Fall: practical style tips and a short guide to seasonal accessories
Summary
![]()
The Art of Seasonal Accessory Evolution
Accessories play different roles as the seasons change. What works perfectly for the light fabrics and vibrant colors of summer requires thoughtful adaptation to the richer textures and deeper tones of autumn. During the warmer months, accessories often provide pops of color or delicate finishing touches. With the arrival of autumn, they become essential elements that add warmth, depth, and sophistication to heavier garments. The key lies in understanding how to strategically incorporate these pieces into your autumn wardrobe.
Ties: Silk and Wool Take Center Stage
The necktie, a staple of formal and business wear, finds new life in the autumn. The transition away from lightweight summer fabrics opens the door to richer materials and textures that complement the season’s aesthetic.
The Enduring Appeal of the Silk Tie
A silk tie remains a cornerstone of a polished wardrobe, but its role shifts in autumn. The smooth, lustrous finish of silk creates a beautiful contrast against the textured fabrics of the season, such as wool, tweed, and flannel. A deep burgundy or forest green silk tie paired with a charcoal wool suit exemplifies classic autumnal elegance. The key is to select patterns and colors that harmonize with the richer, more subdued palette of fall. Think less about bright, bold summer patterns and more about sophisticated geometrics, subtle paisleys, or solid jewel tones.
Embracing the Texture of Wool Ties
As temperatures drop, the wool tie becomes an essential accessory. Its matte finish and substantial feel add a touch of seasonal appropriateness and visual warmth to an outfit. A wool tie is the perfect companion for a tweed sport coat or a chunky cardigan, creating a cohesive, texturally rich look. It bridges the gap between formal and casual, making it ideal for smart-casual office environments or weekend gatherings. Pairing a grey flannel suit with a navy wool tie is a classic combination that exudes understated confidence.
Scarves: From Lightweight Accents to Functional Elegance
Scarves are perhaps the most versatile of all autumn accessories, offering endless possibilities for layering, color, and personal expression. Their function evolves from a simple decorative touch to a provider of both style and warmth.
The Comfort of Wool and Silk-Wool Scarves
When warmth becomes a priority, wool scarves are the go-to choice. They provide necessary insulation while adding significant textural interest. A classic merino or cashmere wool scarf in a neutral tone like camel, grey, or navy is a timeless investment. For a more dynamic look, consider a scarf with a traditional pattern like herringbone or plaid.
Silk-wool blends offer the best of both worlds: the softness and warmth of wool combined with the elegant drape and subtle sheen of silk. These scarves are less bulky than pure wool, making them ideal for transitional weather or for wearing indoors as part of an outfit.
Discover wool scarves collection
The Versatility of Silk Squares and Foulards
Silk scarves, particularly the popular 60x60 cm squares (often called "neckerchiefs" or "bandanas") and the larger 90x90 cm foulards, are indispensable.
-
60x60 Silk Squares: This smaller size is perfect for adding a subtle pop of color and pattern. Worn tied neatly around the neck, it can elevate a simple crewneck sweater or add a point of interest peeking out from the collar of a button-down shirt. It’s an easy way to introduce a sophisticated, European-inspired flair to a casual look without adding bulk.
Discover our silk neckerchief
-
90x90 Silk Scarves: The larger foulard offers greater styling freedom. It can be draped elegantly over the shoulders of a blazer, tied in a loose, flowing knot to fill the neckline of a coat, or even used as a head covering for a touch of classic glamour. For women, it can also be tied to a handbag or worn as a belt over a knit dress, showcasing its incredible versatility. The fluid drape of silk contrasts beautifully with structured outerwear.
Discover our 90 scarves
The Pocket Square: A Detail That Makes a Difference
The pocket square is a small accessory with a major impact. In autumn, it serves as a powerful tool for tying together the various colors and textures of your layered ensemble. It should not perfectly match your tie but rather complement it and the other elements of your outfit.
Consider a silk pocket square with a rich pattern to add a touch of luxury to a rugged tweed jacket. Alternatively, a wool or cotton pocket square with a more matte finish can ground a look that features a shinier silk tie. Experiment with different folds—from the simple, clean line of a presidential fold to the more flamboyant puff—to adjust the level of formality and personality. The pocket square is your chance to play with color, introducing an accent of burnt orange, deep red, or mustard yellow into an otherwise neutral palette.
Stoles: The Ultimate Expression of Autumnal Luxury
A stole, particularly one crafted from a silk and wool blend, is a statement of refined elegance and practical comfort. Larger than a scarf, a stole can be draped over the shoulders as a sophisticated alternative to a light jacket for an evening event or an art gallery opening. Its generous size provides ample warmth, while the silk content ensures it remains lightweight and drapes beautifully.
For transitional dressing, a silk-wool stole is an essential companion. It offers just enough warmth for a cool morning but can be easily folded away as the day warms up. Worn over a simple dress or with a tailored coat, a stole adds a layer of effortless grace and completes a polished autumn look.
Tying It All Together: Mastering Autumn Style
The essence of autumn fashion lies in thoughtful layering and an appreciation for rich textures and colors. Accessories are not afterthoughts; they are the essential elements that unify your look and express your personal style.
By understanding how to use ties, scarves, pocket squares, and stoles, you can navigate the season with confidence and elegance. Embrace the deeper color palette, play with contrasting textures like silk against wool, and use these versatile pieces to transition seamlessly from a professional setting to a casual weekend outing. This autumn, let your accessories tell a story of sophistication and seasonal style.