11 Elevated Autumn Outfits New Yorkers Are Wearing on Repeat Right Now

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

If you’ve ever watched the film, You’ve Got Mail (or if you’ve ever visited the Big Apple around this time of year), you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about when I say that New York in Autumn is a whole vibe. If you’re not familiar with the iconic opening montage of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks walking the Manhattan streets to The Cranberries soundtrack, you should probably stop reading and immediately watch it. The leaves turning orange in Central Park, the smell of the first cold morning, pumpkins on brownstone steps and a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils (just watch the film, okay?) are all iconic, but it’s really the New York autumn outfits we’re here to talk about today.

After a sticky summer in the city, there’s something refreshing about autumn that brings the best outfits out of New Yorkers. Think clever layering, cute cardigans, maxi coats and chunky boots—and don’t forget the sunglasses for those crisp, blue-sky days. New York women seem to have an innate sense of style year-round, but when I’m planning my outfits this time of year, it’s no coincidence that the influencers I look to most for inspiration are based in New York City. This season more than ever, I’m finding myself trying to copy their cosy but effortlessly cool style, and I know I’m not alone.

So whether you’re jetting over to the city soon to experience New York in the fall first hand or simply looking to bring some of the city’s style into your UK day to day, I’ve pulled together some of the coolest (and easiest to copy) autumn outfits I’ve seen on NYC girls for inspiration. See and shop them below—Meg Ryan would approve.

1. Maxi Coat + Loose Jeans + Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @kristenmarienichols)

Style notes: The calm ease of loose jeans and a roomy trench is the pinnacle of Cool-girl style. When paired with some chic black sunglasses, this ensemble is a New York sunny Autumn day staple. 

2. Denim Jacket + White Shirt + Patchwork Jeans + Loafers

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(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Style notes: A classic combo with a twist. Patchwork jeans always bring flair to a double denim look and comes to life when styled with a crisp white shirt and leather loafers.

3. Cardigan + Wide-Leg Trousers + Belt

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(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

Style notes: Preppy cardigans and wide leg trousers are a timeless yet minimalistic Autumn trend that is seen year after year on the streets of New York. Pair with some oversized sunglasses and a statement belt.

4. Denim Shirt + White Tank + Denim Midi Skirt + Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @mimixn)

Style notes: Denim shirts are the best layer for Autumn, they're heavy enough to shield you from cooler breeze yet light enough to take off and carry around when the sun comes out. Doubled up with a denim skirt, tank and boots - you have best combination for a bright Autumn day.

5. Trench + Straight-Leg Jeans + Converse

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Style notes: A buttery trench and classic converse are the best in the height of Autumn. I love how Raeann has styled this casual outfit with some everyday straight leg jeans. This look works so well with a classic causal flat off duty shoe.

6. Puffer Jacket + Cardigan + Black Jeans + Sunglasses

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style notes: Different shades of brown in really work in this look. Dark brown is definitely a trending colour this Autumn and looks so luxurious under a cropped puffer. Make it your own with your favourite high waisted dark wash jeans and light shade sunglasses.

7. Trench + Polo-Neck + Cardigan + Jeans + Chunky Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @chrissyford)

Style notes: This is layering at its finest. Chrissy is utilising the best shapes and monochromatic colours to wear on repeat all Autumn round. This combination will always look good when paired with some utilitarian chunky boots.

8. Leather Trench + Collared Knit + Knitted Midi Skirt 

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(Image credit: @elizagracehuber)

Style notes: A Leather trench is a versatile coat that trends each year for good reason. Mix and match your textures with a light collared knit and a heavier knitted skirt, and swap between ankle boots or open toe mules to suit the changing weather.

9. Tweed Blazer + Leather Trousers + Black Ankle Boots

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(Image credit: @babba)

Style notes: Tweed and leather seem like an unlikely match, but when paired with pointed ankle boots and a long length knit like Babba has done here, it definitely works. 

10. Knitted Co-ord + Shoulder Bag + Sandals

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(Image credit: @shaliniacharyaofficial)

Style notes: I cannot resist a cosy co-ord during the chillier months. This shade of brown and thick ribbed knit is a great example of how to incorporate it into this season. If you'd prefer a closed toe, pair with your favourite flats.

11. Knitted Dress + Knee-High Boots

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(Image credit: @babba)

Style notes: Dark browns encapsulate the essence of Autumn. I'm always on the hunt for the ideal Knee-highs at the end of the year, wondering how I'll pair them. I love how Babba has paired the staple boot with a ribbed midi - sleeveless for the warmer seasonal days. When the weather cools off, throw on a classic camel trench for a contrast in shades.

Up Next: My Favourite Street Style Trends From New York Fashion Week

Emily Dawes
Affiliate Editor

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.