The Edit: Deborah Symond O'Neil on Personal Style, Autumn Trends & The Colour of the Moment

Deborah Symond O'Neil is the impossibly chic founder and creative force behind Mode Sportif and knows a thing or two when it comes to fashion. With a style that exudes effortless and timeless elegance, her wardrobe is feminine with a dash of classic sophistication and modern luxury, and she's curated a wardrobe that seamlessly transitions from city chic to resort glamour - just as her glamourous lifestyle requires.

A kaleidoscope of colour, texture, and print, with each piece carefully selected to evoke joy and confidence, we'll take one of everything in her closet.

Thanks to her love of fashion, her loyal Insta following and her keen eye for business, Deborah has elevated Mode Sportif to cult status with boutiques in Sydney's Double Bay and Mosman as well as online.

We chatted with Deborah to get the lowdown on her personal style, the key autumn trends to invest in this season (spoiler alert: red is in!) and the pieces she'll be adding to her cart, ASAP.

How would you describe your personal style?

I really do adore getting dressed, and what I wear is often based on how I want my day to look and feel. I gravitate towards feminine styles and often opt for more classic shapes with a twist of trend.

Colour, texture, and print are things I don’t shy away from, and often enough a touch of floral somehow finds its way to my outfit. I could never define myself into one category e.g. minimalist, maximalist, feminine, sporty etc, my style is a blend of all the aesthetics I love, and nothing needs to fit into a category.

The only pre-requisite for an item entering my wardrobe is that I love wearing it and love how it makes me feel. That’s what I think fashion should be all about. 

What autumn trends are seeing on the horizon and what trends should we leave behind?

Moving into autumn we will see a shift of the colour palette. Barbie-core is taking a break and the forever classic red is having a mega moment.  I’m seeing perfect pops of red in almost every collection. The best way to inject red into your wardrobe is through accessories or knitwear. It’s a passionate and bold colour and a fabulous accompaniment to a neutral or tailored ensemble.

Other tones that heavily feature for Autumn are chocolate tones. Think flowing silks, luxe knitwear and the best basics, a fresh injection to pair with denim, or creams to move into the new season.

Whilst there is always a place for the clean, minimal and fresh, more out-there aesthetics are popping up and making fashion feel that little bit more fun. Tiktok’s Mob Wife aesthetic is gaining traction with high-energy looks sporting faux fur and high glamour.

What 5 items are you adding to your cart this season and why?

1. Denim

Slvrlake is my go-to denim brand. I have a mix of shapes including straight-leg and boyfriend fits and these are my must-have or autumn wardrobe refresh

Deb's Pick: London High Rise Straight in Killing Time, $499.00

2. Leather Jacket

This jacket’s collarless shape and gorgeous button detailing is a femme take on a wardrobe classic. I adore this style from Loulou Studios.

3. The Evening Dress

For the cooler months, I am loving velvet and this blue gown from Michael Lo Sordo is simply spectacular.

4. On-Trend Basics

The wardrobe foundation for layering during the cooler months, Our Flore Flore tops will be on high rotation, in navy, chocolate, grey and white. We have red coming soon which I can guarantee will fly out the door!

5. Back to Business

Workwear aesthetics are trending and I absolutely love a crisp shirt. I like mine with a fashion spin, and the shirts by Yaitte, bold blue and coral never disappoint. Or go for a classic white that can also double as a beach cover-up!

Now that your autumn wardrobe is sorted, let's get your accessories in check with our guide to the chicest fashion earrings that will elevate your look. Then complete the look with a pair of chic new-season sunglasses.  

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