Like a vest top and shorts for summer, a jumper and jeans for autumn is the go-to combination that always works. This match made in sartorial heaven is the formula I rely on time and time again whenever I'm having a "I have nothing to wear" moment. And even as a stylist with a wardrobe that has far too many items, trust me, this is still a weekly assurance, and while jeans silhouettes often come and go, my knitwear collection is something I take pride in adding to.

Made up of a selection of non-itchy, classic crew and V-neck styles that I can easily throw on over a T-shirt, the thing they also all have in common is that they're always in a timeless hue—tan, cream, red, black, navy and so on, but there's a colour that's set to takeover for autumn this year: deep cocoa brown.

Elegant brown knits are being worn by the most stylish of women already this, and they're all choosing to wear theirs with different jeans styles. Ready to find your easy, throw-on-and-go autumn look? Here are 5 looks you can most likely copy from your own denim and knitwear collections and wear on heavy rotation.

1. Brown Jumper + Ecru Jeans

Style Notes: Could this be the Parisian way to wear the look? Sylvie shows how a tight-fit V-neck knit with cropped-flare ecru jeans will elevate the classic duo, and effortless black accessories will complete the ensemble.

Shop Brown Knits and Ecru Jeans:

2. Brown Jumper + Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: There's something about a flash of a white T-shirt from underneath a V-neck jumper that just gives it a little something extra, isn't there? Vanessa adds her collared version to wide-leg jeans and pointed-toe boots [pictured above] —autumn perfection right there.

Shop Brown Knits and Wide-Leg Jeans:

3. Brown Jumper + Light Blue Jeans

Style Notes: I've seen a lot of women going matchy-matchy when it comes to jumpers and shoes recently, and it's the easiest way to style classic blue jeans. Need further proof? Francesca has mastered the vibe [pictured above]. Just add a pair of equally rich brown shoes to pull together a casual, autumnal look.

Shop Brown Knits and Light Blue Jeans:

4. Brown Jumper + Tan Jeans

Style Notes: As a neutral, I swear by wearing brown with a tonal palette. Coloured jeans are an AW26 hero piece, and instead of bold shades seen at the likes of Isabel Marant, opt for caramel shades like Annabel [pictured above] to get that laidback Scandi look.

Shop Brown Knits and Tan Jeans:

5. Brown Jumper + Black Jeans

Style Notes: Someone once told me black and brown outfits don't work, and I stupidly believed them for years. Now it's one of my favourite pairings, and Marilyn [pictured above] has shown how much of a power couple it can be with a brown roll neck and black jeans.

Shop Brown Knits and Black Jeans:

Compiling a reliable rotation for the oncoming season is simpler when you have a few ingenious French girl autumn outfits to refer to. Whatever the weather, they manage to fit into any dressing brief you have for autumn, whether you need a classic outfit that works for any situation or something that leans into autumn fashion trends.

The foundation of any chic French autumn outfit always comes down to the fact that their wardrobes consist of well-edited essentials. Indeed, French women know how to source the best high-street staples. They have an astute radar for finding the right shoes to wear with jeans, dresses and skirts and accessories are always impeccably considered. So whether the forecast calls for crisp sunny days or potential downpours, the French fashion set has developed an art of layering and dressing for a wonderfully cosy (but sometimes unpredictable) season.

Each idea, no matter how different, manages to effortlessly balance functionality with stylish pieces that feel distinctly autumnal. French girl fall outfits are by no means the same or cookie-cutter renditions of trends. They think about what's necessary within a transitional wardrobe and build around that. This looks like quality leather jackets, tailored coats, mock-neck knits and cardigans to keep out the chill, but mixed with sleek everyday clutches, suede trousers and classic loafers to give each outfit more personality.

Though dressing this time of year often feels a modicum trickier, these looks found across Paris and the rest of France are a helpful guide. Featuring jumpers, mini skirts, cardigans, balloon trousers and more, this list has all the makings of an excellent autumn capsule wardrobe, inspired by the most stylish French women. Scroll on for six outfits to copy this year.

6 French Girl Autumn Outfits That Look Chicest for 2026

1. Suede Jacket + Satin Trousers + Loafers

Style Notes: The transition between summer and autumn is prime for incorporating suede once more, particularly suede jackets. The velvety finish manages to toe the line between casual and elegant. It's easy enough to dress it up with a pair of satin trousers and loafers, or create a more casual outfit with jeans and trainers. The best part is how well-styled it looks, though it's an effortless uniform. Complete it with a baguette bag, which is still a tastemaker favourite coming into autumn 2026, as proven by the launch The Row's Alma bag.

Shop the Look:

2. Roll-Neck Jumper + Mini Skirt + Boots

Style Notes: Considering all the best autumnal pairings, one that emerges year after year, especially in French fashion crowds, is the jumper, mini skirt and boot combination. It's as classic as jeans and boots but a touch more elevated. Boots with skirts are a hallmark of a transitional wardobe, whether it's spring or autumn. What you add on top helps adapt it to what the season calls for. Now that there's a slight chill in the air and a little more rain, a cosy knit is an excellent choice. You can never go wrong with a chic cardigan or mock-neck.

Shop the Look:

3. Tailored Coat + Balloon Trousers + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Dust off your long tailored coats as outerwear season is rapidly approaching. For cold autumn days (and for wear long into winter), a tailored coat is the very chic metaphorical bow that ties an outfit together. This season, wear it over a T-shirt or cardigan and balloon trousers, which will be following us into autumn in cool-weather-ready variations like balloon jeans and wool styles—a little different from their whimsical sheer and linen summer counterparts. Minimal ballet flats and a compact handbag are great pairings to complete this look.

Shop the Look:

4. Button-Down Shirt + Suede Trousers + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Just last year, French women embraced the suede trouser trend, and it's back this season. When you're not quite ready for wool trousers and want something a little more intriguing than dark-wash, straight-leg jeans, suede brings the necessary texture and colour. This particular style has a '70s air about it (ideal for bohemian autumn dressing) but looks equally as good with a black leather jacket or blazer and heels. For a soft look that feels a touch boho and romantic but polished, consider a pale blue or pink button-down, a hair scarf and suede flats.

Shop the Look:

5. Frog-Fastening Jacket + Satin Trousers + Clutch

Style Notes: One of the first trends we've seen arrive ahead of true autumn is the intricate frog-fastening jacket. The knotted toggle closures are a simple detail but transform the look of your outerwear, giving you a fresh alternative to zip-ups, buttons and ties. It's an elevated staple best worked into satin trouser outfits, though, like a blazer, you can wear it with jeans or cotton poplin trousers and more casual shoes (like flip-flops), and it'll infuse your look with sophistication.

Shop the Look:

6. Leather Jacket + Denim Skirt + Kitten Heels

Style Notes: No piece of outerwear commands attention quite like a leather jacket. Regardless of whether you choose a classic black or brown leather jacket, it's an elite option that offers endless styling potential. You can truly throw one over top of anything. Paired with another classic—a denim skirt—you'll have a reliable autumn uniform for the rest of the season. You can elevate it with kitten heels or heeled ankle boots, or style it with low-profile, minimalist trainers for more laid-back occasions.

Shop the Look:

There’s something about autumn that makes getting dressed exciting again. After months of lightweight fabrics, dresses and barely-there sandals, it makes an autumnal wardrobe feels more refined and considered with its array of textures, layering and rich colour palette.

Whilst we’re in this early-autumn transitional stage, dressing for work can be quite a daunting task, and to make it easier, you need a strong foundation. Rather than focusing on new trends and trying to incorporate them into your workwear wardrobe, start with capsule staples and curate a wardrobe in which everything has a purpose and can easily be mixed with each other to create new looks.

Workwear doesn’t have to be "boring", and your outfits can (and should) feel like you. Personality can be injected through pops of colour, layering textures or playing with structure by styling tailored styles with softer shapes. Ultimately, a good capsule should make your mornings much easier to navigate. So, to help with your workwear woes, I’ve found seven autumn workwear heroes you can build plenty of outfits around (and save yourself an extra 20 minutes in bed).

1. Leather Tote Bag

Style Notes: In my opinion, a good leather tote bag is essential in any work wardrobe, regardless of your profession, and will see you through for years to come. Big enough for all your everyday essentials (as well as the laptop you swear won’t come home with you, even though we know it will), it's a key player.

Shop the Piece:

2. Tailored Trousers

Style Notes: For a casual office environment, style tailored trousers with a simple T-shirt tucked in and mesh ballet flats for a cooler finish, or for a more formal office, pair with a matching waistcoat and blazer, or opt for a simple crewneck cashmere jumper when the weather gets colder.

Shop the Item:

3. Sleek Waistcoat

Style Notes: Wearing a waistcoat makes you feel instantly put-together, and it's the perfect piece for when the weather is fluctuating between muggy warmth and chilly winds. Throw one on when you don’t know what to wear and feel instantly elevated. Pair with matching trousers for a full-suit ensemble or a midi skirt to mix it up slightly.

Shop the Item:

4. Classic Blazer

Style Notes: A blazer is obvious, but structured jackets make any outfit sleeker. Worn over dresses, skirts or with matching trousers, it’s a failsafe option that can easily take you from desk to drinks and feel appropriate.

Shop the Item:

5. Square-Toe Boots

Style Notes: I'm a pointed-toe obsessive, but I do admit that a sharp toe can feel a bit much for a less formal dress code. Opting for a square-toe boot instead gives a softer finish yet still feels elevated, and a sleek ankle boot can instantly pull a whole outfit together. The joy of a heeled boot is that it can be worn with just about anything in your wardrobe.

Shop the Item:

6. Minimalist Midi Skirts

Style Notes: Gone are the days when unflattering knee-length pencil skirts were the only skirt option for work; now, there's much more variety. Choose a minimalist midi skirt—knitted, high-waisted, flared, asymmetric or printed—and wear it with your favourite cardigan and square-toe boots, and you’re good to go for the autumnal commute.

Shop the Item:

7. Classic Cardigan

Style Notes: As we head into autumn, knitwear is (slowly) starting to creep back into our everyday style, but not all knits feel office-appropriate. When it comes to cardigans, opt for structured styles or more luxurious-looking fabrics as opposed to slouchy, casual and oversized. Cinched waists, cashmere, mohair blends or fitted options all feel much more elevated.

Shop the Item:

It was while I was scrolling through my Instagram feed recently that I came across an impassioned influencer declaring that tucking your top into your waistband was officially "over". Not only did this feel like a big statement (can we really reduce the way we get dressed down to a trend?), but it also got me to thinking about the myriad of ways you can actually make your wardrobe work harder by styling the same piece in different ways.

As someone who has a cashmere knit on me at all times, I got a lot of questions during the heatwave as to why I had a winter jumper with me. The answer was. no. I won't be pulling it on over my dress, but I would be happy to have it wrapped around my shoulders after the sun sets. No belt? No problem. the same jumper cinched the waist of my favourite loose dresses; and instead of being bulky to carry, I'd tie it diagonally over one shoulder and across my body (something I picked up from men on the street style circuit).

So, with autumn just around the corner, I've been thinking about the other staple in my seasonal wardrobe—the shirt, and the easy ways that I've spotted them being worn, just in case you too are bored of your tuck. They may not be inventing the wheel, but they do always look smart.

How to Wear a Shirt for Autumn 2026

1. Roll Up Your Sleeves

Style Notes: Let me preface this by saying, there are two ways to make a simply rolled-up sleeve feel cooler. One: size up, an oversized shirt creates a more voluminous silhouette. And two, think about the fabric involved. Satin shirts look elegant, but won't achieve the same effect; what really makes this look worth replicating is a crisp, starchy shirt that holds its shape, and don't worry about creases, they just make the look feel more effortless.

Shop Shirts to Roll Up:

2. Collar and Cuffs

Style Notes: What was once considered "messy" and "unkempt" has become the coolest way to tell people that you don't try too hard. When we say "wearing vs styling" we mean layering a contrasting coloured shirt under your jacket, popping the collar and pulling out the unbuttoned cuffs to make the most of your hero piece. Extra points if you manage to incorporate Caroline's half-in-half-out tuck [pictured above].

Shop Shirts with Great Cuffs and Collars:

3. Texture Stacking

Style Notes: As it gets cooler I'm thinking with practicality in mind. In summer, layering linens became a means of survival as we were up against heatwaves and record temperatures, but now I'm looking for something a little more substantial. Creating your own co-ords is always a quick way to build an outfit, and denim is perfect for a mild day that still doesn't require a jacket. Should the temperatures pick up again (and in Britain, who knows), you could also try a satin shirt with one of summer's top performing trends—satin trousers.

Shop Denim Shirts:

4. Get Waisted

Style Notes: I can't be the only one who ties all of my knitwear around my waist, but this season I'm also looking forward to using shirts as a way to style up looks, not just to keep my hands free. Checks are set to be huge this season, and as well as layering a check shirt under your jacket, you can also tie it around your waist as a quick way to introduce the print into an otherwise simple outfit.

Shop Check Shirts:

5. Loose and Undone

Style Notes: It goes without saying that, you can wear your shirt however you feel most comfortable, whether that's buttoned up and tucked in, or as the movement would suggest, totally loose and undone. If wearing your shirt this way has taught us anything, it's that comfort is king, and if you don't want to spend time fiddling around stuffing your hems into your waistband, it's just as acceptable to let it all hang out.

Shop Oversized Shirts:

When it comes to certain seasons, we all have our favourite staples that we revert back to year after year. Linens are long associated with summer, and wool coats are synonymous with winter, but if there’s one outfit combination I go back to every autumn, it’s jeans and loafers. Loafers are in the midst of their renaissance era in the fashion world (just ask Saint Laurent) and show no signs of slowing down any time soon. Style them with jeans though, and you have a polished, considered finish that is smart but still casual enough for everyday life.

The thing that makes jeans and loafers so appealing though, is just how many combinations there are. Loafers have the ability to work with an array of different jean shapes—barrel-leg, straight-leg, wide-leg or cropped, their versatility really is unmatched. From light washes to dark, the styling options are endless and it comes as no shock that it’s a daily uniform of mine when it comes to an autumn wardrobe.

Wondering how to wear yours now? Keep scrolling to the see five jeans and loafers outfits that I've bookmarked to recreate later this autumn.

1. Cashmere Jumper + Jeans + Suede Loafers

Style Notes: Quality cashmere is a staple in any autumnal capsule wardrobe worth its money. As I’ve gotten older I’ve stopped buying high-street knitwear and instead, opted to spend a bit more on premium knits as they’re worth the investment. Good knits will last you a lifetime, and paired with a mid-blue wash jean and suede loafer, it’s a chic, failsafe look to return to over again.

Shop the Look:

2. Maxi Coat + White Jeans + Burgundy Loafers

Style Notes: Whites don’t have to be reserved for summer, and Emma's all white look [above] feels so clean and crisp as we head into autumn too. By pairing it with burgundy loafers, she injects a pop of colour into an otherwise monochrome palette, but my favourite part is the strong shoulder pads in her wool coat that add a strong, structured finish to the look.

Shop the Look:

3. Trench Coat + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: A trench coat is undoubtedly my most worn piece when it comes to autumn, it’s so versatile and is one of those styles that instantly elevates an outfit by making it feel more "put-together". Barrel-leg jeans work so well with a loafer due to their tapered ankle, so opt for a two-tone style to really make an impact.

Shop the Look:

4. Neutral Jumper + Wide-Leg Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: Sarah’s look feels like the epitome of an autumnal outfit: a cosy, neutral knit layered over a tonal checked shirt, and dark wash, wide-leg jeans that really emphasise how well loafers work with different silhouettes. Their sleek, slim shape contrasts against the extra fabric of the wide-leg jeans, so turn the cuffs up slightly at the hem to really ensure they are seen.

Shop the Look:

5. Leather Jacket + White Barrel-Leg Jeans + Suede Loafers

Style Notes: Funnel-neck leather jackets were a huge trend last year, and continue with their momentum into 2026 too. Hannah’s monochromatic look is a chic option that feels so impactful, mixing a tonal palette and mix of textures to curate a sleek, autumnal finish. It shows that creams and whites can easily be worn together, too.

Shop the Look:

As the end of August approaches, the bout of grey weather would suggest that autumn is just around the corner. As a perpetually cold fashion editor, the seasonal shift can mean only one thing—we’re almost in jacket season; more specifically, suede jacket territory. While many lament the arrival of this period of transitional dressing, autumn has long been my favourite season for precisely this reason. In December, all of my outfits have to be practical layers of cashmere jumpers and thick thermals, and summer is simply too hot for anything but lightweight linen; but these months, by contrast, offer the perfect opportunity to really style our wardrobes. And what, pray tell, could be more appropriate than a suede jacket?

Sitting perfectly between an easy layer and more substantial than denim, suede is no longer reserved for the country-western-coded halls of Yellowstone. Over the last few years, it has quietly transitioned into the autumn staple we automatically reach for as soon as the weather dips. Early this year, we waxed lyrical about Rise & Fall’s full-length trench coat, while Saint Laurent Loafers have become a firm favourite amongst stylish dressers. But there's something about the cosy warmth of softened leather that makes suede jackets feel incredibly elegant. Better still, they work with just about every trend doing the rounds right now.

So, whether your style leans Gen Z or Millennial, boho chic or country Western, I have a suede jacket outfit perfect for you this autumn. Scroll to see how fashion insiders are making this timeless style feel fresh for autumn 2026.

How To Style a Suede Jacket This Autumn:

1. Maximalist Clashing

Style Notes: Known for their love of eccentric prints, textures and bold colour ways, even maximalists can’t resist a suede jacket. Whether it's a sculptural silhouette or a generous helping of country-western fringing (more on that later), there's plenty of ways to make yours feel fresh and cool this autumn.

No one is quite as carefree as Carol Morais (pictured above). who adds a dopamine-inducing burst of colour in the form of a preppy striped polo to embraced the aesthetic's ‘more-is-more’ ethos. Adding another point of interest in the form of ruby lace tights paired with extravagant square-toe mules makes this a masterclass in modern maximalism.

Shop the Look:

2. Pared-Back Minimalist

Style Notes: As I mentioned earlier, an influx of suede trench coats hit the market at the start of the year, and as we turn the corner into autumn 2026, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Rich in texture, high on impact, longline silhouettes have an uncanny ability to instantly elevate even your most pared-back outfit, adding an expensive, luxurious air without having to look like you tried too hard.

Better still, they work just as well on warmer days too. A case in point—Borislava Sekova's outfit [pictured above]. A fitted T-shirt and lace-trim shorts both worked hard this summer, but the addition of a chocolate-hued boat shoe and ankle-grazing jacket instantly took this look through to autumn too.

Shop the Look:

3. '90s Styling

Style Notes: Thanks to Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, we’ve all fallen for '90s workwear once more. While fashion's forever muse CBK may have favoured a fitted crop, the same streamlined silhouettes that defined her capsule wardrobe will be everywhere on the style set this autumn. Think pairing a structured maxi skirt with her signature roll-neck jumper, a classic look that made Carolyn instantly recognisable.

Shop the Look:

4. Country-Western

Style Notes: The easiest way to wear a suede jacket is by channelling 2026 Bella Hadid and sticking to its Western roots. But this autumn, this look is a little more than just cowboy boots and Medallion belts. Take Olivia's look [pictured above] for example. From the caramel fringing to her washed blue jeans, this wouldn’t look out of place at a rodeo, but it's the animal-print pair thong sandals that make this ensemble inherently more modern.

Shop the Look:

5. Y2K Energy

Style Notes: If you’re an avid Who What Wear UK reader, I’m sure you're already aware that Y2K is back in a big way. And, I’m happy to report that suede jackets still fit firmly within the remit of this aesthetic too. Slightly Lizzie McGuire in all the best ways, Olivia Grace Herring’s coat has all the makings of a great noughties outfit (pictured above). All elements, from the shearling-trimmed jacket and floral headscarf to her straight-leg distressed jeans feel wonderfully nostalgic without veering into costume territory.

Shop the Look:

6. Boho Calling

Style Notes: Now, my favourite way to wear a suede jacket in autumn has to be by leaning all the way into a boho look. And Maddie Hagen (pictured above) presents one of the chicest takes I’ve seen in a while. Freshening her fringed jacket with summer whites, she also embraces oversized proportions and larger-than-life accessories to make a stylist statement, and honestly, I’m obsessed. I mean, like the age-old saying goes, if it's good enough for Sienna Miller…

Shop the Look:

My jeans usually take a backseat during summer, but as we enter autumn, I embark on the usual routine of introducing them back into my outfit rotation, only to find that there's a disconnect. After months of loose, fluid trousers, my favourite pairs can feel heavy and unfamiliar. This is particularly prevalent with more statement styles, notably barrel-legs.

They dominated the conversation last year as a divisive silhouette, then settled into wardrobe staple status as we entered 2026 with the trend showing no sign of abating. They allowed us to experiment with volume in a way that was new and exciting, but after a summer hiatus we can find ourselves feeling a bit lost when it comes to styling them.

They key, particularly for this transitional period, is to lean heavily on elevated basics, like t-shirts and oversized shirts as well as classic textures such as denim, leather and suede. These are timeless and will never not look polished when worn with something more statement like barrel-leg jeans. There's also room to experiment with variations, like a t-shirt in a bold colour or print and shirts with dramatic collar or cuff details. As the months get colder, you can simply add to these formulas by layering knitwear and jackets, creating a capsule that keeps your barrel-leg looks feeling fresh while allowing space for you to embrace the trends that emerge as we get deeper into the season.

So whether you're new to the barrel-leg style or are looking for new ways to wear yours, below I've found five fresh ways to style them will instantly elevate your autumn wardrobe. Read on to find out more.

5 Fresh Ways to Wear Barrel-Leg Jeans for Autumn 2026

1. Leather Top + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Kitten Heel Mules

Style Notes: This may feel niche, but for autumn 2026 we're about to see leather like we've never seen it before. The runways showcased a sleeker, glossier take on leather with funnel-neck jackets, butter-soft maxi dresses and dramatic blazers complete with shoulder pads. So if you're looking for a head-turning way to style your favourite barrel-leg jeans, a leather top is the way to go. Something sleek and minimal with a hint of peplum or hem detailing will balance the volume perfectly, giving you a winning look.

Shop the Look:

2. Denim Jacket + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Boat Shoes

Style Notes: You can never go wrong with double denim, but if you want a take on it that feels effortlessly cool then look to indigo denim. It feels vintage with a touch of masculinity that means you can lean into chunkier footwear like boat shoes, loafers, and boots. Just ensure the denim jacket is a boxy fit that stops just above the hips for a streamlined silhouette that doesn't swamp you.

Shop the Look:

3. Striped Shirt + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: Neutral lovers will already know this, but brown denim is such an effortless way to add depth to an autumnal outfit. It adds a softness that's missing from blue and black washes, while offering enough contrast to work with lighter neutrals as well as brighter shades like red, yellow, and turquoise.

Shop the Look:

4. Short Sleeve Shirt + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Pointed Mules

Style Notes: In contrast to brown jeans, red jeans are your one-way ticket to making a statement with little to no effort at all, and a barrel style just takes it a step further. While it's important to keep the top minimal and slim fitted for balance, that doesn't mean it has to be boring. The short sleeve shirt has been re-imagined recently to include subtle peplums and Peter Pan collars, giving them a smart but feminine edge and making them the perfect accompaniment to voluminous jeans.

Shop the Look:

5. Camo T-Shirt + Barrel-Leg Jeans + Square-Toe Boots

Style Notes: The camo print trend is growing and quickly becoming a surefire way to inject some 90s personality to your look. It's neutral, earthy colour palette makes it an easy print to wear as it works well with most wardrobe staples, especially barrel-leg jeans.

Shop the Look:

I don't know about you, but lately it's felt like every outfit I've put on has been slightly wrong. Hot but raining, humid with a sudden gust of wind—dressing for this peculiar time of year is no easy feat, but, of course, Alexa Chung has figured it out.

Stepping out in an outfit that feels made for these warm, drizzly days, Alexa served up a typically effortless look. Starting with the chicest warm-weather base, she wore a white cotton knee-length dress from Miu Miu. Sleeveless and airy, it’s ideal for the sweltering moments late summer continues to throw our way, whilst its pared-back hue feels far more in keeping with the season's impending shift than the brighter shades we embraced in high summer.

From there, Alexa gave the look an autumn-ready update by layering a light beige trench coat over the dress. Perfect for taking the edge off those cooler early mornings, it also provides protection should the forecasted rain actually arrive. And, in another clever styling move, Alexa skipped the umbrella—frankly unnecessary for the occasional light drizzle—in favour of a simple baseball cap.

Adding a hit of colour and personality, the cap gives the otherwise classic outfit a little interest without making it feel overly styled or fussy.

Frankly, it's one of the chicest takes on transeasonal dressing I've come across this season, and I'll be taking my cues from Alexa and pairing my favourite white dresses with trenches and baseball caps for the weeks ahead. If you're tempted to do the same, read on to shop my edit of the best white dresses, trench coats and baseball caps below.

Shop Cotton Dresses, Trench Coats and Caps:

I may be biased, but I’ve always believed that jeans are the hardest-working piece in any capsule wardrobe. Versatile, timeless and always easy to throw on at a moment's notice, I have yet to find a pair that I'm not charmed by. And while they look polished with almost every top trend going, there's one pairing I return to time and time again: jeans and a shirt.

Simple in theory, smart in practice, it's a combination that can easily transition from casual to polished depending on how you choose to style it. Oversized pieces instantly have a laid-back allure, and dressier formal occasions call for classic colour ways, muted prints and structured shapes that feel far more "put together".

Now, if you’re looking at the heat and questioning whether it's time to dust off this combo, trust me, autumn's blissful chill is mere days away. Because of this, I’ve been looking at the best ways to wear it ahead of the seasonal change. Having spent time researching this year's trending denim and smart shirt styles, I’ve been able to compile a look book of sorts. So naturally, I had to share it with you. This is how to style jeans and a shirt—the cool women edition.

The 5 Best Shirt and Jeans Outfits To Wear This Autumn:

1. Plaid Shirt + Drawstring Jeans

Style Notes: A blue shirt and loose jeans are nothing new style-wise, but if you’re looking to give this classic look an It-girl spin, there are a few tricks you can employ to bring it up to date Firstly a crisp, white tank top will be your biggest asset as the casual addition makes the whole look feel less contrived. Secondly, an equally laidback pair of drawstring jeans keeps the look minimal fuss, maximum pay off.

Shop the Look:

2. Denim Shirt + Straight Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Can you ever go wrong with a Canadian tuxedo? Balancing the ease of a two-piece set with a healthy dose of cool confidence, double denim has long been a favourite of fashion's best dressed. If you want to make yours feel less Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in the noughties and more autumn 2026 appropriate, lean into fashion-forward finishes and understated accessories à la Nnenna Echem (pictured above).

Shop the Look:

3. Pinstripe Shirt + Stovepipe Jeans

Style Notes: If you’re a pared-back dresser, straight-leg jeans are probably a staple fixture in your go-tos. However, if you’re looking for a subtle update, why not try out a pair of sleek stovepipes? With a slimmer fit, the streamlined silhouette strikes the perfect balance between polished and everyday comfort—and come autumn, they’ll look exceptionally stylish finished with a structured leather jacket. For a seasonal swap trade a pretty pair of heeled ballet flats for swap out Lucy Williams inspired ankle boots (pictured above). Weather-dependent, of course.

Shop the Look:

4. Contrast Trim Shirt + Kick Flare Jeans

Style Notes: In case you missed it, boho is back in a big way this autumn. But in 2026, it's not only the Chloé-coded whimsy which has taken our fancy. This season, for those averse to pretty dresses, lean into country and western coded denim styling. From big buckled belts to two-tone denim, this is the cooler, more "now" way to embrace the trend , and Sarah Lysander (pictured above) makes the strongest case for it. Be it her distressed bootcuts or slouchy suede bag, this is modern bohemia at its very best.

Shop the Look:

5. Polo Shirt + Barrel Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Now, further proof that a shirt and jeans doesn’t have to be boring. Case in point: Diana Garcia Urbina's most recent look (pictured above). Using a vibrant striped polo to inject a playful pop into her look, she uses shapely barrel-leg jeans to balance the look. From her oversized sunglasses to the contrasting tan bowling bag, this is certainly a look I’ll be saving for later.

Shop the Look:

I've been doing a little Scandi street-style spotting lately, and I've noticed a handful of chic styling hacks cropping up again and again. From unexpected additions that give your favourite summer pieces a new lease of life, to the high-impact accessory trend fashion people are already wearing on repeat, these are the easy styling tricks I'm taking note of now.

If you want to give your wardrobe a more autumnal edge without packing away your summer staples just yet, these are the transitional styling hacks the chicest Scandinavians are adopting now.

1. Socks and Slingbacks

Style Notes: One of my favourite ways to start weaving a little autumnal energy into my wardrobe is to style my favourite summer shoes with a textured sock. And I'm not alone—I've started spotting a handful of chic Scandis doing the same. Not only does the pairing extend the lifespan of your favourite warm-weather shoes, but it also adds texture and interest to an outfit with very little effort.

Shop Socks and Slingbacks:

2. Jumpers Worn Around the Waist

Style Notes: Before we really need to bundle up, fashion people are keeping their favourite knits close to hand, slinging them around their waists to add another layer to their outfits. One chic dresser caught my eye by weaving the purple and red colour combination trend into her look with this simple styling trick. Practical, effortless and cool, it's one I'll be keeping in my rotation from here on out.

Shop Jumpers:

3. Textured Brooches

Style Notes: If there's one accessory that's set to do some serious heavy lifting this autumn, it's the brooch. But rather than opting for something delicate and traditional, Scandi dressers are reaching for oversized, textured styles, pinning them onto jackets, knits and even simple tank tops for a low-effort way to introduce some autumnal texture while we're still in that tricky in-between season.

Shop Textured Brooches:

4. Dresses Over Trousers

Style Notes: Don't relegate your favourite cotton summer dresses to the back of your wardrobe once September rolls around. Instead, give them a new lease of life by styling them over trousers. Choosing a dress and trousers in tonal hues makes the two-piece look feel considered and cohesive, while the contrasting hemlines add just enough visual interest.

Shop Dresses and Trousers:

As a fashion editor, I find late summer to be one of the most exciting times for getting dressed. While some see it as an awkward in-between stage, I see it as the best of both worlds. Granted, I'm more of an autumn girl at heart, but my favourite part of summer dressing is being free from the restraints of practicality. To me, late summer feels like being able to take full advantage of that freedom, but with a broader selection of pieces to play with.

The cooler temperatures allow you to bring the lighter elements of your autumn wardrobe back into play, like long sleeve t-shirts, trench coats and denim. By pairing them with summer fabrics and accessories you can create looks unique to this time of year, then build on them for next season.

It's also a great opportunity to rediscover the potential of your own wardrobe. If you're planning a wardrobe sort-out any time soon I highly recommend experimenting with new outfit combinations before you pack any summer pieces away. Try a dress or skirt over jeans and linen with tailoring to give those summer favourites longevity.

So whether you're like me and are excited to find new ways to experiment with your summer staples, or you're simply looking for ideas that make transitional dressing easier, I've found five outfit formulas that will tick every box. Read on to find out more.

5 Late-Summer 2026 Outfit Ideas

1. Trench Coat + Capri Pants + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Capri pants are already a great transitional piece of kit. Longer than shorts with a slimmer fit, they are the stylish answer to fluctuating temperatures. The proportion play of adding a trench coat elongates the overall look, while the cropped-hem keeps the outfit from feeling to heavy.

Shop the Look:

2. Linen Shirt + Column Skirt + Oversized Sunglasses

Style Notes: Don't put all your linen away just yet. Hold on to pieces in darker neutrals such as black, brown, khaki and navy as these pair effortlessly with tailored items like blazers, trousers and skirts. Keep the look tonal or monochromatic and you'll have an outfit that's timeless and adaptable to the fickle changing of temperatures.

Shop the Look:

3. Denim Shirt + Straight Leg Jeans + Thong Sandals

Style Notes: Start bringing denim back into your outfit rotation with lighter pieces such as loose denim shirts and straight-leg jeans. Together they make for a statement combo that requires little else to feel stylish, while the shirt alone can add depth to lace maxi skirts and basics like white t-shirts and tank tops.

Shop the Look:

4. Cardigan + Overlay Trousers + Top-Handle Bag

Style Notes: The cardigan is perhaps the perfect late-summer piece, which can be worn on its own now and layered later or on cooler evenings. Use it to create a textural contrast with more fluid items like satin or linen trousers, and in a bold shade like red or cobalt blue will make an impact with minimal effort.

Shop the Look: