If there’s anything I love most about fashion, it’s putting together a new-season wardrobe. As soon as the weather starts to shift, I begin a closet clear-out that involves the timely process of shifting the last few months’ clothes into storage and taking stock of what can come with me into the next, and if this routine has taught me anything, it’s the value of long-wearing, investment purchases.
In all honesty, the term “wardrobe staple” gets bandied around so much that it’s almost become retailer speak for “buy this now,” but in truth, a wardrobe staple should be a timeless piece so good you’ll wear it for years to come, and finding the right one can elevate almost everything else you already own (and I promise you that doesn’t have to cost the earth).
The key is identifying which items are worth investing in—the kind of forever classics that will seamlessly weave into the rest of your wardrobe and make your high-street basics look even better. (Think of the great coat that makes a T-shirt and jeans feel fresh or the leather boots that manage to make even a simple dress look designer.) And as a shopping editor, I don’t want you to part with your hard-earned cash without being sure that you’ve found something you’ll truly love, so I’ve put plenty of thought into assembling a list of key buys that you’ll get plenty wear out of this season and the next.
This edit comprises a capsule wardrobe of everything you’ll need for the chilly weather ahead (while still managing to look effortlessly chic), and even if you’ve already managed to tick some off the list, there are some easy additions to go with what you already own. If you’re finding dressing for the fluctuating temperatures difficult, there’s also a little bit of styling inspo in the mix, courtesy of some of our favourite influencers who always nail seasonal dressing.
Keep scrolling to see and shop the eight autumn fashion trends that are truly worth investing in. I have a feeling you’re going to be pleasantly surprised.
Style Notes: Save for the Totême jacket we’ve been all been obsessed with in the Who What Wear office, it’s a general rule of thumb that the longer the coat, the more elegant the silhouette. A case in point, the long wool coat. An ageless, tailored coat is one of the few things you can wear as easily with a suit as with jeans and trainers.
When this landed in all black, I was instantly hooked, but it predictably sold out. No matter—the black herringbone looks just as expensive and might have replaced the plain black that used to be my go-to.
Hands down, one of the best high-street coats I’ve seen this month. No, this year.
This simple cashmere coat is the perfect example of Vince’s effortless and minimal brand of premium dressing.
Every wardrobe should have a long black coat. It’s the framework that you can build almost any outfit around. (That being said, this also comes in four other great colours.)
Style Notes: The cashmere knit needs no explanation. Sure, it always looks good no matter the shape or style, but the real value of the knit comes from how it feels. Is there anything better than the feeling of slipping into a cloud soft knit to beat the winer blues? This year, topping my list are oversized jumpers and smart cardigans, the perfect pairing for all of my jeans and loafers.
A luxuriously soft blend of cashmere and recycled wool.
I didn’t realise just how much I needed a cashmere tank-and-cardigan set until right now.
The ultimate relaxed fit for a relaxing weekend. Just tuck into jeans and unwind. Your casual uniform is sorted.
The search is over. Consider this is the ideal cardigan for layering up.
I urge you to check out Arch4 if you haven’t already. It specialises in making cashmere feel contemporary. Think bright colours, fashion-forward silhouettes and plenty of cosy accessories.
Style Notes: As soon as the first pumpkin spice latte arrives in coffee shops, you know it’s time for leather. Biker jackets manage to be a year-round favourite for some, but for me, the real fun starts when you wear the first pair of leather trousers of the year. Don’t get me wrong; enjoying leather trousers and skirts is entirely reliant on finding a great fit, but once you do, you’ll wonder what you wore before. Thankfully for us, vegan-leather options continue to get better and better, so there’s no need to empty your account to get the look.
If you’re looking for the right leather fit for you, start here. The high-waisted, straight-leg is universally flattering.
Miaou is a strong contender for cult brand of the year after some very stylish celeb fans (that’s Emily Ratajkowski, Camille Charrière and Rihanna, to name a few).
Not only cool, but currently 30% off, so act quickly to get your hands on this before it’s gone for good.
There’s no better autumnal pairing than a classic black leather midi and a seasonal boot.
Style Notes: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Knit dresses are the best thing to wear in transitional weather. They have just the right amount of coverage and warmth without overheating, and on the balmier days, there’s no need to wear a jacket. I call that a win-win. Did I also mention it’s one of the few knits you can easily dress up? While a fluffy alpaca jumper might not be the easiest piece to wear to dinner, a knit dress won’t let you down. Just add a knee-high boot (and a long wool coat), and you’re ready for whatever the night may bring.
By Malene Birger collections focus on minimalist, timeless pieces, making them the perfect wardrobe staples for years and years to come.
Proof that good knits don’t just come in neutral shades.
This ribbed body-con comes in petite, beige and purple, so you’re spoiled for choice.
And speaking of turtleneck dresses, this Zara option is the epitome of cool.
Style Notes: Tailoring always manages to make the cut, and when it gets a little cold for even the very best blazer, sharp trousers will still be on heavy rotation. The buzziest celeb-approved fit is wide-legged and long, which we’re happily calling “puddle pants,” a flattering, leg-lengthening cut that pools at the ankles and will work with even your highest heels.
There’s no better example of puddle pants than these.
A masterclass in tailoring and how to wear print, combined.
Just when I thought cream trousers were only appropriate for summer, these convinced me otherwise.
Got a black turtleneck? All you need now are these easy flares.
Style Notes: Ballet pumps, loafers, trainers and mules—whatever your style, comfort is king this season. While I love a good boot for dressing up, when I’m in need of reliable shoes that will last all day, I always reach for versatile flats first. It’s the only shoe style that will go with a mini, maxi, jeans and wide-leg trousers, and when high-heel trends come and go (goodbye, killer platforms), understated flats are a consistent mainstay.
Hai has collaborated with French shoe brand Reqins, and the results are the impossibly chic Kefir pumps, vintage-inspired flats that feel altogether modern.
Since Alessandro Michele’s very first collection, the Princetown slippers have become the Gucci signature that inspired plenty of copycats in the process.
In case you missed the memo: Ballet pumps are back. And Roger Vivier just made them evening ready.
The Birkenstock clogs you wore all summer, but with a seasonal shearling twist.
Style Notes: Yes, it’s time to break out the scarf, and even if you haven’t made your big coat purchase quite yet, all you need is an XL scarf to wrap around your jacket or trench to stave off the cold. The bigger the scarf, the better (and all of the best styling references imply it’s worn elegantly draped like a pashmina), but I just wholeheartedly back any trend that can double as an on-the-go blanket.
All of the skill that goes into weaving this intricate scarf is evident in the seamless ombré finish and attention to detail.
Insulating, breathable and hypoallergenic to keep you warm when you’re cool and cool when you’re warm.
The ACNE scarf has been a fixture on the street style circuit for the last few years, and now it’s back in new colourways that feel perfect for the season ahead.
Yes, you read that correctly. You can get a designer-looking scarf for under £15.
Style Notes: It’s no surprise that the best-selling bags right now all have one thing in common: They’re all crossbody. From the sold-out COS bag to the designer It bags that we predict will hold their value, the crossbody has proven itself to be small but mighty, and there’s no easier way to carry all of your essentials in style.
Everything The Row touches turns to gold, and this understated leather bag is no exception.
Claudie Pierlot’s latest eco-friendly leather Anouck bag comes with a waiting list, but I’d be happy to wear the equally chic Anouchka while I wait.
A slouchy, pebbled-leather tote in rich butterscotch? You had me at “slouchy.”
The best thing about Apatchy bags? They’re totally customisable, so you can choose from 10 bags and over 50 straps.
