6 Simple Autumn Outfits That Also Look Classy and Elegant, According to a Fashion Editor
We’re only midway through August and already the new collections are gradually shifting towards autumn—think richer hues, longer sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Summer’s departure is always bittersweet, especially if you relish breezy clothing and dread the layers that autumn demands. The best remedy for the end-of-summer blues? Curating a fresh outfit rotation for the season ahead.
It’s always smart to start with basics when updating your wardrobe. As you get into the swing of things and adapt to the season, you can start having fun and experimenting with trends. Until then, spend time rediscovering your autumn staples and the formulas you feel your best in. A jumper and jeans, for example, or a midi dress and biker boots.
If you’re seeking inspiration, consider the six simple autumn outfits we’ve shared below. Highlighting versatile, hard-working pieces, these stylish ensembles offer an effortless route through the transitional period and can easily be tweaked and adapted to changing temperatures.
Simple Autumn Outfits I’m Copying This Season:
1. Light Blazer + Slip Skirt + Flats
Style Notes: If you’re struggling with the idea of leaving summer behind, keep your colour palette light. No need to weigh yourself down with moody hues just yet. Try styling a boxy blazer with a slip skirt to create an elegant juxtaposition that can take you from day to night.
Shop the look:
H&M
Double-Breasted Blazer
This affordable blazer comes in eight other shades.
Reformation
Medium Silvana Bucket Bag
A suede tote bag is an autumn must-have.
Reformation
Bella Silk Skirt
So elegant—you could dress this beauty up or down with minimal effort.
COS
Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
Don’t be afraid to carry summer shoes into early autumn, including these mesh flats.
2. Suede Jacket + Straight Legs + Ballet Flats
Style Notes: The past few months have proven suede has a place in festival fashion, but it’s also a fabric synonymous with autumn. Choose a warm tan iteration reminiscent of browning leaves and hot cups of coffee to match the seasonal mood.
Shop the look:
LA REDOUTE COLLECTIONS
Suede Press-Stud Jacket With Round Neck
Possibly the most-loved white tee on the high street.
MOTHER
The Rambler Zip Straight-Leg Jeans
Once these mould to your body, you’ll want to wear them every day.
AEYDE
Kirsten Leather Ballet Flats
This toffee colour will go with everything.
3. Knit Vest + Tailored Trousers + Boots
Style Notes: Not ready to commit to a heavy jumper? Ease yourself into sweater weather with a knitted tank, layered over a tee and tucked into tailored trousers.
Shop the look:
massimodutti
Striped Knit Vest
With this standout knit in this mix, you can keep the rest of the outfit pared-back.
An updated staple to slot into your autumn wardrobe.
& Other Stories
Wide Trousers
Don’t underestimate the power of a cream pleated trouser.
Vagabond Shoemakers
Hedda
Vagabond is my go-to for designer-looking boots that don’t break the bank.
4. Slouchy Jumper + Maxi Skirt + Loafers
Style Notes: Don’t rush to put your cotton pieces into storage—with some clever layering and suitable footwear, you can easily transform your lightweight maxi skirt into an autumnal building block.
Shop the look:
& Other Stories
Relaxed Knit Jumper
Everyone needs a plain black jumper in their collection.
weekday
Tiered Maxi Poplin Skirt
You can start wearing this now and mix up your styling as the temperature drops.
COS
Cavatelli Clutch – Leather
Red looks good whatever the forecast.
GANNI
Black Feminine Buckle Loafers
Loafer season is incoming, and we couldn’t be more excited.
5. Trench Coat + Blue Jeans + Sneakers
Style Notes: The Who What Wear team is united on the belief that any trench coat outfit is a successful outfit. Monikh’s understated jean-and-jumper look supports this theory.
Shop the look:
& Other Stories
Buckle-Belt Trench Coat
& Other Stories outerwear is always so high quality.
ARKET
Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper
This jumper is a bestseller every year, but this deep green shade is brand new.
Whistles
Authentic Barrel Leg Jean
You can’t go wrong with true blue denim.
6. Leather Jacket + Minidress + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: One thing that softens the blow of summer ending is the many boot options that come with autumn’s arrival. First up, invest in a high-quality knee-high boot and recreate this monochrome combination.
Shop the look:
NA-KD
Washed Out Pu Bomber Jacket
The boxy fit gives this jacket a cool, casual feel.
MANGO
Knitted Perkins Neck Dress
Wear this to the office or at the weekend.
MANGO
Shoulder Bag With Buckle
I’d never guess this cost less than £40.
Jones Bootmaker: Tailor Made
Cagliari Medium Calf Fit Knee High Boots – Cagliarim / 321 031
