Whispers from the Autumn Wardrobe: A Guide to Autumn Styling

When the first maple leaf quietly turns red in New York’s Central Park, I know it’s time to start the seasonal wardrobe change. As a fashion editor who has lived in London and New York for many years, opening my wardrobe each autumn feels like embarking on a dialogue with my personal style—embracing the latest trends while staying true to my philosophy of comfortable and effortless dressing. This autumn, I found my own balance between classic and avant-garde styles. The surprises of touching fabrics and the epiphanies of mirror-front styling have become the most precious fashion memories of this autumn.

Trench coat: The first sense of security in autumn

September in London is always accompanied by unpredictable drizzle, and my first “battle armor” is always a trench coat. This year’s Orolay mid-length waterproof trench coat has become my best commuting companion—the khaki fabric has a soft glow effect on cloudy days, and the shoulder straps and windproof details give the simple design an instant sense of story. I remember wearing it for the first time to a fashion week preview. While running in the rain, I noticed the slit in the hem perfectly revealed my ankles, paired with Chelsea boots, unexpectedly catching the attention of street style photographers.

The most unexpected discovery was the magic of short trench coats. Burberry’s short trench coat paired with cycling pants gave me, at 163 cm tall, my first taste of the “two-meter-long legs” visual effect. In terms of material, I prefer slightly structured cotton blends, which can hold the silhouette without feeling as heavy as leather.

Long boots: the magic of redefining proportions

This fall, I completely bid farewell to the old “short boots + skinny jeans” routine. Isabel Marant’s suede boots became my go-to piece—the natural wrinkles on the boot shaft perfectly conceal calf muscles, and when paired with slightly flared jeans, they visually add 5cm to leg length. Remember the first time I wore them to a party, my designer friend who always called me “petite” asked if I had “secretly grown taller.”

Long Boot Styling Diary:

Retro style: Brown riding boots + plaid skirt + leather vest. When I took photos in London’s Covent Garden, tourists mistook me for a fashion blogger.

Sweet and edgy style: Black Dr. Martens boots + tulle skirt + leather jacket. At last week’s Halloween party, this outfit made me the center of attention.

Commuter Style: Black over-the-knee boots + pencil skirt + blazer. When meeting clients on Wall Street, even the picky investment banker VP complimented me on being “professional yet fashionable.”

Color game: The secret of the autumn color palette

This fall, I learned to use color to regulate my mood. Earth tones are classic, but occasionally adding bright accents can have a surprising effect. That Saint Laurent burgundy leather mini skirt—the first time I wore it to an art gallery opening, an art critic said, “You look like a walking abstract painting.”

Color Coordination Tips:

Monotone Gradient: Light khaki trench coat + medium brown sweater + dark brown boots. This “sandwich color scheme” is perfect for the lazy—no brainpower required to achieve a sophisticated look.

Contrasting Colors: Olive green coat + blue shirt. Last week at Central Park, this combination caught the attention of three strangers who asked for the link.

Neutral Colors + Accents: All-black outfit + red scarf. Simple yet eye-catching—perfect for a Christmas party.

Special recommendation: Try the “mocha mousse + denim blue” combination. My Levi’s 501 jeans paired with this knit sweater caught the attention of even passing models on the Brooklyn Bridge, who asked if I was a stylist.

5. Style Awakening: Balancing Trends and Self-Expression

The biggest takeaway this fall wasn’t how many new pieces I bought, but learning to stay true to myself amidst trends. Eco-friendly fur is trendy, but after trying it on, I realized a simple wool coat suits me better; plaid patterns are hot, but I only dared to experiment with a small plaid scarf.

Styling Philosophy:

Invest in Classics: A well-made trench coat lasts a decade, more cost-effective than ten fast-fashion pieces

Dare to Experiment: Challenge yourself to try a new style every month—even if it fails, it’s still a learning experience.

Comfort First: No matter how stylish a garment is, if it’s uncomfortable, it’ll end up at the bottom of your closet.

Recently, while organizing my wardrobe, I noticed that 80% of my pieces are neutral colors, making mixing and matching exceptionally easy. Last week, I paired a black leather jacket I bought three years ago with this year’s new lace skirt, and surprisingly, it looked harmonious. This is probably the true essence of “classics never go out of style.”

The ritual of autumn styling

For me, autumn styling is not just about staying warm or being fashionable—it’s a lifestyle choice. Every morning, opening my wardrobe and selecting today’s “outfit” sets the tone for my day. Whether it’s the sleekness of a trench coat, the warmth of a knit sweater, or the confidence of a pair of boots, these pieces help me tell my own story.