I'm a Minimalist—9 Fuss-Free Outfits I'll Be Copying This Autumn

I'm a summer person who prefers autumn clothes, so for me, this time of year brings mixed emotions. While I'll always wish for warmer days no matter the time of year, I love layering and playing around with fresh new trends. The thing is, though, often I find myself avoiding most of this newness in favour of easy-to-style pieces that save me time getting ready in the morning. Because I'll do anything for that extra ten--minute snooze!

Minimalist outfits comprised of expensive-looking tailoring, great basics and premium knitwear and outerwear are the pieces I find myself most drawn to. And I'm not alone. So many of Instagram's most stylish women rely on simple, effortless outfit equations to always look polished—trust me, they never fail.

Here are nine fuss-free, minimalist autumn outfits I'll be re-creating over the next few months.

9 Minimalist Autumn Outfits That Are So Easy to Re-Create:

1. Shirt + Tailored Trousers + Fine Knit

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(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

Style Notes: Tailored separates are the easiest way to look put together, with minimal effort needed. Caroline tucks her oversized shirt into wide-leg trousers to keep the look polished. A 'just in case' knit around the shoulders and a white heel elevates just gives that little something extra.

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2. Knit Vest + Roll Neck + Baggy Jeans 

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(Image credit: @y.a.t.r.i)

Style Notes: If there's one colour I can guarantee will be huge news for autumn—aside from red—it's grey. And what better way to wear the season's hottest shade than by going top-to-toe tonal? Yatri layers a slouchy knit vest over a second-skin roll neck to create the perfect pairing with jeans.

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3. Leather Jacket + Mini Skirt + Tall Boots

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(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: Proving that mini skirts have longevity beyond summer, Liv styles hers with knee-high boots and a knit top. When it comes to the leather jacket, minimalists will prefer styles sans buckles, buttons and belts. This outfit is already in my saved folder on Instagram ready to copy ASAP.

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4.Denim Jacket + Denim Skirt + Western Boots

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(Image credit: @thatgirlyusra)

Styles Notes: Denim has been key throughout 2024, and it isn't going anywhere. Switch up the traditional Canadian tuxedo by wearing a denim maxi instead of jeans. If you want to tap into the Western boots trend without going full cowgirl, just look for a pair with a simple square-toe and angled heel.

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5. Long-Sleeved Midi Dress + Blazer 

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: For an upcoming night out or an autumn wedding, the pairing of a long sleeved midi dress with a blazer will always work. You'll be warm enough to enjoy your plans but still look effortlessly chic—genius.

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6. Trench Coat + Jeans + Sandals 

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: Myself and Marianne are among the people who keep their sandals on for as long as possible. I'm of the firm belief that there's no need to pack them away just because it's autumn. Instead, simply style them with cashmere jumpers and trench coats to give them a new season spin.

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7. Knitted Dress + Knee Boots + Shoulder Bag

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(Image credit: @giasinatra )

Style Notes: It might be one of the oldest tricks in the styling book, but it's still one of the best. Wearing one colour top-to-toe never fails to look chic, especially when you make like Gia Sinatra and pick a shade such as cream.

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8. Pencil Skirt + Roll-Neck + Blazer

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: Maxi skirts dominated the summer season and this will only continue into autumn. However, unlike the poplin styles we saw last season, minimalists will also be incorporating more fitted pencil styles into their autumnal outfits. Simply add a plain roll-neck and a boxy blazer and you're all set

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9. Long Coat + Tailored Trousers + Trainers

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(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

Style Notes: A monochrome outfit is a foolproof way to look chic in autumn. Brighten up the drearier days by opting for a head-to-toe look in lighter cream and taupe hues.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning. Back to Who What Wear. With hundreds of published stories on site, Harriet knows what the WWW reader wants. Keeping up to date with the latest It buys and runway trends, she can guarantee to keep you one step ahead of the most stylish people. When not writing or styling, Harriet loves to go shopping (yes, more fashion). If she’s not in a local Hackney bar or restaurant, you can find her forever searching for her next holiday destination.