We’re now in August, meaning that the summer is passing us by and we’ll soon be heading into autumn. As the summer sales end and the warmer months come to a close, we start thinking about what we might want to wear as we transition into this next season.
Seasonal dressing often means buying lots of different types of clothes for all types of weather and situations, leading to a build-up of clutter and unnecessary items that can be overwhelming. And if curating the perfect seasonal wardrobe wasn’t hard enough, it can be even harder if you’re in or approaching your teenage years.
This in-between stage can be at times a little awkward, stuck between being a young girl and an adult, and this translates directly into the realm of fashion. It can be difficult to find pieces that are age appropriate, things that aren’t too grown-up but still show your maturity and sophistication. So if you’re in need inspiration for yourself, or for someone that you know, look no further.
We’ve created the ideal, concise guide to building an autumn wardrobe for teenage girls comprising a few quintessential items around which you can put together a variety of different outfits for all sorts of occasions.
DAY DRESSES
We usually associate daytime dressing with dressing more casually, but this isn’t just limited to jeans and t-shirts. If you want to elevate your daytime look, there’s no reason not to choose a dress. What’s great about autumnal palettes is the range of beautiful colours we can choose from – think earthy tones and the vibrant colours of nature – and wearing these on a dress will make any teenage girl feel fantastic and fashionable. However, this autumn, in addition to the classic shades, you could also wear a pop of bright colour, as seen in several designers’ collections at the Autumn/Winter 2019 shows. 2019 Autumn trends.
This red ruffled dress is one example of a piece you could wear in the daytime.
The vibrant red colour speaks for itself on this one; with a minimal, simple design, the ruffle sleeves add just a touch of detail to finish it off. The classic A-line silhouette is also fuss-free, meaning it’s perfect for the everyday but can also be transitioned into the evening. This bright red was seen all over the runways for the AW19 season, from Balenciaga to Emporio Armani, so it’ll ensure that you’re up to date and ahead of the game.
However, if bold colours aren’t for you and you want something more classic and subtle, there are still plenty of options. This black knitted long-sleeve dress is certainly understated, but by no means boring. The black and dark grey marl knit is a timeless colour combination and goes with almost anything, so feel free to experiment far and wide with accessories if choosing a piece like this. The wool knit fabric also offers warmth which might be needed as it gets colder, and the balloon sleeves with gathered cuffs are a perfect finishing touch. This is one of those pieces that will suit any personality and any style as it can be dressed up or down according to personal preference.
A similar style seen at the Chanel AW19 show:
FORMAL DRESSES
Day dresses are great, but formal or evening dresses are where you can really begin to experiment and have fun with your autumn wardrobe. Birthdays, weddings, bar mitzavahs, or any big celebration require a formal outfit and something that is going to impress. Party dresses allow you to show off your style and steal the show with extravagant looks with lots of detail, so having a few of these in your collection at all times is an absolute must. In the autumn/winter period, and especially as we near the festive period, we start seeing more of the glittery and glamorous pieces coming out, and what’s more, this was another hot trend on runways so you can show your sartorial knowledge once again.
This green brocade party dress comes in the most gorgeous vivid bright green metallic fabric. With a straight silhouette and a flared hem, this piece is quirky and fun, and while the colour is slightly unusual for autumn, it shows personality and confidence.
Or, if you really want to go for it, something like this silvery blue ball gown will definitely steal the show. Will a puffball skirt and puffed sleeves, this is a maximalist look for teens who aren’t afraid to experiment with fashion and really have fun. The pale metallic blue colourway will transition easily into winter and can even be worn in spring, making it a wise choice not just for autumn but all year round.
Lebanese-born designer, Elie Saab, is also renowned for his use of metallic shimmers and beautiful, feminine glamorous gowns. They can often be seen on red carpets and are an A-list celebrity favourite. This is great inspiration for teen girls as it’s elegant, mature and feminine, while still being fun and playful and not too serious.
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Embroidered details in focus | ELIE SAAB Haute Couture Autumn Winter 2018-19 #OfFormsAndLight
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Dripping in crystal blues | ELIE SAAB Haute Couture Spring Summer 2018 #ParisEstUneFête
ACCESSORIES
Last but not least are accessories. No outfit is complete without them, and they’re a sure way for teens to begin to explore how to curate outfits and add items that contribute to their own personal style. Whereas toddlers and younger girls have less need and want for the plethora of accessories available, it’s something for girls to progress onto as they grow up. It’s useful to have a small selection in your wardrobe at all times which can be mixed and matched with any outfit, whether it’s a hat, headband, piece of jewellery, or a bag.
One massive trend at the moment is the mini bag. New fashion labels like By Far have risen to popularity due to the success of their mini bags, while established designers like Jacquemus have also jumped on the bandwagon, causing high street brands to follow suit.
Jacquemus’ infamous mini bag:
Vogue’s round-up of the best mini bags.
You can recreate the in-demand look with something like this wine-coloured velvet box bag.
The small box shape is super on-trend and the delicate gold strap corroborates what is already an elegant look. Colours like this deep burgundy red are perfect for autumn, evoking the rich earthy tones we think of when we imagine autumn and the colours of the leaves at this time.
Alternatively, you could complete your ensemble with a pair of shoes. In the spring and summer we tend to go for pieces like embellished sandals or ballerina pumps, especially if the weather is warm. However in the autumn, and later the winter, it’s the perfect time to experiment with boots; from ankle boots to biker boots, these are an excellent way to add an edge to any outfit and they look especially good with dresses. Pointed toe shoes were also a hit on the runways, with designers like Miu Miu and Louis Vuitton demonstrating a number of these in their collections.
Louis Vuitton’s pointed toe ankle boots showing that they can compliment a dress perfectly:
A round up of the best shoes and boots from the Autumn 2019 collections to give your some inspiration.
You only really need a few key pieces to start building the perfect autumn wardrobe that’s suited to teenage girls. With a range of dresses that can take you from day to night in colours both classic and quirky, and some staple accessories, autumn dressing will be a breeze.