I'm a Fashion Expert—Here's How I Build My Autumn Wardrobe Around 4 Chic Pieces

In my role as shopping editor at Who What Wear UK, I spend a lot of time sifting through sites and searching through stores to find the right pieces to maximise your wardrobe. Wondering what to wear to work? I've got you covered. Dressing up for a dinner event? I can find the right dress in an instant.

But one topic that requires some real thought is preparing your wardrobe ahead of a seasonal shift. In spring and summer we can rely on linen pieces and breezy dresses, but the cooler transition into autumn and winter means layering up in items that work hard in your wardrobe and feel as good as they look (and if you've ever spent your commute overheating in a mohair knit or shivering through brunch in a thin jacket, you'll know exactly what I mean).

As a team, we always advocate for shopping smarter, not harder; and building a balanced wardrobe that will stand the test of time is the ultimate goal. So, looking ahead to an autumn and winter of fluctuating temperatures, I thought long and hard about the key buys that will see you through this season, the next, and many more to come, and my go-to for wardrobe staples of premium quality is Hush. 

Those in the know will already think of Hush for easy basics, polished workwear and off-duty essentials, but it's the brand's approach to laidback luxe that really captured my attention for A/W 23. You'll find wearable takes on runway trends (most notably, grey, exaggerated silhouettes and contemporary denim), alongside heavy hitters and all-rounders like the ultimate coat and the cashmere knit.

So when it came to assembling my seasonal shopping list, this one-stop shop had everything I needed to pull together the perfect autumn capsule. In fact, it all centred around just four key buys. 

There's something for everyone in Hush's latest drop, and if you're feeling uninspired by the thought of packing away your summer clothing for another year, let me assure you, there's still a lot to get excited about. So if you're looking for investment pieces that you can mix and match to create some cosy looks guaranteed to invite compliments, keep scrolling—these are the four chic pieces from Hush that I consider true wardrobe staples. You can thank me later. 

1. THE BOUCLÉ JACKET 

Style Notes: If there's one item you're guaranteed to find in the wardrobes of the best dressed influencers and editors (not to mention Parisians), it's the bouclé jacket. This throw-on-and-go layer is shorthand for style, and manages to make even the simplest outfit look instantly expensive. On the days when a denim jacket is too light but a wool coat is too much, a bouclé jacket is perfect with jeans and a tee or a skirt and shirt, especially in wear-with-everything black. 

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2. THE LONG COAT

Style Notes: As the weather gets colder, winter's answer to the bouclé jacket is undoubtedly the long wool coat. Boxy, supersized silhouettes are still a major runway trend (but more on that later), and it applies to outerwear too. Sizing up gives a cooler feel than opting for fitted styles, dressing up even the most laidback loungewear for the perfect weekend look.

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3. SLOUCHY TAILORING

Style Notes: If the rise of oversized blazers and puddle pants has taught us anything, it's just how good suiting can be when we turn up the volume. Wide-leg trousers and roomy blazers significantly up the effortless factor when paired with a T-shirt or jeans, and if street style is anything to go by, we'll be seeing a lot more of charcoal grey in 2023. It's this year's breakout colour trend—sorry, Barbie pink. 

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4. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

Style Notes: It wouldn't be a capsule wardrobe without a standout accessory, and these mid-heel, knee-high boots are all our editors can talk about this season. Imagine a pair of boots with all of the elegance and polish of a classic knee-high, coupled with the comfort and ease of a kitten heel. Trust me, they're every bit as comfortable and chic as they sound. And should you be wondering how to wear them, I'd tuck in leggings and style with an oversized knit for day, slipping into an easy satin dress and a long coat for the evening. Either way, your feet will thank you.

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Discover more of the A/W 23 Hush collection here.