As fashion editors, we’re rather well acquainted with the trend cycle. We’ve witnessed hundreds of beautiful garments and many exquisitely crafted accessories rise in popularity, before ebbing out of style. There are, however, a few exceptional items that we’ve seen transcend this rhythm and reach true cult status. These special items have the rare ability to capture the fashion zeitgeist, riffing off a building trend, and delivering a wardrobe-altering product.
These true cult classics offer a timeless look that always feels current. Khaite’s V-neck cashmere cardigan eclipses its peers, delivering a flattering, comfortable and wearable style that you’ll reach for for years to come, whilst The Row has struck gold with their leather ankle boots that balance grunge with wearability.
From luxury leaders such as Acne Studios and Miu Miu, to high street heroes including Arket and Cos, we’ve identified the cult-buys of this season, to give you a head-start on honing your autumn wardrobe.
Read on to discover the cult fashion buys for autumn 2023.
Style notes: Miu Miu’s new leather loafers have been swiped up quickly. The classic, chunky design features a subtle gold coin insert and an embossed logo design. The quiet loafer has peaked at cult staus this year and we expect to see its popularity continue to grow this autumn and beyond.
We love this raw-edge verison.
Metallic leather will continue to dominate in autumn.
Style notes: Toteme’s embroidered scarf jacket is a fan favourite amongst the Who What Wear UK team. We’re secretly counting down the days until it’s officially autumn and we can safely cocoon ourselves in this treat of a jacket once more.
The white piping elevates the clever design.
As we head into the cooler months, light grey is a shade we’ll be reaching for more and more.
Style notes: Every year we keep our eye out for the perfect leather ankle boot, and every year we come back to this style. Chunky enough to ground a light, transitional outfit, these from The Row are our go-to from autumn and beyond.
The perfect black ankle boot.
The Row’s zip-front leather ankle boot in cream will compliment a cream tonal look.
Style notes: I’ve spotted worn, leather bomber jackets on all of my favourite influencers and I can’t way to scoop one up myself. Acne’s slightly cropped version falls to hip height, pairing perfectly with high-waisted trousers.
This is at the top of my wishlist.
Style notes: Loewe’s ergonomic bag has been firmly on our radar since it debut in 2014. Now available in a broad range of colours and sizes, we’re as charmed now as we were when we first laid eyes on it almost ten years ago.
White leather can be hard to get right, but Loewe does it so well.
This will never go out of style.
Style notes: Nothing signals the change in seasons like a Max Mara wool coat. Autumn ’23 will lean as heavily on Max Mara’s classic camel coat as seasons gone.
Perfect for layering over a thick jumper.
We love the relaxed option.
Style notes: Arket’s oversized wool blazer is every fashion insiders secret to elevating a casual look. Pairing as well with jeans and a white tee as it does an evening dress, this is the blazer we’re banking on (again) this autumn.
Oversized done right.
Style notes: The perfect pair of trousers does exist! Coming in a range of colours, COS’s wide leg wool trousers are expertly pleated to drape loosely but elegantly on the leg.
A black pair of trousers is a wardrobe staple.
These make transitional styling easy.
Style notes: Ever since Katie Holmes wore this cardigan in 2019, we haven’t been able to get it out of our minds. Khaite is a cut above on quality and design. The absolute perfect cardigan to wrap up in on a cool autumn evening.
Layer over a summer dress during those final days of warmer weather.
The slightly pinched waist is so flattering.
Style notes: The Uniqlo crossbody bag’s big, more sophisticated, sister. Composed of supple leather, this crossbody bag works just as well with a summer dress and sandals as it does a heavy winter coat.
The brown pairs so well with a beige trench.
We love this pop of apple green.
Style notes: First released in 2019, we are as head over heels for this jumper now as we were four years ago. The bold Breton stripes combined with the perfect oversized fit make this item a staple that we’ll be calling upon for the foreseeable.
If I could only have one jumper, it would be this.
The high neck is a cold-weather saviour.
Style notes: Before Miu Miu’s coin-embossed loafers distracted us, we were all about Prada’s stealth wealth version. Composed of gleaming patent leather, the sleek shoe features the covetable Prada logo front and centre, perched upon the refined design.
The slight heel will quietly add height to your look.
