What to Wear in Autumn? 10 Trending Autumn 2023 Staples to Rely On…

What to wear in Autumn? It’s a question that crops up like clockwork at the end of every hot and hazy August. And just like that, here we are again, with autumn weather seemingly on the approach. Whilst there is nothing I love more than frolicking around in the golden days of summer, the excitement of new season autumn fashion does go some way to compensating for the cooler days closing in.

And what a season we have ahead, with fiery colour trends, the continued reign of quiet luxury, and corporate dressing all ranking amongst the new season’s most key trends, as well as punk touches, back-to-bed dressing, and luxe leather in every shade. But the change in the seasons can flummox even the most sartorially charged amongst us. Which is why we sat down and had a good old think about what to wear in autumn. And these 10 trending staples are the answer for 2023 and beyond…

White Shirt

A white shirt is a classic for every season, but it also happens to be one of the key autumn/winter 2023 trend pieces. The perfect all-rounder.

COS oversized white tailored shirt. Crafted from cotton with a washed effect, this elegant white shirt is cut for an oversized fit and features a patch pocket on the chest and a flattering curved hem. The pointed collar and cuffed long sleeves add a tailored finish.
COS OVERSIZED TAILORED SHIRT, £59

COS is always a good bet for affordable and expensive looking basics.

Stockholm-based Acne Studios has a firmly established cult following thanks to its Scandinavian-cool aesthetic. This Oxford shirt is crafted from white cotton poplin with a patch pocket, ideal for your necessities edit.
ACNE STUDIOS Cotton poplin Oxford shirt, £260

An oversized fit always looks good.

Arket white cotton relaxed shirt. Cut from a crisp poplin weave made of organic cotton, this shirt offers a relaxed but dressed silhouette. Wide buttoned cuffs accentuate the roomy fit.
Arket Relaxed Poplin Shirt, £59

Arket’s organic cotton number is a worthy contender for your capsule wardrobe.

Wardrobe.Nyc revises your workwear staples with this classic white shirt. Exclusive to Mytheresa, it's made from crisp cotton to an oversized fit, and structured with a smart box-pleated back.
WARDROBE.NYC Cotton shirt, £380

This structured number looks so crisp.

New Season Bag

Update your basket bag with a braided leather version, or tap into the trend for XXL totes that are perfect for stashing your brolly and an extra layer in unpredictable weather.

This large tote will hold your everyday essentials and more. Crafted in smooth leather and left unlined for added lightness, detailed with double handles for versatility. Finished with a zip pouch to keep smaller items from getting lost in the spacious interior.
& Other Stories Soft Leather Tote, £125

Tick off two trends at once with this oversized tote in a snake effect. It comes in black and caramel.

Reformation slouchy brown suede leather tote with a magnetic closure, features a decorative tie detail, and inside zip pocket with a card holder.
Reformation Medium Vittoria Tote Bag, £498

Reformation’s slouchy Victoria tote in brown suede is another great option. She also comes in 5 more chic shades…

Savette red leather 100% calf leather Pochette top handle bag. Twist lock fastening at front. Top handle, front flap, concealed foiled branding at front, one main compartment, one slip pocket at interior, silver-toned hardware
SAVETTE Symmetry Pochette leather top-handle bag, £1040

Structured bags with top handles are big news for AW23, and red is the shade to go for…

& Other Stories grey Large shoulder bag, crafted from braided chrome-free leather featuring a buckled adjustable strap. Fastens with a fold-over magnetic closure. The bag is fully cotton lined and holds a generous inside pocket.
& Other Stories Braided Shoulder Bag, £170

Woven styles might make you think of summer, but this autumn they are getting an update by way of woven leather and they look so chic.

A decade after the launch of Loewe's original Paseo bag, this new iteration is streamlined and elongated in a contemporary shape. The Chain tote bag is made from smooth, folded leather with a chainlink strap and signature knotted ends.
LOEWE Paseo Chain leather tote bag, £2,300

Chain handles are bringing a little something something to your staples this season and Loewe’s Paseo chain leather tote is forever chic.

Trans-Seasonal Stripes

A classic Breton stripe is a year-round winner, but somehow never makes more sense than between seasons. Ever the answer to what to wear when you aren’t sure what season you are in, there are so many elevated versions hitting down right now.

Arket stripe Jumper crafted from a blend of responsibly sourced wool (cert. CU815571RAF) and recycled polyester. This jumper is cut for a regular fit and features a sunray effect stripe pattern and seams at center front and back. Detailed with clean edges and thumbhole details.
Arket Sunray Stripe Jumper, £67

Arket’s chic v-neck takes things up a notch.

Modern with a twist, The Frankie Shop designs versatile pieces to elevate your everyday edit. Coming in a classic striped motif, the Saint sweater is made of pure cotton and is finished with dropped shoulders.
THE FRANKIE SHOP Saint striped cotton sweater, £123

This light cotton sweater is perfect for those in-between days.

& Other Stories Merino wool ribbed top crafted from responsibly sourced certified knitted wool yarn. Designed with a round-cut neckline cut in a flattering form-fitting silhouette.
& Other Stories Merino Wool Ribbed Top, £65

A skinny rib knit is a perfect option for layering under slip dresses or wearing alone.

COS LONG-SLEEVED MOCK-NECK T-SHIRT, £35

The mock neck on this COS version adds a point of difference and is great for layering.

Knitted jacquard sweater crafted from soft, stretchy fabric. Designed with a round-cut neckline and straight, wide sleeves and a slightly dropped shoulder.
& Other Stories Knitted Jacquard Sweater, £75

This expensive looking striped knit already sold out in the white with black stripes, but is now available in this black/ivory version. Move fast.

Cardigans Perfect for Layering

Cardigans have been having a moment of late, with chic collared and waisted versions looking fresher than ever. They work as easily for late summer as they do into the depths of winter. Just add more layers as the days start to get cooler.

Khaite's luscious and robust Lavan cashmere cardigan is a cropped foil to elongated silhouettes. Finishing touches include a chest patch pocket, horn buttons, and rib-knit trimming at the crewneck, pocket, hem, and cuffs.
KHAITE Lavan cropped cashmere cardigan, £1,530

Khaite’s cropped version looks great with wide pants.

A transitional wardrobe staple, this V-neck cardigan is crafted from RWS-certified merino wool that's blended with TENCEL™ Lyocell, lending the knit a subtle sheen. It's offered in a dark-navy hue and shaped with raglan sleeves, ribbed trims and a nipped-in waist. Style it as a set with the coordinatingbralette and skirt.
COS WAISTED KNITTED CARDIGAN, £79

Tap into the nipped-waist trend with COS’ chic iteration.

& Other Stories Knitted cardigan crafted from a brushed RAS Certified alpaca wool mix. Designed with a v-cut neckline and drop shoulders with long wide sleeves and a buttoned front.
& Other Stories Knitted Cardigan, £75

This brushed alpaca wool mix version looks so expensive.

Reformation Fantino cashmere collard cardigan in pale blue with Dropped shoulders, and front buttons.
Reformation Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan, £298

Reformation’s Instagram-famous Fantino collared cardigan comes in 6 colours, including this fresh sky blue.

Loose Tailored Trousers

When the weather is neither here nor there, you can always rely on loose tailored trousers to bridge the gap between the seasons and add polish to your look.

The high-rise Gelso pants from Frankie Shop will add sophistication to your suiting edit. They're made from a sustainable Tencel® and wool-blend with wide-legs, structured with pressed pleats for elongating effect.
THE FRANKIE SHOP Gelso high-rise wide-leg pants, £165

The Frankie Shop’s Gelso trousers are a favourite for a reason. See also & Other Stories grey pleated trousers for a high street take.

A pair of wide leg tailored trousers are a staple in any wardrobe. Shaped for a fluid silhouette, the design features a mid-rise waist, extended tab waistband and a beautiful black pinstripe pattern. Pair with the matching KIM waistcoat for a statement look.
Aligne KAYLEY PLEATED TROUSERS, £119.00

Pinstripe is having a big moment this season. Huge.

Crafted from pure traceable wool in a classic grey mélange hue, these wide-leg tailored trousers have been designed to fall loosely over the body. The front pleats and back darts create a flattering silhouette, while the side slip pockets and back welt pocket make them functional. The concealed adjustable-button tab allows the trousers to be worn low-slung or on the waist.
COS WIDE-LEG TAILORED WOOL TROUSERS, £115

So chic.

Reformation black Mason pant with Belt loops, front buttons, finished hem, pleated details, side pockets, and zipper fly.
Reformation Mason Pant ES, £178

Reformations cult Mason Pants are cult for a reason. These come in 6 shades.

Baggy jeans

Update Your denim offering for the new season with a loose silhouette. The baggy jean trend is standing firm for AW23, so if you’re yet to invest, you might find yourself wading in this season.

Victoria Beckham denim offers a casual interpretation of the label's elegant aesthetics. Made of dark-wash denim, the Bianca straight jeans have tobacco-topstitched panels that curve the length, offsetting traditional five-pocket styling.
VICTORIA BECKHAM Bianca paneled straight jeans, £390

An elegant way to dip a toe.

The COS womenswear team were inspired by '00s silhouettes when designing these Volume jeans. Shaped with a low-rise waist that's signature to the noughties, they feature subtle contrast topstitching, logo-engraved metal rivets and voluminous wide legs that will pool effortlessly over your shoes. They're expertly crafted from 10oz organic- and recycled-cotton denim in a lightly faded blue wash.
COS VOLUME JEANS – WIDE, £89

COS’ pair look chic paired with their signature crisp tailoring.

Citizens of Humanity's 'Ayla' jeans are made from faded and whiskered light-blue organic denim contrasted by gold topstitching. They're designed in a classic five-pocket construction and have a high-rise waist and wide legs that you can roll at the cuffs.
CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Ayla high-rise wide-leg organic jeans, £320

You may have seen this pair doing the rounds on Instagram, most often paired with Boston Clogs. The rolled cuffs are such a practical solution to rainy days, not to mention very aesthetically pleasing.

Levis baggy dad jeans in a washed grey shade. A fit inspired by the way our dads rock their jeans—but baggier. Featured in a mid rise with a straight leg. Roomy and slouchy through the hip and thigh. Designed to stack at the hem. Button and zip fly, belt loops and 5 pockets.
Levis Baggy Dad Jeans, £120

A washed grey is a great option for transitioning into the cooler weather.

Maxi Skirt

We know, we know, we have said it many times, but a maxi skirt is as essential as ever this autumn/winter.

COS denim column maxi skirt calls to mind styles from the '90s. Washed a faded light-blue shade, it's crafted from organic cotton blended with TENCEL™ Lyocell for lightness and has a classic five-pocket design and a back slit for unrestricted movement. Embrace sartorial nostalgia by styling it with the coordinating jacket.
COS DENIM MAXI SKIRT, £79

A long denim skirt is a good way to go. This COS maxi also comes in chic black denim.

Kasia is a classic pencil skirt with a modern touch. Finished in a beautiful, subtle black pinstripe pattern, it’s the kind of piece that you can wear in many ways. Style with a cosy turtleneck for colder days, or wear with your favourite t-shirt for a more casual look.
Aligne KASIA TAILORED MAXI SKIRT, £119.00

Combine several trends at once with Aligne’s bang-on-point tailored pinstripe maxi.

Long frayed edge denim skirt crafted from organic and recycled cotton. Featuring a raw edge hem cut in a long silhouette, with a centre front high slit, classic 5-pocket style and a high-cut waist. Finished with a zip and button fly closure. All trims (buttons, rivets, zippers and threads) have been sustainably sourced.
& Other Stories Long Frayed Edge Denim Skirt, £85

Another great denim maxi option.

H&M black Maxi skirt with a clean design and a flattering, straight fit. Detailed with an elasticated waistband.
Arket Maxi Satin Skirt, £97.00

A silky black number in a maxi length is a great way to update your slip skirt game for AW23. This Arket version also comes in beige.

Transitional Jacket

Whether you plump for a trusty trench, leather biker, polished blazer, or indeed, all 3, a light jacket is essential for the transition into autumn.

Gilda is an ALIGNE icon that's designed to be noticed. A classic double-breasted trench coat finished in a flattering midi length, it's made to be worn with everything from dresses to knitwear and jeans. The design features a chest flap pocket, concealed fastening, wide spread collar and adjustable cuff tab.
Aligne GILDA MAXI TRENCH COAT, £189.00

Aligne’s Gilda Maxi trench is so good and now comes in 4 chic shades. Get your hands on it whilst you still can.

H&M Fitted, double-breasted blazer in woven fabric with notch lapels and buttons at the front, one of which is concealed. Shoulder pads, long sleeves, a fake welt pocket on the chest and jetted front pockets. Shaping seams at the front and back. Lined.
H&M. Double-breasted blazer, £42.99

Blazers get an update for AW23 with an hourglass silhouette.

& Other Stories khaki Relaxed trench coat featuring a classic belted finish and duo welt pockets with flaps. Raglan sleeves, Belted cuffs, One visible button closure at the top, One concealed button closure in the middle.
& Other Stories Relaxed Trench Coat, £165

& Other Stories relaxed trench looks so gorgeous in this elevated khaki shade.

Aligne black Boxy fit leather jacket \ High neck \ Dropped shoulders \ Patch pockets \ Hidden zip \ Lined with organic cotton
Aligne KERR LEATHER JACKET, £249.00

Leather jackets continue to be big news and this streamlined version will go with everything you own.

Big Scarves

A scarf always makes sense for wrapping around looks that need a little reinforcement for the colder days ahead. For AW23 though, big scarves are big news, so will bring all your outfits into the new season.

& Other Stories Large wool blanket scarf with a fringe trim in cream.
& Other Stories Fringed Wool Blanket Scarf, £65

& Other Stories highly versatile fringed wool blanket scarf comes in 8 different shades.

Characterful and colorful, Jacquemus accessories speak of Simon Porte's playful French focus. The wool-blend L'écharpe Moisson scarf appears in a white and green gradient with bold logo embroidery and tassel trims.
JACQUEMUS L’écharpe Moisson wool-blend scarf, £205

This sumptuous ombre effect scarf is so gorgeous.

Tap into the autumn winter 2023 fashion trends with Toteme's red ribbed knit scarf.
TOTEME Ribbed knit scarf, £345

Tap into the red trend with this cheery ribbed knit scarf from Toteme.

Tap into the autumn winter 2023 fashion trends with this COS oversized striped scarf, which is knitted from a responsibly sourced mohair and wool blend and finished with fringed ends. The COS womenswear team designed it as part of a modular set with the coordinating bucket hat and jumper.
COS OVERSIZED MOHAIR-BLEND SCARF, £79

These autumnal tones look ready to take all your outfits into the new season.

Ballet Flats or Loafers

It’s time to make the switch from sandals (woe) and stride into autumn. Slip on your trusty loafers to add preppy style to your new season looks, or pick up a pair of trending ballet flats to pair with your baggy denim.

Uninhibited, carefree, and deliberately subversive: these are the hallmarks of Miuccia Prada’s Miu Miu. Made of brown calfskin with a grained, aged quality, these loafers have embossed lettering, embellished penny straps, and tonal topstitching.
MIU MIU Embellished leather loafers, £850

Back to school vibes in the best way.

& Other Stories black Classic slim everyday loafers featuring a squared toe and a flat heel. Crafted from soft nappa leather and finished with a mini-stacked heel.
& Other Stories Classic Slim Leather Loafers, £110

& Other Stories slim leather loafers are so chic.

Reformation silver Bethany ballet flat  with a strap across the front and adjustable buckle.
Reformation Bethany Ballet Flat, £268

Silver continues to reign supreme as the metallic of choice for 2023. These will look great with denim.

Try the 2023 ballet flat trend with & Other Stories Mary Jane ballerina flats featuring a classic silhouette. Crafted from soft black leather with a rounded square toe and finished with a gold-toned half moon buckle.
& Other Stories Mary Jane Leather Ballerina Flats, £95

Go for a Mary Jane ballet flat to tick off two trends at once. & Other Stories staple pair comes in metallic gold too.

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