Autumn Winter 2021 Style Trends

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Want to know the Autumn Winter 2021 Style Trends to embrace this season? I’ve got them all laid out so you can be mindful of what’s on offer and which styles you may like to add to your wardrobe.

A change in season is a welcome reprise from the humid, hot weather conditions we sweltered through during summer.

We are officially in March where it is still warm (if you’re in QLD). The coming months will prompt longer sleeves and cosy layers for the autumn winter season.

Before you start adding to cart, it’s a good time to curate what pieces will serve you through this new season. What can be donated or sold? You may already own some of the pieces below and mix them with existing basics.

Autumn Winter 2021 Style Trends

Last year, the trends lent themselves to a laidback approach as we were working from home. Isolation cancelled many events we would have normally dressed up for.

So soft pants, tracksuits, business up top and casual on the bottom with slippers were much of the attire worn last winter. Less structure and more stretch were the trends globally with fashion.

Some of the lifestyle changes of last year are still being embraced this year but now we can go out! So let’s have a look at what the Autumn Winter 2021 style trends are and how you can embrace them with your existing wardrobe.

The Bridgerton Effect – Puff Sleeves

The much loved period series Bridgerton has influenced blouses and tops with puff sleeves, lace frill details and Peter Pan collars.

Puff sleeves were very much a summer trend, but they are being embrace on knits, blouses and long sleeve tops.

70’s Colours and Patterns  – All Shades of Brown and Autumnal Hues

Chocolate brown, beige, greige, olive green, sage, forest green, burnt orange and rust are going to be the seasonal colours we will see in stores. Paisley, houndstooth, checks and large floral prints will bring back nostalgia from a much loved decade.

Matching Sets

Soft pants with a matching sweater or top will be popular again this winter. It’s an outfit you don’t have to think about and best of all the pieces can be separated to create new outfits giving you more cost per wear.

White and Creamy Neutral Knits

When Spell launched their neutral cable knit range, the pieces flew from the store – despite it being a warm and humid scenario outside!

The neutral knit with added textures through cabling or pom poms is an easy style to wear with jeans and boots.

Knit Dresses

I’m on the side of caution with knit dresses but they are a basic you can layer or wear on its own.

Cut outs

Cut outs in knits around the shoulders or decolletage will add a focal feature to your knits.  As much as it adds interest to a winter outfit, cutouts won’t keep you warm and cosy. Possibly an ideal transitional piece which can be dressed up with tailored pants and a heel.

Patterned Sweater

Remember the business at the top trend we had last year while working from home and ensuring it was business as usually when meeting virtually? Well the patterned sweater offers a fun and comfortable layer to wear on weekends and casually throughout the week.

Puffer Jackets

A layer usually welcomed in icy conditions, the puffer jacket will be your go-to coat for Winter 2021.

So which Autumn Winter 2021 style trends will you be wearing this season?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Australian Made Fashion Stores You May Not Know

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The desire to support Australian made fashion stores has become prevalent with the desire to support the local economy while reducing consumption from fast fashion.

In my childhood years, my mum found it cheaper to get my grandma to sew my dresses than to buy brand new from the shops.

Fast forward 30 years later where it’s the complete opposite. There is an array of choice when it comes to buying fashion. With new pieces updated each week in most stores, the ‘fast fashion’ phenomenon hasn’t waned.

Sadly, when I read articles like this one from the ABC, I do wonder where do all the ‘neglected’ clothes go? And where do our donated items end up? The sheer volume of clothes is not sustainable. It’s something I have considered a lot in the last few years.

In an effort to support Australian made fashion pieces, I’ve found these slow fashion stores where some of the clothes are handmade. In fact there may be a time frame you need to wait for your order.

Tips for buying from Australian Made Fashion Stores

  • Most of these Australian made fashion stores are independent brands which have an online shop so you may not be able to try on the clothing  before you buy from a bricks and mortar shop.
  • A tape measure will be your friend as you will need to know your measurements to purchase the correct size.
  • To be sure the shop offers Australian made fashion, check out the ‘About’ page. It’s also important to find out where the fabrics have been made too and whether these have been sourced locally.

I’ve rounded up a list of Australian made fashion which you may wish to support.

Made590

Made590 offers inclusive sizing from size 8-26. The fabric designs are often made in collaboration with local artists. There is an extensive range of skirts, tops, dresses, swimwear and even gifts for those looking for ethically made fashion.

The Good Garment

The Good Garment is run by sisters who live on the Gold Coast Hinterland. Their designs are timeless and their prints are fun, making this a must-go-to shop if you’re looking for a bold statement piece. I also love how the hem and sleeves of their tops can be tailored to your preference with extra length.

Kuwaii

Kuwaii garments are made in Melbourne. Their classic designs offer basics which can be interwoven into your existing wardrobe and there are also some cute print pieces. Kuwaii is committed to offering slow fashion pieces and they were the first to offer compostable packaging for their online store orders.

Rattamatatt

Rattamatatt offers handmade clothing which is sewn on the South Coast of NSW. If you love Gorman prints, Rattamatatt is an ethical option. The handcrafted pieces are made from fabric suppliers in Australia and USA.

KarlaCola

Another favourite Australian made fashion brand to support is KarlaCola. The prints and designs of the garments are high quality. There is a reason why each product launch for this brand sells out when released on a Sunday night.

Pretty Parcel

Pretty Parcel offers Australian made clothing to brighten your wardrobe. The handmade clothing uses high quality fabrics and offers accessories to match.

Do you know of any other slow fashion, Australian made labels which we may not be aware of?

Tips to Choose Shorts You Feel Good in

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Here are tips to choose shorts you feel good in when you wear them this summer. Everybody’s shape and level of comfort are different. The considerations below will help you choose the right shorts for you. 

Shorts are summer wardrobe staple, but they are a garment many of us women deter away from.

Yet in summer they are a practical option.

This summer I have invested into my ‘shortrobe’ by veering from my standard, black, navy and denim shorts to colour and patterns.

How to choose flattering shortsTips for Choosing Flattering Shorts

When it comes to choosing shorts to flatter your shape, the styling rule of thumb is:

The shorter your legs the shorter the short and the longer your legs the longer the shorts.

Despite the rules, I have long legs and wear shorts of all lengths. There are a few key styling features I check when purchasing a pair of shorts

Where does the waist band sit?

I like my waist band to sit on my waist as that’s where my shorts seem to gravitate during the day. But I having the versatility to sit on the waist of hip can elongate the length of the shorts.

Is the band elasticized or flat?

The best option for most body shapes is a flat band at the front and an elasticized waist at the back. This allows versatility in tucking in or tucking out t-shirts.

I find this style flattering on me as I carry weight on my front belly so a smooth front works for me without adding extra bulk.

What is the leg opening of the shorts?

Culotte shorts are a difficult style to pull off for everyone. A longer hem length can suit taller shapes, but if you’re short, it can make you look shorter. A shorter culotte length will suit better. Tailored culottes are the best if you decide to wear this shape.

A narrow opening at the leg will provide a slim line look. If you opt for a wider leg, ensure the short hem finishes where your leg is narrowest.

Does the length of the shorts suit my frame?

The hem of your shorts should finish at the narrowest part of your thigh/leg. I try to wear shorts above my knees as from the knee down to my ankles is the slimmest part of my leg.

This can vary for everyone though.

To make shorts shorter you can roll them up, and to make shorts longer, unroll the hem or choose styles with a longer hem.

Are there pockets?

Shorts with pockets can make the garment useful, however they can also add extra material on the hips depending on the style. My favourite shorts with pockets that don’t overwhelm with fabric are the Styling You The Label Shorts.

Above all else, choose shorts which you feel comfortable wearing and opt for colours and patterns that work with your existing top collection.

hot pink shorts for summer

The neutral basics like white, navy, black and denim will get a lot of cost per wear, but your coloured brights can add depth to your summer style.

I have bought most shorts in the below suggestions and have been happy with their fit and quality of garment.

  1. Gorman Sorbet Shorts Berry $103.70 (on sale)
  2. Kmart Paperbag Shorts $15
  3. Katies Casual Canvas Shorts (Available in White, Navy and Black) $30 (on sale)
  4. Styling You The Label Bec Technical Shorts in Navy $129
  5. Gorman Show Your Stripe Short $95.20 (on sale)
  6. Boden Party Pink Bembridge Shorts $98
  7. Styling You The Label Grace Shorts in Gingham $139
  8. Gorman Sorbet Shorts Lime $103.70 (on sale)

Disclosure: There are affiliate links  on this post. Should you choose to purchase and item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

8 Stylish Picnic Rugs for Outdoor Dining

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A stylish picnic rug is a must have accessory for outdoor dining.

Laying out a picnic rug and enjoying the great outdoors has become a sought after activity after much of the year was in lockdown.

Not only is it an affordable set up, the kids love it and with social distancing in place, a picnic rug defines the space.have a picnic

Now I don’t own a picnic basket… although I do have a Tupperware Esky I use once a year when I have to bring a plate to share. I tend to be the type to pack the picnic rug in the car and buy food at our destination. Whether it be fish and chips or some other food delight that can be easily transported to our location.

Our picnic blanket fell apart earlier this year due to age and general wear and tear. We had it for 14 years, so it did good innings.

I asked mum to get a replacement for me for my Birthday. The tartan/plaid picnic mat is probably one of the most popular picnic blankets and every family has one in the garage or storage room I’m sure. It’s the perfect picnic rug with it’s black waterproof backing.

But there is something delightful about a stylish picnic rug which sets a relaxed scene the moment they are placed on the ground.

wandering folk stylish picnic rug

They can be used at home, under the alfresco area or rolled up and taken to the park or on a local holiday for a relaxed lunch.

A picnic is a budget friendly way to enjoy dining out. If you do buy your food at your destination, you will be supporting local business too.

If you want to create a modern vibe with your picnic to set the ‘atmosphere’, these blankets are sure to do that.

8 Stylish Picnic Rugs for Outdoor Dining

1. Spell Picnic Rug in Pastel Forest

stylish picnic rug from spell designs

2. The Self Styler Leopard Floral Picnic Mat

picnic leaopard stylish picnic rug

3. Wandering Folk Emerald Forest Picnic Rug

wandering folk stylish picnic rug

4. Gorman Toucan Picnic Rug

Toucan picnic rug

5. Tier Outdoor Adventure Mat  $59.95

Outdoor adventure mat

6. Kollab Spring Garden Picnic Mat

Kollab Spring Mat

7. Flags Picnic Rug

Flags picnic rug

8. Gorman Chisel Picnic Rug

chisel picnic rug

Do you own a stylish picnic rug? Do you enjoy picnics and outdoor dining by the beach or park?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. All items available at time of publishing. 

 

Where to Find Bright Patterned Summer Tees in Australia

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No matter what fashion trends are in place, there is always a need for bright, patterned summer tees.

bright patterned tees for summer Australia

I’ve found it quite difficult to find a tee to suit this description though.

Is it because they don’t get worn or does the general population prefer a block colour plain tee? Or a blouse? Or a cami?

For me personally, a patterned tee is a staple in my wardrobe. In summer they can be worn with various bottoms including black shorts, navy shorts, denim shorts or a denim skirt.

And in the cooler months, they can be worn back with jeans and layered with a cardi.

When looking for patterned t-shirts, I usually buy the next size to what I am so it’s more roomier, and has extra length to cover my tum and bum.

Despite these tees being difficult to find, there are certain shops I head to to find these styles of tees.

Where to find bright patterned summer tees in Australia

Gorman is my first choice as their prints are always bright and fun. However, they tend to crop the hem which I don’t like. I’m particular with my tee length so I will look at the description. Sometimes a visit to the store can give me a better indication of the length.

Boden also offers bright prints. I found more long sleeve options that short though as they are a UK store.

Elm Lifestyle, which is available at Birdsnest, can offer bright tees but they are popular and the larger sizes sell out quite quickly.

You can also try other stores which offer similar styles to Gorman.

I have done a bit of online research and have found these styles available.

bright patterned tees in Australia

  1. Scandi Bird Solsken Tee in Lagoon
  2. Witchery Print Linen Tee 
  3. Bohemian Traders Classic Swing Tee in Tangerine Dream
  4. Taking Shape Cotton Abstract Art Top
  5. Gorman Shadow Pattern Tee
  6. Gorman Streamers Tee
  7. Gorman Blockwork Tee
  8. Boden Short Sleeve Breton Multi Stripe Dot Tee
  9. Karla Cola Gone Loopy Relaxed Top

Where have you successfully found bright patterned tees for summer?

Disclosure: There are affiliate links on this post. Should you choose to purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

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