Dressing for autumn? It’s a challenge I’m always happy to take on. Whether it’s assembling interesting layered looks or keeping cosy in knitwear, autumn is when I come into my sartorial own. So much so I’m willing away the last few weeks of summer so I can start focusing on my autumn outfits.
Now, I do understand why some get anxious about the shift in seasons. Chances are you feel like you’ve just gotten into your summer style stride and know there’s another time of year to think about. However, I genuinely believe that dressing for autumn is easy—at least it is when you have a handful of autumn fashion essentials at your disposal.
Over the years, I’ve curated an autumn capsule that’s versatile and sleek and will ensure you don’t need to spend frivolously over the next few months to look good. In my edit, you’ll find 11 autumn fashion essentials that will never let you down and can be worn in a multitude of ways with one another.
From the simple sweater I wear day in, day out to the dress switch I’ll be making to see me through the next few months, here are 11 autumn fashion essentials I can’t get dressed without—scroll on to see them.
Style Notes: A few years ago, I streamlined my knitwear collection after realising that 99% of the time, I was only wearing cream sweaters. Trust me—it’ll go with everything.
Style Notes: I’ve invested in more adventurous jean styles over the years, but I just never get adequate wear out of them. Now, I only allow myself to buy classic jeans, and in transitional autumn, I find a blue wash to be the best option.
Style Notes: One item I allow myself to have a bit of fun with is the knitted vest. It’s never going to be the most versatile piece I own, but I can’t help but gravitate towards statement iterations. I’ll use them to layer over plain summer dresses to make them feel more autumnal.
Style Notes: The perfect pairing for blue jeans, Breton stripes appear on all of my most-worn tops, and I don’t think that’s a coincidence. When temperatures truly drop, I like layering them with a black roll-neck underneath. Somehow, it still feels pleasingly French.
Style Notes: When it’s still too warm to wear a full-on winter coat, I reach for an oversized blazer. The key is to look for styles that are roomy enough to wear over knitwear. My preference? Go-with-everything beige.
Style Notes: Florals and block colours tend to dominate my dress wardrobe in the warmer months, but come autumn, I always switch them out in place of my checked styles.
Style Notes: I’ve never been all that into trainers, so as soon as it’s time to pack away my sandals, you’ll find me in boots. I’m keen to add a pair of lace-front boots to my collection, of which there are plenty of for autumn 2021.
Style Notes: What I love most about slip skirts is how easily they can be dressed up or down. I have a couple that I practically live in during autumn and style them with my chunky (probably cream) knitwear and chunky boots.
Style Notes: Leather is to autumn what linen is to summer—it just works. I’m contemplating investing in a leather blazer, but you can’t go wrong with a pair of black leather trousers.
Style Notes: For the days that allow me to step out without a jacket, belted cardigans are my go-to. The overlapping front, held together by the belt, really keeps the heat in.
Style Notes: My year basically consists of me waiting for suitable times to dig out and wear a beret. I absolutely don’t need any more in my collection (I think I already own four), but I advise investing in a classic black colourway as well as an earthy tone, both of which are sure to go with everything you pair them with.
