We Brits are well accustomed to cooler climes, so we don’t consider it bragging when we say we’re experts at dressing for autumn. If you’re anything like the entirety of the Who What Wear office, chances are you’ve already started to dig out your favourite jumpers and coats and are even considering dusting off those black opaques.
However, before you get ahead of yourself, we suggest making the most of this in-between period. We consulted with some of our favourite influencers to bring you an edit of the nine pieces every woman really needs to kick-start her autumn wardrobe. From the jacket style we keep spotting on the streets of the capital to the dress style that works for every outing, keep scrolling to see the London autumn fashion trends that are becoming hard to ignore, and to shop the capsule to go with it.
Style Notes: We Brit girls know the importance of staying cosy, so it’s little wonder that many of us are reaching for the trending shearling jacket styles that are all over the shopping circuit right now. If you have the budget to invest in the Totême OG, by all means do. However, there are also a host of more affordable options out there.
The leather trim takes this jacket out of standard-fleece territory.
The dream!
A cropped version is ideal for petites who find other styles to be too oversized.
Style Notes: Classic black-and-white jumpers are just as prevalent this year as they always are but alongside them is a more playful option to choose from. Block-stripe sweaters in bright colours keep cropping up in new-in sections, and are now trickling into our Instagram feed.
COS is already backing this as a big knitwear trend for 2022.
We love this muted take on rainbow stripes.
This will look great styled with leather trousers (see below).
Style Notes: Owing to the preppy trend that dominated the autumn/winter 2022 runways, school-like miniskirts are back on the style agenda this season. Many Brits likely wore (or were encouraged to wear) something similar as part of their school uniform—even if you weren’t, there’s no denying that it’s an easy pick-up for anyone who wants to tap into the aesthetic. Look for styles in neutral colours that’ll pair beautifully with black opaques, too.
The kilt detailing really hones in on the preppy vibe.
You know if Frankie Shop are backing the trend that it is a worthwhile investment.
Make like Lucy and try layering this skirt over a shirt dress.
Style Notes: Leather trousers are a firm staple in any fashion girl’s autumn wardrobe. Although spray-on styles dominated in the past, for 2022, they should be of the wide-leg variety to give a slouchy, effortless finish.
If you’re keen to invest in real leather, this pair feels like the ideal way to do so.
These come in an array of sleek colours.
These look like the perfect wide-leg fit.
Style Notes: We like midi dresses and we like jumpers, so naturally, we love knitted midi dresses. You can stick to an elevated palette of olive, camel and burgundy, but we’re also partial to some of the brighter colours coming through. Style with patent boots for an expensive-looking ensemble.
This will pair beautifully with oxblood boots.
Mango has so many impressive jumper dresses this season—this one being a prime example.
An easy way to brighten up your autumn wardrobe.
Style Notes: If you’re looking to seal in as much heat as possible, you can do so with the addition of a second-skin top. Although the fabrics on these sort of tops might be thin, the close cut, long-sleeves and high neckline are ideal for combating the often harsh autumn chill. Between cool prints and colours, choose whichever one speaks to you most. Then, just add jeans or the above leather trousers.
