The time has officially come to start looking to the season ahead, and when it comes to what we'll be wearing for the next five months, there's a reassuring number of wearable trends and wardrobe staples to consider for the colder months to come (and yes, that could signify the retirement of the micro mini and platform shoes).
There has always been an air of sadness around the end of summer, and putting away your shorts and sandals for another year can be a reminder that the days are about to get darker and drearier, but my answer to that is think optimistically of all of the opportunities for dressing up ahead. This is cosiest period in the calendar, and it's positively brimming with colour and texture. When else could you wear bright-red faux fur? Or glossy head-to-toe leather? It also signifies the countdown to Christmas and the sparkly party season ahead, and if nothing else, a pumpkin spice latte just doesn't feel right in 30-degree heat.
So while this year's runway collections were a celebration of all things "extra AF" (think supersized tailoring, floor-skimming dresses and plenty of head-turning colour), when it comes to the items you'll buy now and wear forever, there were a handful of particularly strong pieces that stood out as hot-ticket items, and we've pulled them together in a handy little edit for your perusal. Keep scrolling to see the 10 major autumn trends that deserve a place in your wardrobe now and for years to come.
1. THE LEATHER TRENCH COAT
The classic coat reigns supreme for another year, but this glossy, leather iteration is the trench 2.0. Waterproof, windproof, all-weather proof, this sturdy coat is your protection against the elements and happens to look particularly slick while doing it.
It is a little pricier than you would expect from the high street, but 100% leather is an investment. A good leather coat can last for decades and will look only better with time.
Who said leather coats had to be black? And clearly shoppers agree, as this coat is selling quickly, but you can count on COS for a restock of its best-selling styles.
There's a distinctly '70s feel about this chocolate trench. Make the most of the vintage vibe by wearing with a black turtleneck, a mini and knee-high boots.
It's the minimal details that make this nappa-leather trench look designer. Premium quality on the high street.
Undoubtedly one of the strongest pieces from Mango's Selection collection, a minimalist's dream edit of key pieces in premium fabrics in a neutral colour palette.
2. COLOURFUL KNITS
There's only one way to combat the seasonal blues, and that's to dress yourself happy. Summer might be over, but there's no reason you can't still bring the sunshine mood with cheerful knits in bold, bright colours in soft, fluffy fabrics.
Loewe's logo tank was an influencer favourite this year, and we predict this mohair knit will be equally as popular.
Choose a soft, mohair blend to eliminate scratchiness, and a graphic print earns extra points.
From the moment Kate Moss stepped out in the original "Ginsberg is God" and 1970 knits 10 years ago, Bella Freud became a celebrity knitwear favourite. This season, the 1970 knit is back in adorable candy-pink mohair.
Don't forget a sweater-vest! They're still everywhere this year, and Ganni has made the Fair Isle knit cool again, so no more terrible Christmas-jumper connotations.
3. THE MAXI SKIRT
The micro miniskirt might have taken over spring, but cooler weather calls for something a little more substantial. The maxi skirt is back, and this time it isn't a floaty, summer skirt. It's formfitting or flared and best paired with structured tailoring or a slouchy knit.
This skirt was a hot topic in the Who What Wear editor group chat after this unexpectedly expensive-looking find started popping up on social media.
A classic, maxi tube skirt but in innovative 3D knit (making it entirely seamless for a smoother silhouette).
Roksanda knows good colour combinations, and this navy wool skirt is instantly cooler with a bright-yellow stripe.
If you were wondering how to do a maxi for evening, Palmer Harding's satin skirt just answered the question. All it needs is a black blazer and a kitten heel.
4. THE BRETON KNIT
It is almost impossible to have missed the Breton boom of the last month. As soon as swimwear was packed away, the fashion set reached for their stripey jumpers, and a Breton knit + skinny jeans + ballet pumps has become the transitional uniform of discerning dresser. Thankfully for us, this is a classic knit that comes back around every year, so you know the jumper you buy now will stick around for many more seasons to come.
Arket led the charge with its striped pieces hitting the market before anyone else. We will always love a crew neck, but this collared jumper set the tone for a new season shape.
Zara's take on the collared jumper is a lighter version if you're in need of a top meets knit for the warmer months.
One thing that the crew-neck has over the collared knit is its versatility. Layer over a white or blue shirt, a polo-neck top, a Peter Pan collar, the list goes on.
Prepare for winter with a super-soft mock-neck knit.
5. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
From the runways to the street style set, the knee-high boot is kicking the ankle boot into touch. When once we would have rushed to find a black, suede ankle boot that would work with jeans, the knee-high boot does it all—miniskirts, midi dresses, you can even tuck in jeans—and so fashion has spoken. When it comes to boots this season, the taller the better.
Every year, you can depend on the high street to deliver one easy-to-wear and easy-to-style boot that won't break the bank. I think I just found this year's contender.
Fans of Dear Frances's chic minimal sandals will love the brands equally refined knee-high boots.
A wearable block heel and real leather for under £110? Sign us up.
Everyone from Kendall Jenner to Kaia Gerber has been spotted in Staud, so if you're looking for a fashion-forward brand that gets the A-list seal of approval, here's the place to start.
6. CORDUROY
Corduroy has unfairly gotten a bad rep. Sure, it's practical and sturdy and almost never considered provocative per se, but it has an undeniably cool vintage allure that lends itself well to autumn's laid-back aesthetic. This season, corduroy adds texture to skirts, trousers and even dresses and is no longer reserved for geography teachers.
If you needed proof that corduroy could be polished, I present to you this midi skirt, arguably as good with a a white cotton shirt and boots as it is with a T-shirt and trainers.
For those who aren't quite ready to fully subscribe to a '70s revival, a boot-cut pair of cords is a modern update of the high-waisted flares.
There's something about cream corduroy trousers that make an outfit look more premium.
If you already live in blazers, this corduroy upgrade will be right up your street. This is how to do practical power dressing.
7. THE LRD (LONG RED DRESS)
The little black dress has been a longstanding institution for an age, and while black is known for its versatility, isn't it a little bit boring? Fiery red set the runways ablaze this season, and after Aperol orange and Barbie pink were all we wanted to wear this summer, it's time to welcome a new shade to our colour palette, and the easiest way to wear it is a head-turning midi dress.
Between the colour, silhouette and details, you'd be forgiven for thinking that this high-street dress is designer.
As soon as this landed in pink, it almost immediately sold out. So act quickly to get this highly coveted ruffle dress in flamenco-emoji red.
Just when we thought we couldn't love Reformation dresses any more, this romantic dress popped up in our feeds. If they're good enough for Jennifer Lopez…
Next time you're stumped for an easy outfit and want to reach for the same T-shirt and jeans, try a ribbed-knit dress. Just as comfortable but with far more impact.
8. LEOPARD PRINT
This autumn is all about taking a walk on the wild side, and while we've been enjoying a flirtation with zebra, if you're looking for a print that will still look as strong next year as it does now, leopard print is the only option for longevity. From Diane von Furstenberg at Studio 54 to the Saint Laurent runway, the spotted print has proven itself to be the print of choice for the daring dresser and covers everything from slip dresses to shoes this season.
How to channel '90s supermodel in just one dress.
When winter rolls around, we'll be living in faux-fur coats, and leopard print stands out from the crowd.
If head-to-toe print isn't your thing, nod to the trend with leopard accessories.
The inspiration behind Etro's A/W 22 show was the concrete jungle, and if we're going to have to navigate the wilderness that is the daily commute, we'd prefer to do it with the appropriate equipment.
9. THE DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER
There simply isn't a way to improve on the blazer. It's the perfect mix of tailoring and versatility. We're always on the hunt for new styles and new ways to wear them, but sometimes reverting to a classic is just as good as looking for the next big thing. You might already have a double-breasted jacket in your wardrobe, but if not, now is the time to try the single-breasted blazer's dressier big sister. Wear oversized, open, and with plenty of attitude.
It's a small miracle that more people don't know about this perfect blazer. Otherwise, it would sell out entirely. For now, let's just keep it between us.
Veronica Beard is the undisputed queen of the double-breasted blazer, and the Miller Dickey jacket is the original that spawned a thousand copies.
This suit is already a winner, but this shade of mustard khaki is what makes it truly special.
Finally, a blazer roomy enough for proper layering without looking bulky.
10. THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BAG
Back to school always meant a new bag for the year ahead, and autumn has plenty of totes, satchels and top-handle bags bursting with preppy energy. Big enough for all of your essentials and stylish enough for the office, weekend, and beyond, this is the trend to replace teeny, tiny bags for the foreseeable.
You might already be familiar with Neous's sculptural shoes, but its bag offerings are just as good.
Looks like we just found something to replace our COS crossbody bag obsession.
Not only does this bag look like it would cost around 10 times its price, but with the included strap, you can change it to a crossbody too, so we'll call that two bags in one.
That basket bag you wore all summer just got a seasonal makeover. Just swap the summer dress for a blazer and jeans, and you've got yourself the perfect transitional outfit.
Next Up: 10 Major Shoe Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn
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