Embrace the arrival of the new season with the latest By Lydia collection, A Style Transition. Speaking to Lydia’s love of botanicals, through the antithesis to popular belief that florals belong on the spring agenda, this latest edit is centred around a selection of bespoke prints inspired by her well-kept garden.
Heritage checks provide a secondary mood, complementary when paired with a floral piece. Through this curated selection of outerwear, elevated staples and occasionwear showstoppers, together it creates the perfect accompaniment to new season dressing.
Read the exclusive interview with Lydia Millen below.
What do you love about autumn and how has it influenced the collection?
I view autumn as a transitionary month that, like spring, is filled with hope. Signs of transformation are everywhere you look, endless metaphors are provided by nature to lean into change and let go and the rich colour palette is exquisite - for that reason, its rich tones and earthy shades heavily influenced this collection. The fact that the seasons return year-on-year heavily influenced these designs too - you’ll see that the shapes and styles feel timeless and for good reason. These are investment pieces that I guarantee you’ll love and want to rewear every Autumn from now on.
Which pieces are you most excited about?
I have so many favourites this season! I have a feeling the square neck dress will be very popular - it is universally flattering and the colours are exquisite, I know I’ll be living in it all season.
The taupe shirt maxi dress is tailored to perfection and so elegant - perfect for those days where you want to look and feel the part at work. The navy wedgwood dress is the ultimate occasion dress should you have a wedding or formal event to attend in the coming weeks. And finally, the princess coat - it’s one of those coats that feels like an outfit in itself. When I’m wearing it, I don’t want to take it off and it is such good quality, I know it’ll last for years.
Where can you see yourself wearing some of these pieces?
I’m in and out of London for meetings most weeks so the square neck dresses, the taupe maxi shirt dress and the pussybow blouse paired with the oxblood faux leather A-line midi will make multiple appearances throughout the season when I’m keen to look smart. My debut book, Evergreen, launches in October so there’s a few additional events in the diary where only beautiful dresses will suffice! With that in mind, the long-sleeved ivory thistle maxi dress and the navy Wedgwood maxi dress will be coming out to play. Finally, the cashmere roll necks and black blazer are autumn staples in my book, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they make a regular appearance throughout the next two seasons, too.
Can you tell us about the newest version of the bestselling Corseted Tulle Dress?
The latest versions of the corseted tulle dress were heavily influenced by what my audience requested!
How are you transitioning your wardrobe into the new season?
I start by looking at what I’ve already got in my wardrobe and bring my favourite jumpers, cardigans, blazers, dresses and coats to the forefront of my shelves and drawers with that in mind. The fabrics are always heavier and cosier at this time of year, so cashmeres, tweeds and fine knits in rich shades of chestnut, cream, camel and mahogany take centre stage. I then start thinking about whether I need to invest in any items for the season ahead and if so, start browsing with the season’s requirements in mind. For autumn that means thinking about the fabrics - will this keep the seasonal breeze at bay? Can I cosy up in this as the leaves start to fall? The colours - does this echo the palette of nature that I see outside? The shape - is this a flattering and timeless silhouette? And importantly, do I feel good in this or am I just following trends. Thankfully, every single piece in this collection ticks all the boxes!
