Now that it's officially September, I can't wait for sweater weather. Autumn has always been my favourite season to dress for; give me a good knit, a pair of jeans, suede loafers and a coat that I can throw over everything, and I'm very happy. I also love that autumn dressing tends to feel a little more considered. There are layers to play with, richer colours to work into an outfit and, most importantly, far more opportunities to make the pieces already hanging in my wardrobe feel new again.
Which brings me to Boden. The brand has been a recurring name in my autumn wardrobe for years, particularly when I'm looking for pieces that have a classic starting point but don't feel overly traditional. For autumn 2026, Boden has leaned into some of those very wearable everyday pieces it does particularly well: knitwear, outerwear and distinctive prints that make getting dressed feel straightforward yet exciting. There's a real sense of heritage running through the collection, too, but it never feels like Boden is simply looking backwards.
What I particularly enjoy about this collection is that it makes a convincing case for exploring Boden’s whole offering, beyond the pieces it’s already well known for. There's plenty here for the classic dresser, of course, but the styling feels more relaxed and fashion-led than the brand's reputation might suggest, if you're not familiar. Think Fair Isle knitwear in new colourways, updated cardigans, tactile outerwear and coats with refreshed proportions. The wool coat, for example, has a shorter length and higher break point this season, which makes it particularly easy to wear with both the wide-leg and straight-leg denim I've been reaching for. Elsewhere, the borg jacket has a slightly dropped shoulder and relaxed shape that feels much more current than a traditional winter jacket. These details caught my attention because they make a difference to how the clothes actually fit into an existing wardrobe.
And whilst I'm always interested in a good statement piece, it's the combination of new-season buys and core wardrobe staples that has really made me excited about dressing for autumn. In preparation, I've been playing around in my head with contrasting textures, autumnal shades and a few of Boden's signature touches, then grounding everything with pieces I know I'll wear long after the new-collection high has worn off. The result is three chic outfits that all feel like me but show a slightly different side of what the new collection can do. There's a very autumnal brown-on-brown combination, a more relaxed take on knitwear and denim and a checked-coat moment that does most of the talking; these are the first looks I'll be wearing (and will keep coming back to) as the temperature drops.
Style Notes: Brown in autumn is obvious, but it gets me every time. When you start working different shades and textures into the same look, it can make a very simple outfit feel instantly elevated. Here, I've paired a brown striped knit with wide-leg trousers in similar tones, which gives the outfit that slightly curated quality I'm always trying to achieve without looking like I tried too hard. I'm also very partial to a matching moment, and keeping the knit and trousers within the same colour palette makes the whole thing feel intentional whilst still being incredibly easy to wear.
The proportions help too; the wider leg keeps the outfit relaxed, whilst the slightly more structured accessories stop it from becoming too casual. A tan suede '90s-inspired shoulder bag and suede trainers bring in more textures, and I love how the different browns work together rather than everything being in the same shade. It's quintessential autumn dressing, but with enough shape and detail to make it an outfit rather than simply a collection of cosy things.
Style Notes: This is probably the outfit that best captures how I actually want to dress on most autumn days: comfortable, but with enough detail to make it interesting. The cream knit is a good example of why I'm always drawn to Boden's knitwear. At first glance, it's a fairly classic jumper, but the floral detailing around the neckline and cuffs gives it something extra without making it difficult to style. I've paired it with baggy mid-wash jeans, which keeps the silhouette relaxed and gives the knit a more modern feel.
Then there's the olive quilted jacket, which I think is one of those pieces that will very quickly earn its place in an autumn wardrobe. The brown corduroy collar and cream patch pockets add texture and give the jacket a slightly outdoorsy feel, whilst the unexpected pink lining is the kind of small detail you only really notice when you're wearing it, and I'm always here for those little surprises. The oversized brown suede tote and the same suede trainers from the first look keep things grounded and prove you don't necessarily need a completely new set of accessories for every outfit. This is the kind of look I'd wear for a day in the city, travelling or simply when I want to feel put-together without overthinking.
Style Notes: For me, a great coat is one of the things that makes autumn dressing so enjoyable. This one is particularly good at doing the work for you. I've styled it with a dove-grey cable-knit jumper and straight-leg jeans, keeping the base of the outfit relatively simple so the checked pattern can take centre stage. I love the contrast between the soft grey of the knit and the pink, purple and cream checks in the coat; it gives the colour palette a slightly unexpected twist whilst still feeling very wearable. The jumper itself has a V-neck and collar detail, adding enough interest to make it work on its own too. In fact, I'd happily wear the jumper and jeans without the coat, particularly with the dark-brown suede-and-leather trainers, which also have pink detailing that picks up on the colours in the outer layer.
Add the oversized purple-and-burgundy suede tote, and suddenly the accessories are doing more of the talking too. What I like about this look is that every piece has a life outside of the full outfit. The coat can completely transform tailoring too, whilst the knit, trainers and bag can all be worked into much quieter outfits throughout the season. It's a good reminder that the best autumn wardrobes aren't necessarily about having more clothes; they're about having pieces that give you plenty of ways to wear them.
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