It’s safe to say autumn is here, and with it, a slight chill in the air, less bouts of sunshine and darker skies – but that doesn’t mean it’s all doom and gloom for here on.
This in-between weather is my favourite. Believe it or not, it’s where you’ll get maximum wear out of your wardrobe, so see it as your weather sweet spot. There’s no contradictory dressing this season. We don’t have to navigate scorching temperatures and a corporate dress code while trying to look summery, or attempting to look chic in the snow, but without any extra bulk since the commute is annoying enough.
Think a mini dress, a shacket and ankle boots, or trainers, jeans, an oversized shirt and just a trench coat for a cover-up – the majority of those pieces won’t have been appropriate for dressing last month when we hit 40 degrees in the UK, and they likely won’t work in a few weeks as we veer into colder and wetter weather, either.
Right now is jacket temperature. And it won’t be here for long. These are the jacket shapes that are perfect for getting dressing now…
The chic trench coat
I swear by a trench year-round: they’re lightweight enough that they won’t feel cumbersome if the sun does miraculously come out from the clouds, but not so flimsy that they won’t provide vital cover if it drizzles.
Camel is the most ubiquitous, so if you’re keen to branch out, I’d recommend khaki or navy. They’re just as classic and versatile, but feel modern and fresh.
Outfit-wise, anything goes. Thanks to its typically smart shape, they’ll elevate jeans and trainers, and offer coverage if you’re wearing shorts or a skirt.
The cosy shacket
The shirt-meets-jacket hybrid is a seamless answer to the autumn cover-up conundrum. I’ll bet you were sporting linen and cotton shirts all August, so to transition into a weightier version, will be a breeze. Wear it in exactly the same way: it’ll look just as good with a T-shirt, jeans and dad sandals, as it would tailored wide leg trousers and trainers.
A brushed wool number is the best way to go. It offers a nice texture clash with denim and cotton for now. Be sure to go for an oversized fit: come colder weather, you’ll be able to wear it over knits, too.
I’d head to & Other Stories and H&M for the best properly warm versions.
The oversized bomber
Bombers have become a staple in athleisure looks (think gym leggings, a cropped top, nice trainers and a crossbody bag – a stylish outfit you wouldn’t actually work out in), but they’ve since been re-adopted into mainstream fashion. The casual vibe nicely offsets heeled leather ankle boots and a smart bag, as Georgina Lennon proves here.
Go for a longer length style (a bomber that falls at the top of your thighs is the best kind) and you’ll be able to team it with leggings and sweatshirts for a fresh off-duty look.
The wool blazer
If a blazer, top and jeans has been your go-to for much of the year, then (hi, welcome to my gang) you’re in the right place.
The wool blazer is chunkier than the ones you’ve been sporting. It’ll feel quite warm for right now (so team with just a T-shirt until the colder weather hits), but it offers the extra cosiness that we now need, while allowing us to stick to an outfit formula we know and love. They’re the perfect addition to out out looks, too, now it’s no longer warm enough for just a slip dress in the evening.
Head to COS and Zara first for yours.
The tweed jacket
Autumn jackets don’t come any more ladylike than a cropped tweed number. With 3/4 length sleeves, bright gold buttons and a boxy fit, this little cutie will add a feminine touch to any look.
This style of jacket brings luxury fashion house Chanel to mind, but you don’t need to have deep pockets to get in on the trend. Mango, Zara and Nakd Fashion all have chic dupes this autumn.
I love how Anouk has styled hers: Mannish trousers and chunky sandals contrast nicely against the ladylike jacket style.
The boxy leather jacket
Trust our Chloe to find the ultimate cool-girl cover-up for the new season. Her leather jacket is both classic and modern, so if you’re looking for a sleeker version of a biker, this is the answer.
I’d recommend trying a few on – starting with this chic Mango number – since a jacket with a boxy cut, slightly cropped length and leather or faux leather material requires some consideration.
Black can feel harsh in bright weather, but Chloe’s cream trousers and chunky tan sandals counteract it, leaving her with an autumn-ready outfit. If you’re a fan of tailored trousers, it’s the perfect partner to consider this season.
The quilted jacket
We have cult label Frankie Shop to thank for fashion’s long-standing love-in with the humble quilted jacket, as the trend shows no sign of waning this season.
Collarless, with a mid-thigh length, practical pockets, water-resistant and comfy, it’s the perfect combination of fashion and function. Add statement sunnies (still a must in the winter months, too), and a leather bag to elevate yours.
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