your new-season ankle boots (I’m definitely adding faux-snakeskin to my list) and attempt to perfect the effortless tuck that editors are fond of.
Sweater, £34.99; Cropped trousers, £34.99
Like this? Then you might also be interested in:
We Tried On Nasty Gal's Most Attention-Grabbing Pieces For A Indian Summer
Follow Kristabel on Twitter: @fashionknitsta
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.