As fashion editors, we’re rather well acquainted with the trend cycle. We’ve witnessed hundreds of beautiful garments and many exquisitely crafted accessories rise in popularity, before ebbing out of style. There are, however, a few exceptional items that we’ve seen transcend this rhythm and reach true cult status. These special items have the rare ability to capture the fashion zeitgeist, riffing off a building trend and delivering a wardrobe-altering product.
These true cult classics offer a timeless look that always feels current. Khaite’s V-neck cashmere cardigan eclipses its peers, delivering a flattering, comfortable and wearable style that you’ll reach for for years to come, whilst The Row has struck gold with its leather ankle boots that balance grunge with wearability. From luxury leaders such as Acne Studios and Miu Miu to high-street heroes including ARKET and COS, we’ve identified the cult buys of next season to give you a head start on honing your autumn wardrobe.
Read on to discover the cult fashion buys of autumn 2023.
Style Notes: Miu Miu's new leather loafers have been swiped up quickly by the fashion set. The classic, chunky style features a subtle gold coin insert with an embossed logo design. The humble loafer has peaked at cult status already this year, and we expect to see its popularity continue to grow through autumn and beyond.
I love this raw-edge version.
Metallic leather will continue to dominate in autumn.
Style Notes: Toteme's embroidered scarf jacket is a fan favourite amongst the Who What Wear UK team. I'm secretly counting down the days until it's officially autumn and I can safely cocoon myself in a jacket this cosy once more.
The white piping elevates the clever design.
As we head into the cooler months, light grey is a shade we'll be reaching for more and more.
Style Notes: Every year I keep my eye out for the perfect pair of leather ankle boots, and every year I come back to this style. Chunky enough to ground a light, transitional outfit, this pair from from The Row serve as my go-to inspo from autumn and beyond.
The perfect pair of black ankle boots.
They also come in cream—perfect to complement a tonal look in the same shade.
Style Notes: I've spotted worn, leather bomber jackets on all of my favourite influencers, and I can't wait to scoop one up myself. Acne's slightly cropped version falls to hip height, which means it'll pair perfectly with high-waisted trousers.
This is at the top of my wish list.
Style Notes: Loewe's ergonomic bag has been on our radar in a big way since it debuted in 2014. Now available in a broad range of colours and sizes, we're as charmed now as we were when we first laid eyes on it almost 10 years ago.
White leather can be hard to get right, but Loewe does it so well.
This will never go out of style.
Style Notes: Nothing signals the change in seasons like a Max Mara wool coat. Autumn 2023 will lean as heavily on Max Mara's classic camel coat, just as in seasons past.
Perfect for layering over a thick jumper.
This is a gorgeous, relaxed option.
Style Notes: Arket's Oversized Wool Blend Blazer is every fashion insider's secret to elevating a casual look. Pairing as well with jeans and a white tee as it does an evening dress, this is the blazer we're banking on (again) this autumn.
Oversized done right.
Style Notes: The perfect pair of trousers does exist. Coming in a range of colours, COS's wide-leg wool trousers are expertly pleated to drape loosely but elegantly on the leg.
A black pair of trousers is a wardrobe staple.
These make transitional styling easy.
Style Notes: Ever since Katie Holmes wore this cardigan in 2019, we haven't been able to get it out of our minds. Khaite is a cut above on quality and design, and this is the absolute perfect cardigan to wrap up in on a cool autumn evening.
Layer over a summer dress during those final days of warmer weather.
The slightly pinched-in waist is so elegant.
Style Notes: The Uniqlo crossbody bag's big, more sophisticated sister, this is composed of supple leather. Like all crossbody bags, it works just as well with a summer dress and sandals as it does a heavy winter coat.
This brown shade would pair so well with a beige trench…
… But I love this pop of apple green.
Style Notes: First released in 2019, I'm as head over heels for this jumper now as I was then. The bold Breton stripes combined with the perfect roomy fit make this item a staple that I'll be calling upon for the foreseeable.
If I could only have one jumper, it would be this one.
The high neck is a cold-weather saviour.
Style Notes: Before Miu Miu's coin-embossed loafers came on the scene, it was all about Prada's "stealth wealth" version. Composed of gleaming patent leather, these sleek shoes feature the covetable Prada logo front and centre, perched upon the refined design.
The slight heel will quietly add height to your look.
Patent leather was made for autumn.
Next Up: Ganni's Knit Vests Are the Cult Autumn Item Every Fashion Person Wants to Buy
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