It’s a delicious time of year to dress. Soft cashmere with your favourite jeans, suede jackets with chic tailoring. And endless choices when it comes to boots and coats.
As a fashion columnist and writer with years of experience in the industry, I just adore this time of year because of the boundless exciting style potential it offers.
My personal style mantra is buy less, but well, and always quality over quantity.
I tend to favour chic neutrals with an occasional pop of colour. A high-street mix with more high-end. Classics with a twist.
Autumn’s a delicious time of year to dress thanks to the tailoring – and suede, as I’m wearing here
I firmly believe every woman can look and feel fabulous at any age and with every body shape. It really is all about picking in a curated, clever way.
I know that all of the choice out there can feel overwhelming… and picking truly stylish, long-lasting, well-made clothes is difficult when you don’t have the time or knowledge it takes to sift the good from the bad.
This is the definitive autumn selection of the 21 items every woman’s wardrobe needs. I’ve pored over, carefully researched and selected every piece to really whittle out the best of the goodies… and showed how I’d style them too.
1. THE TIMELESS WINTER COAT
This deep brown one from a favourite Irish brand The Landskein is dreamy
If you wanted something shorter, this chic little Scandinavian label Almada that I discovered recently has some beautiful outerwear and knitwear offerings like this striking dark grey number in thick warm alpaca and virgin wool
Cos have been dropping hits all season and this double-breasted option also in the same delicious chocolatety shade is fierce and at an excellent price
Their pinstripe scarf coat, a strong trend this season, is high up on my wishlist too
If you wanted to spend a bit more, this oversized Chesterfield by cult brand Toteme is gorgeous
Winter is far too long and dark for a boring coat, don’t you think? It’s the one piece that we rely on and repeat all season long. So let’s get straight down to business with my favourites:
This deep brown one from a favourite Irish brand The Landskein is dreamy: a longline coat with drop shoulder and double button closure. Yummy. I love the bitter chocolate colour and it’s an investment that will last for years, as the lambswool tweed fabric is woven exclusively for the brand in Donegal and each special piece takes six months to make.
And this chic little Scandinavian label Almada that I discovered recently has some beautiful outerwear and knitwear offerings, like this striking dark grey number in thick warm alpaca and virgin wool.
High Street favourite Cos have been dropping hits all season and this double-breasted option also in the same delicious chocolatety shade is fierce and at an excellent price – and their pinstripe scarf coat, a strong trend this season, is high up on my wishlist too.
Then if you wanted to spend a bit more, this oversized Chesterfield by cult brand Toteme is gorgeous.
2. THE SOFTEST SUEDE JACKET
If I had a money tree outside of my window, I would buy this by Prada…
… and this from Khaite
This by Spanish stalwart Massimo Dutti is described as an oversized shirt, but it would work as a jacket too
When all stock has sold out on that (move quickly!) hit the men’s department. Look at this gorgeous one … too good for the guys!
Madewell, the US brand that Alexa Chung collaborated with recently, also has a goodie in the suede department
You’re not even in the autumn/winter game this year unless you have a suede jacket.
If I had a money tree outside of my window, I would buy both of these gorgeous pairs, by Prada and Khaite retrospectively.
But don’t despair – there are other covetable, more budget-friendly options available.
This by Spanish stalwart Massimo Dutti is described as an oversized shirt, but it would work as a jacket too.
Or when all stock has sold out on that (move quickly!) hit the men’s department. Look at this gorgeous one… too good for the guys!
3. THE CASHMERE ROLLNECK THAT’S THE ULTIMATE AUTUMN BASIC
This one from Cos in three different colour ways is wonderful and feels and looks more expensive
Last year, I discovered this great brand of knitwear with an equally unforgettable name: Soft Goat. Their girlfriend rollneck is perfection
Not any rollneck will do. It has to have a great shape. I’m obsessive about this.
I am 5’6’’, so I don’t like them too long as I feel swamped.
This one from Cos in three different colour ways – including red – is wonderful and feels and looks more expensive. It sits just a smidge below the waist and is slightly boxy in shape.
Last year, I discovered this great brand of knitwear with an equally unforgettable name: Soft Goat.
Their girlfriend rollneck is perfection and comes in lots of different shades – black is classic.
4. YES, YOU NEED (AND WANT!) A CARDI
The cardigan has had a major- and I mean major – style reinvention of late. This is a fine cashmere one from Jigsaw
I just love when a hit is restocked – this chunkier red one from Sézane kept selling out last year but it’s back!
This striped crewneck one from Cos is bang on the money
The cardigan has had a major- and I mean major – style reinvention of late. Sitting on the waist-band of tailored trousers or a high-waisted skirt, they can look very demure.
This is a fine cashmere one from Jigsaw.
I just love when a hit is restocked – this chunkier red one from Sézane kept selling out last year but it’s back!
And this striped crewneck one from Cos is bang on the money.
5. A SHARP BLAZER
I highly recommend this overlap blazer from Rohe’s new collection
This grey blazer from Massimo Dutti hits all the right chic notes and delivers that luxe feel
And if like me, you crave the style of American brand The Row, but your budget won’t stretch to their uber-expensive prices, one place to check out is Loulou studio. To go to for a gorgeous burgundy blazer and more – hell yes
One of my favourite new brands is Rohe. I want absolutely everything! Born in Amsterdam, they describe their brand as an infinite dialogue in quiet confidence. Love that!
I highly recommend this overlap blazer from their new collection which has that magical fit you could spent years searching for. I have also worn it with dressy shorts, heeled boots and sheer tights – an easy sexy event or evening outfit. Voilà!
This grey blazer from Massimo Dutti hits all the right chic notes and delivers that luxe feel. If you want that slightly oversized look go up a size or two.
And if like me, you crave the style of American brand The Row, but your budget won’t stretch to their uber-expensive prices, one place to check out is Loulou studio. It has many of the same minimal shapes without a price tag that makes you and your bank manager weep. Will the quality be the same? No. That’s why The Row is so expensive in the first place. But to go to for a gorgeous burgundy blazer and more – hell yes.
6. A GORGEOUS SUEDE BAG
This Prada bag is sold out everywhere but my sources tell me it’s being restocked in November
I also love this suede tote in mocha from Demellier…
… or this little cutie from Italian brand Savette that works day and night tucked under your arm
Something has switched over in my brain this season and all I’m hankering after is a dark brown suede bag. Prada have been leading the way. They have one that’s the holy grail – it’s sold out everywhere but my Prada sources tell me it’s being restocked in November.
I love this suede tote in mocha from Demellier or this little cutie from Italian brand Savette that works day and night tucked under your arm.
7. THE GREATEST ANKLE BOOTS
My ultimate favourites are these soft-as-butter ones from Khaite
I also love this heeled pair in this gorgeous fawn from Toteme
Finding ankle boots that look good, elevate your look and will survive soggy conditions isn’t easy.
I walk around a busy city rain or shine, so I don’t have time for boots that are not up to the task or are not nice to my feet. And I need them to get on well with my wardrobe.
My ultimate favourites are these soft-as-butter ones from Khaite, and I also love this heeled pair in this gorgeous fawn from Toteme.
Some side notes: fashion website Farfetch is a destination to remember for those pieces that are sold out everywhere else. I have struck lucky on there several times.
Rules I have when it comes to ankle boots: pointed toe, not round as it elongates the leg and I personally like a little heel. And it’s always worth asking your friendly cobbler to put rubber on the soles for extra mileage before wearing them
8. …AND OF COURSE A KNEE-HIGH BOOT
These Bronco from Proenza Schouler boots are awesome and I would love a pair under the Christmas tree
And I definitely want to try these from Toteme
I also love Jil Sander’s sock boots that seamlessly slide under pencil skirts
There’s something so elegant about riding boots come autumn and I love the way they look with leggings. These Bronco from Proenza Schouler boots are awesome and I would love a pair under the Christmas tree.
And I definitely want to try these from Toteme.
Last, I also love Jil Sander’s sock boots that seamlessly slide under pencil skirts. I bought a pair last year and wore them so much.
9. THE BEST JEANS
On the higher end of the scale I love Nili Lotan’s jeans. They are as soft as a cloud and have a great shape. This Megan from her denim collection is divine and keeps selling out
On the high-street these dark shade ones from Massimo Dutti are a good option
On the higher end of the scale I love Nili Lotan’s jeans. They are as soft as a cloud and have a great shape. This Megan from her denim collection is divine and keeps selling out.
I will never give up the hunt for the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s. I found a pair of 501s recently that I love in a vintage store in Paris called Open Dressing (63 Rue de Turenne). If you don’t find any hanging at the front, the owner has many more gems hidden in the back. So don’t be shy in asking.
Or Pepper Tree vintage in Notting Hill has a great selection for brilliant prices – £35! I always upsize mine to give that slouchy look.
On the high-street these dark shade ones from Massimo Dutti are a good option. If they are too long on you, just give them a DIY snip at home.
10. THE GOING-OUT DRESS
I adore this sculptured dress from Stockholm brand House of Dagmar
I also love their tube top that you could team with your own pencil or flared skirt
I adore this sculptured dress from Stockholm brand House of Dagmar.
I bought the white one for a summer event this year but now crave the red and black versions.
It really is a stunning, stand-out piece. I also love their tube top that you could team with your own pencil or flared skirt.
11. THE PERFECT BUTTON DOWN
I like my shirts to be crisp and structured. Filippa K online is my go to for white shirts. This one is a favourite of mine
I also love this Kimono blue number from Toteme , and this shade of cornflower is so fresh for autumn
Back on home ground, With Nothing Underneath and Alex Eagle have some chic new season offerings – this tencel shirt champions timeless sophistication
I like my shirts to be crisp and structured. Filippa K online is my go to for white shirts. This one is a favourite of mine. And looks great out over denims and a blazer.
I also love this Kimono blue number from Toteme, and this shade of cornflower is so fresh for autumn.
Back on home ground, With Nothing Underneath and Alex Eagle have some chic new season offerings – a modern take on classic tailoring, this tencel shirt champions timeless sophistication.
12. TAILORED TROUSERS THAT GO WITH EVERYTHING
On the high-street I love Cos and Massimo for tailored trousers. These black ones (from Cos) are so versatile
Another go to is Filippa K and the wide leg pinstripes are pretty divine
With Nothing Underneath, usually known for shirts, have also recently added tailored Troy to their repertoire
On the high-street I love Cos and Massimo for tailored trousers. These black ones are so versatile.
Another go to is Filippa K and the wide leg pinstripes are pretty divine. With Nothing Underneath, usually known for shirts, have also recently added tailored trousers to their repertoire.
13. THE BELT THAT ELEVATES
Here are my three best bangers for your waist in black leather…
… , with a double buckle…
… and in suede
A belt is such an easy way to make an outfit and cinching your blazers will make you look like you know what you’re really doing in the wardrobe department.
Here are my three best bangers for your waist in black leather, with a double buckle, and in suede.
14. THE SHEER SOMETHING
I love this embellished tulip skirt from Rohe
Several fashion insiders have been buying this alternative one from M&S (can you believe it!)
This lace stitch ribbed cardigan from Cos has lots of swagger
Insert a fire emoji after this trend! Done right, the transparency trend can be oh-so-sexy on any age…
Sixty-one-year-old French actress Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu is my transparent muse.
I’m particularly fond of contrasting a sheer skirt like this with a knit – and love this embellished tulip skirt from Rohe.
Several fashion insiders have been buying this alternative one from M&S (can you believe it!)
And worn with a bra top underneath, this lace stitch ribbed cardigan from Cos has lots of swagger.
15. BUZZY JEWELLERY BRANDS
Every time I travel I bring some home and over the past couple of years I have become obsessed with Studio Dove, namely the small alphabet necklace in beautiful gold
More Than This: I discovered this shop that stocks different designs from all over the world on my last holiday in Greece
Alighieri always has stunning pieces and is available online at Harvey Nicols and Net-A-Porter. This statement silver ring is so pretty
Mother and daughter brand The YSSO with their Grecian-inspired pieces are creating a lot of buzz
I’m always on the hunt for little pieces of jewellery to add to my collection.
Unique designs that stamp individuality on everything I wear. Every time I travel I bring some home and over the past couple of years I have become obsessed with these:
Studio Dove, namely the small alphabet necklace in beautiful gold.
More Than This: I discovered this shop that stocks different designs from all over the world on my last holiday in Greece.
Alighieri always has stunning pieces and is available online at Harvey Nicols and Net-A-Porter. This statement silver ring is so pretty.
And this mother and daughter brand The YSSO with their Grecian-inspired pieces are creating a lot of buzz.
16. THE COUNTRY JACKET THAT’S SO IN VOGUE
I love this country jacket in bark from Toteme
This men’s classic barn one in field khaki from Orvis is a clever purchase – just size down
Who would have thought last year that we’d be hankering after a field jacket?
But I’m on board and love this country jacket in bark from Toteme.
Or this men’s classic barn one in field khaki from Orvis is a clever purchase – just size down.
17. THE BLACK LEGGINGS
These are goodies that don’t bag by Toteme
I bought a pair of these capri leggings from Massimo recently and they feel great on
These stirrup ones from Leset worn with heels will deliver season after season
Back again, and I’m a little obsessed with black leggings. Style them properly and they can be oh-so chic. And can really add to your basics game.
So listen carefully. Wear with something oversized on top to balance proportions. The best combination is an oversized blazer, with a black turtleneck and riding-style knee-high boots. Boots must have a wide top not fitted. Swap boots for heels for dinner.
These are goodies that don’t bag by Toteme.
I bought a pair of these capri leggings from Massimo recently and they feel great on.
Or these stirrup ones from Leset worn with heels will deliver season after season.
18. THE FASHION INSIDERS’ PHONE CASE (SHHH!)
My silver one which, whisper it, costs £7.19 on Amazon looks like a sculpture. Really light, feels delightful to hold and looks interesting and expensive
I have never had so many compliments about a phone case. Any time I whip it out (which is a lot) someone comments.
My silver one which, whisper it, costs £7.19 on Amazon looks like a sculpture. Really light, feels delightful to hold and looks interesting and expensive. You’re welcome!
19. THE EVENING ARM CANDY
Toteme’s t-lock clutch caused quite the stir this year. And they have now expanded their colour ways. This new suede espresso shade is scrumptious.
This squishy timeless burgundy Calypso number from Saint Laurent is oh-so fine…
… and here’s how I’d style it
This one from the High Street is a blatant imitation of Bottega Veneta’s sardine bag…
… and here’s how I’d style it
And Cos always deliver the arm candy. This one will be sold out soon
Come evening cometh the clutch. Nothing quite cuts it like that feeling of a great bag tucked under your arm .
It’s like the cherry on top of a great outfit. Toteme’s t-lock clutch caused quite the stir this year.
And they have now expanded their colour ways. This new suede espresso shade is scrumptious.
Also there’s this squishy timeless burgundy Calypso number from Saint Laurent which is oh-so fine. This berry shade is so hot right now – darling.
This one from the High Street is a blatant imitation of Bottega Veneta’s sardine bag.
And Cos always deliver the arm candy. This one will be sold out soon.
20. THE MAXI SKIRT
This Arlo maxi leather from Cefinn does the business and is a good price point for real leather
I love a maxi skirt particularly in leather this time of year for dinner and drinks out.
Pair with heels and a blazer and you’re all set.
Let me let you in on a secret – this Arlo maxi leather from Cefinn does the business and is a good price point for real leather.
Size up one as their designs come up small.
21. AND WHAT PAIR OF TIGHTS IS EVERYONE WEARING THIS SEASON?
20 denier black sheer from Falke – anything else just doesn’t cut it.