Jess Cartner-Morley’s September edit: Tailored blazers, slipper-soft shoes and a cashmere bandana
The Guardian’s fashion editor curates a practical yet polished selection for the autumn transition, featuring high-street tailoring, travel-smart accessories and a rebranded French label.
Jess Cartner-Morley, fashion editor at The Guardian, has released a curated selection of September style essentials designed to capture the energy of the new term. The edit balances practicality with elegance, focusing on items that bridge the gap between summer and autumn. Central to the collection is a tailored herringbone blazer, which Cartner-Morley describes as a high-street alternative to expensive tailoring. The piece features internal structure, peak lapels and flap pockets, offering a smooth curve that button placement alone cannot achieve.
Footwear takes a comfort-first approach in this month’s recommendations. Cartner-Morley endorses a closed-toe shoe from Zara, noting its “jazz shoe silhouette” and narrow profile. She describes the footwear as being comfortable enough to feel like slippers, a necessary adjustment after months of sandals. The style is available in ecru and black, with the ecru option currently low in stock.
The selection also includes a T-shirt from Maebe, the brand founded by influencer Molly-Mae. Cartner-Morley admits to initial scepticism regarding influencer-founded labels but praises the garment for its removable shoulder pads and draped, gathered waist. This feature creates shape without clinging, challenging common prejudices against the category.
For those planning to travel, the edit highlights the utility of compression packing cubes from Antler. Unlike standard cubes that merely organise clothing, these items feature a dual-zip system that squeezes out air, reducing clothing volume by at least half. Cartner-Morley, a hand-luggage-only traveller, notes that the quality of the zip is essential for the process.
Beauty and accessories round out the list with a metallic lip stain in a rosy pink shade called “Crush”, which is designed for those who prefer lip balm to traditional lipstick. The selection also features a structured tote bag with a flat base, bottom studs and a removable laptop sleeve. While the chocolate colourway is sold out, black and “whiskey” options remain available.
The final items include a hair mist from Gielly Green, recommended for fine, dry hair to be used before blow-drying, and a cashmere micro-bandana from British brand Rise & Fall. The bandana, available in poppy and buttermilk, is suggested for early autumn chills. The edit concludes with a textured shirt dress from Sézane, a brand that has recently undergone a rebrand. The dress, which was previously sold out, is now back in stock and features a detachable belt.
