Despite what the bright skies may lead us to believe, summer has fully checked out and now is time to embrace all things autumnal. The transition from summer to autumn is not always the easiest to dress for (cue intermittent shivering and sweating), but there’s no denying the excitement in the air when it comes to new season shopping. As editors, the first step is often studying the runways to determine which trends make the cut, but as of late we’ve also been turning to social media and street style to which pieces some of fashion’s best dressed have already tried and tested.
Flash-in-the-pan fads and trending aesthetics need not apply, as the smartest buys are often the ones will work with our existing wardrobes, so it’s always wroth considering which pieces will go the distance before adding to basket.
With that in mind, we’ve scoured autumn/winter 2023 runways and the feeds of our favourite influencers, editors, buyers and industry insiders to figure out what to wear now, and there are seven particularly wearable trends that we’d happily plan all of our autumn outfits around. So, should you be looking for some new season shopping inspo, keep scrolling for our pick of the season-defining trends about to shake up your autumn/winter.
1. BACK TO SCHOOL
Style Notes: We may have given up our school uniforms a long time ago, but there’s something about the beginning of autumn that always speaks to our inner child. Swap plimsolls for loafers and cardigans for knitted vests and you’re one step closer to this season’s take on polished varsity prep.
SHOP VARSITY PREP:
All you need to make this winter-ready is a good pair of tights.
H&M
Oversized Printed T-Shirt
How to channel off-duty cool.
Sporty & Rich
Ariana Embroidered Striped Cable-Knit Cotton Vest
We’re screenshotting this whole look.
Prada
Chocolate Brushed Leather Loafers
The black may be a classic, but there’s a lot to love about chocolate brown.
2. TAILORING 2.0
Style Notes: Blazers and wide-leg trousers are a mainstay in our wardrobes all year round, but this autumn we’re stocking up on classic pieces with a modern update. Double breasted jackets go triple breasted, silhouettes are exaggerated and the waistcoat worn as a top sticks around for another year at least.
SHOP TAILORING:
Mango
Triple-Breasted Tailored Jacket
Tell me you didn’t think this was designer.
The Frankie Shop
Gelso Tailored Waistcoat
We’re card carrying members of the Frankie Shop fan club.
Massimo Dutti
Midi Skirt with Wool and Pockets
Everything about this skirt looks so luxe.
H&M
Double-Breasted Blazer
The cinched waist helps this jacket stand out from the crowd.
3. CAFE AU LAIT
Style Notes: Buzzy colour trends may come and go, but you can always rely on neutrals to look effortlessly expensive. This year we’re dressing in café au lait: fifty shades of cocoa, caramel and cream that echo the seasonal shift and always look bang up to date.
SHOP CAMEL, BROWN, AND CREAM:
Autograph
Wool Rich Belted Wrap Coat With Cashmere
Raey
Side Pocket Slubbed Wool Suit Trousers
These look just as good with a tank top as they would with a cosy knit.
Jakke
Bailey Faux Leather Coat
The perfect shade of deep cocoa brown.
Me+Em
Cashmere Chunky High Neck Relaxed Sweater
You’ll find us wrapped up in this for the foreseeable.
4. GET YOUR COAT
Style Notes: It’s been difficult enough trying to determine whether or not to grab a jacket when we leave the house but soon enough the winter weather will make the decision for us. Get ahead of the crowd by investing in a chic longline coat that will dress up even the most simple outfit. It’s time to make the coat the star of the show again.
SHOP COATS:
Stella McCartney
Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Trench Coat
Good checks never go out of style.
& Other Stories
Relaxed Trench Coat
We’ll take a relaxed trench in any colourway.
Massimo Dutti
Wool Blend Robe Coat with Belt
Like wearing a cloud-lined blanket.
Weekday
Alex Oversized Wool Blend Coat
5. PRINT CLASH
Style Notes: Can’t settle on one print trend? Why not wear them all. As Grace Ghanem (pictured above) proves, there’s no one way to celebrate print, colour and texture, and when the weather outside starts to take a turn for the worse, dopamine dressing can provide the lift we so desperately need. Mix and clash prints of different sizes to nail the trend, and stick to pieces in a similar palette to help make it easier on the eye.
SHOP PRINTS:
Add a long coat or a fluffy cardigan and you can wear your summer tops in autumn too.
Molly Goddard
Hannah Strapless Polka-Dot Cotton-Poplin Mini Dress
Isn’t this just the cutest?
Chopova Lowena
Isola Pleated Tapestry-Jacquard Wool Mini Skirt
Chopova Lowena are the masters of the print clash.
Jimmy Choo
Didi Black Satin Beaded Tartan Pointed Pumps
A ladylike take on tartan.
6. SUPERSIZED SILHOUETTES
Style Notes: We knew it—bigger really is better, and we’ve been waiting for an excuse to shelve spray-on clothing and look for something a little roomier. Any trend that prioritises comfort first is a winner in our book, but it isn’t just loose leg jeans and baggy trousers, pencil skirts are swapped for fuller a-line skirts for evening and the bomber has undergone a supersized makeover. Size up this season and wear everything a little looser and with extra nonchalance.
SHOP SLOUCHY FIT:
H&M
Oversized Turtleneck Jumper
I have a feeling that this is about to sell out fast.
Mango
Oversized Worn-Effect Leather Jacket
Expect to see much, much more distressed leather on the high street this year.
Agolde
Blue Magda Organic Cotton Wide-Leg Jeans
Wide-leg fits don’t just apply to tailoring.
Warehouse
Premium Satin Twill Midi Full Skirt
The best way to make an entrance.
7. GREAT LENGTHS
Style Notes: According to the street style set we’ve seen the last of bare-legged season for another year, and sweeping maxis are the current look du jour. Midi hemlines may have dominated the scene for the last few years, but the answer to spring/summer 2022’s micro mini hemline could only be the ankle-grazing maxi (and it’ll save you a lot of money on hosiery).
SHOP MAXIS:
Khaite
Hans Ribbed Cashmere Maxi Dress
You can never go wrong with a comfy knit dress.
Believe me—this skirt will go with everything.
NA-KD Trend
Wide Sleeve Knitted Maxi Dress
Just add knee-high boots and wear on repeat.
Aligne
Greta Maxi Denim Skirt
Worth trading in your everyday jeans for.
Up Next, 9 Expensive-Looking Autumn Outfits You Can Buy on a Lean Budget
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