Finally the weather has become appropriately cold that we've decided to bring our knits out, and the entire Who What Wear team are excited to start dipping our toes into autumn/winter 2024's biggest trends. But, as with English weather, the scale can tip one way, so now is definitely the time to start building a rotation of sleek transitional looks. Should you be bored by the thought of wearing the same outfits over and over again, fear not. I've searched through social media to find some outfit inspiration that is anything but samey.
If you're finding the idea of adopting the runway trends overwhelming and are unsure where to start, I've come up with nine entirely more wearable ways to tackle them, so all you have to do is choose your favourite aesthetic and let it inspire the rest of your wardrobe. From Emily Wells' take on dressy minimalism to Emili Sindlev's adorable nod to balletcore, keep scrolling to shop the chic influencer-approved outfit ideas we're already re-creating this season and well into 2025.
1. POLISHED MINIMALIST: LONG COAT + JEANS + ANKLE BOOTS
Style Notes: If there's any trend guaranteed to stand the test of time, it's pared-back minimalism. Quality staples never date, and as this look proves, investing in a good coat, pair of jeans and ankle boots you can wear with anything is a smart idea. You can mix and match the pieces and wear them all for years to come.
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A Who What Wear UK favourite.
You can't beat the quality and fit of Agolde jeans.
Quite possibly the best-looking ankle boots in John Lewis in recent times.
2. LUXE LOUNGEWEAR: SHEARLING JACKET + LEGGINGS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: If you're looking forward to wearing shearling and seeking a new way to style it, you've come to the right place. Adding easy leggings and a pair of trainers gives this elevated outerwear a casual spin.
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Even if there's a last-minute snow shower, we're fully prepared.
On the days you don't feel like wearing jeans, try leggings for a smoother, more flexible fit.
These add retro charm.
3. OFF-DUTY PARISIAN: CHUNKY KNIT + SKINNY JEANS + BALLET PUMPS
Style Notes: The French are masters at putting together simple pieces in a way that makes them feel effortlessly chic, and this go-to off-duty look is a case in point. Whilst the rest of us decide on whether to wear straight, wide-leg or barrel jeans, Parisians stay true to the classics and team their slim skinnies with ballet pumps or loafers.
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Classic, easy and with thick rib cuffs for an extra cosy feel.
Black denim always manages to feel a bit dressier than blue and these jeans are available up to a size UK 26.
A ballet pump is the perfect way to carry your winter looks into spring.
4. BUSINESS CASUAL: BLAZER + T-SHIRT + MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: Those familiar with TikTok's 2x2 outfit formula will know just how easy it can make getting ready in the morning. Take Karina's "business casual" look (above); all it requires is two dressy pieces (a blazer and a long skirt) paired with two casual pieces (a white tee and flats), and you've got a chic outfit that can rise to any occasion. Desk-to-dinner dressing at it's finest.
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Creams and beige tones look so gorgeous in winter.
A good white tee is a wardrobe staple and this long-sleeved option is key for cooler days.
Perfect with boots for the winter.
5. BALLETCORE: CARDIGAN + SLIP SKIRT + BALLET FLATS
Style Notes: I'm going to stop you right here before you rule out balletcore. The name makes it sounds far more literal than it need be, and really, the basic pieces that make up the look might already be in your wardrobe. Cardigans? Check. Slip skirts and dresses? Check. Ballet pumps? More than likely, check. Bonus points if you manage to incorporate pink.
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So chic and would look great with satin skirts or jeans too!
The most autumnal shade of pink.
I'll be risking the white colour on these flats in London autumn, but they're so worth it.
6. SOFT TOUCH: MOHAIR KNIT + SUEDE SKIRT + KNEE-HIGH BOOTS
Style Notes: Cosy knits, smooth suede and glossy leather make up a lot of what we want to wear as we move into autumn. Keep warm in tactile fabrics that can be dressed up with a pair of heeled knee-high boots.
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Arket's jumper offering is so good right now. I mean, are you surprised?
There isn't an outfit out there that this skirt wouldn't improve.
Slinky, chic and not too high. Ideal for day-into-night.
7. QUIET LUXURY: CAPE + MIDI SKIRT + TALL BOOTS
Style Notes: Whatever you decide to call it, you can't beat the quiet-luxury look for minimal effort, maximum impact. Maxi coats and trenches are the perfect way to style the look for 2024, but for those wanting to get ahead of the crowd, a cape is the key piece I have a feeling we're going to see a lot more of this year. It's opulent and dramatic yet refined—everything we want from the quiet luxury aesthetic—but it's also perfect for those cool but sunny days when a heavy jacket is too much.
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Such a staple.
Worn with darker jumpers and cardigans you can definitely wear this into autumn.
These are a classic and easy way to dress up any look.
8. GROWN-UP Y2K: TRENCH COAT + CARGO TROUSERS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: There's just no escaping the Y2K trend, so rather than avoid it, we've decided to rework it. If you wore cargo trousers the first time around, you probably think of the crop tops and platforms you wore then too, but Monikh Dale's clever trench-and-trainers styling (above) proves just how easy it is to get the look right.
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A classic trench and I especially love the second green layer.
How to do cargo trousers the cute way.
A good pair of pale trainers goes with everything.
9. BACK TO SCHOOL: RIBBED DRESS + LOAFERS
Style Notes: Marilyn's interpretation of varsity prep (above) is another grown-up take on a popular trend. Take school-uniform basics (knits, skirts, socks, loafers and maybe a blazer or two) and give them a dose of luxury by toning down the colour palette and adding premium accessories. It might not be exactly what you'd wear to school, but this look is top of the class.
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I'd wear this with a shearling coat and knee-high boots.
Classic, timeless, chic.
A splurge but so worth it.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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