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.
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
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.
Shop the look:
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.
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