Recently, I've found myself in fashion purgatory. As someone old enough to remember the original Y2K era, I look at girls too young to remember tamagotchis, the Nokia 3210 or the Friends finale with envy. While I may dare to embrace low-rise jeans this winter, butterfly tops and exposed G-strings are firmly behind me. That said, I'm not quite mature enough to have a uniform that never falls short of cashmere polo-necks and designer tailoring. In the words of Y2K icon Britney Spears, when it comes to my style, "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman."
Because of this, I always find myself browsing for pieces that have both classic and trend-forward elements. I look out for brands that provide elevated staples in cooler cuts and trend-led prints at an affordable price point. Thankfully, I have Monki to thank for exactly this type of clothing. Outerwear, denim (in endless washes and styles) and tailoring are just some of my main areas of interest in its pre-fall collection. And as usual, it's fun, feminine and creative.
I'm always drawn to neutral tones, and this season, Monki is offering an array of clotted creams, rich nutty browns, and the usual monochrome palette. But there are also pops of bold colour. Cobalt-blue tops, hot-pink trousers and grass-green knitwear are welcome and timeless additions to any transitional wardrobe. There's also a sea of prints, especially gingham and checks, that sit across suiting, dresses and this rather amazing denim co-ord set.
If you're looking to update your autumn wardrobe with some fun staples, go forth and scroll.
Trench coats never go out of style. This year, they're really growing in popularity. This one, in particular, looks so much more expensive than it is.
You can match these trousers with a waistcoat and blazer in the same print.
For those warmer days in September, you'll find me in these. With jeans or a midi dress, they're just so chic.
The black leather blazer picks up where Kate Moss's 2012 fitted biker jacket left off. It's an essential that can easily be dressed up for dinners, made professional for work or left casual with jeans. It's a winner, baby.
In case you missed it, waistcoats—and tailoring, in general—are a major trend for the coming season. The beauty of a vest like this is that on warmer days, you can wear it solo, but you can also use it as an additional layer in the depths of winter.
A/W 22 PSA: Brown is the new black! Just remember you heard it here first.
Inspired by the great late designer Issey Miyake, these pleats will be everywhere this season.
Although it may not feel like it now, the cooler days are coming. And who wants to be searching for a cosy puffer just a moment too late when they're all sold out? Not me.
Okay, so this denim jacket kind of reminds me of every rug I see on Instagram, but in a good way. Plus, there are matching jeans, and I do love a co-ord.
Two words I love to hear when talking about knitwear: cosy and cream.
These boots were made for walking (into my house and into my wardrobe).
Flared jeans are back! For a Y2K-inspired look, style them with a cropped tank, or go full "coastal grandma" and pair them with a polo-neck.
This cropped fit will look great over a satin slip dress.
Classic blue jeans are an essential for anyone's winter wardrobe.
Pair with boots or sandals. You can wear this dress all year round.
Pink pants! I repeat, pink pants! I've already got these in my basket…
Mary Janes are hands down my favourite style of heels. I love how they feel so '60s femme fatale and a little punk at the same time.
I love the blue button on this. Keep scrolling for the perfect top to pair with it.
Blue, blue, electric blue! Along with hot pink and Bottega green, this cobalt hue is a trending colour for autumn.
This bag could pass for designer.
This two-tone design is super elongating. Flattering denim? Yes, please.
If you'd like to see more of Monki's collection, go here.
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