It seems too soon to be talking about autumn when we’re still enjoying the last of the summer sun, but if we know anything at Who What Wear, it’s the benefits of planning a good wardrobe well in advance. The shops have already started packing away their sandals and swimwear and are focusing on fine knits and leather boots, so what better take to take stock of the pieces in your own wardrobe in order to prepare for the season ahead.
Everyone has their favourite time of year, and even if you favour linens and dresses for the sun-drenched summer, there’s still something undeniably comforting about layering up in soft layers for the crisp autumn temperatures. The A/W ’23 runways have given us some exciting new inspiration for cosy-girl dressing in the latter half of the year, and the textures, colours, and pieces that feel characteristically autumn are back with a bang, so those who prefer cardigans and coats over sandals and shorts, consider this your sign to start transitional dressing.
So, what are the autumnal trends that have gotten everyone talking this year? Well there’s the usual suspects: trench coats, ankle boots, and plenty of denim, and some unexpected returns (the maxi skirt and high-shine metallics are about to be huge this party season), but there are a handful of key styles that are really worth investing in. Wondering what a fashion editor would choose? You’ve come to the right place.
Out of the dozens of styles, colours, and pieces to walk down the runway and straight onto the street style set, there are a few that a seasoned editor would truly back, and some that feel a little outdated. Don’t get us wrong, fashion is subjective, so we would never advocate throwing anything away (it’s likely to make a fashionable return the following year), so instead, these are our suggestions of the most wearable and timeless trends that are about to be everywhere this autumn. Keep scrolling for 2023’s 7 most outdated autumn trends, and the 7 that we’re ready to wear now. Bring on cosy season.
Style Notes: There’s no doubt about it, we love denim (especially in autumn), but there’s something about the leather jacket that adds a level of polish that distressed denim simply doesn’t. Right now there is a new wave of bombers, blazers, aviators and collared jackets, all in glossy leather that we want to wear with everything from knitted dresses and boots to white t-shirts and trainers as soon as the temperatures drop.
H&M’s offerings just keep getting better and better in quality.
Size up and wear with slim trousers and ankle boots.
Act fast–this only recently debuted but is nearly sold out.
Style Notes: If like us, you’ve been wearing florals since the beginning of spring, you’re going to want add something different to your roster. Stripes are having a moment right now–from bold rugby stripes to desk-to-dinner pinstripes, and there are 1000 different ways to wear this versatile print, none of which include florals in autumnal tones.
Wear under jumpers, knitted tanks, t-shirts, dresses, blazers…
I know a popular jumper when I see one.
A Who What Wear editor favourite.
Style Notes: Weren’t convinced by autumn/winter 2022’s reworked, baggy denim? Neither were we, that is, until we tried it for ourselves. There’s often a styling cliché that as soon as autumn rolls around our wardrobes are automatically filled with Seventies-inspired, bohemian references, but this time around, we’re happy to defer to the Noughties. High-waisted, supersized flares will always have a time and a place, but right now everyone is wearing relaxed jeans in boyfriend, baggy or straight-leg cuts that leave plenty of room for getting comfy.
The Row always get basics right.
A strong contender for best pair on the high-street.
I can’t help it, I keep coming back to these time and again.
Style Notes: It makes sense to buy clothes that you’ll want to wear for the next year and beyond, so it figures that you’ll find a neutral knit in just about any guide to building the perfect capsule wardrobe. These building blocks are one of the few pieces you can guarantee you’ll wear for the next ten years without looking back and cringing, but the same might not apply to that statement slogan jumper or embellished cardigan that caught your eye in the sales.
*Adds to basket*
You heard it here first–grey is a key colour this season.
The absolute dream.
Style Notes: September means one thing–back to school, and despite our school days being long behind us, there is a resurgence of the preppy uniform every year without fail. The key components are there: chunky knits, plaid skirts, loafers and tailoring, but the other way to tackle the trend in a slightly more grown up fashion is with a quiet luxury spin. Muted colours, exaggerated silhouettes and polished accessories will make this September feel a little more boardroom-ready, and a little less “top of the class”.
Wear this and prepare for compliments.
I can’t help it, I’m blazer obsessed.
No one will believe this isn’t designer.
Style Notes: Question: What do last year’s best selling boots all have in common? Answer: they were all chunky-soled, pull-on ankle boots. There’s a lot to love about a trend that’s as practical as it is cool, so while stiletto heeled boots might look good, they rarely feel it. So here’s to a boot that you can comfortably wear all day, and then some.
Last year’s bestsellers are back.
The original boot that made the chunky Chelsea a hot commodity.
Wear with jeans or toughen up pretty dresses.
Style Notes: If autumn calls for anything, it’s touchably soft styles, and as of late suede has been having an influencer-approved revival. From cowboy jackets to hobo bags, knee-high boots to a-line skirts, suede makes even the most simple outfit feel premium, and if the thought of the “naked dress” leaves you cold, can we suggest swapping it for a luxe suede trench? It’s epitome of autumnal dressing.
