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Marianne Smyth, aka @smythsisters, on what she’s buying for autumn

Marianne Smyth, aka @smythsisters, on what she’s buying for autumn


by Marianne Smyth
27th Oct 2023

IMAGE.ie's fashion columnist, Belfast-based fashion stylist and photographer Marianne Smyth – aka @smythsisters – is a maven of everyday wardrobe staples. Join us here every second week where she shares what's new in her wardrobe and on her wishlist.

A mother of two and a photographer by trade, IMAGE.ie’s fashion columnist Marianne Smyth shot into the Instagram limelight very quickly due to her signature outfit pose.

Known for her distinguishable mirror selfies and timeless style, Marianne provides a catalogue of must-have, accessible outfits. Her carefully curated content is comprised of everyday wardrobe staples, styled in different ways.

Join us here every second week, where Marianne will hunt down the very coolest buys and tell you how to style them.

Marianne’s shopping picks this week

This Malene Birger coat stopped me in my tracks. It is breathtaking. Very high up on my wish list.

It is trench season and I’m reaching for my Studio Nicholson trench daily. The perfect layer to finish off your look.

This J Crew bag is like The Row at a fraction of the price, and of course in this season’s colour.

This Zara dress is that perfect evening/party dress to keep in your wardrobe for that last minute event. Pair with knee high heeled boots and a longline trench to complete the look.

These Loewe boots are an investment piece but a pair you will have forever.

Wide leg jeans haven’t gone anywhere, pair these Aligne jeans with a cropped jacket and an oversized crossbody for that easy yet chic day time look.

Previous picks

Get ahead of the season and start your coat shopping early, especially as this H&M longline felt coat is bound to sell out. A very, very good high street version of my Tove coat!

I love an all in one, it makes getting dressed in the morning so easy. This Soeur all in one is the perfect piece for this autumn/winter. Dress up with your heeled boots and longline wrap coat for an evening out or casually with flat chunky boots and an oversized bag for day to day.

I’ve always loved corduroy for the cooler months. It looks so chic with an oversized coat and boots, or trench for now. I purchased this pair a few weeks back and have been wearing them with my ballet flats, savouring every last bit of the summer.

This is a very high street Loewe-esque bag. Love!

A knit vest is so versatile for the transitional period of dressing. This Lisa Yang cashmere vest is very high up on my wish list.

I’m patiently waiting for these The Row-esque shoes via Studio Nicholson to come back into stock. I’m picturing these with black ankle length wool trousers and a brown trench to welcome in the new season.

I love a hold-all over sized bag when it comes to autumnal dressing. This rich burgundy will be the colour of the reason.

We are seeing a lot of silver lately, dip into the trend with these stunning pointed pumps. Elegant yet elevated.

It seems I have a taste this season but this exaggerated collar knit from Nanushka is absolutely stunning. I’d pair the jumper with dark indigo denim jeans, a small grab-handle clutch and those silver pumps for date night.

These earrings are the finishing touch to your look. I recently bought these earrings and I get compliments whenever I wear them. Really unusual and playful.

Leather will be really big news next season. With that in mind I’m after a boxy black leather jacket with minimal hardware. This Aligne jacket looks perfect.

It’s no secret I’m always on the look out for great jeans. The wash can make all the difference in my opinion. This pair of Citizens of Humanity jeans are currently on their way to me. The perfect in-between wash, not too dark, not too light. I plan to style these with a crisp white heavy tee, black leather jacket and boots coming into fall.

I’ve been wearing this black boxy over-the-shoulder bag all summer long.

Don’t underestimate the power of the white basic T-shirt. This heavyweight style from Arket has been my go-to for years.

These Bottega dupe earrings from COS elevate that jeans, tee and leather combo.

Less is always more in my opinion. This slinky bias cut brown dress can be dressed up for an occasion or worn casually with flats an an oversized shopper bag. It’s an item that will never date and of course help you out during that wedding guest dress crisis you’re having.

This Zara statement piece will dress up your go-to tee and jeans look.

With this black weave Dragon bag finally back in stock, now is your chance to jump. Great for throwing all your things running errands and a huge bonus that the bag works well in autumn winter too.

It’s a sweeping statement but Citizens of Humanity denim are up there with one of the best when it comes to denim jeans. I love the look of this tie waist pair – perfect for adding interest to your daytime look.

This vest is a bit of a different style for me but I purchased this last week and have worn it so much. Paired perfectly with white jeans & Birkenstocks Boston’s, it’s perfect for this cooler summer we are having.

A classic white dress will stand the test of time in your working wardrobe. I love the styling of this COS dress, effortless with a ballet pump and black bag. It helps keep the look low key and extremely wearable.

This bag is very Khaite, love the kiwi colour. Perfect to transition into the cooler months.

I bought these YMC trousers a few months back and I have reached for them weekly. If you’re 5ft5 or below the trousers will look full length on you, mine slightly puddle on me which look great with a sandal or trainer.

Kara is a new brand for me and they make the perfect sized glitzy party bag for those special occasions.

There’s no doubt about it, I love a knitted cream dress in the summer. This elevated dress via Jigsaw looks very high-end. I would balance the dress with chunky sandals for a more laid back look.

I bought this Raey top recently and although it looks very simple, it has a built-in corset structure underneath, and trust me when I say it’s staying put. Great design for a small or large chest..I’ve been styling it with a pair of low-slung jeans and my The Row Ginza sandals for that easy chic summertime look.

I wear my Wales Bonner trainers on repeat weekly. That easy throw-on trainer that looks great with just about everything. I’m loving the new colourways this season.

This COS dress is a very very good dupe for that iconic Cecilie Bahnsen dress. Pair with simple strapless sandals and minimal accessories and this is sure to be the wedding guest look of the season (and for many more to come).

I am currently eyeing these Porte & Paire sandals up for summer.

I have been searching for a pair of striped fluid-leg trousers for a while and in these Topshop ones, I found the perfect pair. I’m bringing these with me to France and plan to style them with a simple vest top, sliders and my dragon bag.

I’ve worn this white Sir dress every summer for the past few years. Lightweight and effortless.

I’ve been searching for the perfect fit white shorts for some time now. Not too tight, I found these shopping in London a few weeks back. The sculptural cut paired with a basic tee looks effortless yet sophisticated for hot summer days.

This brown thong sandal goes with just about everything.

A packable waterproof jacket I can throw on in the summer months that doesn’t compromise my summer style. Perfectly lightweight yet elevated with the pull string detail.

This summer is all about green for me. I’ve been wearing this plisse top with my baggy Ayla Citizens Of Humanity jeans on repeat. Paired with the Lucy Williams Ancient Greek thong it’s that blend of the perfect undone look without trying too hard.

This bag is tried, tested and very much loved. I use my Dragon bags a good six months of the year. They’re far more practical than a wicker basket bag so worth the investment.

I bought these Ancient Greek sandals for a recent holiday and I can confirm they’re very comfortable. I love a barely there shoe with a polished outfit so these tick all the boxes. Make sure you size up one full size as they come up small.

So this Khaite tee is definitely an investment piece but the quality and fit of the t-shirt is amazing, it looks great with loose wide-leg jeans. A t-shirt I will wear for years to come.

These from Monica Vinader are the silver hoop of dreams.

A slip-on shoe never looked so good.

I love a stand-out crochet piece for summer and this Ulla Johnson sweater is the one. Pair with your favourite loose jeans and black sunnies to complete the look.

I love a low-rise cargo pant for summer. These are perfect for on the go or dressed up for an evening with a strappy top and heels.

These Levi’s give that ready-made outfit for simplifying your weekend dressing.

I purchased these weave trousers a few months back and have worn them on a weekly basis since. Pair with your favourite vest or t-shirt and let the trousers do the talking.

I recently purchased this chain ring for my pinky finger. I love how delicate it looks alongside my engagement ring. Minimal but with impact.

It’s no secret I love my New Balance. This new colour way in pale blue screams summer. Pair with a lighter wash denim a casual tee for that easy, laid back weekend look.

This Paloma Wool shirt is a very recent purchase of mine. I love the simplicity of the cut but I was drawn to the pop of pastel pink. I plan to wear this shirt with loose boyfriend jeans to make the look feel a little less put together.

I love a strappy barely there sandal… these from Emme Parsons look super comfortable too.

After seeing this Jill Sander pouch in person I haven’t stopped thinking about.

I wear my A.Emery sandals to death but if you’re looking for something a little more purse friendly then these Arket sandals are a great alternative.

I’m on vacation at the moment and these Anine Bing shorts have been my go-to. Paired with a white loose linen shirt and I’m beachside ready.

Mango’s natural fibre handbag is the perfect summer clutch to carry you through spring/summer.

With wedding season fast approaching, Tove’s yellow number is sure to have heads turning. I would pair this sunflower dress with dark brown sandals and a textured weave clutch.

This Anni Lu beaded necklace to elevate your jeans and a tee look.

I recently purchased this navy skirt from COS. It looks so chic with a simple white T-shirt & trainers.

A sleeveless waistcoat is an item I cherish in my closet every summer. Throw this Mango waistcoat over that wedding guest dress, pair over your T-shirt and jeans look or add to your favourite linens. Pair with your favourite longline Bermuda shorts or a bias-cut skirt. It really is the hardest-working item in my wardrobe.

A red stripe shirt for summer, yes, please. Pair this With Nothing Underneath boyfriend shirt with relaxed long denim jeans and sandals for that effortless look.

I’m a big fan of the Dragon bags, I love the updated weave this season.

Cropped jackets have been having a moment recently, this Zara jacket is the IT jacket for the new season and sits perfectly with long fluid trousers.

I recently bought myself a pair of A Emery sandals and they’re the comfiest pair I own. I have my eye on this slimmer version for summer, perfect if you’re wearing an oversized silhouette. It helps balance the look and stops the fit from looking too heavy.

Photography by Marianne Smyth @smythsisters. We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.

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