"What Should I Wear in Autumn?" It's a Big Question, and We've Just Answered It

What should I wear in autumn? It's a question we've been asking ourselves for a least a few weeks now, and we think we've just about nailed it. We've talked you through the top trends for the season ahead and gone into detail about the coats that are set to dominate for the next few months. We've charted the best new-in pieces from the chicest high-street stores and confirmed which accessories are going to be everywhere for the foreseeable. 

This, of course, is all excellent information and inspiration to refer back to, but when you boil autumn fashion down to its bare bones, what are the pieces you need to stylishly navigate the season? Today, we're here to show you just that. 

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(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)

The key to having a blessed autumn wardrobe is to surround yourself with an arsenal of reliable seasonal basics, pieces that are interchangeable and can be layered with one another and effortlessly thrown together with anything else hanging in your closet. These items will ensure every outfit you wear feels timeless and not too of the moment—even if you choose to pair them with some of the more directional A/W 23 trends

So which pieces yield such power? Below, we've assembled a checklist of the staples you can pull out every autumn—some of which you probably already do! Scroll on to see exactly what to wear this season. 

1. VERSATILE JACKETS

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(Image credit: @itsnajmaahmed)

Style Notes: Look for monochromatic or neutral palettes in simple silhouettes to ensure maximum wear potential. 

SHOP VERSATILE JACKETS:

2. COSY FLEECES

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style Notes: Cardigans and jumpers will always be autumn style mainstays, but fleeces feel more timely for 2023 and are often even toastier. 

SHOP FLEECES:

3. HOSIERY

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(Image credit: @raeannlangas)

Style Notes: Is it just us, or is investing in new tights one of the better autumn rites of passage? Look for premium pairs and take care of them (e.g., wash them in cold water) to ensure they last the entire season. 

4. KNITTED SETS

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(Image credit: @smythsisters)

Style Notes: You're guaranteed to get adequate wear out of a knitted co-ord in autumn, as you can wear the pieces separately or together. Right now, we're favouring the autumnal-coloured variety.

5. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS

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(Image credit: @syanalaniyan)

Style Notes: There are lots of boot trends to consider this year, but you can never go wrong with a pair of classic leather knee-high boots. Look for heeled styles that you can wear without concern pre-frost and -ice. 

SHOP KNEE HIGH BOOTS:

6. BUTTON-UP BLOUSES

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Style Notes: When it becomes too chilly for vest tops or slinky camisoles, turn to pretty button-up blouses. White styles will work with everything you own and look exceptional layered under trending knitted vests. 

SHOP BLOUSES:

7. ROLL-NECK TOPS

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(Image credit: @ada_oguntodu)

Style Notes: Roll-necks are to autumn what sandals are to summer—a nonnegotiable part of the fashion uniform. Start wearing yours at the first hint of the colder weather. 

SHOP ROLL-NECK TOPS:

8. LIGHTWEIGHT COATS

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(Image credit: @sylviemus_)

Style Notes: While it might still be too warm to don your woolly outerwear, it would be remiss not to have a coat at your disposal should the weather turn. A lightweight option that’s roomy enough to layer over your knitwear is the goal—trenches are perfect, 

SHOP LIGHTWEIGHT COATS:

9. LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES

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(Image credit: @allisonho)

Style Notes: There's a time and a place for bare arms, and autumn isn't it. Seek out long-sleeve dresses (preferably in knitted fabrications) to keep the heat in. 

SHOP LONG-SLEEVE DRESSES:

10. STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS

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(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

Style Notes: Loose-leg jeans are proving all the rage this year, but you shouldn't forget about your trusty straight-legs. Not only do they look chic, but chances are they're narrow enough to tuck into your boots. 

SHOP STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS:

11. LEATHER SEPARATES

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: You know it's autumn when leather starts hitting the shelves again. Whether you opt for real or faux, this heavy-duty fabric will keep the chill at bay whilst bestowing your look with an air of cool. A win-win, really. 

SHOP LEATHER SEPARATES:

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Next Up: 8 Major Dress Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.