It’s never too early to start thinking of outfit ideas for cooler days, even when the sun is shining. As British weather can’t be relied on, having cold-weather pieces at the ready is just a way of life. Plenty of our favourite autumn pieces are trans-seasonal, making them clever staples to invest in at any time. This summer, we’re celebrating bright days with brighter outfits, but when days start to cool down, we typically return to back-to-school tailoring, checked prints and a more muted colour palette. Often in autumn, the simplest outfits are the most reliable (especially considering that the weather can dramatically change within hours). We have identified nine basic outfits using a classic capsule—including a trench coat, ankle boots, a cashmere jumper and a heritage blazer—that you can always rely on come autumn and winter.
All the items you’ll find in the outfits below can easily be mixed and matched, so you’ll be able to create many versions of these autumn classics. And basic doesn’t have to be boring. You can mix brighter colours with the autumn-leaf colour wheel that has dominated this season. A brightly hued slip skirt can fit in an autumn capsule just as well as a houndstooth blazer and camel ankle boots do.
Keep scrolling to shop nine basic autumn outfit ideas that are anything but bland and that you’ll want to start wearing ASAP.
Style Notes: As far as Brit wardrobes go, a trench coat is quintessential. Of course, there are plenty of plain options that go with every outfit, but we also love trenches with different design details, like these checked panels.
Proving classic is never boring.
The perfect top for cooler days.
The chunky style makes these classic loafers feel modern.
Style Notes: Cowboy boots are still big news since they came into style last year. It pays to invest in a standout pair when you find them, as they tend to go quickly.
A chunky knit will still look good thrown over your shoulders when not needed.
A great pair of jeans will see you through all seasons.
Just as good with a white summer dress.
Style Notes: Can you ever go wrong with jeans and a blazer? The answer is no. Look to Sylvie Mus and consider coloured tailoring on your quest for the perfect blazer. This blue shade is perfect.
I’ve chosen this linen option to make it more trans-seasonal.
Wide-leg styles are here to stay.
You’ll wear these for years to come.
Style Notes: Summer is about white shirting, so one of the easiest ways to make your basic summer outfit look more autumnal is to swap out the white shirt for a black one. Tuck it into jeans, and pair it with beautiful lace-up boots, and this look will easily become one of your most-worn.
The perfect fit.
A twist on classic jeans.
This red shade is so elegant.
Style Notes: Another outfit, another blazer. However, Franny’s ‘fit just goes to show how versatile blazers can be. Use yours to give slip skirts a cold-weather spin, and finish with an on-trend tote.
Contrast this classic piece with bold colours.
Perfect for current summer days and cooler days to come.
A large shopper bag is useful all year round.
Style Notes: Long-sleeve shirts are the ideal transitional top to carry you from summer to autumn, and graphic prints keep cropping up.
We love this graphic top styled with a miniskirt, too.
The front-seam detail is so good.
These are sleek enough to style with tailored trousers for work.
Style Notes: Not a jeans person? Rest assured that dresses still work in autumn. One of our favourite ways to wear our printed midis past August is with a pair of hiking boots.
Dress up or down with easy style tweaks.
Small hoops are great for everyday wear.
When it comes to hiking boots, we believe the chunkier, the better.
Style Notes: Leather blazer, check. White top, check. Black jeans, check. This is the ultimate minimalist autumn look.
Invest in a great leather blazer, and you’ll wear it forever.
I love layering different-length necklaces over a simple roll-neck.
This outfit is so easy to re-create.
Style Notes: Suede outerwear always makes a comeback in autumn. And because it’s more predominant on the runway than in previous seasons, all the best pieces are selling out. This Nasty Gal jacket will go quickly.
Wear over a white summer dress, or style for cooler days with jeans.
Every wardrobe needs a classic white tee.
This flare cut is making a comeback.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
