5 Trending Wardrobe Essentials For An Autumnal Staycation

Autumn is my favourite season, and staycations are my favourite type of holiday, so it’s safe to say I’m well versed in packing for the occasion. From Welsh coastal stays and remote cabins deep in the New Forest to cute Cotswold weekenders, I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country, curating the perfect packing list as I go.

Unlike packing for your summer holidays, an autumnal staycation has a few extra factors to consider, namely your itinerary and, of course, the erratic English weather. This obviously means practicality and comfort play a huge role in deciding what to take with you, but when you also want to avoid looking like rambler, it can be hard to find the right balance.

Luckily, outdoor and technical wear are more stylish than ever before, so you can easily slot a hard-working waterproof into your casual everyday wardrobe and even dress it up with a stylish pair of boots. The key is to pay attention to the details and choose pieces that offer practicality without looking overly technical. For coats, look for styles that are at the very least water-resistant, or better still, waxed. Suede boots can absolutely make the cut, but opt for a flat or low block heel that can handle cobbled streets. And while a cool pair of trainers is a staycation staple, it pays to choose brands with practicality at their core, such as Salomon, Keen or Hoka.

5 Packing Essentials For An Autumn Staycation

1. Knee High Boots

Influencer Rebecca Ferraz Wyatt wearing a brown cardigan, lace skirt and brown chunky boots.

Style Notes: Yes it will probably rain. Yes there will be mud. It’s almost certain you’ll encounter cobbled streets. But that doesn’t mean a stylish pair of boots are off the table for your autumn staycation. By all means pack your wellies, but a flat pair of boots with heavy treads will also work hard and compliment almost every outfit. This season’s slouchy styles are perfect for tucking in your jeans, while the rounded toes and thick soles add an edge that contrasts with softer pieces like skirts and knitwear.

Shop Chunky Boots:

Steve Madden Kaja Chunky Knee Boots in Brown Suede Leather

Steve Madden

Steve Madden Kaja Chunky Knee Boots in Brown Suede Leather

A model wearing a pair of black Zara knee high boots.

Zara

EQUESTRIAN BUCKLE BOOTS

Vivian Soft Calf Black

Anonymous Copenhagen

Vivian Soft Calf Black

A pair of black Massimo Dutti knee high boots.

Massimo Dutti

Flat track sole boot

Unisex Turbulence Downpour Tall Wellington Boot

Hunter Boots

Unisex Turbulence Downpour Tall Wellington Boot

2. Plaid Shirt

Influencer Nina Lea Jolley wearing a brown jacket, plaid shirt, shorts and knee-high boots.

Style Notes: The current obsession with 90s grunge has caused a plaid resurgence, and this time round it’s more versatile than ever. Expanding beyond the realm of alternative dressing, plaid shirts are quickly becoming a staple that lends itself perfectly to the layered needs of a weekend in the countryside. Use like an accessory and tie around your waist for added dimension, or layer under knits and oversized t-shirts for warmth and a hint of print.