Mini round up: September twenty threeeee

It’s autumn, and hence the start of a new fashion season: AW23. But, as someone who truly believes that clothes should be forever not for two seasons out of a year, * because hello! Climate! And, wait, there’s another guest wanting to come in, oh yes, wallet! * I wanted to give a round up of three things I love that I predict will be going strong this autumn, and that you might already have in your wardrobe, (or that you could get from a charity shop, sustainable brand, or vinted/depop/ebay). I have also included one autumn trend I am not the biggest fan of, and one shoe that I'm obsessed with, because why not?

1 KILTS

Last year I really was sold,

On tartan, on plain pleats and folds.

This year they’ll be back,

on the clothes rack,

Kilts! they never get old.

Kilts are gorgeous. They are a classic piece of clothing that looks good both on the body and on the rack. They are elegant in their own right, and can be the centre of an outfit or just a mere part. They are beautiful to look at. Colourful, interesting, and characterful.

Aside from their aesthetic credits, kilts are also very practical. They are warm, so perfect for winter with a pair of tights and leg warmers. However, the nature of them being a skirt means that they can also be a perfect transitional piece with a pair of trainers and ankle socks.

This versatility does not end at practicality, oh no. It stretches into style as well. A kilt can be dressed up to go to the ballet. Pop on some boots or some heels, a nice top (the same nice top from the famous “jeans and a nice top”), a respectable jacket, and hey ho! You’re ready for some classical music and pointed toes. But it can also be dressed down. Don a pair of trainers and an Adidas zip up, a baggy t-shirt, or a jumper and head, well, anywhere! Work, a lecture, a party, a club, the library, you name it!

Kilts can be found second hand at all your local and easy-to-access stores: Vinted, depop, ebay, facebook marketplace. They also tend to hang around the charity shops too.

2 OFF-THE-SHOULDER TOPS

Get yourself an off-the-shoulder top. I’m not talking circa 2015 cold shoulder tops because they should be banned and should never see the light of day again. What on earth were we thinking?!

I’m talking baggy might-fall-off slinky t-shirts that exude sexuality whilst simultaneously being one of the most conservative items of clothing. Quite an oxymoron for a t-shirt to embody and for that alone it deserves credit.

Paired with a baggy jean, a sort of effortless chic is created. With a mini skirt, they look put together and ready, but with a friendly edge. They also go with shorts and long skirts, and can be long or short sleeved. Off-the-shoulder tops are amazing. And if you want one you can take three steps:

1. Find one in your cupboard; it might be there already!

2. Get one second hand

3. Cut an existing t-shirt be careful please watch a video as you can very easily cut too much and then all hell breaks loose!

Simple.

3 BOOTS

We have borne witness to a myriad of boot trends in the past couple of years. Cowboy boots, miu miu biker boots, and they are not going anywhere. A good leather boot is nothing to turn your nose up at, and can be acquired quite easily second-hand. However, my two cents would be to STOP following the micro-trends. Just get a good pair of boots and they won’t go out of fashion. But think about the miu miu boots, don’t they feel like a fever dream now? It’s not necessary. Furthermore, a note on comfort, boots are just not as comfortable as trainers, and for that reason I am forever going to be a trainer woman.

However, boot wearers, please don’t stop!

4 SOCKS

Can socks be a trend? I wish the answer was no, don't you? A sock, the infamously WORST present a 5-year-old can receive is TRENDING. Oh dear. What have we done? But I am not here to kid. People are going to start noticing your socks, and you better be ready for it.

Do you remember when ankle socks were the requirement? That NO SOCK should ever be seen around an ankle? That was a simpler time…Independent brands prepping for autumn are starting to reveal their socks: Long socks. Short socks. Patterned socks. People have high socks popping out of their boots, 10 dernier see through socks, Socks socks socks.

I am annoyed. Why spend lots of money on socks?

I digress.

But please look out for the socks.

(They are actually very nice).

5 TNs

So, returning to the trainer, here are my opinions. Well it’s one opinion. I love tns.

I look at people in real shoes and I think my trainers are clapped (read ugly) except when I’m wearing tns. Tns are the coolest they are slick they’re slay and they age well cos guess what, they’re not leather!

Dump the airforce.

Tns look great with tights and skirts, but they also compliment a suit trouser if you're going for a more sophisticated look. Their shape and vast colour range makes them a trainer for every scenario.

The only issue is they aren’t the comfiest trainer, but they’re defo more comfy than a boot. They also come as air max terrascape plus which is a slightly different model which are much comfier. However, I’m not too keen on the triple black version of those.