What should I wear in autumn? It's a question we've been asking ourselves for a least a few weeks now, and we think we've just about nailed it. We've talked you through the top trends for the season ahead and gone into detail about the coats that are set to dominate for the next few months. We've charted the best new-in pieces from the chicest high-street stores and confirmed which accessories are going to be everywhere for the foreseeable.
This, of course, is all excellent information and inspiration to refer back to, but when you boil autumn fashion down to its bare bones, what are the pieces you need to stylishly navigate the season? Today, we're here to show you just that.
The key to having a blessed autumn wardrobe is to surround yourself with an arsenal of reliable seasonal basics, pieces that are interchangeable and can be layered with one another and effortlessly thrown together with anything else hanging in your closet. These items will ensure every outfit you wear feels timeless and not too of the moment—even if you choose to pair them with some of the more directional A/W 23 trends.
So which pieces yield such power? Below, we've assembled a checklist of the staples you can pull out every autumn—some of which you probably already do! Scroll on to see exactly what to wear this season.
1. VERSATILE JACKETS
Style Notes: Look for monochromatic or neutral palettes in simple silhouettes to ensure maximum wear potential.
SHOP VERSATILE JACKETS:
Made for the transitional months.
This cult blazer keeps selling out, so scoop it up while you can.
2. COSY FLEECES
Style Notes: Cardigans and jumpers will always be autumn style mainstays, but fleeces feel more timely for 2023 and are often even toastier.
SHOP FLEECES:
This comes in 14, yes 14 colourways.
The chicest windbreaker around.
3. HOSIERY
Style Notes: Is it just us, or is investing in new tights one of the better autumn rites of passage? Look for premium pairs and take care of them (e.g., wash them in cold water) to ensure they last the entire season.
The perfect not-too-sheer, not-too-thick tights.
You might be used to buying your hosiery for next to nothing, but it's worth spending a bit more to avoid those instant pulls and ladders.
4. KNITTED SETS
Style Notes: You're guaranteed to get adequate wear out of a knitted co-ord in autumn, as you can wear the pieces separately or together. Right now, we're favouring the autumnal-coloured variety.
The waisted design adds to the expensive-looking silhouette.
Add boots, ballet flats, loafers, anything really.
5. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: There are lots of boot trends to consider this year, but you can never go wrong with a pair of classic leather knee-high boots. Look for heeled styles that you can wear without concern pre-frost and -ice.
SHOP KNEE HIGH BOOTS:
This pair also comes in chocolate and tan.
Ganni always delivers fresh takes on the cowboy boot.
6. BUTTON-UP BLOUSES
Style Notes: When it becomes too chilly for vest tops or slinky camisoles, turn to pretty button-up blouses. White styles will work with everything you own and look exceptional layered under trending knitted vests.
SHOP BLOUSES:
Layer under a knitted vest and let the bright knit take centre stage.
Tuck into jeans, a midi skirt, wide-leg trousers—you name it.
7. ROLL-NECK TOPS
Style Notes: Roll-necks are to autumn what sandals are to summer—a nonnegotiable part of the fashion uniform. Start wearing yours at the first hint of the colder weather.
SHOP ROLL-NECK TOPS:
A timeless addition to your wardrobe.
You'll be wearing this weekly (if not daily) when the temperature drops.
8. LIGHTWEIGHT COATS
Style Notes: While it might still be too warm to don your woolly outerwear, it would be remiss not to have a coat at your disposal should the weather turn. A lightweight option that’s roomy enough to layer over your knitwear is the goal—trenches are perfect,
SHOP LIGHTWEIGHT COATS:
No brand does trench coats quite like Burberry.
Trench coats hold the power to totally transform an outfit.
9. LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES
Style Notes: There's a time and a place for bare arms, and autumn isn't it. Seek out long-sleeve dresses (preferably in knitted fabrications) to keep the heat in.
SHOP LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES:
Swap your boots for heels and take this dress on a night out.
We're a little obsessed with knit dresses here at Who What Wear, and Mango makes some of the best.
10. STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS
Style Notes: Loose-leg jeans are proving all the rage this year, but you shouldn't forget about your trusty straight-legs. Not only do they look chic, but chances are they're narrow enough to tuck into your boots.
SHOP STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS:
Wear-all-day denim.
Versatile and sustainable? *Adds to basket*
11. LEATHER SEPARATES
Style Notes: You know it's autumn when leather starts hitting the shelves again. Whether you opt for real or faux, this heavy-duty fabric will keep the chill at bay whilst bestowing your look with an air of cool. A win-win, really.
SHOP LEATHER SEPARATES:
This straight-leg shape would work well with oversized shirts and fitted turtlenecks alike.
Like all of Aligne's leather pieces, this sleek skirt is chrome-free.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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