3 Tastemakers On How To Move Stylishly Into Autumn
NEXT has teamed up with three tastemakers to show us how to approach the new season. Lapheal Sterling, Cy Robinson and Thomas M. Lloyd are each bringing their unique flair to autumn – and they have some sage styling advice too…
Created in partnership with NEXT
Transitioning between seasons is all about layering. It requires versatile pieces that adapt to the weather. I start with great bottoms, i.e. tailored trousers, denim or chinos, and build from there with shirts, lightweight knitwear, overshirts, or transitional jackets that can be added or removed throughout the day.
I use accessories to bring personality to a look. A vintage watch or a patterned tie can change the feel of an outfit. A hat stops a smarter look from feeling too formal. The same goes for footwear; I switch between classic loafers and clean white trainers, depending on the occasion.
A really long oversized coat is one of my essentials. I love that feeling when a coat is so oversized it almost feels like it’s hugging you. Also, ties are essential when it comes to styling because they instantly add character.
I lean towards Ivy and preppy style, so autumn gives me chunky knits, cords, checks, stripes and a load of different layering options. It’s probably the most fun season for getting dressed.
One habit I’m adopting is wearing things I haven’t worn in a while. I might even do a bit of a roulette and randomly pick an item from my wardrobe, then challenge myself to style it and come up with a new combination. It’s a good excuse to play around.
Follow Lapheal Sterling @LaphealSterling
I try not to reinvent my wardrobe every six months. It's more about swapping the weight and texture of what I'm already wearing. A lightweight knit replaces a t-shirt, a jacket comes back into rotation, and suddenly the same outfit feels right for the season.
For the unpredictable days where it feels like you're getting all four seasons, try a good overshirt, a merino knit and a pair of wool trousers.
Autumn is the season when getting dressed becomes interesting again. Summer can feel quite limiting, whereas autumn gives you the chance to play with layers, texture and richer colours without overthinking it.
The check shirts from NEXT stood out to me straight away. They're the kind of pieces that do a lot of work in a wardrobe – easy to layer over a t-shirt now, then under knitwear or a jacket as the temperature drops. They're relaxed, versatile and seem to get better the more you wear them.
This year, I’m buying less and wearing more of what I already own. Every autumn I'm reminded that the most useful pieces in my wardrobe aren't the newest ones. They're the ones that have earned their place over time.
Follow Thomas Lloyd @Thomas.M.Lloyd
Don’t make any knee-jerk reactions to the cold. Just because it’s chilly doesn’t mean buying the closest jumper you can find. You’ll end up being stung by price or quality – or both.
I rely on technical funnel-neck windbreakers at this time. They’re lightweight to help with the temperature, but also offer protection when it gets colder or the inevitable downpour arrives.
A sweater is your best friend. Too warm? Throw it over your shoulders. Too cold? Pop it on and wear it conventionally. Plus, it’s an easy way to bring colour into a look, while not committing to it overall.
If I had to pick just one item from the NEXT collection, it’d be the Black Slim Long Sleeve Ribbed Henley T-Shirt. It's warm enough for the drop without being heavy, and the fit is good enough that it does most of the styling for you.
One habit I’m adopting this season is not rebuying my entire wardrobe from last year. If I am buying, I want to know the piece has a life beyond the next few weeks. It has to be something I'll reach for next spring when the weather does the same thing in reverse.
Follow Cy Robinson @CyIsTheLimit
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