Dearest, gentle readers, it’s officially time to bid farewell to the summer season, pack those delightful dresses away and embrace the cosy, woollen layers that autumn so graciously brings.
So, whether you’re braving the elements on the way to work, dressing to impress, heading on a city adventure, or curling up and watching Bridgerton on repeat, do it all in this season’s must haves.
Ladies, this is your ultimate guide to autumn essentials. On this list we have everything from timeless icons and must-have trends of the moment, to make sure you’re enjoying London’s falling leaves and dewy mornings in style.
Women’s autumn essentials for all occasions:
The Great British Trench
Like strawberries and cream in summer, London and a taupe trench are just meant to be together for autumn. If you don’t already own this quintessential coat, here are some from our favourite brands. Buy it once, wear it for a lifetime.
Burberry The Long Waterloo Heritage Trench Coat, £1,890
You can’t say ‘trench’ without thinking Burberry. It doesn’t get more iconic. Double breasted, belted waist, epaulettes and a vintage check lining. It’s pricey but you can guarantee your daughters, granddaughters and future generations will be excited for it to be passed down to them.
Mango Classic Trench Coat with Belt, £89.99
For a budget option, Mango has a whole range of trench designs this season. This one is our pick for its clean elegant lines alongside all the usual features – water repellent fabric, a wide belt and buckled cuffs and shoulders. Available in plus sizes.
M&S Autograph Cotton Rich Longline Trench Coat, £149
Also on the affordable end, we love this one from M&S for its longline and single-breasted buttons. Of course it’s water repellent too.
Barbour The Edit by Alexa Trench Coat, Mist Stewart, £349
One from another British icon, this is a single-breasted, longline, oversized silhouette with hood. The elegance of a traditional trench with the practicalities of a raincoat.
Ba&sh Polar Trench Coat, £342
For a more stylised, standout look, the two-tone colours of the lapels and main body of this trench add a twist to the traditional tailoring.
Knee-High Leather Boots
Ankle boots, step aside. Knee-highs are back. Sexy AND warm, what more could a girl want from her wardrobe? Keep wearing those summer miniskirts only team them with sheer black tights and stunning long leather boots.
Paris Texas Anja Leather Knee Boot, £680
One of Net-A-Porter’s most in demand autumn styles, these sleek yet chunky boots are comfortable enough to wear all day and long into the night.
Khaite Davis Boot, £1,200
These boots are an investment worth making. Square toe, pull on style and a very chic curved heel. You’ll want to wear them with everything.
Arket Slouchy Leather Boots, £319
The slouchy look of these can be dressed up or down. And the material can literally be moved up or down for a longer or shorter finishing height. A nice little 5cm heel gives you a boost without being too much for a full day out.
Marks & Spencer Collection Leather Cowboy Block Heel Knee High Boots, £125
Every season, something from M&S seems to go viral. This autumn, it’s these boots. A very nice price for genuine leather and a style that will never go out of fashion.
Reformation Gaelle Knee Boot, £548
These tailored two-tone leather boots form Reformation have hints of Gucci with a glossy finish, small buckle detail. We love the gorgeous ruby colour.
V.GAN Avocado Knee High Boots, £130
If you’re consciously avoiding leather, style doesn’t have to be compromised. This PETA-Approved vegan brand has a standout new style this season with a soft round toe and wearable heel.
Argyle Patterned Knits
An interlocking diamond pattern made synonymous with golfing knitwear is this season’s retro-chic must-have. Before it was donned on the greens, its origins come from the tartan of Clan Campbell of Argyll.
Levi’s Collegiate Argyle Vest, £60
Knitted vests are back for another year and this Argyle pattern has the perfect autumnal colourway. Cream, navy, burgundy and a sparing splash of sunny yellow.
M&S Collection Argyle Crew Neck Jumper With Wool, £35
A slouchy crew neck jumper is great for all occasions. The couch, the coffee shop, and a cosy evening at the pub. Brown, orange and a pop of baby blue give this a proper autumnal feel.
Nobody’s Child Argyle Wool Knitted Vest, £79
Another vest makes the list, this time in darker colourways. Perfect with a white shirt underneath.
Omnes Henni Argyle Cardigan, £55
For a modern take on the classic pattern, this cardie takes Argyle and makes it ombre on a boxy drop-shoulder cardie.
M&S Collection Argyle Crew Neck Cardigan with Wool, £35
The crew neck cardie is another staple style for this autumn. And in a classic argyle pattern, this knit is stylishly affordable.
Ultra wide-leg silhouette
Ultra-wide, extra flowy and plenty of drama, extra-wide leg trousers are the autumn 2024 definition of ‘legs for days’. It’s an effortlessly chic look that’s come straight off the catwalk.
CHLOÉ Ramie wide-leg pants, £1,250
Spotted in the Spring ’24 runway show at the Eiffel Tower during Paris Fashion Week, these wide-leg trousers are tailored from airy ramie with a high-rise waist.
ME+EM Pleated Ultra Wide-Leg Trouser, £250
High wool content fabric and pleated details give these super wide-leg, high waisted trousers an elegant line, comfortable fit and flowy feel.
M&S Collection Lyocell™ Blend Wide Palazzo Leg Jeans, £45
High waisted and ultra wide-leg, these jeans are flattering for all shapes and sizes.
Lululemon Pleat-Front High-Rise Trouser, £128
Smart enough for the boardroom, comfortable enough for an evening on the sofa.
Stella McCartney Pleated wool-twill wide-leg pants, £750
They’re cut from wool-twill with a high rise and fit slim through the waist before flaring out to pleated wide legs.
A Soft Suede Jacket
Relegated to the back of the cupboard or even sent off to the vintage store, the lovely tan suede jacket is being welcomed back into the light this season. A vintage find could be a good way to go, but if you need some inspiration before you brave a trip to Brick Lane, or just don’t fancy trawling through the aisles, here’s our hottest new season picks.
Zara Faux-Suede Bomber Jacket, £49.99
With a vintage aesthetic and oversized fit, this is the epitome of boyfriend-chic. A high-neck, dropped shoulders and elasticated bottom and cuffs.
Ba&sh Milas Straight-cut Suede Jacket, £420
A feminine design with padded shoulders, curved collar, a slightly cropped length and a back yoke with gathering to add volume. This is real suede made from leather sourced from a tannery certified under the Leather Working Group protocol.
Gant Relaxed Fit Suede Blazer, £1,000
For a traditional blazer style, this one from Gant is a classic style that will stand the test of time.
Rixo Lindsey Suede Coat, £585
Seventies-inspired multicoloured dream coat stitched from leather-suede patches in red, green, brown, and tan.
Sézane Terry Jacket, Camel Suede, £330
A workman jacket style but elevated with buttery soft suede in a rich camel colour. We love the gold botton details.
It’s time to embrace autumn for all its delightful wardrobe options. Netflix, be gone. Knee-high boots, it’s your time to shine.
