Vol.19 25AW Autumn: 4 Pieces to Reach For

The lingering heat of summer, with days soaring over 30℃, is finally starting to fade. According to the forecast, Tokyo will see daytime highs dropping to around 24–25℃ by September 19. More than the numbers on a calendar or thermometer, it’s the crisp air in the mornings and evenings that quietly whispers, “Autumn has arrived.”

Yet dressing for this time of year is never simple. Midday warmth still calls for short sleeves, while evenings make you wish you had something to cover your arms. “It’s too soon for a coat, but summer clothes feel inadequate.” I find myself repeating this dilemma every year.

So today, I’d like to share four pieces that I instinctively reach for when the seasons begin to shift.

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BIG BOWTIE BLOUSE

The moment I slipped it on, I knew: this is no ordinary shirt.

Made from ultra-fine 200/2 cotton, the fabric feels almost like silk against the fingertips. To digress a little—“200/2” refers to two strands of extremely fine 200-count yarns twisted together. The finer the yarn, the more refined and luxurious the fabric. If an everyday shirt is considered “casual wear,” then 200/2 belongs in the world of “dress shirts.” It stands alongside the fabrics used by Europe’s high-end maisons. Despite its density, this cloth is soft, airy, and clings lightly to the skin—perfect for the still-warm days of September.

But the true charm lies in the bow tie.

In white, it feels polished; in stripes, it’s lively and playful. The way you tie it changes everything, which makes it all the more fun. One day, I tied a big bow in white for the office, and a colleague remarked, “You look so autumn today.”

Another weekend, I tied the striped version small and neat for a café outing. Catching my reflection, I thought to myself, “Summer is truly over.” Just a blouse, perhaps, but one that presses the seasonal switch faster than the weather itself.

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ORGANDY BLOUSE

When autumn tiptoes in, nothing feels more fitting than a blouse of sheer organdy.

With its silk-like texture and gentle luster, it catches the breeze and glimmers softly in the autumn light.

The fabric is woven from ultra-fine polyester yarns at high density. Organdy is typically plain-woven, the simplest structure, but by twisting the yarns tightly and weaving them close, it achieves a crisp transparency and resilience. A special finishing process then adds structure, so the fabric—though delicate—stands upright and shines even more brilliantly. Depending on the light, it transforms: fresh and airy by day, dramatic under evening lamps.

This blouse is double-layered. Against the skin, it feels reassuring rather than overly sheer, while the outer organdy floats and sways with the air. Worn untucked, it feels light and ethereal; tucked in, it shapes into a short blouse. One garment, countless expressions—that’s the beauty of this construction.

I often wear violet with black trousers: effortless in daylight, yet strikingly dramatic at night. In ivory, it gleams with clarity; in black, it exudes a modern edge. The personality shifts with every color, which is part of the fascination.

Seasonal change isn’t always about “adding warmth.” Sometimes, lightness and translucence let us step a moment ahead of the air around us. That’s the secret to embracing autumn with positivity.

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WOOL POPLIN JACKET

Every year in late September, I make the same mistake. Seduced by the midday warmth, I head out in short sleeves, only to shiver on the way home. Last year, a colleague lent me a scarf from the office to save me.

This jacket is my safeguard against such mishaps.

The fabric is wool poplin from Bishu, a region in Japan renowned worldwide for its weaving tradition. Bishu has long mastered the balance of drape and firmness in wool fabrics, and this jacket is no exception. It’s lightweight yet commanding, creating a natural three-dimensional silhouette when worn.

A perennial style, it works almost year-round. Wool isn’t only insulating—it’s breathable, too—so aside from the peak of summer, it’s surprisingly versatile.

I love throwing it over a simple dress for dinner. What felt casual instantly becomes poised.

In the office or out in the city on weekends, draping it over my shoulders brings a quiet sense of composure. More than just “something to fend off the chill,” this jacket helps me carry myself differently—elevating not only my posture but also, subtly, my presence.

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COTTON SHIRT WITH TIE

A shirt is a wardrobe essential. But this one—with its tie—is more than just a staple.

The fabric varies by type.

The solid version uses 200/2 cotton twill: spun from two strands of ultra-fine 200-count yarns, silky to the touch yet opaque thanks to its twill weave. Unlike broadcloth, twill’s diagonal lines create soft shadows and depth, giving it a supple sheen while making it less sheer. It combines the lightness of fine yarns with the reassurance of coverage—a balance that feels just right.

The striped version, meanwhile, is cut from 120/2 cotton broadcloth. Compared to the twill, it has more crispness and sharpness, offering a slightly brisker impression. Same shirt, but the fabric alone shifts its character completely.

And the tie detail is not mere decoration. Tie it like a necktie, and it feels mannish and modern. Knot it into a small bow for a playful twist. Leave it loose and it exudes casual, urban nonchalance. Inspired by the bow-tie blouses of the 19th century, yet reinterpreted through DOMELLE’s lens, it becomes something fresh and versatile.

For morning meetings, I leave it slightly open, styled like a cache-coeur. In the afternoon, I tuck it neatly for sharpness. By evening, at a restaurant, I tie it firmly for a crisp, polished look.

One shirt, three or even four personalities—that’s the true luxury of this piece.

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When the seasons shift, we become cautious—not just against the cold, but in considering how to blend into the new air around us. Yet it is this hesitation that makes the act of choosing clothes so enjoyable.

With a blouse to reset the mood, an organdy piece to add lightness, a jacket to anchor yourself, and a shirt to play with, the passage into autumn feels less like compromise and more like anticipation.

The winds of September need not be “a little chilly.” With the right clothes, they can be a reminder: “Yes, autumn is here—and I’m ready for it.”

And when you catch your reflection in a shop window, you may find yourself thinking, “Not bad—this autumn version of me.” Perhaps even with a quiet little fist pump in your heart.

✳︎ For details on each piece, please visit our LOOKBOOK.