I’m definitely more of a fan of summer fashion than winter, but there is still something that excites me about that post-summer feeling when I start planning my autumn looks. And whilst I have an aversion to the cold, I wear chunky knits in bright colours or creamy hues layered over a pair of white jeans and boots to ease me into autumn. All black is timelessly chic, but my mood is heavily influenced by what I wear, so I tend to stick to pieces that let me hang on to those more uplifting summer trends. Marni, Loewe and Ganni are always key players in race for the best designer knits, whilst if you’re looking to buy into premium high-street winter warmers, be sure to bookmark COS, Arket and & Other Stories.
But what are the key autumn buys to add to your wardrobe this season? Well, when it comes to footwear, cowboy boots of every iteration are a go. From Hermès to Khaite, Ganni and more, adding a pair to your daily denim uniform will give you instant kudos. Cargo pants have reached their peak popularity, so there is a pair in every colour, cut and length to suit every budget—scroll down to see which designer has created the cult style taking over Instagram right now.And when it comes to outerwear, trenches of every possible style should be added to your wish list. Contemporary designers such as Rejina Pyo always give this classic staple a touch of cool, whilst both leather and vegan-leather versions are dominating on the high street.
Scroll down to see which 30 premium autumn pieces made my cut.
Give your classic trench an upgrade for autumn. The key to styling a statement leather piece like this is to layer with contrasting textures such as woollen trousers or fluffy mohair knits.
I always need a bag that is stylish yet multifunctional to hold everything from my laptop to my daughter’s snack, and I’ve had a Dragon Diffusion tote on my wish list for a few seasons now.
I love Ganni’s take on the classic argyle knit. Pieces like this will make even your most dressed-down days look cool.
Front-slit jeans are a firm favourite when it comes to denim with leg-lengthening qualities and influencer-loved designer Anine Bing is the go-to for stylish everyday denim.
I’m a bit late to the New Balance 550 party, but I feel I have waited for the right colourway to come along. There’s something super fresh about the white contrasted with the red and black. Be sure to style them with some polished tailoring.
The waistcoat has had a renaissance this season, but the classic masculine shape doesn’t always flatter curvier silhouettes. This Anna Quan version has a flattering square neck, which will work on larger busts and has been nipped in at the waist, which is just right for hourglass figures. Pair with wide-leg tailored trousers and pointy slingbacks for back-to-work chic.
Leather trousers don’t come cheap, but Arket is one of the best places to get designer quality at high-street prices, and these silver trousers are at the top of my wish list. I’m always looking to pair darker wintry knits with metallic accents to lift my mood in the depths of winter.
It’s a bit of a frivolous purchase, but a monogram scrunchie will add a touch of glam to even the most casual of outfits.
You can’t go wrong with COS knits. From staple cashmere jumpers to rich jewel tones, the brand has us covered.
L.A.-based brand JW Pei wanted to create stylish accessories that were affordable, and whilst it does use vegan leather, it’s also one of the few brands where you can get a designer-looking handbag for under £100.
Cowboy boots are back with a vengeance this season and are in high demand. If you’re looking for the crème de la crème, Hermès is at the top of the food chain.
Cargo pants are officially the trousers to wear this autumn, and this tailored pair by The Frankie Shop is fast becoming the cult pair to buy. If you want in, you better be quick.
Colourful animal print gets me every time. There’s something super fresh about it, and I find it’s always a good way to wear colour and not have to leave my summer wardrobe fully behind.
Mara Hoffman has nailed it this season with her modern take on occasion dressing. This red minidress has major ’90s vibes and is the kind of dress I would wear for instant wow factor minus the effort.
My go-to autumn formula is a bright-jumper-and-white-jeans combo. This Marni knit is the dream.
Khaite really is an investment, but these boots are worth the hit. The heel is low enough to wear every day whilst the slimline shape means they’re smart enough for more formal occasions too.
I’ve had these Miu Miu sunnies on my wish list for a while now, and I’m thinking the softer shade of tortoiseshell will be perfect for an earthy autumn palette.
New York–based designer Naghedi is all about sustainability. Her bags are all hand-woven, made in small quantities and of her signature neoprene. If you’re planning any weekends away this September, then be sure to carry your weekend wardrobe in style.
There’s nothing original about it, but a classic trench coat is the only coverup you need at this time of year to mitigate the unpredictable weather. I love the oversized lapels and bamboo-buckle detail. It’s also the best shade of green—dark enough to stay clean but light enough that it won’t wash you out.
Copenhagen-based Remain by Birger Christensen creates cool staples season after season. I’d style these leather trousers with an oversized shirt and kitten heels for a cute trans-seasonal work look.
You can’t go wrong with this style of tea dress. The ’40s-inspired shape is super flattering whilst the patchwork detailing gives it a more youthful feel.
If you’re looking to add a new-season vibe to your jeans-and-heels combos, just add an off-the-shoulder bodysuit. This style from Self-Portrait is perfect for cosy dinners and drinks.
A padded miniskirt is a cosy way to do extreme hemlines in winter. Just add a slimline knit that can be tucked in to accentuate your waist.
Solace London is my go-to for high-end eveningwear minus the price tag, and this off-the-shoulder dress in apple green is exactly how to do event dressing this winter. The unexpected shade of green gives this classic draped detail a contemporary feel.
This Totême jacket was a sell-out last winter, and the brand has made it again for those of us who missed out. Outerwear is always worth the investment, as the cost per wear will always be a winner, and they tend to hold their resale value too.
Timelessly Pearly is one of my favourite jewellery brands right now. The Paris label is known for its chunky chains and eclectic charms that will add some personality to classic autumn outfits.
A pair of white jeans is always a firm fixture in my winter wardrobe, especially since I like to wear bright knits in the colder months. This fringed-hem pair will look so nice paired with brown suede boots.
I discovered these earrings on a Sunday stroll in Islington at independent jewellery shop The Weaver. They’re by a Scottish designer called Grainne, who repurposes vintage charms and stones. Each piece is unique and made of 18-karat gold.
Hurrah for autumn, as it means we can start wearing jumpsuits again. This one from British designer Donna Ida in black cord is super versatile. It can be dressed up for business meetings or dressed down for the school run.
If I’m going to part ways with a fair amount for a designer handbag, I want it to meet two key requirements: 1. It won’t be something I see everyone else carrying, and 2. it will stand the test of time and, if anything, increase in value. This YSL bag ticks all the boxes. Up next, the best designer-looking handbags.
