Matching Sets, Bomber Jackets & Blush: A Stylist’s Autumn Must-Haves

What does a typical day/week look like for you?
I do an hour walk every morning to clear my head and get the creative juices flowing before starting work. On a daily basis, I am either doing pre-production, post-production or the actual shoot with multiple jobs going on at the one time through the week, alongside meetings with various members of the team that are required to get the jobs done. Prepping outfits is basically online shopping on THE ICONIC (super fun!) and picking clothing and accessory pieces to use in the shoots or styling influencers based on the aesthetic of their feed. Every item needs to be documented so I spend most of my day screenshotting imagery and product details into spreadsheets. Shoot days involve early starts, unpacking product, dressing models all day and packing it all up at the end. Post-production involves selecting final imagery, packing up and returning all the clothes to start over with new outfits for the next shoot. It’s a lot!

What are you most excited to wear this season? 
I’m loving matching sets as I’m always in a rush trying to pack the most into my days, so I love it when an outfit styles itself for me. The last thing I purchased was a matching backless vest and trouser suit. I’m keen to buy a pair of knee-high boots as they instantly give an outfit a sexier edge, and also try a moto jacket with some of my outfits.

Where do you look for outfit inspiration? 
Literally everywhere: runways to start with when I am doing trend forecasting predictions, but closer to the seasons, it’s international street style, brand campaign imagery, Instagram, TikTok, and sometimes just a random person on the street will spark an idea of how to wear something. I will also still buy magazines as I love reading them in the bath or at the beach.

What are the building blocks every good wardrobe should start with? 
A neutral colour palette as a base is key and some denim. Personally I make my base black so I’ll start with a black tee, pants, blazer, bomber jacket, a pair of jeans and an oversize denim jacket and then work around that. Anything I then buy, usually can go back with black, so if it’s a printed dress, or matching set, I’d team it with my black blazer, bomber or denim jacket when cold. 

What are the key trends that will spice up core staples for autumn-winter? 
Cobalt blue is a new colour injection to try; open-holed knitwear is a good one to wear back with denim; matching sets whether that is in suiting, knitwear or printed shirt and pant/skirt combos are key; knee-high boots will elevate a dress or skirt; and a bomber jacket or leather moto jacket are the new shapes for the season.

What about your beauty shelf staples for the season? 
My only go-to is blush – it’s the only makeup I wear to give my cheeks a bit of life. Other than that, it’s all about good skincare for me, cleanser, moisturiser, eye cream, serum and a weekly mask.

If you were only going to invest in one style update this season what would it be and why? An oversize bomber jacket. I like the silhouette it offers for an outfit and they’re also warm. It’s also an outerwear piece so it’s the first thing that’s noticed and everything underneath can be from previous seasons.

And finally, if you could only wear one outfit for the rest of the season what would it look like? A one shoulder top with wide leg pants and a bomber jacket on top. Worn with boots, designer black sunnies and a cross-body bag.