There are people who claim autumn doesn't really arrive until the equinox, but I'm not one of them. The recent rainy mornings, darker evenings and how often I've found myself reaching for my umbrella mean it's autumn in London, whether the calendar agrees or not. And honestly, I don't mind. September always feels like a fresh start, and for me, that begins with my wardrobe; I've been slowly folding away linen dresses and packing up sandals whilst moving my coats and knitwear to the front. At the same time, I've been making a mental list of the gaps I'd like to fill this season, with pieces that will work hard from now right through until party season.
There's also something about autumn dressing that feels more considered than summer fashion. When it's hot, I'll admit I often reach for whatever is the coolest and easiest thing in reach, but in autumn, I get to think in terms of layers, textures and combinations again. My rotation becomes less about one-off outfits and more about a reliable core of pieces I can style in different ways. That's where I start looking for investment buys—the items I know I'll be glad I picked up when I'm still wearing them this time next year.
When it comes to sourcing those dependable yet exciting autumn pieces, Reiss is always one of the first places I check. The brand has a knack for making clothes that feel elevated without ever being complicated. You won't find anything fussy or overworked, just pieces that feel quietly understated and always look sleek. It's also one of the few places I know I'll find everything I need, from tailored trousers I can wear to the office to an oversized knit I can snuggle up in on a chilly Sunday. What I love most, though, is that the clothes always have a certain permanence. You know you'll wear them beyond one season, which makes every purchase sensible rather than impulsive.
This season, Reiss has delivered exactly that. The autumn/winter 2025 collection has all bases covered. There are coats that look smart enough for work but aren't too serious for the weekend, leather and suede pieces that balance toughness with a refined finish, high-quality knitwear and elevated eveningwear that already has me thinking about December's party invites. I know it's technically too soon to mention the festive season, but I'm a firm believer that it pays to be prepared, especially when it comes to securing a great dress before sizes sell out. And if you're anything like me, you'll appreciate having those big wardrobe dilemmas solved early, so you can focus on actually enjoying the season when it arrives.
Over the past week, I've been wearing four outfits from Reiss's latest drop that each tick off a different part of my autumn agenda. There's a leather jacket that's perfect for everyday, a suede skirt that feels like the definition of a grown-up staple, a knit I'll be layering on repeat, and yes, an event-ready gown I'll be saving for the first excuse to dress up. One thing is clear: there's a confidence to the collection that makes getting dressed feel easy again. You don't have to overthink how to wear a Reiss item, because the cut and quality do most of the work. Below, I'm breaking down each look and why I think these pieces are worth adding to your own wardrobe now.
Style Notes: We're starting off strong with a black leather jacket. I cannot fathom how I would dress in the cooler months without a leather jacket in my collection. Whilst there are multiple styles and silhouettes out there—blazers, cropped, biker jackets, etc.—the leather bomber appears to be the clear favourite this year. Comfortable, casual and cool with its oversized fit, it's the answer to making a pretty outfit feel a little tougher, and it's my go-to style in the transitional months of September, October and April, when it's not quite cool enough for a puffer or a wool coat.
And let's also talk about the jeans, please! High-waisted, flared and with a double patch pocket on the front (which feels very French), these really help to elongate my legs and add a little structure when paired with such an oversized jacket up top. You could pair it with a shirt, boots or even ballet flats, but I've opted for a simple white vest and sling-back kitten heels, which feel a little less heavy and a little more refined.
Style Notes: It's not often I need to dress up in a full gown, but with a few special fashion events between now and Christmas, as well as some family celebrations, I always have a place in my roster for a reliable, elevated evening dress. This floor-length satin crepe number, with a high neck which falls at the back like a cape, is so deliciously elegant—I've never felt so chic in my life.
Whilst dressing for weddings and the like in spring and summer is reasonably easy, with countless floaty options around from April through to August, when autumn comes around, it seems like most dresses on offer are sequinned party pieces more suited to New Year's Eve. But not this one. In a deep, rich burgundy hue (a huge colour trend for A/W 25), it matches perfectly with Reiss's Double-Breasted Blindseam Coat in Aubergine, so if you want to go bold, you could completely colour-drench from head to toe, playing with contrasting textures and adding a little sparkle with accessories. Truly exceptional.
Style Notes: During the colder months, knitwear no doubt becomes the hardest-working category in our wardrobes. Night, day, work or play, our jumpers and cardigans need to keep us warm without compromising on style. One of my golden rules for autumnal dressing is that I only invest in knitwear made with some percentage of natural materials. The batwing cream knit I'm wearing here is composed of over 50% wool and cashmere. The cashmere makes it feel super-soft (not itchy, like some pieces made from pure wool), and the wool itself is a much more breathable alternative to say, polyester.
But the other pieces in this look are just as important: the brown leather jacket (a firm favourite in theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK office) and the tailored trousers that sit so comfortably on the waist, and can be dressed up or down with just a shoe change. And a special mention should be given to the little woven leather bag, which I think will sell out within weeks.
Style Notes: In case you missed it, suede is bigger than ever this season. I know what you're thinking: isn't suede always popular in September? It sure is! But this year, with the return of the boho-chic aesthetic in a big way, we're seeing more leather and suede styles than in any autumn I can remember. Whilst we often see suede in jackets, handbags and boots, I've had my heart set on a midi skirt in the supple fabric for quite a while, and this is the one I've fallen for. With a slit in the centre, a high waist and in this sumptuous tan colour, it nods to the '70s without feeling like costume-y or kitsch, but instead, elevated and a little sexy.
I've layered up my suede (because Reiss genuinely has so many excellent suede pieces in this collection), but have contrasted the shades for a little differentiation. I'm truly obsessed with these chocolate-brown knee-high boots and this bowling bag, which comes in an ever-so-slightly lighter shade of chocolate, with almost greyish undertones. I've upped the boho vibe with this lace blouse with flared cuffs and gold hoop earrings.
