The September Edit: A softer start to the new season.
There’s something about September that always feels like a fresh start.
Not a new year, and not really the beginning of autumn either. The days can still be warm, the evenings are only just starting to draw in, and we’re not quite ready to pack away summer completely. But there’s a definite shift, you can feel it in the air already.
September always makes me want to get organised again, the kids are back at school and normality starts to return. It makes me want to clear out the wardrobe, make plans, find a new book, buy some cute autumnal home décor, and start thinking about what I’ll be wearing over the next few months.
So, for the first ever Mood & Mirror edit, I’m starting with everything I’m loving for September.
The wardrobe shift
I don’t think September dressing needs to mean suddenly appearing in chunky knits and knee high boots on the first of the month, even though we might be feeling extra cold after all the heatwaves over summer this year.
For me, this is the month of transition pieces; a great pair of jeans. wide-leg trousers, classic t-shirts and the first set of layers. A cardigan you can throw over your shoulders or a blazer that instantly makes jeans and trainers look more put together.
Featured:
Next 2 Pack Open Knit Slash Neck Jumpers Black/Cream – Perfect open knit so you can still stay cool in the evening sun, but can be worn over a vest when it gets colder.
Crew Clothing Cotton Blend Cable Pointelle Jumper – Can be worn with shorts to give summer to autumn vibes.
Roman Relaxed Longline Cardigan – Can be thrown on over a t-shirt or vest, or worn on chilly mornings to the office.
River Island Blue Back Split Seam Bootcut Jeans – A classic jean to wear after a summer of skirts and shorts.
Matalan Black Satin Lace Asymmetric Cami Top – Dressy layers for day to night wear.
M&S Albaray High Neck Ribbed Vest Top – A classic vest in autumn colours.
New Era League Essential 9TWENTY Cap in Burgundy – To keep your hair tucked in on windier days.
Leather Belt with Gold-Tone Buckle – To add a a finished look to any outfit.
Totes Women’s Cashmere Blend Socks – For cooler days.
The colour palette starts changing too. I’m a neutral girl so I’m naturally drawn towards oatmeal, cream, chocolate brown, black and soft taupe at this time of year, and they all work so perfectly together so it does make it easier to throw an outfit together. I think Brown has been around so much this summer, and it’s looking like it’s here to stay through autumn.
One of my favourite combinations right now is just so simple, just a good pair of jeans, a quality t-shirt and a cardigan or blazer to throw on when it starts to get chilly. Add a structured black bag and a little gold jewellery and suddenly the basics don’t feel basic at all.
That is exactly the kind of wardrobe I want this autumn; pieces that work hard without looking like they’re trying too hard, and classic, comfortable vibes.
The accessories
If there’s one thing that can completely change an outfit, it’s accessories. This September I’m loving gold jewellery, oversized sunglasses and I can see textured bags like crocodile skin and suede appearing in lots of the shops already.
A simple gold bracelet or pair of earrings can make even a T-shirt feel more considered, while a black textured shoulder bag works with almost everything. And although sunglasses might feel like a summer purchase, September is still the perfect month to wear them. There are still plenty of sunny days ahead, and a good pair of sunglasses with a blazer or cardigan suddenly feels much more autumnal.
The shoe switch
I don’t feel like full boot season is upon us just yet. Instead, September is the perfect excuse to put away the flip-flops and bring trainers back into everyday outfits. A clean white pair works with jeans, tailored trousers and even some of the midi skirts and dresses you might have been wearing throughout summer.
Then, as the month gets cooler, loafers, suede shoes and ankle boots start creeping back in. That gradual change is part of what I love about September dressing, you don’t have to completely reinvent your wardrobe overnight.
Featured:
Fairfax & Favor La Rochelle Teal Suede Loafers
New Look Tan Faux Leather Chelsea Ankle Boots
Next Neutral Suede Standard Fit Leather Footbed Clogs
Joules White Leather Longline Trainers
Office Mosaic Embroidered Mesh Slingback Heels
The September mood
But The September Edit isn’t only about clothes.
September always makes me want home to feel a little cosier too. Windows might still be open during the day, but lamps come on earlier in the evening, fresh bedding feels amazing, new candles, coffee instead of iced coffee and maybe even something baking in the kitchen at the weekend.
And I definitely need some new books to read this month.
It’s that tiny window of the year where you can still sit outside when the sun appears but also start looking forward to blankets, candles and rainy Sunday afternoons without feeling quite ready to hibernate just yet (maybe next month).
My September shopping list
This month, I’m looking for:
- the perfect chocolate-brown bag
- an oversized cardigan
- gold jewellery that works with everything
- a really good autumn candle
- a new book for darker evenings
- the perfect pair of everyday jeans
- one great jacket to throw over everything
Nothing revolutionary. Just lovely things that make the new season feel a little more special.
A slower kind of reset
I think that’s what I want September to be about this year, not a dramatic transformation or a huge list of things I should be doing.
Just a small reset.
Getting dressed in clothes I actually enjoy wearing, moving a little more after being too hot to do anything all summer, making home feel cosy again, finding things that inspire me, and making more time for the little things that can so easily get lost when life gets busy.
And really, that’s what Mood & Mirror is going to be about too.
Style, mood, beautiful finds and slower living. So it felt natural to launch the blog on 1st September.
Welcome to Mood & Mirror.
The Mood & Mirror September Edit
WEAR — relaxed tailoring, denim, cream basics, chocolate brown and gold details
FIND — the perfect autumn bag
READ — something you can’t wait to get into bed with
DO — clear out one wardrobe or drawer before buying anything new
SLOW — make one evening a week deliberately free of work or plans
