Instagram is one of my favourite destinations for a daily dose of fashion inspiration. Each season, I love poring over our trend guide and street style stories, but there’s something to be said for seeing those whose style—and wardrobes—you enjoy try new-season pieces, test out trends and rework wardrobe staples in ways you could never imagine. They sometimes do the hard work so we don’t have to.
So when I thought about what I wanted to invest in ahead of the new season, I knew I needed to go straight to my usual source and, of course, then share it with you! With that in mind, I asked six fashion influencers to share their autumn wish lists with me and reveal what pieces they’ve got their eye on and what they’re planning on wearing all season long. Between them, there’s an eclectic mix of aesthetics as well as a great balance between designer and high-street, proving that even those in the know understand the value of a good investment piece, whether it’s £30 or £300.
Expect a strong focus on hero knitwear as well as timeless outerwear and versatile dresses. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist—or even if, like me, you fall into neither of these categories and like to dip you toe into every fashion camp—there’s something to inspire you here.
Keep scrolling to see what some of the people behind your favourite fashion accounts will be investing in this autumn/winter.
Follow Chiara @chiarasatelier
“A simple black knit is a classic for a reason. I picked up a cashmere sweater from H&M last year and wore it all the time, so it was definitely worth investing in and taking care of. It has lasted so well, and I cannot wait to pull it out again this autumn.”
“It is officially blazer season and thus the time I pull out my favourite Frankie Shop blazer. I love the black one I have, but I spotted this grey one, and I think need it too!”
“This season, I want to inject a little bit of colour into my autumn/winter wardrobe. I am a neutral kind of girl normally, but whenever I do add a pop of colour, it makes me so happy. These COS knits look fabulous and come in an array of colours; I feel like I need to collect them all over the colder seasons.”
“If you know me, you know that I love a shirt, and I think it is one of the hardest-working items in anyone’s wardrobe. It is so easy to style up or down and can be layered, too. I cannot wait to pull out my With Nothing Underneath shirts or my Yaitte stripes, which are perfect for the colder months, as they are a little bit on the thicker side.”
“If you missed out on the famous Celine Phoebe Philo Madame Boots, this pair are super similar and now firmly on my autumn/winter hit list!”
Follow Emma @emmarosestyle
“You can never have enough striped knits. I’ll be styling this Arket number with leggings and boots this autumn.”
“A black suit is so versatile: Dress down with trainers or up with a heel and red lip. I love COS’s relaxed tailoring offering this season.”
“I’ll be tapping into the miniskirt trend with an A-line skirt, which I’ll team with an oversized knit and loafers for a cosy but cool look.”
“An oversized black coat is high on my wish list for A/W, and I love this effortless style from Loulou Studio. Perfect for throwing on over chunky knitwear.”
Follow Santina @_santinaharrison
“Baggy jeans work well for both day and night. If you don’t want to spend a lot on the trend, this pair from H&M is a must!”
“I’ll be wearing this Breton on repeat. The loose fit makes this an easy transitional piece in your autumn wardrobe.”
“A bit like starting school, my wardrobe essential for autumn is the blazer. I can’t start the new season without one, and this Frankie Shop Olympia blazer is a perfect ode to the ’90s.”
“I always like to invest in a really good bag, and this stylish Staud number is high on my list, ticking all the right boxes.”
“The footwear of choice this season is a French-girl staple: the ballerina pump. I’ll team with jeans, dresses and skirts for a comfy yet chic look.”
Follow Thandi @thandimaq
“I’ve been lusting after a leather dress since last season! It’s an incredibly timeless piece that can be styled in various ways, which lends itself to working with a wide range of colours for layering underneath. Pair with a cream or burgundy roll-neck before adding boots or trainers.”
“This is a classic cream knitted dress that you’ll find yourself coming back to season after season. It will most likely be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe, as it’s such an easy yet effortlessly chic throw-on number. Perfect for taking the thinking out of getting dressed, which I love!”
“Autumn is such a great time to play with mixing textures. This skirt would work really well with a chunky knitted cream jumper: Cable and cashmere are just as complementary.”
“A gorgeous transitional dress that works for both the office and downtime. You can easily take it through to the colder months by adding a cream roll-neck and boots.”
“These flats are perfect for those of us who are a little unsure about the traditional ballet pump, which is having a resurgence this season. Slightly more elevated than a ballet pump but still incredibly comfortable, they are just as reflective of the trend given their flat sole and almond toe.”
Follow Claudia @claudia_berresford
“There’s no denying I have a bit of an obsession with green, and this Free People trench coat has been living rent-free in my head for the past couple of weeks!”
“I’m still loving stripes this season, and I’ll be getting as much wear as possible out of this Crumpet Cashmere sweater, which is a new addition in my wardrobe. It is so soft and snuggly, and I love it wearing it with jeans, over a dress or with a slip skirt.”
“I have this LPOL bag in pink leather, which I’ve loved over summer, and I’m really tempted by this new colourway. Plus, it’s made sustainably in England.”
Follow Francesca @francescasaffari
“I love this oversized wool coat. The raglan sleeves and spread-collar detail are just perfect.”
“A chunky cable-knit is a winter-wardrobe classic. I love the addition of the turtleneck and oversized fit on this iteration.”
“This celine belt is so subtle but impactful and is the perfect way to elevate your autumn/winter wardrobe.”
“These have been on my wish list for a while. They’re a love/hate item, but whenever I see them on someone, I fall more in love. They’re a great way to add some interest to a more pared-back outfit.”
