Our melancholy over summer’s numbered days is far less intense when we remember the cooler temps of the autumn ahead bring with it a change of season wardrobe.
No longer will we sweat though our morning commutes, relying on the same lightweight cotton and linen staples to keep us comfortable. Instead, we’re thoughtfully layering staples for an instantly elevated look.
Beloved cool-weather pieces—blazers, trench coats, jeans and boots—are back in our sartorial rotation and with them new styling possibilities that are not confined by either end of the climate scale.
If like us, you subscribe to the capsule wardrobe approach, you’ll be wanting to carefully invest in key autumn staples to get you through the season in style.
To help guide you, we’ve rounded up our key autumn capsule wardrobe staples for the cooler days ahead.
The All-Occasions Boot
A great pair of boots won’t just get you through autumn but will carry your looks through winter and into spring, too.
If you’re investing in just one pair this season, we’d recommend a kitten heel or knee high boot that can effortlessly take you from day to night for maximum wear.
Our Pick:
01
Staud Wally Boot
$1,023 at Net-A-Porter
These knee-high boots tick all the boxes: glossy finish in a wear-with-anything neutral black, comfortable kitten heel and a slightly slouchy fit for plenty of room.
Key features:
- Leather
- 4.5cm heel
- Slightly slouchy fit
The Perfect Jeans
Finding the perfect jeans can be exhausting. If you’re wanting to update your denim for an on-trend silhouette opt for wide leg or slouchier styles.
We love a high-waist cut in a size (or even two) up that can be cinched at the waist or worn as a lower, mid-rise look, ergo doubling your styling possibilities.
Our Pick:
01
Frame Le Jane High Rise Wide Leg Jean
$540 at Net-A-Porter
If you love a vintage wash sans the effort of actually shopping vintage, these Frame jeans are just the ticket. The wide-leg cut offers just enough slouch without becoming too baggy for a flattering fit.
Key features:
- High-rise, wide -leg fit
- Vintage look
- 100% cotton
A Statement Skirt
We love the versatility a skirt brings to an autumn capsule wardrobe.
Whether you love a mini or favour midi and maxi styles, you can go bare-legged on warmer days, layer with sheer stockings or socks when it’s cool and pair back with most shoe style, particularly autumn staples like sneakers and boots.
Our Pick:
01
A.w.a.k.e Mode Button Detail Skirt
$782 at Net-A-Porter
This sculptural skirt with zig-zag button detail makes a statement without being so loud you can only roll it out for special occasions. Pair with a chunky knit or cropped bomber jacket and knee-high boots.
Key features:
- Zig-zag button detail
- Organic cotton jersey
- Midi
A Timeless Trench Coat
Nothing gives an outfit an instant boost quite like a great trench.
For autumn, opt for lightweight fabrics that will help cut the chill factor on cool days, be layered over knits in icy temps and won’t overheat or overwhelm you when it’s mild out.
Our Pick:
01
Nour Hammour Harriet Denim Trench Coat
$1,444 at Net-A-Porter
Mark our words: denim trench coats will be everywhere this season. Gone are the days of the vintage denim jacket, replaced by the likes of this Nour Hammour denim coat. Striking a balance of casual and cool, you can dress it up or down, make it a statement or even pull off a double denim look.
Key Features:
- Relaxed fit
- Cotton denim
- Machine washable
Seasonal Knits
Knits for autumn? Groundbreaking. Your go-to through the cooler months, investing in great knitwear (that won’t ball, fall apart or stretch) is never money wasted.
Crew neck cardigans with matching tops and oversized cuts are favourites this season—and don’t forget an extra sweater thrown over the shoulders.
Our Pick:
01
Toteme Oversized Sweater
$1,050 at Net-A-Porter
When it comes to knitwear, you can’t surpass Toteme. A heavenly blend of wool, cashmere and cotton, we adore the whipstitch detail that brings a subtle yet distinct detail.
Key features:
- Wool, cashmere and cotton blend
- Contrast whipstitch detail
- Chunky knit
The Staple Shirt
A tailored button-down shirt will take you far in the mid seasons. Tucked in, worn out, open over a basic tee, under a knit or layered with a trench coat, the button down can be a simple staple or a tactical styling piece.
Our Pick:
01
The Frankie Shop Lui Shirt
$320 at Net-A-Porter
When it comes to button-down shirts, oversized is in, but, there’s still a balance to be struck. The curved split hem of this shirt from The Frankie Shop ensures you won’t be overwhelmed by extra fabric while the dropped shoulder ticks the relaxed tailoring box.
Key features:
- Curve hem detail
- 100% cotton
- Machine washable