I'm a summer person who prefers autumn clothes, so for me, this time of year brings mixed emotions. While I'll always wish for warmer days no matter the time of year, I love layering and playing around with fresh new trends. The thing is, though, often I find myself avoiding most of this newness in favour of easy-to-style pieces that save me time getting ready in the morning. Because I'll do anything for that extra ten-minute snooze!
Minimalist outfits comprised of expensive-looking tailoring, great basics and premium knitwear and outerwear are the pieces I find myself most drawn to. And I'm not alone. So many of Instagram's most stylish women rely on simple, effortless outfit equations to always look polished—trust me, they never fail.
Here are nine fuss-free, minimalist autumn outfits I'll be re-creating over the next few months.
9 Minimalist Autumn Outfits That Are So Easy to Re-Create:
1. Shirt + Tailored Trousers + Fine Knit
Style Notes: Tailored separates are the easiest way to look put together, with minimal effort needed. Caroline tucks her oversized shirt into wide-leg trousers to keep the look polished. A 'just in case' knit around the shoulders and a white heel elevates just gives that little something extra.
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This striped shirt will seamlessly slot with jeans, white trousers and deep brown shades.
These are a fashion editor favourite.
You'll wear this classic knit on heavy rotation across all seasons.
The perfect wear-everywhere heel height.
2. Knit Vest + Roll Neck + Baggy Jeans
Style Notes: If there's one colour I can guarantee will be huge news for autumn—aside from red—it's grey. And what better way to wear the season's hottest shade than by going top-to-toe tonal? Yatri layers a slouchy knit vest over a second-skin roll neck to create the perfect pairing with jeans.
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I've already bought this ready to wear with denim.
This brilliant basic comes in so many colours, consider it your go-to base layer.
So effortless.
A classic black bag is hard to beat and Alaïa is one of the most popular picks amongst fashion editors.
3. Leather Jacket + Mini Skirt + Tall Boots
Style Notes: Proving that mini skirts have longevity beyond summer, Liv styles hers with knee-high boots and a knit top. When it comes to the leather jacket, minimalists will prefer styles sans buckles, buttons and belts. This outfit is already in my saved folder on Instagram ready to copy ASAP.
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Layer this jacket over everything from jeans to dresses.
This Merino wool cashmere blend is super soft.
A skort makes a mini skirt feel so much more practical.
Another wardrobe classic that's as practical as it polished.
4.Denim Jacket + Denim Skirt + Western Boots
Styles Notes: Denim has been key throughout 2025, and it isn't going anywhere. Switch up the traditional Canadian tuxedo by wearing a denim maxi instead of jeans. If you want to tap into the Western boots trend without going full cowgirl, just look for a pair with a simple square-toe and angled heel.
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Grab in a size (or two) up for that slouchy fit.
Wear this as you would your favourite pair of jeans.
A classic black ankle boot is a must-have in any wardrobe.
Silver accessories will liven up a look more than basic black or brown.
5. Long-Sleeved Midi Dress + Blazer
Style Notes: For an upcoming night out or an autumn wedding, the pairing of a long sleeved midi dress with a blazer will always work. You'll be warm enough to enjoy your plans but still look effortlessly chic – genius.
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Dress this up with a strappy heel or pare back with a trainer.
This blazer will work just as well with a dress as with jeans.
A lower heel will be more comfortable.
The Bottega Veneta Jodie bag is a bestseller for good reason.
6. Trench Coat + Jeans + Sandals
Style Notes: Myself and Marianne are among the people who keep their sandals on for as long as possible. I'm of the firm belief that there's no need to pack them away just because it's autumn. Instead, simply style them with cashmere jumpers and trench coats to give them a new season spin.
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You'll never run out of ways to wear a trench coat, trust me.
M&S is always a go-to for some of the best cashmere on the high street.
Ecru jeans can work all year round.
These are Marianne's actual sandals.
7. Knitted Skirt + Matching Cardigan + Chunky Boots
Style Notes: It might be one of the oldest tricks in the styling book, but it's still one of the best. Wearing one colour top-to-toe never fails to look chic, especially when you make like Abi Marvel and pick a shade such as grey.
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Consider this the chicest alternative to classic grey trousers.
Wear with anything from jeans to the co-ordinating grey skirt.
As practical as they are polished.
Every minimalist needs a pair of small gold-tone hoops.
8. Pencil Skirt + Roll-Neck + Blazer
Style Notes: Maxi skirts dominated the summer season and this will only continue into autumn. However, unlike the lightweight poplin styles, the cooler weather calls for more fitted pencil styles that seamlessly slot into autumnal outfits. Simply add a plain roll-neck and a boxy blazer and you're all set
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This will make any outfit feel more formal.
This will keep you warm on those chiller days.
Perfect for even the strictest of office environments.
Just a touch more interesting than the classic round-toe styles.
9. Long Coat + Tailored Trousers + Trainers
Style Notes: A monochrome outfit is a foolproof way to look chic in autumn. Brighten up the drearier days by opting for a head-to-toe look in lighter cream and taupe hues, and pair with trainers to make it much more practical.
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Few things are as cosy as a pure wool coat.
A cap makes an outfit feel instantly cooler.
These are a fashion-person's favourite.
A carry-all that can hold your laptop (and more).
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