It’s autumn, and I’m slowly accepting it (I said slowwwwly…)! One thing I AM a big fan of at this time of year: truly autumnal colours.
I came across my stunning Hobbs 70s style dress from last autumn/winter in my wardrobe the other day, and I remembered just how much I loved it. And I mean really, really LOVED it. The swirly (and slightly psychedelic) pattern, the rich warm colours, the huge bell sleeves, the keyhole neckline… they all make for one gorgeous, perfect September/October/November dress.
So in the spirit of “I’m really sorry but it’s no longer available because this was AW17 and we’re now a year on but here’s some I’ve found as alternatives”, this post contains some fabulous alternative autumnal colour patterned dresses. And some other great autumnal outfits that I’ve worn over the years, and some more alternatives in autumnal colours that you might want to check out. I think it goes without saying that summer may be my favourite season, but autumn colours are my favourite.
The key colour is undoubtedly orange and all its shades – rust, terracotta, peach, tomato, vermilion, tea rose, caramel, tobacco, etc. (Can you tell I’m a massive fan of orange?)
I’d had this post planned for a little while but brought it forward because shooting an outfit post proved nigh-on impossible over the weekend. I walked the five minutes into town to run some errands, and thought I’d wear My Most Comfortable Shoes (the shoes I walked across Hyde Park in the snow in to interview Twiggy – and back again). However, after over five months of wearing almost nothing but sandals every day, my feet decided they didn’t like My Most Comfortable Shoes anymore and would rub against the toes in one shoe.
A rather sore big toe later turned into the most painful blister I have EVER experienced: so painful, in fact, that I couldn’t even get socks or slippers on without severe pain. As for putting pressure on my foot (otherwise known as walking), forget it; as for putting shoes on, ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
My winter shoes officially hate me. The sandals won this round. It’s time they had it out once and for all as I’m going to be embarking on a week-long detox retreat in about two week’s time – and walking is going to be a big part of the regime. Wish me (and my poor toe) good luck…!
Do add your outfits to this week’s link up – and if you’ve added a link to here or my button to your post you may be featured next week!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE AUTUMNAL COLOURS? COMMENT BELOW…!
Like this post? You might also like…
– Camo & Plaid Pattern Mix Autumnal Outfit
– The Perfect Autumnal Outfit for Air Travel and Sightseeing
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5 ways to wear truly autumnal colours…
1. A dress in a bold autumnal colours print
Here’s THE dress. In all its warm, 70s-style swirly colours. As always, a dress is an entire outfit: just choose your shoes and bag and you’re good to go. There are some fabulous autumnal-colour patterned dresses online at the moment, I’d happily buy them all…! (original post)
Patterned dresses you might like:
2. A patterned blouse with colour blocked trousers (in a key autumnal colour)
If all-over pattern isn’t your thing, a key piece to go for in autumn to get into the colours of the season is a pair of trousers in a solid colour. Mustard yellow, terracotta, chocolate, burnt orange… any of those will work. Add a printed top or blouse in truly autumnal colours and you’re fall-ready. (original post)
Patterned tops and colour-blocked trousers you might like:
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3. Layered separates in rich autumnal colours
If in doubt, layer up! Pile on all the autumn colours with sweaters, shirts, blazers, coats, dresses over jeans, etc. If you go completely for a palette of muted orange, olive green, mustard and burgundy you just can’t go wrong because all those saturated colours work beautifully together. Think 1950s or 1970s interiors colours as opposed to the primaries of the 1960s and 1980s. My love of autumnal colours might also explain why I love mid-century design in my house…! (original post)
Separates for layering you might like:
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4. Basic jeans & blazer outfit with accessories in autumnal colours
Jeans and a blazer isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but it’s the accessories that maketh this outfit. Mustard and dark red in the bag, tobacco in the hat, camel in the boots. Almost any basic outfit can be made to look autumnal in tone by adding a ton of accessories in rich shades – just look at the must-have accessories (below) that I found. (original post)
Autumnal accessories you might like:
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5. An autumnal colours coat with neutral basics
If you only want to get one piece for autumn and you’re not into dresses (or even if you are!) then a coat of many [autumnal] colours is what you want to get. My tapestry coat lent itself perfectly to shades of orange and brown – the ones I’ve selected below are an assortment of coats and blazers, but all combine a rich array of muted fall colours. I love them all. (original post)
Autumnal coats you might like:
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The link up goes live every Monday at around 3pm UK time and will stay open for a week. Whilst the original article was of course aimed at the 30+, you can be ANY age to link up. The only criteria is that you’re wearing whatever you damn well like!
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Featured favourites
My favourite outfits from last week’s link up:
(L-R) Funky Forty | Passionfruit, Paws & Peonies | High Heels in the Wilderness
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I love all the autumny colors – I wish we could wear them without tights and boots! That’s the factor that makes me wish for summer dressing all year round. It’s so EASY. Fall and winter are such High Maintenance seasons!
I’m still crushing on the orange grey cream swirly dress since last year! Will have to make an outfit out of those colors soon!
Bettye
Hey Very Nice Blog!!! Thanks For Sharing!!!!
Lovely post & great colours …..
I sympathise with you about your blister – the very same happened to me a couple of weekends ago when I had to wear my shoes ( sandals & rain aren’t a good combo !!!)
My shoes were flat M&S wide fit footglove shoes too !
Anyway, I hope your toe is settling down and you are able to be shoe bound soon in comfort !!!
I love your outfit choices! The dress is my favorite look!
THAT DRESS!!!! I love the retro vibe but the bell sleeve brings it right to the forefront of today. And of course your hair is the perfect shade of autumn 😉
Author
Isn’t the bell sleeve great Lisa?! Thank you hon x
I love the mustard trousers. They’re so good on you, and the colour is ace. I do hope the blister is better 🙂
Author
Thanks Penny – I still wear these trooz so much!! Thank you x
Ouch! I hope your toe repairs itself quickly. Sandals with wool socks is a look, but perhaps not one you go for. I adore your autumnal colours, the warm earth tones, especially your groovy dress. Autumn feels like a time of fresh starts for me, love it. Thanks for your linkup.
Author
I’ve done sandals with tights before, Melanie… however it’s already too cold to do that!! 🙁
Thanks my lovely xx
Ouch, the blister sounds really bad! I’ve had more than my fair share of whopping blisters so I know just how sore they can be. Even though I feel a bit sad when Summer is over I do love Autumnal colours, which is some consolation. I love the Hobbs dress and the tapestry coat. Lovely outfits.
Emma xxx
Author
I’m normally pretty good at avoiding them Emma – I just couldn’t believe that my comfiest shoes did this to me!!! Thanks sweetie x
Your tapestry coat is super chic. You look stunning wearing it! Thanks for hosting the party.
Author
Thanks Nicole – I can’t wear to wear it again! x
I love the colours you choose – you have a really good eye. Gorgeous photos. I’m really into browns, oranges and mustards this autumn.
Author
Thank you Rosie… you’re a girl after my own (colourful) heart I see! 😉
Great outfits with the perfect colors for fall! Happy day xx
Author
Thanks Lui x
Catherine, I love the fourth look so much. So Frenchie! Anything with a kerchief. Love.
Thanks for giving us this link up.
Annie
Author
Thank you Annie… I need to do this look again with a few switch ups I think! x
Autumn and its colours are always my favourite, so I thoroughly enjoyed the variety of outfits you show here. Going into Spring here , so will remember these for next Autumn.
I do hope that pesky blister heals quickly.
Many thanks for hosting Catherine.
Author
Thank you Jill – I’m very envious you’re heading towards longer – and warmer – days!!!
I love this post! Thanks!
Author
thank you x
I am definitely an autumn person—give me all the fuzzy sweaters, cozy coats, leather pants, and boots! Now if only the weather would cooperate…
Cheryl Shops
Author
I like the clothes, Cheryl – unlike you though it’s just the colder weather I can’t cope with…!!!! #sob
Oh yey!!! Thank you so much for the feature! You’ve made my day! Love the looks you have put together – Autumn colours look amazing on you Catherine. Blisters – urgh I’ve never suffered more than since I’ve been doing my fashion blog haha xx
Author
My pleasure, Maria! And thank you for the lovely compliment x
My husband and I are enjoying a beautiful day beside a special lake in the Sierra Nevada mountains . Lake Tahoe. You would laugh if you could see what I am wearing. Bathing suit with swirly colors a hot pink lace dress and slip on shoes to walk over the sand. Add to that a blue beach towel a hat and black light jacket. You get the picture. Sitting under a small tent so I don’t get sunburned. Well this is what I like ha ha. Enjoy your British weather. Cherish the sunny days. Lake Tahoe is between California and Nevada. In the winter we get lots of snow so the boots etc come out. Hailing from USA. ⛷♂️
Author
I’m not jealous at all, Kathryn. Not at all. Not one bit.
*she sobs into her warming cup of tea* 😉
Fall hues have always been my favorite: rust, goldenrod, evergreen and burnt orange for just a few. I am always glad to see and feel Fall. You are showing us wonderful selections.
Author
I always love the colours, Terri – I just wish the warm temperatures would continue, lol! Can’t have it all I guess 😉 thank you x
Loving that Hobbs dress it one of my absolute faves o you! must say they have nothing like that this year… But I do like their coats for winter..
Author
Isn’t it a beauty, Ashley – I think it’s the best piece they have ever, ever produced!
Then again, there was last year’s mustard velvet dress too… #DontMakeMeChooseBetweenThem 😉
Great autumnal choice Catherine. Have just heard the weather will be changing at the end of the week, so we’ll well and truly be into Autumn!! Thanks for sharing your lovely colours. Jacqui Mummabstylish
Author
Have you had a severe drop in temperature too now, Jacqui? I’m back in woolly socks, boots and two sweaters!!!! Thank you my lovely x