It's officially time for the seasonal switchover, as swimwear and sandals are packed up and stored on the highest wardrobe shelves, whilst knitwear and light layers come to the fore. The cooler days are on their way, and I for one couldn't be more excited. Whilst the ease of summer is a selling point, there's something inspiring about the mix-and-match combination work that comes as the days begin to cool down. A simple throw-on cotton dress now needs a soft cardigan as a trusted companion for whatever the Great British weather may bring. Jeans and a T-shirt, a classic duo, expands into a trio with an autumn-ready jacket, and even our tailoring shifts from a shorts focus back to the trousers we lived in at the start of the year.
With the start of a new season comes the arrival of a whole new wave of fresh trends. We've already deciphered the dominating colour trends that are already beginning to rise, confirmed that leather jackets are set to return in a big way and picked through the standout accessories destined to add a fashion-forward finishing touch for the coming season. But for the playful additions to shine, the foundations of our wardrobes have to be strong enough to support them, and that's where great fashion basics come in.
Though they may feel less exciting or inspirational, great fashion basics are the building blocks we start with to then be able to let our personal style shine through. Classic jeans are the unsung heroes of the jeans-and-a-nice-top combination, autumn-ready footwear completes our more fashion-forward looks and easy shirts support with fresh trouser and skirt trends alike. As hard-working pieces in our wardrobes that will support well beyond the end of the new season, there's a chance to invest a little more for high-quality fabrications and designs, but as every budget is different I've trawled through both high-end and high-street offerings to reveal the most reliable fashion basics at all price points.
Keep scrolling to explore the 6 autumn fashion basics that will make getting dressed this season chicer and easier.
SHOP AUTUMN FASHION BASICS:
1. AUTUMN-READY OUTERWEAR
With a slouchy oversized silhouette and elegant mole hue, this H&M trench coat is sure to be an instant favourite.
Whatever the weather does, you're sure to be prepared with this chic yet practical coat. Plus, its reversible for two looks in one.
Leather jackets have long been a wardrobe staple, and Whistles' style excels with an understated ease and oversized silhouette.
2. WEAR EVERYWHERE SHIRT
From weekends in jeans to office looks in smart trousers, a classic shirt will put the work in to earn its spot in your forever wardrobe.
Classic white and blue stripes continue to feature in every great wardrobe.
There's something about this soft brown hue that feels seriously elevated. I'm particularly keen on the mix with blue denim.
3. FOREVER JEANS
From easy T-shirt looks to elevated evening attire, a great pair of jeans will see you through all seasons.
Straight-leg styles may be classic, but for those who prefer a wide-leg silhouette look to Arket's Cloud jeans.
There's no denying the versatility of a pair of black jeans.
4. EASY LAYERS
As jumpers go, this is an iconic style loved by editors and influencers alike.
Layer up on cooler days with this soft wool sweater featuring a striking shawl neckline.
It's a well-known fact that M&S does the best cashmere on the high street.
5. SMART TROUSERS
The crisp pleats and perfectly draped shape speaks for itself.
Elevate your striped linen trousers for autumn with Toteme's refined tailoring.
Black tailored trousers feature in so many of my outfit builds, and Abercrombie's Sloane pair comes highly rated.
6. COOL-WEATHER FOOTWEAR
Translate floaty dresses and summer skirts into your autumn wardrobe with these timeless knee-high boots.
Loafers come into their own in the cooler months, and this deep burgundy pair has all my attention.
Every year I reach for my ankle boots on repeat, and Aeyde's refined pair are sure to go the distance.
-
I Went to Nordstrom's NYC Flagship to Shop the Anniversary Sale—Here's Everything I Tried and LovedFrom basics to beauty.
-
'90s Minimalism Is My Summer Aesthetic—This Is My Capsule WardrobeTimeless.
-
8 Pieces, 15 Outfits: Inside My Anti-Trend Summer Capsule WardrobeOutfit repeating like it's my job.
-
I'm a Busy Mom Who Owns a Jewelry Label—These Are the 7 Items I Always WearNo-fail pieces.
-
I Own a Clothing Brand and Live in L.A.—8 Essentials That Are in My Spring Capsule WardrobeBleusalt's Lyndie Benson's must-haves.
-
Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Had the Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe—30 Timeless Staples That Will Never Go Out of StyleDecades later, her wardrobe still defines minimalist dressing.
-
These 31 Anti-Trend Basics Are Quickly Becoming the Foundation of My 2025 WardrobeTake note.
-
I Was a VIP Nordstrom Stylist, and I'm Reworking My Capsule Wardrobe—These 9 Items Are Now StaplesEssentials.
