9 Autumn Staples Chic Fashion People Are Already Wearing
It might seem sacrilegious given that it's still very warm outside, but hear me out: Fashion people are already thinking about—and wearing!—the trends we know will be big news this autumn. Those of us who work in the industry are practically programmed to live a season ahead, keeping mental notes and archiving observations on items or aesthetics we think will be of interest to our readers in a week, month or even six months. And it seems as though content creators on both Instagram and TikTok are also speeding up their style cycles and blurring the lines between summer and autumn with their current outfits.
This might come as a shock to those who live in warmer climes, but anyone who resides in Britain knows that just because we enjoy one week of great weather, there's no banking on the next following suit. In contrast to the high temperatures we were experiencing just a few days ago, there's now a discernible chill in the air that's affecting the fashion choices of our favourites to follow. We also know that autumn outfit trends are currently piquing your shopping interest. We're noticing that more of you are now clicking and buying pieces in our stories that loan themselves to autumn/winter, like blazers, knitwear and loafers.
So we decided to give you what you're currently craving—ahead is an edit of stylish items fashion people are already backing for next season. You can start wearing these now and they will continue to stand you in good stead when autumn officially rolls around.
Autumn Outfit Trends Fashion People Are Already Wearing:
1. Suede Jackets
Style Notes: Suede jackets were a key trend earlier in the year, and, if Instagram is anything to go by, we'll be revisiting them this autumn. In line with the current season, right now we're seeing lots of structured, boxy styles on the market, but their generous silhouette means you can layer knitwear underneath when the days get chillier.
Shop Suede Jackets:
2. White Jeans
Style Notes: Linen trousers might be all the rage last season, but I'm already starting to see influencers making the switch to white jeans. This is a sensible, autumn-ready spin on the breezy linen bottoms we're seeing so much of.
Shop White Jeans:
3. Leather Column Skirts
Style Notes: Denim column skirts are one of this year's big-ticket items, but as we move into the colder months I predict we'll witness a migration to leather skirts, albeit in the same column cut, just like Danielle Jinadu's (pictured).
Shop Leather Column Skirts:
This is on the pricier side, but it's quality soft lamb leather makes it well worth the price. Just add heels and a silk camisole for after dark.
4. Ribbed Knitwear
Style Notes: It might feel premature to start talking about chunky knitwear but thinner, ribbed jumpers and cardigans? They're downright practical to have to hand in the British summertime as well as the early days of autumn.
Shop Ribbed Knitwear:
Contrast details are another major knitwear trend for autumn.
5. Puff-Ball Skirts
Style Notes: The puff-ball skirts we knew and loved back in the '80s are enjoying a resurgence this autumn, though I'd argue that their simplicity and versatility loans itself perfectly to year-round styling. Just add ballet flats and trainers now, then switch it up with loafers or boots when the temperature drops.
Shop Puff-Ball Skirts:
6. Loafers
Style Notes: I was just discussing the appeal of loafers with Who What Wear UK shopping editor Remy Farrell. "They're so easy to throw on, and that's all I want right now," she implored. I have to agree. When I tire of my boots in winter (which, admittedly, seldom happens, but might!) loafers are the first thing I reach for. Turns out, I'm not the only one.
Shop Loafers:
Ganni is knocking it out of the park with its selection of elevated heroes.
7. Non-Black Knee Boots
Style Notes: I'm going to let you in on a secret: Fashion people wear boots year-round, even in the height of summer. There's just something so cool about pulling on a pair of cowboy boots with a dress or offsetting a miniskirt with a knee-high style. The only caveat? Black boots can look a little wintery. Instead, transition from summer to autumn in a softer beige or tan hue.
Shop Non-Black Knee Boots:
8. Simple Coats
Style Notes: I know you probably don't want to start thinking about wearing coats just yet—neither do I—but Débora Rosa's chic coat-and-shorts pairing (pictured) is making me rethink everything I thought I knew about autumn outfit trends.
Shop Simple Coats:
Nothing says "classic" quite like a Max Mara camel coat.
9. Elevated Striped Shirts
Style Notes: We probably all turn to stripe shirts year-round as an easy throw-on to look chic. However, for autumn 2024, I've been seeing lots of my favourite fashion people sporting stripe button-ups with elevated features. Whether it be contrasting stripes or white collars and cuffs, there are loads of options on the market right now to add interest to your outfits.
Shop Elevated Striped Shirts:
Wear this with jeans and loafers or as a dress with a chunky belt and knee-high boots.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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