9 Pieces on My Autumn Wish List
Buy now, wear for years to come.
Autumn is hands-down my favourite style season. Jumpers, layers, trench coats and jackets… it’s got it all. Plus, you can be a little more playful and experimental than in winter, when (at least in my case) daily looks consist purely of the warmest, biggest coats possible.
Over the years, I’ve built a pretty versatile autumnal wardrobe so I know I don’t need to add too many new pieces this season for it to still feel fresh. I’ve scoured the internet and rifled through the racks of my favourite brands to come up with the nine new pieces that will give my wardrobe a little lift. Each one has been chosen for its longevity, quality and versatility, so I know they’ll make solid additions to my existing wardrobe for years to come too.
COS Barrel Leg Corduroy Trousers
‘Pleated’. ‘Barrel leg’. ‘Corduroy’. Essentially my three favourite elements when it comes to a pair of autumnal trousers. COS brings this style of trouser around most seasons, tweaked in different fabrics and colourways depending on the time of year. I have a light cotton navy version that I wear a lot in spring/summer and love the fit (I take my usual size), so a warmer cord style is just what I need for the upcoming months.
These trousers are a real staple and will go with everything from trainers to ankle boots, and tailored shirting to slim or oversized jumpers. Plus the fabric is nice and hardy, so they should keep going for years.
Phoebe English Collarless Shirt
I’ve always got time for an oversized white shirt - and don’t think they should necessarily be limited to the warmer months. A long-length shirt like this one makes an excellent layering piece, especially under chunky jumpers or hip-skimming jackets where it just peeks through underneath.
This one from Phoebe English is made from reclaimed Ramie and has a curved hemline that’s longer at the back. It’s currently on sale at Young British Designers, a great site that sells emerging British designers such as Cawley, Beaumont Organic, LF Markey and the like. The site is going through a change (I’m not entirely sure what), which means they’re clearing all stock - and offering 50% off everything, including sale items. Use code FINAL50 at checkout to get your discount.
New Balance 576 Trainers
I’ve got a few pair of New Balance trainers and pretty much have them each on rotation in autumn. They’re super comfortable, fit well (I find them slightly on the small side so I go up half a size) and if you go for a colourful pair, they add a nice pop to your neutrals. This pair comes in a deep clay red colourway, which is the perfect shade for this time of year. I’d wear them with ecru coloured trousers, black trousers (like the cord pair above) or black jeans, plus a simple jumper for an easy everyday look that feels put together.
Arket Wool Overshirt
I love a jumper. But sometimes you want to switch it up, wear something different. Enter, this wool overshirt from Arket. It has an oversized fit with wide sleeves and slits at the side seams, and a sharp, narrow ‘v’ neckline - all coming together to create a top that feels elevated and a lot more expensive than it is.
Being oversized, you could layer this on top of a long-sleeved tee or a contrasting turtleneck (I love the idea of a cream or camel-coloured turtleneck peeping through underneath), or simply wear it on its own. Given its shape, I’d pair it with slim, straight-leg trousers to balance out the proportions. Wear with ankle boots or ballet flats and you’ve got a chic autumn outfit that will work everywhere from the office to out for dinner.
Louisa Charlotte Oates Coat 02
I first came across Louisa Charlotte Oates at the beginning of 2021, when in the midst of one of our many lockdowns, I treated myself to her ‘Coat 04’ in black cotton canvas. It’s the perfect oversized piece and if you’ve followed me on Instagram for a while, you’ve probably seen it pop up on my grid on an almost weekly basis during the autumns and winters that have followed. Louisa makes all her pieces by hand to order and you can really tell how much love and attention goes into each one.
This coat recently graduated from a wishlist item to a purchase. You know those pieces of clothing that you can’t stop thinking about? This was one of those. Knowing how much I’ve worn the other coat I bought from Louisa, I knew this was going to be a great investment. It’s made from organic Japanese cotton linen and comes with a belt, so it can be worn closed like a trench - only with a contemporary, oversized twist. If you’re interested in buying any of Louisa’s pieces, DM her on Instagram.
Arket Black Pointy Leather Boots
I love a pair of flat chunky Chelsea boots. My pair from Dr Martens has seen me through autumns and winters for the past (checks notes) six years and I’ll still turn to them this season on a regular basis. But sometimes I want a little height or a different boot to wear out to dinner or for drinks in the colder months.
This pair from Arket has been on my mind for the past few weeks now. With subtle Western design elements like the angled heel, they feel a little different to the usual heeled ankle boot, adding an interesting detail while still being classic (and, therefore, timeless). I’d wear these with cropped black trousers or jeans, plus the cardi below…
Sezane Gaspard Cardigan
Said cardi. A soft blend of mohair and baby Alpaca, in a rich camel colour that I know will suit the existing brown, cream, black and navy pieces in my wardrobe. I love the striking simplicity of this cardigan (those mother-of-pearl style buttons really elevate what could be a basic item) but what I love most is its versatility.
You could wear this on its own, tucked into a pair of black wide-leg trousers or a pair of off-white jeans and trainers (those New Balance above would go very nicely). You could wear it open, a Breton or a plain black or white tee coming through underneath. Or you could wear it backwards, as a jumper, that button detail lining your back instead of your front.
Toast Short Padded Cotton Coat
One of my favourite parts of autumn is jacket season. When it’s still too warm to wear your big coats but there’s a chill in the air that requires an extra layer. This one from Toast is padded and slightly oversized, which is just the thing for popping over a jumper or button-down shirt. The wide sleeves and side tie are both nods to kimono-style jackets which I love for adding shape to your overall silhouette. It can also be worn fully closed or with the top part open for a flash of that lovely gingham lining.
I’d wear this with the many barrel-leg trousers that are in my wardrobe and a pair of trainers. Come winter and those inevitable cold snaps, I’d wear it as a layer underneath my oversized coats.
COS Pointed Leather Ballet Flats
You’ve probably already seen the return of the ballet flat - the shoe du jour this summer and very much autumn too. If, like me, you were around for the first bout of ballet flat mania in the early 2000s, you may have mixed feelings about these shoes coming back around. I have memories of the flimsy flats from Topshop that made up my daily wardrobe circa 2006 - and like most, I exhausted the ballet flat until I thought they were retired forever.
It’s been a long enough break now to feel excited about their revival. A chic, slim shoe that you can slip on and will look good with everything you wear? What’s not to like? Instead of the round-toe ballet flats I coveted all those years ago, this season I’m looking for a slightly more grown-up silhouette, like this pointed style from COS. I can already see myself wearing them with cropped straight-leg jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, or pairing them with a mini dress and sheer tights when the occasion calls for something a little dressier.
Next week: How I get around those ‘I have nothing to wear’ days.
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Just wanted to say thanks for this list. Please keep them coming. I purchased the trousers from COS and have been wearing them a few times a week.
I love this, and especially the introduction to Louisa Charlotte Oates and Young British Designers. What lovely finds, I'd never have found on my own. Very grateful.