Sammi Jefcoate

It likely goes without saying that I am big on styling.

I happily wear the same pieces time & time again, but I’ll likely style them in different ways, making outfits feel fresh to me. There’s no better time of year to go bold with accessories & styling than autumn: necklace layering over turtlenecks, pops of sparkly earrings at night, a harness cinching in a blazer…

Earrings: as much of a fine jewellery lover that I am, when it comes to earrings; I love to switch these out daily with less bank-breaking pieces (the first lobe that is – I am sure as hell not changing tragus/daith/conch everyday) Earrings add shape and a little extra detail.

Below I’ve listed some go-to earrings of mine: more affordable in price point than solid gold, for sure, but still great quality & that last years.

EARRINGS:

Harnesses: as iffff I could create this post without mentioning my own brand and favourite accessory, the harness. Adding detail, structure and with the ability to totally transform the vibe of a look, there’s no better time of year to give one a go. I believe in excellent quality and all of our harnesses are handmade in Portugal with beautiful craftsmanship. If you’re new to the harness world, I recommend trying the Classic Belt Harness as it has a belt element that won’t feel too ‘out there’.

WEARING THE CLASSIC BELT HARNESS:

Hosiery: we have most definitely entered tights season here in England in the last two weeks. A highly recommended way of keeping legs warm, but also adding colour or texture. Add knee socks or leg warmers for extra warmth, depth and silhouette.

HOSIERY:

Rings: naturally I am a magpie throughout the year for rings. There is, however, something extra special about the autumn-winter sparkle of rings as the dull grey light sets in. Plus, in practical terms, I do find stacking this time of year a pure joy as there is no finger swelling as temperatures are pretty consistently low. Some mega fine favourites, below.

RINGS:

Knitted Scarves: a cosy staple for when the mega chill sets in, but also a way of adding texture, colour and detail to a look. I love a simple block-coloured scarf, but equally adore the bold Loewe scarf with fuzzy logo. An excellent gift.

SCARVES:

If you’ve been here a while, you’ll know the changing of the seasons – particularly the swift change from summer to autumn – always excites my love of outfits. It feels like fresh fuel for the never-ending love of styling. The temperatures in late summer/early autumn (at least, in England) are usually perfect for light layering, no tights & the perfect jackets.

I find the colour palette change in nature, as autumn progresses, to be ridiculously inspiring – for day-to-day life as well as in outfits.

LACE LAYERING

The goth within ™ will always be partial to a bit of lace.

At this time of year, it’s the perfect fabric for balancing layering before the temperature plummets. Layer under bodysuits, mini dresses, harnesses, leather & heavier knits. Add a harness (or two) for extra edge.

lace separates

lace dresses

MEGA PLATFORMS

My love of platforms began at a very young age and quite frankly never left.

A stomping platform boot will always please me. From New Rocks to Versace, it feels there is something for everyone & most budgets. I do love a platform no matter the time of year – however a/w is when they truly come into a magical world of their own. It likely goes without saying that I’ll always be more partial to the more egdy platform. Some favourite selects of mine, below.

POPS OF RED

Rarely one to be seen in red (besides in the form of a matte red lip) there has been an appeal of red to me as of late as the change in season commences. I’ve found myself adding red items to my wish-list: I don’t know if this has ever happened before. Either worn monochromatically or with a side of black/denim/leather, I’m definitely going to trying out some red pieces.

VERSATILE SHIRTS

A shirt is up there versatility wise imo. The mind may naturally conjure up an image of a corporate-outfit scenario (just me?) – but the styling of a shirt can completely transform the vibe it gives off. Worn loose & open with a hint of lace lingerie is always a staple way of styling them for me. Alongside the more preppy worn-under-a-jumper look that I also love as we get further into autumn.

Textures are key here – the way it will lay and how it will make you feel will be drastically different if it is silk or cotton, for example.

POWERFUL JACKETS

An item that will always excite me: jackets.

They are often (alongside coats – but we can wait til October for those, hopefully) the piece that completes an outfit – the last thing you will put on before going out. They feel like the finishing item to me, adding structure and defining your look.

Denim, leather, houndstooth, blazers, cropped: these are staples for me – I love having key jackets I can reach for time & time again. This is definitely where I find designer to often be a real game changer, due to the level of care & attention that goes into the cut and fit of this particular item.

My Magda leather jacket (fortunately bought before a major price increase on their part) remains one of my favourite pieces I own & one of my most reached for this year.

KNITWEAR

This section needs no introduction: we couldn’t face autumn without some cosy + layerable knits.

[…need i mention: black, black, & more black]

As always, I have some key pieces on my autumn/winter wish-list – I always have these saved in places in case of any sales/low stock/quick buy situs: some items are still there from this time last year (ugh, like *that* Saint Laurent coat) what’s on yours?

NOTEWORTHY VIDEOS:

a red lip

autumn fragrance

turtleneck x sparkle