Charlotte Hawkins’ aqua pencil dress is the sophisticated alternative to an LBD for autumn occasions
This bold tone is set to dominate autumn trends
Of all the fashion colour trends we’re preparing to add to our autumn capsule wardrobes, blue might just be the most unexpected. Nestled between mossy greens and berry tones, it would have stood out as a bit of an outlier on the season’s runways if so many fashion houses hadn’t chosen to champion the colour – and Charlotte Hawkins has just proved why it’s such a great choice.
To present Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, she chose Karen Millen’s compact stretch bow detail pencil dress in a striking aqua blue hue. It immediately caught the eye and not just because of its colour, either. With a flattering pencil silhouette, neat construction and an elegant bow accent on the bodice creating a one-of-a-kind look, this is a seriously chic dress we’re bookmarking for autumn-ready occasion wear.
When it came to styling her dress, Charlotte toned the bold colour down by slipping into a pair of nude court pumps. This is a great tip when accessorising brighter colours, as neutrals let the dress remain the star of the outfit while creating a balanced and elegant feel.
Shop Charlotte's style
It simply doesn't get more striking than Charlotte's aqua blue midi dress, but the beauty doesn't stop at its bright colour. The neat silhouette and bow detail are truly stunning.
Available in both regular and petite sizes, this Whistles dress takes the bold hue of Charlotte's style and transforms it into a more everyday silhouette. The tone is beautifully vivid, with long sleeves and a full skirt creating a shape that can be dressed up or down.
Like Charlotte's dress, this one boasts a beautifully tailored silhouette. I love the flattering draped waist, and thanks to its long sleeves, this is a style that will see you through autumn and winter with no trouble.
Shoppers can't seem to get enough of these slingback heels, with reviews calling them 'stylish,' 'gorgeous,' and 'sophisticated yet comfortable.' One reviewer even called them 'perfect,' adding that their neutral tone is super versatile.
These M&S heels come in standard and wide widths, as well as in half-sizes and full sizes, which is a win for those who sit in between. They're stylish too, boasting mid-height stiletto heels for a sleek look.
While Charlotte wore stiletto heels with her aqua dress, there's nothing stopping you from opting for a lower kitten heel when recreating her outfit. This pair from H&M are perfectly versatile with that sleek shape and beige hue.
When it comes to this season’s trending blue tones, it’s all about being bright and bold. Aqua pieces like Charlotte’s dress offer one of the brightest ways to wear the runway-approved tone through autumn and winter, with the pencil silhouette of her style in particular lending itself to easy layering with blazers and the best trench coats for added practicality.
The colour is particularly perfect for the early days of autumn - as much as we’re ready to embrace the moodier hues of autumn, there’s no denying that we want to hold onto the bright-colour takeover that's been happening this spring/summer for a little bit longer. Aqua is well placed to do this, feeling bold and summery, while also boasting a teal-like undertone that can bridge the gap between summer brights and the jewel tones we wear deeper into the cool season.
When it comes to styling these bold colours, Charlotte knows exactly what she’s doing. Creams, nudes, and beiges can tone down the brightness - and don’t forget that nude heels are a great option for making legs look longer, as they offer the illusion of an unbroken line between the leg and foot.
