What to wear in autumn 2023: 6 transitional wardrobe essentials

Holly’s stylist, Danielle offers a comprehensive guide to curating a stylish and functional wardrobe to wear during the Autumn season ahead.

Even though it’s still officially summer, some of us are secretly looking forward to Autumn and all the new term routine and fabric layering that comes with it! Let’s face it…we all feel a little cheated that our summer wardrobe haven’t seen as much sunshine as they should have…barely at all in fact! Believe me, I’m a real summer girl and I feel your frustration too! So, whilst it’s not time to pack away the summer stuff and get out the chunky knits quite yet, I thought over how you can move effortlessly between the seasons by adding a few simple staples to your wardrobe – and ways you can make use some of your barely worn summer classics!

1. The White Shirt

Let’s start with the basics. Something we all should have in our wardrobe – but especially our summer Wardrobe – is a classic white shirt. A good cotton or linen is super for layering and New Look’s Button Through Shirt in White, £15.99 is an ideal, purse-friendly classic. I’ve shared four ways to style a white shirt, here.

2. The Trench Coat

As we all know, women’s fashion can be so fast-paced and styles can come and go in the blink of an eye, but one wardrobe staple that’s interchangeable through the seasons and always in vogue is a classic trench coat. A trench coat is perfect for Autumn layering because it’s not too thick and whilst it might be a bit of a splurge, this Mango, Double-button Trench Coat, £99.99 is something you’ll keep in your wardrobe for years to come.

I also love this Brave Soul, Trench Coat, £55. Wear with a vintage wash jean and trainers or over loungewear. I always think that adding trench to an outfit gives the look an instant lift!

3. The Bomber Jacket

If you’re looking for one piece to update your wardrobe going into the Autumn, the lightweight bomber jacket seems to be having a resurgence! Zara have some great tailored options like this Longline Bomber Jacket with Patch Pockets, £59.99. Wear with a tonal outfit, pairing with trousers or denim of similar tones for an updated look.

4. The Jumpsuit

A gorgeous jumpsuit is the perfect addition to update your wardrobe. Get the right one and not only are they super flattering, but they’re a great base for layering. I love a classic utility boiler-suit and this Nobody’s Child, Khaki Utility Zip Up Portland Jumpsuit, £79 is the perfect super-soft, cotton jumpsuit. Try layering under a trench coat and pair with some Converse Chucks for a stylish casual look for autumn.

5. The Cardigan

The cardigan has had a big moment and it looks like they aren’t going anywhere soon! I love a cardigan and there are endless options available, but for an updated look, opt for more Parisian styles, like stripes, Chanel-style buttons etc. The High Street are full of gorgeous, great value knits and I’m a fan of this H&M, Fine-Knit Cardigan, £13.99. It’s a super-soft slouchy, striped cardigan, perfect for layering (a recurring theme here), which looks lovely worn over your barely worn white linen summer dress.

For a chic office look you could wear your cardigan belted over black tailored trousers and loafers, or pair with straight leg jeans and ballet pumps (yes ballet pumps are back!). A little pricey, but these & Other Stories, Leather Ballet Flats, £95, are beautiful. Equally I adore these Topshop, Caitlin Slim Square Toe Ballet Flat in Black, £32 which offer a bit more support with the strap and have that extra detail across the fabric.

6. The Knitted Jumper Dress

Lastly, and something making a comeback which will take you from autumn all the way through to winter is the simple knitted jumper dress! It’s a great foundation to any autumn/winter look. In a darker tone, this Topshop, Knitted Sleeveless Funnel Midi Dress in Black, £45 is a really chic high-neck, knitted dress. Wear with chunky leather boots – like these H&M, Biker Boots, £54 and layer with a boxy wool blazer in a similar tone for an effortless yet put together look.