The September Issue

My mood for September, making considered purchases, leaning into a slimmer silhouette and a shopping list for the month ahead

September, the most exciting month of the year for fashion. My feed and inbox are full of new-season goodness, but I’m slowing down and pausing before making a purchase. Clothes can sell out super quick this time of year as there’s a big push for new A/W collections, which can leave us with a sense of urgency to buy (Guilty with Cos’s Brown Suede Bowling Bag/The Row Margaux dupe, but one I don’t regret). I’m trying to ignore the noise and focus on what I’m craving, what I want to wear, and where the gaps are in my wardrobe. Thinking about what will add value to my life and make it easier when getting dressed. At 42, I know how I want to feel when I wear an outfit, and I’ve made all the mistakes. When I rush to buy things with no thought process, I end up with one-hit wonders, which I go off super fast, leaving me with a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing to wear.

My aim with the monthly issue is to try and make your life easier; over the 12 issues so far, I’ve chatted about Moodboards, Wardrobe Heroes, Adding Interest With Texture and Proportions and Irony In An Outfit. I hope it all helps when building a wardrobe you wear and love, making sense of a new season and making the best decisions for you and your lifestyle.

To get the best result, you have to have the right ingredients. This differs for everyone, but it doesn't have to be complicated. Pausing and thinking about the value it will add to your life before buying is essential. And working out whether you love the piece and the outfits you can create with it or if it is simply trending. With the speed at which the trend cycle is moving, it’s more important than ever to truly love what you’re buying, as I guarantee you’ll be sick of it very fast if you’re buying just because it’s the latest ‘it’ piece.

My first A/W purchase was this jacket from Nour Hammour (Size 38). It’s cool and elevated yet unfussy, and the buttery-soft leather is incredible. I can throw it on over my jeans and T-shirt and feel great. It's a true, keep-forever piece that will get better with age. I’ll be freshening up my knitwear collection with Cos chunky cashmere knits and H&M's premium selection of fine-knit cashmere—getting the basics right. I’ve also just ordered this silk organza skirt from M&S. I’d had my eye on a similar style from Frankie Shop- perfect to add interest to my looks this season. More of a trend-led piece but one I truly love. I’ll be wearing with an oversized knit and loafers day-to-day or adding a simple pump for an easy and relaxed evening outfit. All considered pieces that will add value to my wardrobe, making my life easier when getting dressed. The ultimate goal!

September Style Tip

Create your mood for the month. I’ve spoken many times about the power of a moodboard or some form of inspiration organisation, and my monthly moods have become something that keeps me on track each month. It feels less pressure than doing one for the whole season. I add in all the images that have resonated with me or that I’m drawn to, and a theme usually shows up. My mood for September is suede textures, pops of green, and smart tailoring. I use this as a guide to go into my wardrobe and pull out pieces I may have that give a similar vibe (you can watch my August moodboard reel here). It helps me look at my clothes in a fresh way and identify any gaps (I’m missing a green knit, so I'm looking to & Daughter to fix this). I might make a purchase or two inspired by my board, but I often have the ingredients hanging in my wardrobe to create new outfit combinations. I like this way of moodboarding as it plays into my ‘Same but Different’ method, where you can take inspiration, but it doesn’t have to be an exact copy of an outfit. It inspires me to recreate a colour combination, mix different textures or proportions, or go for a less obvious shoe choice.

A few looks inspired by my September Moodboard -

Outfit 1, Zoe Kravitz's relaxed sweatsuit, is my idea of heaven. It's elevated comfort dressing at its finest. I also love the mix of camel and green. A colour combination I’ll be recreating this A/W.

Shop the Look here

Outfit 2, I love the combination of grey and white pulled together with a chic belt. The loafers and structured bag elevate the outfit. I’ve got pieces in my wardrobe to create a very similar vibe- an excellent outfit for early autumn that I can’t wait to wear.

Shop the Look here

Outfit 3, I’m leaning toward a more pulled-together look this season and love how chic and effective an all-black outfit can be. A tailored pant, sleek shoe, and simple yet stylish accessories make for a low-lift, maximum-impact outfit.

Shop the Look here

What I’m Craving. Leaning into what I’m craving over what’s trending.

Cigarette Pants

I’m seeing a move towards a slimmer silhouette after years of the oversized look. It happened first with a waisted blazer and now with a slim pant. This doesn’t mean oversized is out; there’s still a place for it, but it’s nice to play around with a different fit. Toteme and Khaite featured slim trousers in their A/W collections, and I’m drawn to the sleeker tailoring look.

Mango, straight-suit trousers | Toteme, slim-leg pants | Arket, slim trousers

Car Coats

I love a trench, but the amount of fabric and fussiness of the belt can sometimes make me feel scruffy. A car coat is the perfect solution. With clean lines and a simple shape, I’d wear it the same way as a trench coat, throwing it over my outfit for a practical autumn layer.

Shop the Edit here

Coloured Knitwear

For an easy and instant wardrobe update, I’m investing in a coloured knit. I plan on wearing my usual outfit combinations but adding interest with a pop of colour or doubling up with two matching or similar colours- wearing one as a jumper and one as a scarf.

My go-to brand for coloured knitwear? & Daughter, I love the matching scarfs. Guest In Residence, which is so pricey but so good. And La Ligne for fine knits—that red!

H&M and M&S have some simple knits on the high street in various colourways- great to double up.

Label I’m Loving

Dehanche, inspired by the 80s and 90s, have created a collection of statement yet timeless luxury belts to elevate your looks. From sleek, minimalist designs to bold architectural pieces, I’ve been reaching for my Dehanche belts most days. Use Code EMMAROSE10 for 10% off the collection.

My favourite styles - Hollyhock in Gold | Signet Fastened Belt | Mija Croco

Shop the Edit

The Shopping List

The pieces I’m adding to my wish list that have caught my eye so far this season. I use my notes app to create a shopping list which I edit throughout the month depending on what I buy or realise I don’t need!

Shop the Edit here

Nour Hammour Belted Leather Jacket, I’ve wanted a jacket from this brand for a while and love the shape.

Cos Leather Hood, thinking ahead for the Oasis gig next year, which I managed to get standing tickets for.

Róhe Scarf Sweater, I’m really into this brand, re-imagining the classics with a cool twist.

Me + Em Tux Coat, I love the idea of wearing this super smart coat with jeans, trainers, and a T-shirt.

Polo Ralph Lauren Sweatshirt, I have a problem with sweatshirts. I’d buy this super-oversized to wear for lazy weekends.

Loeffler Randall Boots, I actually have these boots from a few seasons ago, but I wanted to mention them as they are by far the comfiest boots I own. A good heel height and sleek shape.

Veronica Beard Dash Bag, I popped into the new store last week in Chelsea and fell in love with this bag. A top-handle bag to elevate my outfits is high on my wishlist.

Loeffler Randall Ballet Flats, I have these in black, and again, they're super comfy; I love the red.

Mango Leopard Coat, Inspired by the leopard Toteme coat I’ve been lusting after.

H&M Cashmere Trousers, I’d live in these. A cashmere trouser I can dress up with loafers and a shirt.

Arket Oversized Coat, another option for an oversized coat you can throw on to elevate a casual outfit.

Cos Cashmere Knit, updating my knitwear collection with staple cashmere

Style Notes

Look to the designers who inspire you for styling ideas. You might not buy from their collections, but if they align with your aesthetic, it might spark an idea of how to pair pieces you already own in a different way. I’m constantly screenshotting ideas that I see on retailers’ sites to look back on for inspiration. Khaite, The Row, and Toteme are my go-to’s each season, helping me to create looks and refine my style.

Thanks for reading; let me know in the comments what you think of The September Issue and if there’s anything you’d like to see next month!

Em x