The Autumn 2025 Starter Pack: A Shopping Editor's Guide to the New Season

There’s something about autumn that makes getting dressed feel exciting again. After months of living in breezy dresses, sandals and anything that kept us cool, the shift in season invites us back into the world of layering, tailoring and richer textures. Suddenly, putting on a great coat feels like a style statement, knitwear feels less like a necessity and more like a treat, and even denim feels fresh when worn in darker washes and new silhouettes. Autumn 2025 is set to deliver all of this in abundance.

But as much as we love a new season, it can also feel like information overload. Every brand is dropping newness multiple times a week, trends are competing for attention on our feeds, and the temptation to buy everything at once is very real. That’s why I've done the heavy lifting for you. I have sifted through hundreds of arrivals to narrow down the pieces that not only look chic now but will continue to work hard in your wardrobe year after year. Consider this your shortcut to autumn dressing, minus the overwhelm.

This season’s shopping mood feels grounded yet elevated—less about a complete overhaul and more about small, smart updates that make your current wardrobe feel instantly more polished. We’re talking outerwear that makes even jeans-and-a-tee feel expensive, knitwear that looks as good on its own as it does layered, denim that’s subtly upgraded, and accessories that do more than just finish a look—they transform it.

So whether you’re building a capsule from scratch, hunting down a few key updates, or simply in the mood to be inspired, you’re in the right place. Ahead, I break down the pieces that will define autumn 2025 and prove that a handful of considered buys is all it takes to make every outfit this season feel elevated.

1. Elevated Outerwear

Autumn is nothing without a great coat, and this season it’s all about classics with a twist. From cropped trench capes to scarf-built toppers, these are the pieces that turn a simple jeans-and-jumper look into a full outfit.

2. Knitwear Refresh

Whether it’s waisted silhouettes, jewel-button details, or relaxed, slouchy shapes, knitwear is no longer just the layer underneath—it’s the statement.

3. The Denim Update

Autumn’s denim comes wide, barrelled, and cropped. Think trousers reimagined in denim, puddling hems for polish, and slouchy cuts for ease. This is the jean update your wardrobe’s been waiting for.

4. Everyday Staples

The so-called “basics” aren’t basic at all this year. A neat tee, a ribbed turtleneck, a well-cut blazer—these quiet heroes pull every trend piece together and make your wardrobe work harder.

5. Hard-Working Accessories

If outerwear sets the tone, accessories seal the deal. From logo-free trainers and heritage loafers to investment totes and playful ballet flats, these are the finishing touches fashion people actually wear on repeat.