I'm Anti-Trend, But These Elegant, New-In Pieces Work With My Classic Capsule Wardrobe

As a teen, I was besotted with the runway and a stickler for fashion forecasts. Perhaps it was one too many re-runs of The Hills, but I became fixated on the artistry of designers and used that to dictate my fashion choices. Marvelling at designer creations taking place centre stage became my favourite pastime and although that hasn’t changed, my shopping habits certainly have.

As I became more attuned to my personal style and a more conscious shopper, I noticed a discrepancy between the trends that were showing up and the way I preferred to dress in day-to-day life, so in time I separated my affinity for the runway from my personal style. Nowadays, I report on trends and it’s not too often that I buy into them, as I’m more discerning about the clothing I acquire. This season, however, the trends are speaking to me as many of the influences coincide with my pre-existing collection. Therefore it's allowing me to celebrate my personal style and invest in cuts that have served me well over the past decade.

Although I consider the way I acquire clothing under the umbrella of a capsule wardrobe, my style is nuanced. There are varied influences—from a Parisian essence to a bohemian and modern lilt. Therefore, I’m extracting the pieces I most admire from the trend pool, be it brown suede bags or denim. This season, there’s a catalogue of trends to take our fancy—from bold statements, inspired by Haute Couture, to the subdued ready-to-wear runways and micro trends. Take denim, for example, it feels inherently Parisian. Keep scrolling for some autumn trends that will slot seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe.

From denim to scarf coats, many pieces have a timeless appeal. If you’re a conscious shopper like me, these styles have my stamp of approval. They just so happen to be on-trend.

Shop My Edit of Timeless Trends For Autumn:

1. Taught Waist Silhouettes

Style Notes: We saw the reintroduction of the hourglass silhouettes early this year and its prevalence lives on in the styles we're continuing to see for autumn. The options for 2024 are aplenty, whether you're looking for a daytime frock or something entirely whimsical for an evening event.

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2. Denim in Excess

Style Notes: The double-denim look has garnered fans over the years and served us with iconic pop culture moments. This is intriguing considering denim is perhaps the most simple fabrication we likely all possess in our midst. You may have seen the colloquial term 'Canadian Tuxedo' flying around: it refers to full denim looks, which were once deemed inappropriate but now we can't get enough. I'm enjoying the rigid offerings composed of 100% cotton, in hues that air on the side of indigo, as it has a richer, vintage (and not to mention timeless) element. This season, I'll be offsetting double-denim looks with slingback heels and gold jewels aplenty, to tie in with my style.

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3. Gothic Transparency

Style Notes: It's been some time since we witnessed the resurgence of noughties-inspired illusion frocks by the likes of Totême, Jacquemus and Maison Margiela. It may seem like a contemporary design but it dates back to the '90s and Jean Paul Gaultier's cult barely-there dresses. Although I'm not accustomed to mesh dresses, I appreciate sheer textures in doses and with clever placement. Tulle, organza styles and overlays (especially on the arms) are designs I appreciate for eveningwear. This season's nod to transparency, is noticeably more gothic.

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4. Chocolate Suede Handbags

Style Notes: Oh, suede bags, how you've stolen my heart. This fabrication has come as if out of nowhere and it's provided a contrasting element to many ensembles. The Row's Margaux has spearheaded this sudden interest in textured handbags, with many of its suede iterations sold out on retailer sites across the board. Fear not, as there are many just as beautiful styles in the richest chocolate suede.

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5. Subtle Snake Effect

Style Notes: I'm firmly in the animal print is a neutral camp and this season's offerings are among some of the sleekest I've witnessed. Leopard and snake print are two famed motifs this season but I've turned my attention to the cool-toned, barely there snake print, particularly on accessories.

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6. The Re-introduced Red

Style Notes: Richer than a pillar box red and cooler than burgundy, this particular shade of red has beckoned me (a lover of neutrals) and I'm gravitating towards the pops of rouge on dresses and accessories.

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7. Suede Outerwear

Style Notes: Suede is one of the biggest trends this year and although it does have associations with '70s fashion, the 2024s iteration is considerably sleeker. Finish your September outfits in a touch of suede, before it's time for padded outerwear.

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8. Scarf Details

Style Notes: I've been inspired by scarf coats since they first landed on the runway, so I'm pleased to see the continuation of the shape this season. Scarves are the perfect way to add a feminine touch to any piece. You'll notice a plethora of brown and taupe hues on outerwear, too.

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Opening image: @_marisamartins_