Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn on the horizon, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best autumn pieces from some of your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the most foolproof way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to some successful autumn purchases.
& Other Stories happens to be my (and my fellow editors’) favourite destination for pieces that are the perfect balance between polished and trend-forward, so when I got the opportunity to test-drive the brand’s autumn arrivals, I was ecstatic. The brand features expensive-looking basics you’ll want in your wardrobe but adds the teeniest touches of trending elements, whether it’s a pop of colour, fun buttons, or a subtle print. It took quite some time to make my choices, but I narrowed it down to 10 pieces and have relayed the eight below that ended up passing my test.
Things can often feel or look different than they do on the website, so once I made my wish list, I was eager for the items to arrive, especially when it comes to the brand’s special knits. The pieces all felt luxe, so I knew they’d be hanging around in my wardrobe for a long time. They also look a lot more expensive than they actually are, so that’s a plus. If you’ve been eyeing something at & Other Stories but have been curious about their fit or quality, you can take a look at my personal review below.
My review: Before this, I never owned a shacket. They always seemed a little unnecessary to me. I’d rather wear a thick knit or a proper coat. I have to say, however, that I’m convinced after this one. It’s definitely very thick, so I’d save it for the colder days. But it gives the warmth of a jacket without the bulky look that adding a jacket to one’s ensemble has. Since the cut is like a shirt, you can easily wear it with a simple T-shirt underneath or tied like I did.
My review: While I love a cosy cardigan just as much as the next person, oversized ones can sometimes tone down a look more than I want it to be. The fit of this cardigan is comfortable, but everything from the colour to the diamanté just makes it all so polished. The fit is oversized, but it’s just the right amount.
My review: While many knit sets offer a loose fit, this set is made to fit your body. I went up one size for modesty reasons and because I like to have a little breathing room. I like how it has a collar and buttons so you can button it up and have a proper top, but it can also be open and worn like a cardigan. The shell buttons add a chic touch, and the ribbed knit feels luxurious, so this is an ideal way to feel cosy and like a million bucks at the same time.
My review: I’ll bite—I’m not a trouser girl. As someone who’s 5’3″, I almost always end up getting them tailored, whether it’s adjusting the hem or fixing the waist. The elasticated waistline on these pants isn’t noticeable, and it nixes having to go visit the tailor. Plus, they hit at the perfect length for someone on the shorter side. If you’re a little bit taller, this pair might just hit your ankle. I usually wear jeans or leggings, so I like these trousers for when I want to be a little dressed up without being uncomfortable.
My review of the Quick-Dry Yoga Tights: I was intrigued by the activewear section on & Other Stories, so I had to give it a shot. The cuter the activewear, the more likely I am to work out, right? I even upped the ante and took the leggings out for a spin at the gym. They’re on the thinner side but are lightweight and breathable—perfect for yoga or any kind of light cardio. The “quick-dry” effect holds strong, as I didn’t feel like the sweat was sticking to the fabric like with other leggings.
My review of the Soft Half-Zip Sweater: While this sweatshirt is on a thicker side, I wouldn’t wear it for a sweat session. But I think it’s a great top for hiking in the autumn, which I’m about to do a lot of. Whether I’m heading upstate to the Catskills or on a more local trek, I think this will keep me comfortable but warm. I love how it’s 95% cotton but also 5% spandex, so it has the perfect combination of softness and stretch.
My review: I dress modestly, so dresses are a big part of my wardrobe, but it’s hard to find ones that have a silhouette and pattern that I like. The pattern is subtle but still adds a fun element to the dress. I love how the wrap style cinches around my waist and gives the dress silhouette of my dreams. I think the colour palette is an excellent choice for autumn, and I can see myself dressing this piece down with chunky boots and a leather jacket if I don’t want want to wear it with heels as I did above.
Can we have a moment for these buttons?
Sweater vest season awaits.
There’s always room for a pop of pink.
I love a good colourblock.
Red hot.
The perfect pair of jeans.
The right amount of chunky. Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know. This piece originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S.
