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Whether you’re still holding out hope for another heatwave, or ready to cosy up with your first hot coffee in months, we’re all starting to think about our autumn wardrobes. Despite a few brighter days that may arise, it’s clear that we’re moving into the cooler months, and now is the time to ready our wardrobes for the switchover. Whilst it may take a few weeks for the new trends of the season to fully take hold, we can at least get our foundations in order. September may have only just begun, but already my best friend messaged me to ask for help building her autumn wardrobe. These are the 9 elegant basics I sent straight back.
After the past few months, I’ve become accustomed to throwing on a floaty summer dress, slipping into sandals and heading out the door in just a few minutes. This ease of dressing is something I want to hold on to as I transition my wardrobe into the cooler months, and with a few great basics at hand, the shift will be seamless. My staple tailored shorts can be swiftly exchanged for a pair of equally smart trousers. Easy tank tops and T-shirts now come accompanied by a soft knit as layering returns to the fore. And now, my colour palette has updated, inviting richer shades of burgundy, khaki and cream to take over from the sunny shades of summer.
Each of these autumn basics has been selected for its versatility. The pieces can serve as a backdrop to let your more trend-led addition truly shine; think classic jeans paired with a standout top. Or, the edit works as its own capsule wardrobe, ready to be paired together for understated minimalist looks that look exceedingly chic. As the new collections have officially rolled in, I’ve brought together a series of affordable high-street standouts, as well as a few investment buys if you’re ready to invest. Scroll on to explore the best autumn basics that will make your (or your best friend’s) new-season wardrobe that much more elegant.
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Shop the 9 Best Autumn Basics
1. The Light Jacket
Style Notes: The first big shift from my summer wardrobe into autumn is the return of a light jacket. It’s not quite time for a heavy coat, but a light windbreaker or cotton style can be thrown on for those cooler moments. As the outermost layer of my outfits I’m looking to refined details to be both practical and chic, from exciting shades to sleek funnel-neck designs.
Shop Light Jackets:
ZARA
Belted Faux Suede Jacket – Dark Mink
This faux suede style is sure to sell out in no time.
Toteme
Summer Parachute Jacket Oyster
Toteme’s beloved light jacket is back for another season.
Nobody’s Child
Rust Funnel Neck Melza Jacket
This rust colour is calling my name.
2. The Long Sleeve Top
Style Notes: Simple yet so effective. Over the past few seasons we’ve watched as stylish people have celebrated the simple long-sleeved top, relying on its pared-back appeal to let their necklace stacks or skirt pairings truly shine.
Shop Long Sleeve Tops:
COS
Clean Cut Long-Sleeved T-Shirt
Just as versatile as your favourite white Tee.
Reformation
Ezra Slim Fit Long Sleeve
If you’re looking for something bolder, look to Reformation’s style.
Leset
Margo Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt
Leset’s Margo T-shirt has been an insider favourite for years now.
3. The Classic Jeans
Style Notes: As a denim devotee, my jeans are one of the most hardworking pieces in my wardrobe. Whether you prefer a straight cut, a loose wide-leg or want a more contemporary barrel style, so many great autumn outfits call upon denim.
Shop Classic Jeans:
With Nothing Underneath
Crawford Jeans: Straight Leg – High Waist, Light Blue
Mint Velvet
Cream Barrel Leg Jeans
I love bringing cream denim into the autumn months.
Agolde
Ren Long High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
The cut of these jeans has all my attention.
4. The Staple Loafers
Style Notes: The ease of sandals will definitely be missed, but a great pair of loafers is primed to take over. This chic shoe can be styled with denim, tailoring, capri pants and plenty more, and comes back every single year regardless of the trend cycle.
Shop Staple Loafers:
This pair went viral a few years ago, and have become a cold-weather staple ever since.
ALOHAS
Aven Rift Burgundy Leather Loafers | Alohas
These loafers have become a core style for beloved shoe brand Alohas.
Saint Laurent
Le Loafer Supple in Shiny Leather
5. The Soft Knit
Style Notes: After months of sweltering heat, I’m so ready to bundle up in a soft knit. For now, you may only need this to tackle cooler mornings and evenings, but simply throw over your shoulders or tie around your waist when you don’t need it. Classic black is always a reliable option, but even as a minimalist, I often lean into more joyful shades in knitwear to let it be the standout.
Shop Soft Knits:
COS
Brushed-Cashmere Crew-Neck Cardigan
This COS knit sold out last year. Finally, I’m making it mine.
Reformation
Cove Cashmere Oversized Crew
The Cove is one of my most worn knits in the cooler months.
Arch4
Boundary Cashmere Sweater
Call upon this cream style year after year. Plus, it’s made from 100% cashmere.
6. The Trusty Trench Coat
Style Notes: The first autumn showers have arrived, and if your weather app shows a hint of rain, it’s time to grab your trusty trench coat. For us Brits, most seasons demand we have one to hand, and whilst a windbreaker can do the job, the refined design of a trench coat means you’ll layer it over your casual looks as well as your smart evening outfits.
Shop Trench Coats:
Max Mara
cotton-Blend Twill Trench-Coat
This lighter version will work perfectly with a rich autumn colour palette.
Reformation
Spencer Trench Coat
Reformation hikes up the hem for this contemporary version.
7. The Smart Trousers
Style Notes: As someone who loves trousers and jeans, I’m excited to welcome back my tailoring. If you’re yet to add a pair of smart trousers into your wardrobe, you may be surprised at how hard-working they can be. Bringing a sophisticated edge, this item will work in your off-duty and office looks.
Shop Smart Trousers:
The Mason Pants come in two lengths and a series of sleek shades. Also, they’re incredibly soft.
COS
Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers
I’ve personally tried these on and can confirm they look triple the price.
Dries Van Noten
Cotton-Twill Wide-Leg Pants
If you’re looking for a new shade for autumn, look no further.
8. The Satin Accents
Style Notes: From tops to trousers, I often find myself relying on satin or silk pieces in the cooler months to bring a polished finish and a contrast in texture. For the past few years, satin tops have been my go-to when dressing for evening, paired simply with jeans, and on casual days when I want a touch of refinement, my slouchy knit is paired with sleek satin trousers.
Shop Satin Accents:
RalphLauren
Satin Charmeuse Relaxed-Fit Shirt
Take your outfits up a notch by swapping your cotton shirt for this satin version.
Reformation
Gale Satin Mid Rise Long Pant
I live in this exact pair all year round.
RAILS
Anya Skirt – Espresso
A satin skirt has been a staple for decades.
9. The Spacious Leather Tote
Style Notes: The spacious tote is a year-round staple. Over the past few months, I’ve found myself reaching for my raffia styles to fully embrace the summer mood, but now its time to return to supple leather styles as the weather turns.
Shop Spacious Totes:
DeMellier
The Midi Brooklyn | Dark Chocolate Croc-Effect
Bottega Veneta
Women’s Andiamo in Black
The Andiamo now comes with tonal black hardware.
MÉTIER
Incognito 36 Paneled Suede Tote
Understated, sleek and bringing a tactile suede finish to your autumn looks.
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