Your Autumn Event Style Cheat Sheet
Autumn has arrived, and with it comes a calendar packed with events that demand your sartorial attention. Whether you’re navigating wedding season’s final hurrah, office parties, or Halloween festivities, this season presents the perfect opportunity to showcase your style prowess whilst staying comfortably chic.
The key to autumn dressing? It’s all about strategic layering and making the most of what’s already hanging in your wardrobe. You don’t need a complete overhaul – just a few clever tweaks can transform your existing pieces into event-ready ensembles that’ll have you looking effortlessly put-together.
Wedding Guest Perfection
Autumn weddings call for sophistication with a seasonal twist. That midi dress you’ve been saving? Now’s its moment to shine. Pair it with a tailored blazer in rich burgundy or forest green, and swap your summer sandals for ankle boots or block heels.
For those chillier ceremonies, consider a wrap dress in jewel tones – emerald, sapphire, or deep plum work beautifully. Layer with a cashmere cardigan or faux fur stole that you can easily remove for photos. Remember, you want to look polished without upstaging the happy couple.
Pro tip: Keep a pashmina or light scarf in your bag. Autumn weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll thank yourself when temperatures drop during evening receptions.
Office Party Elegance
Work events require that delicate balance between professional and party-ready. Start with your best-fitting trousers – whether they’re tailored black ones or those burgundy wide-legs you love. Add a silk blouse or fitted jumper, then elevate the look with statement accessories.
A bold necklace can transform a simple outfit, whilst a structured blazer adds instant sophistication. For shoes, opt for pointed-toe flats if you’ll be standing most of the evening, or comfortable block heels that won’t leave you hobbling by night’s end.
Don’t forget about textures – velvet, corduroy, and knits are your autumn allies. They add visual interest and seasonal appropriateness without trying too hard.
Day Trip Ready
Autumn day trips demand comfort without sacrificing style. Think layers you can add or remove as the day progresses. A good denim jacket becomes invaluable – it works over everything from floaty dresses to fitted tees.
Your trusty ankle boots are perfect for countryside walks or city exploration. Pair them with straight-leg jeans and a cosy jumper, then add a crossbody bag that keeps your hands free for pumpkin picking or antique hunting.
Weather-wise, always pack a lightweight waterproof jacket. Nothing ruins a perfect autumn outfit like an unexpected downpour, and you’ll appreciate having backup when the clouds roll in.
Halloween Sophistication
Halloween doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style for costume drama. Embrace the season with pieces that nod to the spooky spirit whilst keeping you looking chic. An all-black ensemble becomes instantly Halloween-appropriate – think black jeans, a black jumper, and boots, finished with dramatic dark lipstick.
For parties, consider adding gothic touches to your regular wardrobe to fit halloween outfits. That burgundy dress becomes vampire-chic with the right makeup, whilst a black midi dress paired with a statement choker creates an elegant witchy vibe.
Clever costume hack: Use accessories to transform everyday pieces. A headband with subtle cat ears, dark eye makeup, and an all-black outfit create a sophisticated feline look that won’t leave you feeling overdressed.
Making Your Wardrobe Work Harder
The secret to autumn event dressing lies in versatility. That blazer doing double duty for both office parties and wedding receptions? That’s smart shopping. Those ankle boots working with everything from jeans to dresses? Investment pieces at their finest.
Consider your autumn events as opportunities to rediscover forgotten pieces. That dress you bought last season might be perfect for upcoming celebrations when styled differently. Mix textures, play with proportions, and don’t be afraid to combine pieces in new ways.
Ready for Anything Autumn Throws at You
Autumn events don’t have to stress your wardrobe or your budget. With thoughtful layering, versatile pieces, and a few strategic accessories, you can navigate every invitation with confidence. The key is working with what you have whilst adding seasonal touches that keep your looks fresh and appropriate.
Remember, the best-dressed person at any event is the one who looks comfortable and confident in their outfit. So choose pieces that make you feel amazing, add those autumn-appropriate layers, and get ready to impress at every gathering this season.
The Balance of Play
I hate admitting that because I value play so deeply, especially in those precious early years. It’s how our children learn, explore, imagine and build confidence. But as a mum trying to keep a household running and a business growing, it’s not always easy to appreciate those moments.
Part Time Working Mummy Interview: Rachaele Hambleton & Josh Marshall
Rachaele Hambleton, aka Part Time Working Mummy, is an inspirational mum of six. The incredible 43-year-old is a Sunday Times Bestselling Author—four times over—founder of The Patchwork House, a support and guidance service for vulnerable individuals and families, and she’s also a successful entrepreneur, which includes her own clothing brand REBL.
Introducing Amanda Marks
We’re thrilled to welcome our new columnist Amanda Marks. Amanda is a Renowned Breastfeeding, Food & Sleep Consultant
With over 40 years of experience supporting families, Amanda Marks is a highly respected breastfeeding, food, and sleep consultant. Based in prestigious locations including 10 Harley Street, London, and Alderley Edge, Cheshire, Amanda has worked with families from diverse backgrounds, including media personalities and royalty, maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality.
An Interview with English Professional Boxer Chris Billam-Smith
At BROOD, we’re always drawn to stories that celebrate not just professional triumphs, but the heart and humanity behind them. Someone who embodies this spirit perfectly is Chris Billam-Smith—a world-class athlete
whose grit in the ring is matched only by his devotion to his family.
Why Family Gardening Is Having a Quiet Comeback
There’s a noticeable shift happening in how families spend their time. It isn’t loud or trend-led, and it’s rarely documented with before-and-after shots. Instead, it’s quieter and slower, rooted in small routines and shared moments. Family gardening is part of that change.
From Parliament to the Premier League: Campaigning for survivors of domestic abuse during this #16DaysOfActivism
Our Head of Social Causes and Sub-Editor Teresa Parker was joined by BROOD Editor-in Chief Lolo Stubbs at an event in Parliament on the 2nd December 2025 to mark ten years of coercive control legislation. Teresa organised the event through her consultancy Teresa Parker Media, in partnership with Hawkins, Laxton & Co, which is run by her former colleagues Clare and Sian.
WHY PARENTS NEED A WILL (Even If You Don’t Think You Do)
A lot of people still think wills are only for the wealthy or the elderly. I hear this all the time. In reality, wills are about far more than dividing up money.
Learning to let go – the empowerment edit with Sarah Jayne Dunn
Have you ever found yourself in a situationship that doesn’t serve you? You’re not sure why, you can’t quite put your finger on it, but deep down, something doesn’t feel right. Your gut is nudging you, your heart feels heavy, the energy is off, and somewhere in the background, the alarm bells are starting to ring.
PETER SIDWELL’S HOMEMADE WAGONWHEELS & HOB-NOB STYLE BISCUITS
This month, I’m thrilled to share two of our all-time favourite bakes: our homemade Hob Nobs and nostalgic Wagon Wheels. These recipes are more than just sweet treats—they’re time capsules. The Hob Nobs came from a rainy weekend when we had oats, butter, and not much else in the cupboards. The kids loved rolling the dough into little biscuit balls and watching them flatten in the oven. Dipping them in chocolate was the final touch—well, that and licking the spoon clean!
Building a Brand from the Kitchen Table
Mum-of-two Megan Ford shares how family life, late nights, and a passion for purposeful play sparked the beginnings of Ellor & Co — proving that big dreams really can start at the kitchen table.
