I Searched High and Low—These 34 Chic New-Season Pieces Are Truly Special

It’s official: My journey as an honourary Parisian has begun. But unfortunately, the gloomy forecast has followed me from the UK. Whereas I’d usually be swathed in cotton-rich frocks and open-toe sandals at this time of year, I’ve reverted to closed-toe shoes and lightweight outerwear. As a result, I'm already gravitating towards the green, ochre, and brown colourways I don in the cooler months and envisaging my dream autumn wardrobe.

Come rain or shine, dresses are my favourite pieces to invest in. I’ve analysed the trends and embraced some revived shapes for their timeless appeal, from bandeau silhouettes and column maxis to (dare I say it) shorter hemlines—a wildcard for me. But I am in Paris, after all.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been an avid list writer. I pen everything from wants and desires to daily pursuits and nonsensical rambles in my Notes app, and the same sentiment has trickled into my fashion-buying process. I've fully entered pre-autumn-mode, and for August, I'm carrying out an inventory.

august-shopping-guide-301176-1691148384060-main

(Image credit: @writtenbyavalon)

Not only is August my birthday month, but it’s also a special time of year, the junction that signifies the melting point of the seasons. The weather is so unsettled this year that autumn feels like it’s just on the horizon, and Christmas is a quiet hum in the background. So, there's nothing for it but to look ahead and prepare my shopping guide for autumn.

Accessories are worth noting, and my, have we been spoilt with options! I’m big on earrings—in every sense of the word. I’ve introduced overstated styles into my arsenal and already know I’m likely to wear them for years to come with pared-back ensembles. Organic-shapes like shell adornments are highly sought-after, and belts that were once lacklustre are set to become a star feature in our outfits. Not to mention bags, which are becoming plush and luxurious, in rich, earthy hues.

Suffice to say, August is looking like a good month for fashion, so here's hoping that same positivity transcends to the weather.

Ahead are the 35 pieces that I'm most excited about. And if you're obsessed with dresses and jewels, this one is for you.

Shop My August Edit:

Next Up: I Take Shoes Seriously—5 Satisfying Storage Solutions You Need

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.

She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.

Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne.

She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.