September always feels like the real start of the year for my wardrobe. Summer is fun, but autumn makes me want to get dressed again. And even though the season officially begins in a couple of weeks, I've started building out the pieces I know I'll rely on most. Think cosy knitwear that'll get me through the UK's dropping temperatures, a good striped long-sleeve T-shirt and a few coats. But at the top of that list lies denim. It's always been my go-to at this time of year—it's easy to wear, dependable, and can completely shift how an outfit feels. But finding the right denim isn't as straightforward as picking up a pair of jeans and hoping for the best. At 5'6" with an hourglass body shape, I'm particular about cuts that flatter but also feel comfortable. If the waistband gapes, the length isn't right, and if the denim feels stiff, it's an instant no. So when I come across styles that tick those boxes, I pay attention.
What I like most about denim is that it doesn't just live in one category. A pair of jeans is the obvious choice, but even a good denim dress can be as much of a staple. That's why I've been looking closely at the styles I want to carry me through the season. F&F came onto my radar recently, and I quickly realised the denim collection is one of its most compelling edits. Yes, they also have some great, affordable jackets (love this faux leather fringe one), as well as some chic satin pieces, but it's the denim that I keep adding to my cart.
One of the things I've noticed over the years is how much the wash of denim can also change an outfit. This time of year, mid-wash blues feel classic and easy to pair with knits and trenches, while black denim always looks sharp and works well for more polished looks. Printed or patterned denim, like leopard styles, might feel like a risk, but they can actually be one of the quickest ways to make your autumn wardrobe feel new again. F&F's denim collection manages to cover all those bases, which pleasantly surprised me. The collection has such a range, from everyday staples to more directional styles, and that's exactly what drew me in.
It made me rethink what supermarket clothing actually looks like now. For a long time, I thought of it as purely functional—good for basics, not necessarily the place you'd find wardrobe heroes. But F&F has been steadily evolving, and the denim really shows that shift. The cuts feel relevant without being intimidating, the washes look premium, and the pieces are made with the kind of attention to detail that makes them work beyond one season. When I tried on the flared jeans in particular, I had that rare "oh, these fit great" moment that doesn't come around often with denim.
That discovery led me to try more. From a perfectly cut shirt to a pair of wide-leg leopard jeans that have already become my weekend favourite, I built four different outfits around the brand's hero denim pieces. The great thing about them is that they feel like the kind of styles that slot easily into my wardrobe now, but also have the staying power to last well beyond autumn.
Style Notes: The first thing I noticed about F&F's flared jeans was the fabric. They're made from a mid-weight denim that holds its shape but still has just enough stretch to be comfortable. That's so important for me—flared styles need structure to sit properly at the knee, but too much stiffness and they become unwearable. I styled them with a striped long-sleeve tee, a khaki trench, loafers, and finished with a basket bag. The jeans do most of the work here—the subtle flare creates a leg-lengthening effect, which makes them ideal for wearing with flats. I wanted to keep the outfit in that "everyday editor" zone, which is why the trench made sense; it sharpens up the look without making it feel overly corporate. The basket bag brings a softer texture, so the whole outfit feels approachable. It's a look I'd wear on repeat, because it has that effort-but-not-too-much energy I always gravitate towards.
Style Notes: Barrel-leg jeans are one of those shapes that divide opinion, but I think that's what makes them interesting. This black version instantly felt wearable thanks to the fabric—they're cut from a heavier-weight cotton that gives the shape structure, so the curve doesn't collapse into a baggy silhouette. Add a crisp white T-shirt, an oversized blazer and kitten heels and you've just elevated the casual pair. The jeans are the talking point here; they add that directional twist, while the blazer pulls everything back into the everyday. The T-shirt keeps it clean and unfussy, and the kitten heels elevate them over, say, a pair of sneakers. This look is such a great example of how, sometimes, simplicity can prevail when it comes to looking chic.
Style Notes: The denim shirt is the piece I didn't know I needed until I tried it. This particular piece, in a soft mid-wash cotton, has just enough weight to drape well but not so much that it feels stiff. That balance means it works equally well tucked into trousers or worn open as a light layer. For this look, I paired it with a white cotton maxi skirt, ballet flats and a cute, fun bag. The mix felt perfect for September: The skirt still nods to summer, but the denim shirt shifts the outfit into autumn territory—this is the most unpredictable month of the year when it comes to weather, IMHO. The soft fabric also makes it easy to half-tuck, if you need, without bulk, which is always the test for a good shirt. The pop of red from the bag broke up the blues and whites, adding just enough interest. It's one of those transitional looks that will keep working for weeks to come, especially once I start layering the shirt under heavier coats.
Style Notes: Printed denim is usually a risk for me, being that I am a minimal dresser, but this wide-leg leopard pair proved how versatile it can be. The fabric is lighter than the barrel-leg style, which gives the wide cut more movement, and the print itself is subtle enough to wear as a neutral. The textures of all the pieces together—soft knit against structured denim—immediately felt autumnal. The leopard print adds personality without overwhelming the outfit, and the wide-leg cut keeps everything grounded. Plus, animal prints are trending! What I like most about these jeans is how easily they slip into rotation. They make an everyday jumper-and-jeans outfit feel fresh, which is exactly what I want as the new season kicks in.
Very soon after trying these four looks, I was convinced that F&F's denim deserves more attention. The pieces feel modern, versatile and designed to last, but they also make getting dressed feel easier—which is exactly what I want this time of year. Supermarket clothing might not have been where I expected to find my new-season denim staples, but these pieces are already on heavy rotation in my wardrobe.
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