Penelope Chilvers On Her Autumn Style Rules

When it comes to autumn dressing, Penelope Chilvers knows how to put her best foot forward. The designer has been crafting beautiful boots, shoes and heels for over 20 years – and in that time has cultivated a Pinterest-worthy sense of style. ‘It’s about balance,’ she tells C&TH. ‘Classic foundations with the occasional twist to keep things feeling current and personal. The key is knowing what suits you, then having fun with the rest.’ Below, Penelope Chilvers shares her personal style rules for autumn (as well as a few tips to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh throughout the season).

Penelope Chilvers On Her Style Must-Haves For Autumn

What’s your daily uniform?

A crisp blue shirt with a collar, a full skirt and, of course, a pair of boots. It’s an effortless look that works just as well for meetings in London as it does for life in the Cotswolds. I love a cowboy boot – they’re endlessly versatile. They ground any outfit with character, and they’re incredibly comfortable too. It’s my version of everyday ease.

Who’s your style crush?

Barcelonian Blanca Miró wears fashion so well. I’m loving the new young brands coming out of Spain at the moment, like Cordera and La Veste, and we stock two fabulous heritage brands exclusively in our stores – ‘planter’ Panamas from Oliver Hats in Seville and equestrian ponchos from Grazalema, the oldest wool mill in Spain.

I have also always loved the enduring style and spirit of the Bloomsbury Group. Their artistic freedom, androgynous elegance, and non-conformist energy have deeply influenced a bold new collection of shoes I’ve designed for autumn in tribute to their timeless, bohemian aesthetic.

(c) Penelope Chilvers

What’s your go-to piece for early autumn?

I named our early autumn collection Watercolour Landscapes after an amazing watery stripe I’ve made as an inspiration piece. It is on a shirt and a pair of trousers designed especially to be worn in September with our new velvet Flora pumps that have dip-dyed jute soles. They come in marmalade, leopard, black and khaki. The palette is intoxicating.

What does country style mean to you?

Colour and purpose: colour sympathetic to the landscape and footwear that gets you from A to B.

Favourite accessories for a finishing touch?

Definitely socks. I’m particularly into a flash of ruby red at the moment. I also love to wear a pocket square round my neck: polka dot, paisley or Provençal.

(c) La Veste

What do you wear on a night out?

Depends on my mood. But some leopard print shoes work with most of my wardrobe. For autumn we have our bestseller, the Infinity block heel, coming in leopard print velvet that I’d wear with vintage or repurposed Levi’s and a silk top by Soler.

Favourite under-the-radar labels?

I love to discover small brands with the same ethos as ours – we invite them to pop up in our Stow-on-the-Wold store. Our customers love to be surprised with new brands each time they visit. Interesting British brands like With Nothing Underneath, By Søren, Madeleine Thompson cashmere and Smock London are a few we’ve hosted recently.

Do you go for timeless or trend-led pieces?

Timeless, mostly. I’m a great believer in investing in well-made pieces that age beautifully and carry through the seasons. We will be stocking a collection of classic Guernsey sweaters this autumn, made specially for us. The historical design reminds me of my childhood – we had Guernseys handed down to each of my three siblings and they never deteriorated. But I love my clothes and can never quite resist a well-judged update – something with a fresh silhouette or unexpected detail that gives new energy to my wardrobe.

It’s about balance: classic foundations with the occasional twist to keep things feeling current and personal. The key is knowing what suits you, then having fun with the rest. Go for longer term investments where you can.

(c) Grazalema

Any style hacks?

A polished riding boot or a scuffed-up cowboy boot can instantly take the edge off a silk dress or tailored look. It gives that borrowed-from-the-boys confidence I always love.

More From Penelope Chilvers

You can keep up with Penelope Chilvers and all the latest from her brand at penelopechilvers.com