Whether it’s updating my wardrobe with heavier fabrics and richer tones or adjusting every fragrance around the house with suitably seasonal smells, each plan helps me to appreciate the uniqueness of each season and embrace the day-to-day subtleties that can often get overlooked.
With that mind, here are my key tips for preparing for autumn this year:
Whether it’s the perfume I wear, the candles I light or the cleaning products that we spray around the house, seasonal scents are an easy mood enhancer for all – especially when the weather isn’t offering the perfect, seasonal scenes outside! Personally, I like to lean into amber, musky scents in Autumn. Aerin’s Amber musk perfume is my automatic go-to for instant warmth and comfort. I love Diptyque’s Ambre candle and have just ordered ‘Autumn’ by The White Company so will report back with my thoughts!
When it comes to sourcing inspiration for my home decor throughout the year, the British countryside is the gift that keeps on giving. With that in mind, before I even think about opening Pinterest for inspiration, I use my morning dog walks as a starting point for all of my plans. For that reason, the summery citrus plants have been replaced with dried poppies, white rodanthe, teasels and preserved bracken that Jemma from Hello Petal has arranged (beautifully) in sturdy, antique pickling jars. Set against the sage backdrop of Casa Millen-Gordon, I think it could very well be my favourite home decor so far!
Autumn presents the perfect opportunity to get ahead on Christmas gifting because everything from chutneys to Christmas cake can be made months in advance. With that in mind, when the weather doesn’t look inviting and I have a Sunday to spare, I cherish the opportunity to batch cook Carrie’s tomato and courgette chutney recipe. Poured and sealed in quaint glass jars that I find on Amazon, I add them to ‘home made’ hamper gifts at Christmas for close family and friends. Extra tip: Contact a local artist or graphic designer to create bespoke labels for your homemade goods or use a free app like Canva should you wish to create them yourself!
Closely linked to the tip above, I try to embrace seasonal goods as much as I can. Not only do they taste better (v. Important!) but they also help to ground me in whatever season we’re in. I found this reel from @eatnourishglow useful for breaking down what fruits, herbs and vegetables taste best in September and plan to factor it in when deciding on what to cook/bake in the coming weeks. Get your tupperware at the ready ladies and gents, it’s time to go blackberry picking!
For me, there are three failsafe rules in autumn that if followed, transition your wardrobe from summer to autumn with ease. 1) Add layers 2) Embrace richer tones 3) Start introducing heavier, warmer fabrics as the weather turns. This year, I’ve loving classic cognac leathers, caramel cashmeres and navy/mulberry/butterscotch wools that you can snuggle up in. You can find my top luxury picks from My Theresa here. Alternatively, browse my favourite autumnal items from the high street, here.
Though I refuse to ditch my tan for any season (St Tropez has and will always have my heart!), my beloved coral lip glorifier from Cle de Peau (that sees me through the duration of spring/summer) gets traded in for richer nudes at this time of year. I find that By Terry’s Hyaluronic Lip Balm in shade ‘Tea Time’ compliments the autumnal hues in my wardrobe (and helps to keep chapped lips at bay on those brisk and blustery autumnal days!)
We’ve ticked off sight, scent, touch and taste. For my final tip therefore, I had to include sound! Often overlooked on the majority of checklists, I’m a huge advocate for creating new playlists as the months go by. I also pay attention to how the melody changes outside. To say that I’m looking forward to the crunch of leaves underfoot, not to mention the whistle of wind as it weaves through the trees, would be an understatement…
Ready for an afternoon in the early Autumn sunshine on horseback
Ad outfit
Leggings @lemieuxproductsofficial
Top @gymshark
Blazer Lydia Millen x @karen_millen
Earrings @astridandmiyu
Boots @amazonfashioneu
Gloves @hollandcooperclothing
Ad When the turn of the seasons encourages you to wrap up in classic clothing from the beautiful British brand that is @lkbennettlondon , retreat to a cosy, country hotel and hunker down for afternoon tea with your husband. Use LYDIALKB20 for 20% off until 28th October #WearingLKB paid partnership
I had so many messages about my work from home outfit last week I thought I’d share it complete with accessories
Ad Outfit
Jumper @goelia_official
Trousers @lkbennettlondon
Shoes @emmylondonofficial
Jacket @marcelalondon_
Fragrance @diorbeauty La Colle Noire
Can you guess where I’m off to for afternoon tea?
Ad Outfit
Coat @lkbennettlondon
Dress @aavelleofficial
Hat & boots @hollandcooperclothing
Fragrance @penhaligons_london
Tights @wolford
The Autumn Equinox has arrived and as the nights draw in there’s so many opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Hosting a very special breakfast for my girls in honour of @princestrust and @thebrilliantbreakfast to raise money to help young women turn their lives around through work, education and training. A donation of £5 can enable a woman to simply travel to an interview which could go on to change her life forever so I would absolutely love it if you would join me in hosting your own Brilliant Breakfast between the 9th and 15th October, whether it’s simply coffee with a close friend, or encouraging your entire office to get involved, the funds raised will go towards helping young women, aged 11-30 create better futures for themselves.
And thank you to my angel @hello.petal.flowers for giving her time and creative flare to bring my vision for the breakfast to life, of course you don’t have to go with florals like me, but if that’s something you enjoy this is the perfect opportunity to throw a lovely breakfast with your girlfriends with a cause that will help so many other women, front and centre!
Ad Because being old fashioned is always fashionable
Such an honour to drive to @goodwoodrevival with the @astonmartin team in the iconic DB5 to celebrate 110 years of the brand and 60 years of the DB5.
Outfit
Dress @dior
Hat @aavelleofficial
Gloves @cornelia_james
Jewellery @garrard