Despite what the bright skies may lead us to believe, summer has fully checked out and now is time to embrace all things autumnal. The transition from summer to autumn is not always the easiest to dress for (cue intermittent shivering and sweating), but there's no denying the excitement in the air when it comes to new season shopping. As editors, the first step is often studying the runways to determine which trends make the cut, but as of late we've also been turning to social media and street style to which pieces some of fashion's best dressed have already tried and tested.
Flash-in-the-pan fads and trending aesthetics need not apply, as the smartest buys are often the ones will work with our existing wardrobes, so it's always wroth considering which pieces will go the distance before adding to basket.
With that in mind, we've scoured autumn/winter 2023 runways and the feeds of our favourite influencers, editors, buyers and industry insiders to figure out what to wear now, and there are seven particularly wearable trends that we'd happily plan all of our autumn outfits around. So, should you be looking for some new season shopping inspo, keep scrolling for our pick of the season-defining trends about to shake up your autumn/winter.
1. BACK TO SCHOOL
Style Notes: We may have given up our school uniforms a long time ago, but there's something about the beginning of autumn that always speaks to our inner child. Swap plimsolls for loafers and cardigans for knitted vests and you're one step closer to this season's take on polished varsity prep.
SHOP VARSITY PREP:
All you need to make this winter-ready is a good pair of tights.
How to channel off-duty cool.
We're screenshotting this whole look.
The black may be a classic, but there's a lot to love about chocolate brown.
2. TAILORING 2.0
Style Notes: Blazers and wide-leg trousers are a mainstay in our wardrobes all year round, but this autumn we're stocking up on classic pieces with a modern update. Double breasted jackets go triple breasted, silhouettes are exaggerated and the waistcoat worn as a top sticks around for another year at least.
SHOP TAILORING:
Tell me you didn't think this was designer.
We're card carrying members of the Frankie Shop fan club.
Everything about this skirt looks so luxe.
The cinched waist helps this jacket stand out from the crowd.
3. CAFE AU LAIT
Style Notes: Buzzy colour trends may come and go, but you can always rely on neutrals to look effortlessly expensive. This year we're dressing in café au lait: fifty shades of cocoa, caramel and cream that echo the seasonal shift and always look bang up to date.
SHOP CAMEL, BROWN, AND CREAM:
Bravo, M&S. Bravo.
These look just as good with a tank top as they would with a cosy knit.
The perfect shade of deep cocoa brown.
You'll find us wrapped up in this for the foreseeable.
4. GET YOUR COAT
Style Notes: It's been difficult enough trying to determine whether or not to grab a jacket when we leave the house but soon enough the winter weather will make the decision for us. Get ahead of the crowd by investing in a chic longline coat that will dress up even the most simple outfit. It's time to make the coat the star of the show again.
SHOP COATS:
Good checks never go out of style.
We'll take a relaxed trench in any colourway.
Like wearing a cloud-lined blanket.
Such a great silhouette.
5. PRINT CLASH
Style Notes: Can't settle on one print trend? Why not wear them all. As Grace Ghanem (pictured above) proves, there's no one way to celebrate print, colour and texture, and when the weather outside starts to take a turn for the worse, dopamine dressing can provide the lift we so desperately need. Mix and clash prints of different sizes to nail the trend, and stick to pieces in a similar palette to help make it easier on the eye.
SHOP PRINTS:
Add a long coat or a fluffy cardigan and you can wear your summer tops in autumn too.
Isn't this just the cutest?
Chopova Lowena are the masters of the print clash.
A ladylike take on tartan.
6. SUPERSIZED SILHOUETTES
Style Notes: We knew it—bigger really is better, and we've been waiting for an excuse to shelve spray-on clothing and look for something a little roomier. Any trend that prioritises comfort first is a winner in our book, but it isn't just loose leg jeans and baggy trousers, pencil skirts are swapped for fuller a-line skirts for evening and the bomber has undergone a supersized makeover. Size up this season and wear everything a little looser and with extra nonchalance.
SHOP SLOUCHY FIT:
I have a feeling that this is about to sell out fast.
Expect to see much, much more distressed leather on the high street this year.
Wide-leg fits don't just apply to tailoring.
The best way to make an entrance.
7. GREAT LENGTHS
Style Notes: According to the street style set we've seen the last of bare-legged season for another year, and sweeping maxis are the current look du jour. Midi hemlines may have dominated the scene for the last few years, but the answer to spring/summer 2022's micro mini hemline could only be the ankle-grazing maxi (and it'll save you a lot of money on hosiery).
SHOP MAXIS:
You can never go wrong with a comfy knit dress.
Believe me—this skirt will go with everything.
Just add knee-high boots and wear on repeat.
Worth trading in your everyday jeans for.
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