I’ve Created the Perfect Autumn Capsule, and It’s Made Up

Sorry to all the summer fans, but autumn is by far my favourite season. In the warm months, I find myself struggling to know how to put together an outfit that manages to look good, stay true to my personal taste and not instantly make me a sweaty mess. Come autumn, things are blissfully easy. This is largely due to the fact that you can create a season’s worth of looks with just a few key pieces. It’s the most satisfying game of mix-and-match, where the reward is looking impressively put together with minimal effort.

Autumn style tends to be rooted in the classics, making it the perfect time to see where the gaps in your transitional season wardrobe may be. A trench coat and crisp white shirt will always look incredibly chic and on trend.

But since this summer has largely been, to put it kindly, mild, I feel as if I’ve already been getting a lot of wear out of my transitional staples. So to keep things feeling fresh, I’ll be swapping some of my typical go-tos for pieces that are trending this season, but I know will keep coming back in fashion. That means I’ll be trading my white trainers for ballet flats, straight-leg denim for wide-leg jeans and mid-length hems for ankle-sweeping maxis that will keep coming back into fashion.

With these styles acting as your wardrobe foundations, you’ll have this autumn’s outfits sorted, and some new treasured staples to turn to year after year.

1. A White shirt

Style Notes: It’s the ultimate wardrobe staple beloved by everyone from Grace Kelly to Victoria Beckham. An oversized style is arguably the most versatile—wear it open over a tank top for warmer days, or tucked into tailored trousers for a more polished look.

Shop the look:

Arket

Relaxed Poplin Shirt

The wide sleeves and curved hem make this organic cotton style stand out. 

Reformation

Andy Oversized Shirt

With its shorter cut, this is the best option for those who like to leave their shirt untucked. 

Anine Bing

Mika cotton-poplin shirt

The drop sleeves and back pleat give this laid-back shirt just the right shape. 

2. Tailored trousers

Style Notes: This autumn, tailored trousers are absolutely not just for the office. Wide-leg silhouettes and deep, rich tones are the key look this season, so add a belt if you want to add some more definition. 

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COS

Wide-Leg Pleated Wool Trousers in Dark Brown

I love the rich, dark brown tone of these beautifully tailored trousers. 

Reformation

Mason Pant in Black

A pair of black tailored trousers can take you from work to after-hours drinks. 

Mango

Micro-Striped Suit Trousers

Trust me, you’ll be seeing plenty of pinstripes this autumn. 

3. Wide-leg jeans

Style Notes: It’s official — wide-leg jeans are the jeans of the season. Embrace the bagginess with slouchy knits or an oversized blazer, or refine the look with a tucked in shirt. 

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The distressed blue wash of these organic cotton jeans gives them a vintage Seventies feel.

Frankie Shop

Sasha High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

These ultra-wide-leg jeans have gone viral on TikTok for a reason.

Zara

TRF Wide-Leg High-Waist Full Length Jeans

The more modest wide-leg silhouette is a great choice for those looking to dip their toe into the aesthetic.

4. Collared Knits

Style Notes: When it comes to autumnal knitwear, styles with a collar detail just look that little bit more polished. 

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Reformation

Beckie Cashmere Collared Sweater

The combination of cashmere and a buttery yellow tone makes this truly irresistible. 

H&M

Fine-knit collared jumper

The deep-v neckline and wide collar elevate this slouchy knit. 

M&S

Cotton Rich Ribbed Collared Jumper

If you’re after something a little more fitted, this ribbed M&S piece will do the trick. 

5. Maxi skirt

Style Notes: Ankle-sweeping skirts may be trending this season, but they’ll always be in style. A slinky slip version is the most useful—just pair with trainers and a tee or light knit for a casual yet chic outfit. 

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Nobody’s Child

Maxi Slip Skirt

This sleek slip skirt can easily be dressed up or down. 

Matteau

Organic Silk-Crepe Maxi Skirt

With its beautiful flowing cut and fluid hem, this Matteau style is pure Nineties. 

If the slip style doesn’t speak to you, a maxi denim is a great alternative. 

6. Knitted Dress

Style Notes: Blissfully comfortable and versatile, once you find your perfect dress you’ll be turning to it all autumn long. 

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Mango

Knitted Dress With Stitching Detail

This tailored maxi dress would work equally well with ballet flats and boots. 

H&M

Cashmere-Blend Bodycon Dress

With this neckline, you’ll be giving serious Sophia Loren vibes. 

Reformation

Odelia Cashmere Midi Dress

This custard creation has a Parisian elegance that makes it truly timeless. 

7. The Cardigan

Style Notes: A cardigan is a layering essential. Pull over your dress or tank to guard against the chill, or button it up and wear as a top. 

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M&S Collection

Knitted Ribbed Crew Neck Cardigan

Don’t sleep on M&S’s knitwear section…

Boden

Ribbed Fitted Shirt in Black

Ticking off the collared knitwear and cardigan boxes, all in one. 

Mango

Button Knit Cardigan

This delicate ecru cardigan is perfect for fans of the quiet luxury trend. 

8. Classic trench

Style Notes: There’s a reason why trench coats have been a staple of British style for over a century. Lightweight, waterproof and effortlessly chic, they’re the perfect outerwear for tackling autumn’s sudden downpours. 

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Aligne

Gilda Maxi Trench Coat

Massimo Dutti

Technical Trench Coat With Belt

This classic style is made with 25% recycled materials. 

Mango

Waterproof Double Breasted Trench Coat

Understated perfection. 

9. Wool Blazer

Style Notes: For the days when you don’t need the full coverage of a coat, a blazer is the ideal outer layer. Style over a white shirt for a polished look, or over knitwear and your wide-leg jeans for more casual occassions.

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Arket

Oversized Wool Blend Twill Blazer

A classic black style that you’ll keep reaching for all autumn. 

& Other Stories

Oversized Pinstripe Blazer

This navy pinstripe is supremely elegant—try cinching the waist with a belt for an elevated look. 

COS

Double-Breasted Wool Blazer

Taking the double-breasted silhouette out of the Eighties with this deep brown style. 

10. Ballet flats

Style Notes: While I love my white trainers, this autumn I’m determined to get out of my footwear rut and put ballet flats in my rotation. 

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Porte & Paire

Bow-Embellished Suede Ballet Flats

These understated flats nail the French aesthetic. 

Reformation

Paola Ballet Flat

The satin and square toe really emphasises the ballet effect. 

11. Tall boots

Style Notes: This autumn, swap the ankle boots for taller alternatives—they work with every hem length and elevate any look. 

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H&M

Knee-High Heeled Boots

This sleek black pair will never go out of style. 

Totême

Croc-Effect Leather Knee Boots

The glossy croc-effect leather sets these boots apart. 

Boden

Erica Knee High Leather Boots in Chocolate

Adding a preppy, equestrian touch to your autumn dressing. 

Next Up: Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count

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