Do we, the Who What Wear editors, share one mind? Before compiling this, the autumn wish list of all autumn wish lists (it never hurts to get ahead, right?), I would have said no. We each have distinctly different aesthetics and rarely double-up on purchases unless it’s something classic like a Loewe straw tote or something equally as versatile. But if you see the pieces each of our editors, myself included, have their eyes on for autumn, you would be forgiven for assuming we conferred about our choices before submitting them. This wasn’t the case. It does, however, reinforce the idea that autumn is going to be all about a particular kind of aesthetic.
Binding our edits together are pops of bold green, dresses with simple silhouettes in knitted fabrications, jewellery with sparkle, timeless tan and brown handbags and elevated tailoring. Some brands recur, too, with Arket, Gucci, H&M, Mango and Loewe cropping up over and over. There are, of course, a few curveballs—rhinestone trousers, anyone?—but scrolling through our wish lists will give you a clear idea of what’s going to be on-trend and in style this autumn. Scroll on to see eight fashion editors’ autumn wish lists to inspire your own new-season shopping list.
For autumn, Emily is looking for classic tailoring that can be paired-back for warmer days when summer still lingers, or layered up when the temperatures drop.
“Who What Wear US senior editor Kristen Nichols has fully persuaded me to try the waistcoat and wide-leg trousers look this autumn, and The Frankie Shop has the most expensive-looking option.”
“I’d also wear these trousers separately with a tank top in early autumn and then with an added knit or blazer as the weather gets cooler.”
“Totême once again has me worshipping at the altar of its autumn jacket offering. This is an investment piece that will make simple jean outfits look so polished, and I know I’d wear it for many years to come.”
“If I was going to invest in one bag this year, it would be this one. It’s such a cool piece that will elevate any outfit, but it’s timeless as well, so I can cherish it forever.”
“I plan on extending the lifeline of all my dresses by wearing them with cowboy boots this autumn.”
Shopping Editor Remy is investing in styles she returns to every autumn, ensuring she’ll make the most of each purchase for years to come.
“Autumn means one thing: trench-coat season. I’m known for loving vinyl trenches (I have at least five in different colours), but this year, I’m going to invest in timeless beige cotton.”
“I live in ankle boots in autumn (coming to think of it, in winter, too). So this buttery-soft leather pair is on my wish list. Although they come in four colours (including black and brown croc), I love the statement green.”
“The perfect cardigan to layer up over the slip dresses I’ve been wearing all summer.”
“As far as designer bags go, it doesn’t get more refined than this. A classic shoulder bag that will go with everything in your wardrobe.”
“A high-waisted, wide-legged trouser has to be the most flattering trouser, right? I find that H&M tends to get the length right for average height.”
For the new season, Editor-in-chief Hannah is looking for a balance of reliable staples and stand out styles to rejuvenate her wardrobe.
“Tube dressing—both dresses and skirts—really appeal to me right now. I may not have a body like a Kardashian, but I have a feeling this Skims style looks good on everyone!”
“Moving on to my collection of everyday gold jewellery, I’d like to have a tennis necklace, please!”
“Jazzy trousers are my go-to when a dress doesn’t feel exciting enough, and I think these pea-green pants will work surprisingly well with a range of different tops, knits and jackets in my existing wardrobe.”
“I just keep coming back to this!”
“It’s been a long time since I invested in a decent pair of black ankle boots, and really, they are something to spend a little extra money on considering how frequently I wear them and how many outfits they go with. I’ve been eyeing these up since last winter—hopefully, all that manifesting will pay off.”
With plenty of events lined up for autumn, Joy is readying her party wardrobe for the occasion. A standout dress and designer-looking heels are top of her list.
“This dress keeps following me on social media. Now, I want the black version.”
“A bag I know will go with all of my outfits.”
“If you told me these were designer, I’d absolutely believe you.”
“I love this elevated update on a basic gold hoop earring.”
“These trousers always get standout reviews from influencers; I reckon it’s high time I find out what all the fuss is about for myself.”
Remi is always hunting for staple items with a twist. Look out for intricate designs and modern cuts that take simple items to a whole new level.
“I tend to wear mint dresses all year round, so when it comes to autumn, I’m usually drawn towards long-sleeved maxi styles. From the polo neck to the ribbed-to-pleat detail, this would be such a chic versatile piece to add to my wardrobe.”
“A good pair of jeans is a must-have for me. This wide-legged pair from & Other Stories would look amazing paired with a loose-fitted blazer and turtleneck top for a mildly chilly day.”
“Statement boots can be a great asset to an autumn wardrobe. Even with their bold white colour and sharp square-toe design, this Topshop pair will definitely help elevate my autumn looks.”
“This autumn, I’ll be on the lookout for jumpers with elevating details. I fell in love with the bold asymmetry of this Stella McCartney number.”
“I have to give it to Weekday. It does affordable outerwear very well.”
For autumn, Rebecca is focused on stand-out pieces that add intrigue and depth to a look. With a great capsule wardrobe already assembled, the new season is a time to add some fun.
“I can’t wait to bless my feet (and feed) with these beauties.”
“I’m usually a minimalist, but in this party-fuelled post-pandemic era, I yearn for sparkles that still have an edge, and these trousers just may be the solution.”
“File this one under ‘bags that look way more expensive than they are.’ I’m sold.”
“I have a real penchant for preppy style, and this tank is giving royal family realness fused with folky Bohemia—I love it.”
“I’m all about sartorial in September, and this blazer lets me channel the queen of tailoring, Diane Keaton. With a cashmere polo neck, I’ll finally fulfil my ‘coastal grandmother’ fantasy, but pair it with a matching waistcoat, and voilà! I’m Annie Hall.”
Our deputy editor is embracing quiet-luxury style as we near the new season. Think timeless styles that will last a lifetime.
Am I the only fashion editor who doesn’t own an Arket blazer? Perhaps. I plan on rectifying that situation this autumn with this classic black blazer.
“I own lots of necklaces, earrings and rings already, but bracelets? That’s one item my jewellery collection is seriously lacking.”
“I already own this handbag in the black colourway, and it’s easily my most complimented. Now, I’ve set my sights on adding the brown iteration to my line-up.”
“I have a cream satin slip skirt I wear all the time, so I know I’ll get a suitable amount of wear out of this leather version.”
“I live in loafers from September onwards; this pair from Essēn tops my wish list thanks to their timeless shape and stylish take on the standard snaffle hardware.”
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
