6 Classic Autumn Outfits I Reach For Every Year
I love autumn. As summer comes to a close, the mere mention of browning leaves and creamy hot cocoa is enough to send me rummaging through my wardrobe to rediscover all my cosy cold-weather clothes. Goodbye, cotton dresses and strappy sandals. While I’m always careful not to unnecessarily add to my ridiculous mountain of knitwear, I can’t help but take a peek at which fresh trends are emerging this time of year and how my favourite designers are interpreting them.
No doubt about it: This year’s trends are good. So good I’ve composed a fantasy wish list that would likely cost the value of a small house to fulfil. But as someone who describes their style as classic when asked, I’m forever on the hunt for investment pieces that I know I’ll get endless wear out of, and this remains my priority for autumn/winter 2022. Thank goodness for willpower.
When I shop, I shop with outfits in mind. And there are certain ensembles that I look forward to re-creating each time autumn rolls around. Cool, classic and comfortable—I'm pretty sure these outfit formulas are universally loved. But in case you're yet to discover them, scroll on for the six timeless looks I'll be wearing all season long.
Classic Autumn Outfit #1: Blazer + Jeans
Style Notes: This trend-defying pairing is a French-girl favourite, which obviously means it's a Who What Wear favourite, too. Style yours with a plain white tee and two-tone pumps just like Lorna did, or switch the dainty shoes out for a pair of trainers.
We've written a whole piece about this best-selling blazer.
Versatile and incredibly flattering—that's a winning combination in my books.
Classic Autumn Outfit #2: Printed Midi + Boots
Style Notes: I want to buy every dress Katherine Ormerod wears, and this sustainable number is no exception. I love the addition of white boots to give this classic look an unexpected update; something I'll definitely be trying this season.
Moody florals are always an autumn favourite.
I love a dress that you can wear all year round with just a few styling tweaks.
Classic Autumn Outfit #3: Trench Coat + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: All hail the queen of timeless dressing, Brittany Bathgate. The combination of an oversized trench coat and loosely tailored trousers is so chic, yet so comfortable. In other words, just the kind of outfit I aim for day to day.
The sharply defined pleat instantly elevates this relaxed silhouette.
Made from recycled polyester, this trench is cool in more ways than one.
Classic Autumn Outfit #4: Knee-High Boots + Mini
Style Notes: Knee-high boots were made to be worn with short hemlines. Whether you opt for a miniskirt or dress—or even a pair of leather shorts—you'll look straight out of the swinging ’60s. Take note from Aïda, and throw a boxy jacket over top to modernise the look.
Knitted dresses are going to be huge this autumn/winter.
Leather is another big trend this season—but history has taught us it'll never go out of style.
Classic Autumn Outfit #5: Chunky Knit + Long Skirt
Style Notes: Whether you're WFH or on the go, this outfit meets all the essential criteria—it's comfy, effortless and composed of items that can be worn a hundred different ways. Wear your hair in a low bun like Emma Rose did to let that turtleneck shine.
Last year's cult knitwear buy is back and bigger than ever.
Classic Autumn Outfit #6: Shearling Jacket + Trainers
Style Notes: Rachael Clifton has nailed the laid-back dress code with this look. Trust us—a shearling jacket and white sneakers are two pieces you'll never regret investing in.
Next up, these 30 elevated pieces are getting us excited for autumn.
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer. After receiving an Audrey Hepburn box set for her 10th birthday and subsequently swooning over the actor’s wardrobe, Bébhinn felt pretty confident she wanted a career that involved clothes. She started her first blog at age 14—the title was a pun, but we’ll leave it at that—and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor for Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and updated takes on classic designs.
While she still loves Audrey Hepburn films, these days, Bébhinn’s sartorial taste sits closer to Annie Hall’s and Alexa Chung’s. In her spare time, she’s likely cooing over cute dogs on rescue websites, playing folk songs on her guitar and browsing bookshops for new additions to her already-overpacked shelves.
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