I've Created the Perfect Autumn Capsule, and It's Made Up of These 11 Pieces
Sorry to all the summer fans, but autumn is by far my favourite season. In the warm months, I find myself struggling to know how to put together an outfit that manages to look good, stay true to my personal taste and not instantly make me a sweaty mess. Come autumn, things are blissfully easy. This is largely due to the fact that you can create a season’s worth of looks with just a few key pieces. It’s the most satisfying game of mix-and-match, where the reward is looking impressively put together with minimal effort.
Autumn style tends to be rooted in the classics, making it the perfect time to see where the gaps in your transitional season wardrobe may be. A trench coat and crisp white shirt will always look incredibly chic and on trend. But since this summer has largely been, to put it kindly, mild, I feel as if I’ve already been getting a lot of wear out of my transitional staples. So to keep things feeling fresh, I’ll be swapping some of my typical go-tos for pieces that are trending this season, but I know will keep coming back in fashion. With these styles acting as your wardrobe foundations, you’ll have this autumn’s outfits sorted, and some new treasured staples to turn to year after year.
1. A Denim Shirt
Style Notes: There's a shift towards double denim again, so a perfect jean shirt is 100 per cent essential for getting the look right. Choose a fit and wash that suits you—there are no rules!
With its dipped cut, this is the best option for those who like to leave their shirt untucked.
2. Smart Skirt
Style Notes: 2024 has been the year of the great skirt comeback and it looks like trend is going to continue well into autumn. For that polished look it's all about a longer hemline and a simple silhouette in a quiet-luxury kind of colour, such as the grey woollen style pictured here.
A good pleated skirt is really quite hard to find—Albaray has nailed it with this premium one.
Tick off multiple trends at once with this indigo denim pleated skirt.
3. Turn-Up Jeans
Style Notes: It's official—turn-up jeans are having a moment. This simple design tweak allows for a total refresh of your look, and is a trend that always comes back around.
Hip-hugging balanced out with a wide-cuff hem—heaven.
4. Big Tote Bag
Style Notes: Just like the prominence of skirts, 2024 has been kind to the world of big tote bags. Go for structure, like with The Row's iconic Margaux, or opt in for something a little slouchier and more relaxed. Whatever direction you go in, make it an XXL.
5. Country Jacket
Style Notes: Blazers, bikers and bombers are all still completely valid and current jacket options for autumn, but there's a new kid in town: the canvas jacket. Inspired by utilitarian styles, this casual outerwear style looks good with everything from denim to pretty slip dresses.
For a style with extra pizzazz, look to Barbour.
Other Stories have added duffle buckles for a little extra detailing to a basic style.
6. Knitted Dress
Style Notes: Blissfully comfortable and versatile, once you find your perfect dress you'll be turning to it all autumn long.
From the sage green to the button waistline, this dress is so much more than a plain knitted style.
This is a workwear-friendly option that is still comfortable and easy to throw on.
7. The Cardigan
Style Notes: A cardigan is a layering essential. Pull over your dress or tank to guard against the chill, or button it up and wear as a top.
8. Classic Trench
Style Notes: There's a reason why trench coats have been a staple of British style for over a century. Lightweight, waterproof and effortlessly chic, they're the perfect outerwear for tackling autumn's sudden downpours.
It's reversible and full of character—you get two fabulous coats for the price of one!
9. Big Earrings
Style Notes: If there's one thing that can easily finish a look off, it's a pair of earrings. Larger styles that are close to the ear (rather than a drop), like an oversized pair of clip-ons, feel particularly current.
The YSSO is one of the coolest new jewellery brands around.
10. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: While I love my trainers, this autumn I'm determined to get out of my footwear rut and put some elevated ballet flats in my rotation.
The colour, Mary Jane strap and almond toe make these extra special.
11. Tall Boots
Style Notes: This autumn, swap the ankle boots for taller alternatives—they work with every hem length and elevate any look.
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
- Avalon AfriyieFreelance Fashion Editor
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