If January is the month we make resolutions, September is the month we refresh our wardrobes. It's when fashion hits the reset button; when new-season collections arrive, spring/summer fashion weeks take over our diaries and conversations in the office inevitably turn to the pieces we're eyeing up for the months ahead. Over the past week alone, I've had at least three separate chats with our senior shopping editor, Marina Avraam, about what makes a true autumn wardrobe hero (spoiler: a great coat is always top of her list).
There's something about the first nip in the air that makes us want to reconfigure our rotations entirely, pulling forward last year's reliable layers but also investing in a few elevated updates that feel fresh for right now. In the Who What Wear UK office, this has become a much-discussed topic, almost as if swapping notes on our September fashion shopping lists has become its own ritual.
Of course, when it comes to where we’re actually sourcing these new-season staples, NET-A-PORTER is right up there. It's the site I find myself scrolling when I'm looking for pieces that feel both directional and dependable; the kind of clothes that will see me through work events, dinners and the occasional last-minute London Fashion Week invite without having to second-guess my outfit. What I like most, though, is how it always feels like a proper edit rather than just endless options, where everything from a sharply cut blazer to a pair of loafers that you know will be on repeat for the next six months can be found in one place, which is exactly what I need at this time of year, when my wardrobe has to work harder than ever.
Looking ahead, the items on our wish lists range from the pragmatic, like knits that make layering feel effortless, to the slightly indulgent (such as a bag that will instantly elevate every outfit). Some pieces lean towards investment territory (an awe-inspiring Chloé dress), whilst others are more straightforward updates on classic favourites, but they all slot neatly into wardrobes that aren't starting from scratch.
In fact, many of the items we've bookmarked for this season will work beautifully with the staples we picked up at NET-A-PORTER last year—proof that the best finds don't date after one season. This is why we keep returning to the retailer for these considered refreshes; it's about adding versatile pieces that will continue to earn their place further into autumn, long after September is over. Below, we've rounded up the pieces that have sparked the most excitement in the office amongst the team and are currently topping our autumn wish lists.
Shop Our Editors' Top Picks From NET-A-PORTER:
Sophie Watson, Acting Fashion Editor
Shop Sophie's Picks:
"I am a true believer in the power of a great coat, and often, I think these have to be investment pieces to withstand the test of time and changing trends. This collarless, straight-cut shearling beauty from Toteme allows for luxurious layering and can be accessorised with fabulous necklaces or chunky roll-neck sweaters to bring an uptown glamour to your wardrobe. Mimic the runway and keep the rest of your look tonal and wealth-whispering in buttermilk and taupe shades."
"Big bags don't come better than this! Loewe bags are a cool-girl classic, and this update on its best-selling Flamenco shape gives ample room for your daytime essentials, and then some. The two-tone effect allows for monochromatic black or chocolate-brown style pairings, too. Not only that, but the bag can be hung on the shoulder or held by the stiff top handle. The limit does not exist with this tote."
"I've noticed pony-hair pieces trending this season already, and I want to get in on the look myself. I've also been eyeing up the Alaïa flats for some time, thanks to their luxe look with everyday styling possibilities. This chocolate-brown pair will slip beautifully into my existing wardrobe, for now and forever, no doubt."
Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
Shop Florrie's Picks:
"This season, I'm investing in hard-working capsule-wardrobe pieces that can be depended on for years to come. First up, a luxurious cashmere knit with a soft roll neck in a versatile shade that will no doubt be a staple for me."
"Denim is a year-round hero, and after a long, hot summer, I'm ready to once again rely on the jeans-and-a-nice-top blueprint. To bring my jeans collection into the new season, I'm looking to deep indigo shades courtesy of Khaite."
"Sticking with the theme of longevity, Toteme's suede tote bag has been on my wish list for such a long time, and now I'm ready to invest."
Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor
Shop Humaa's Picks:
"I've been in the market for a good long coat, and of course, The Frankie Shop would make one that fits my classic, minimalist wardrobe that still feels elevated."
"You know the season has really shifted when argyle makes a triumphant return in my wardrobe. I'm all about &Daughter's entire offering this autumn/winter, but this one, with splashes of burgundy, green and yellow, takes the cake."
"I've said it once and I'll say it again: dark-wash jeans thrive in the colder months, so it only seems fair to add this barrel-leg pair into my rotation. I can imagine them worn with ankle boots and an oversized coat."
Marina Avraam, Senior Shopping Editor
Shop Marina's Picks:
"I've had my eye on Agolde jeans for a while, and after trying on this pair IRL, I was instantly sold. The wide-leg cut feels modern yet timeless, and the mid-blue wash is the definition of versatile. I'll be wearing mine with a lace top and loafers for dinner, but they look just as good with an Argyle knit and trainers on off-duty days."
"It's officially leather-jacket season, and for me, the bomber will always deliver that effortless '90s edge. This Frankie Shop style ticks every box, and the army-green shade feels like a fresh alternative to classic black."
"As a lifelong trainer devotee, I knew it was finally time to step up my shoe game with loafers. Naturally, Stuart Weitzman's collapsible-heel loafers have stolen my heart. This is the kind of classic investment I know I'll be reaping the benefits of for years to come."
Natalie Munro, News Writer
Shop Natalie's Picks:
"This autumn/winter, I'm swapping my black trousers for a quietly trending grey pair. Specifically, this woven-wool style from Toteme. With a heavyweight composition, they elegantly drape down the leg, adding the kind of structured polish to an outfit that lifts an autumnal look."
"I've been on the hunt for the perfect short-sleeved knit, and since coming onto my radar, this Dries Van Noten style has been hard to ignore. Rendered in a delicious shade of chocolate brown, I can see myself reaching for this to wear with jeans and pencil skirts all season."
"This year, I'm intent on bolstering my autumn dress collection, and there's no style more deserving of a place amidst my collection than this black satin style from Chloé. With a built-in cape and delicate lace detailing, this piece has a distinctly gothic energy that perfectly speaks to the season's moodier vibe."
Annie Wheatland-Clinch, Assistant Social Media Editor
Shop Annie's Picks:
"I love this Nili Lotan vest. I'm so into the fact that animal print is trending again this season, but this time around, I want to make it a neutral in my autumn outfits. I'm picturing it with a long, black, tailored coat, miniskirt and tights, or layered over a black roll neck."
"I've seen so many studded bags coming out of New York Fashion Week, and I'm finally ready to jump on the bandwagon. I'm torn between this Jill Sander Cannolo bag (anything pastry-inspired is a bit of me!) and a vintage Stella McCartney."
"I've seen these jeans all over the internet, and I love the overlapping fastening detail. My everday uniform is jeans and a white T-shirt, so this season, I'm looking for a way to spice up that combo. I think these might be perfect for that."
Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer
Shop Ava's Picks:
"If you've been paying attention to the microtrends bubbling up from the streets of London, you'll notice that lace accents have become one of the most popular design elements of late. This Dôen skirt contextualises the brand's dreamy slips for a more autumnal colour palette, thanks to the rich roasted-cappuccino tone. I'll be wearing it and over white pleated trousers with a black roll-neck jumper, finishing the outfit off with that all-important "Olsen Tuck" hairstyle that comes back around every time the temperature drops."
"I apologise to anyone who is trying their luck on resale platforms, but I'm biting the bullet and investing in the revived 2010s icon that is the Chloé Paddington. Nearly 20 years since it made its runway debut, this boxy east-west bag is back with a vengeance. Characterised by its trademark lock and slouchy shape, consider this the ultimate form of vintage-inspired arm candy."
"Designer jeans have become my new thing. After years of identifying as an anti-denim person, I've learnt that the secret to wearing this ubiquitous staple is to invest in pairs that fit you really, really well. Khaite's celebrity-approved Danielle style certainly checks this box, but it's the sleek straight-leg and bum-lifting qualities that have fully converted me.
