The way I see it, October 1st marks the official beginning of autumn. While September still holds the promise of unexpected sunny days and a few final outings for our cotton dresses, October is when we collectively give in to the onset of chilly mornings and darker evenings and start to embrace autumn's more enjoyable qualities.
At the top of my list? The fashion. Cosy knitwear, luxurious layers and rich, moody colour palettes are just a few of the things I've been secretly looking forward to wearing while everyone else mourned the end of warm-weather dressing. And post-equinox, it's high time we all started assembling these pieces into outfits we'll wear for the season ahead.
After trawling through more Instagram accounts than I'd care to admit, I've bookmarked seven key looks suitable for whatever weather the coming month might throw at us (but maybe keep a few extra layers and an umbrella on hand, just in case). Without further ado, this is what to wear in October.
1. Suede Jacket + Jeans + Loafers
Style Notes: Suede is having a moment in both the jacket and bag departments, especially in warm autumnal hues like tan and burnt orange. Invest in a quality cover-up like Lizzy's (hunt around your favourite vintage store for a one-of-a-kind style) and complete the easy October look with jeans and loafers.
Shop the look:
I recognise a bestseller when I see one.
A great everyday pair for October and beyond.
Not sure about the bright blue? These loafers come in 10 other colours.
2. Trench Coat + Tailored Trousers + Flats
Style Notes: If you're going to invest in one item this month, make it a trench coat. Not only will this versatile layer carry you into the colder months in style, but it will serve you for many autumns to come as it's the very definition of anti-trend. I'm enjoying the non-camel iterations we've seen cropping up as an alternative to the classic hue.
Shop the look:
Such a reasonable price for a coat *this* good.
Keep wearing your whites; there's no need to surrender to dark tones just yet.
I've just bought these after eyeing them up for six months and I have zero regrets.
3. Slouchy Jumper + Pleated Mini Skirt + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Where you're strolling towards La Tour Eiffel or down your local high street, a mini-skirt-and-knee-high combo is the perfect way to welcome boot season.
Shop the look:
Sézane's knitwear deserves all the hype it gets.
Mango is hitting it out of the park this season.
All the style without the high heel.
4. Burgundy Jumper + Bubble Skirt + Mary Janes
Style Notes: However you feel about the bubble skirt revival, there's no denying how incredibly chic this outfit is—especially with the hints of burgundy making it feel doubly on-trend.
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We always turn to Reformation for our cashmere needs.
Another bubble skirt look I'd like to copy.
The squared toe is a sleek detail.
5. Knitted Dress + Tonal Accessories
Style Notes: Cooler weather brings with it the opportunity to don one of the most effortlessly stylish wardrobe staples: the knitted dress. Anouk offers up a masterclass in matching your accessories to your outfit, and I'm loving her choice of olive green.
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An all-in-one outfit for less than £40? It's a yes from me.
Carry this tote from work to the weekend.
Manolo never gets it wrong.
6. Denim Shirt + Wide Jeans + Suede Tote
Style Notes: Double denim (the matchy-matchy variety) is sweeping the streets right now, and paired with AW24 key accessory—the suede tote bag—it's serving up all the ’70s goodness.
Shop the look:
This indigo wash always looks expensive.
The ideal size for everyday toting.
Agolde should be your first port of call when seeking fresh denim.
7. Blazer + Midi Dress + Chunky Loafers
Style Notes: When in doubt, I always bring it back to a simple blazer look. An LBD and loafers are just as timeless as this tailored jacket, making Lorna's combination the trio of dreams.
Shop the look:
With wool in the composition, you can be sure this will keep you warm.
Elegant and easy to style.
If you want to incorporate a trend, these also come in burgundy.
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