Autumn is officially here, and the darker days and chilly nights mean most of us have packed up our summer wardrobes. While many of us already own clothes which are perfect for autumn, you might be looking to purchase some more seasonal staples – and if you are, it’s good to know what styles are trending.
So, if you want to look fashion-forward this season, we’ve got you covered. From classic coats to trendy trousers, here are some of the chicest fashion styles for both men and women.
Women
Black coats
A warm, stylish coat forms the basis of not just your style in autumn, but winter too. When it gets really cold, you can simply layer up, and add thick scarves and cosy hats to keep the chill out. While browns, greys, and neutrals will always look stylish, this season, a black coat is one of the key trends.
A black coat is a classic wardrobe staple, and there are many ways to wear this look. You can go for a fitted style or an oversized cut, a floor-length coat or one with a much shorter hem, and statement designs like sharp shoulders or attached belts.
If you’re concerned a black coat might look too heavy or dark, there are many ways to break up the solid colour. Try wearing a statement scarf around your neck, or carry a bright handbag. Investing in a good quality fabric will mean you can wear your coat for years to come too.
To browse an extensive range of black coats, from elegant trenches to cosy parkas, head over to John Lewis.
White shirts
A crisp white shirt has been a key building block of the capsule wardrobe for decades. These timeless items can be really versatile, ranging from oversized, boyish styles to boxy shirts with sharp collars and fitted cuts with statement sleeves.
Tucking them in or leaving them untucked can totally change up the overall feel of your outfit too – or you can even knot them at the bottom for a more playful look.
Seventies-inspired collars were seen on the catwalk this year, as were shirts styled with skinny black ties – but the beauty of a white shirt is that there’s a style for every shape and occasion. To have a look at some of the best white shirts currently available, head over to ELLE.
Winter florals
Floral prints aren’t just for spring and summer. Florals with dark undertones look incredibly stylish in autumn and winter too – and moodier-hued prints took centre stage on the AW23 runways. Base colours of navy, black, charcoal grey or deep purple add a subtle gothic nod to this look without being overpowering.
If you don’t usually wear florals, you might want to choose more abstract prints – like pixelated blooms and watercolour styles. You can toughen up more delicate patterns with edgy accessories, like chunky belts or leather boots, or alternatively, choose a monochrome print.
To browse a selection of dark floral dresses that are perfect for autumn, head over to John Lewis.
Soft fabrics
When the weather turns cold, having some warm, cosy clothes to wrap up in is just what you need. Fabrics like shearing and boucle have long been popular materials for coats, but this season they’re making their way over to other items in our wardrobe, like sweatshirts and dresses.
If you like the idea of wearing cuddly fabrics but you’re not quite sure how to make it work for you, try starting with materials like velvet, which are easier to wear. A velvet dress or blazer feels lovely and soft and can also make your outfit look chic and stylish.
Alternatively, you can focus on outerwear: boucle jackets, teddy coats, and shearling jackets are all in this autumn. Dorothy Perkins has some lovely teddy coats at reasonable prices that are worth a look.
Smart styles
Loungewear became incredibly popular during the pandemic when people looked for comfortable and cosy outfits to wear at home. But this season, it’s all about looking smarter – and business styles like pencil skirts, suits, and tailoring are everywhere on the runways.
This doesn’t mean you need to wear inappropriately smart clothes for casual occasions, but there are many ways you can mix and match formal and informal pieces. Wearing a tailored blazer or structured jacket over a t-shirt and jeans is an instant way to style up your look.
Tailored, wide-legged trousers are also very stylish this season, and these look especially great with a crisp shirt or fine knit. For a smarter look, try tucking your top in to highlight your waist – or create a softer aesthetic by pairing tailored trousers with a cosy jumper or cardigan.
But, if you’re looking for a simple way to smarten up your style, why not browse the wide selection of blazers available at Next?
Metallics
Metallics might be the go-to look for party season, but you don’t have to wear a shiny dress to a special occasion to work this trend! There are many ways to dress down metallic fabrics and sparkly materials for daytime.
Metallic trousers have been popular throughout the year, and they’re still on trend for autumn and winter. Try dressing down metallic trousers with simple items like a white shirt, sweatshirt or jumper in a neutral colour. Similarly, pair a sparkly or metallic top with plain jeans or leggings.
If you’re not sure how to wear metallics – or feel the look might be a bit flamboyant for you – why not choose gold and silver colours? These are the most timeless shades, and also the most neutral. If sequins are too much, choose clothes that have a subtle sparkle, like lurex, satin or iridescent chiffon, as these can give you a more low-key look.
To get inspired, check out these metallic pieces from Next.
Men
Long coats
For men, if you want to overhaul your outfit this autumn but don’t want to buy multiple different items, the best thing you can purchase is a long coat. The power of a stylish overcoat is no secret, and this season is all about long coats – the longer, the better!
There are so many different styles of long coats out there that everyone can wear this look. From thick wool coats with padded shoulders that swoop along the floor to lighter, swisher coats that hang above the knee, this style is far more versatile – and wearable – than you might think.
In terms of colours, brown, beige, cream, and charcoal grey are all very in right now, but you can always choose a classic black coat if you prefer. Neutral colours in general can give a more sophisticated edge.
To browse some of the best men’s long coats, head over to John Lewis.
Beanies
We might not look forward to the dropping temperatures, darker days, and battles against blustery wind, but there’s something uniquely comforting about wrapping up. And, this autumn, you don’t just need a warm coat, you also need a hat – and a classic beanie is the way to go.
Hats are one of the easiest ways to complete an outfit, and because there are so many different styles of beanies, you can use them to play your style up or down. Wear a casual, colourful beanie to tone down smart tailoring, or wear a simple dark beanie to add some sophistication to an informal outfit.
This season there are all kinds of beanies to choose from: crafty and arty, ribbed and colourful, or the iconic trawlerman style. To check out some of the best beanies currently available, head over to GQ.
Leather jackets
The biker aesthetic is currently making waves in menswear, and this trend looks set to stay next year too. So, if you’ve always wanted a leather jacket – or you have one and want another – it’s definitely a good time to buy. This season, however, the focus is on sleek, expensive-looking leather jackets as opposed to the larger and more rugged Harley-Davidson-style jackets.
While the classic black leather jacket will always look stylish, a big trend this autumn is brown leather jackets – often ones with interesting embellishments and unique textures. There are also all kinds of styles of leather jackets: bomber, cafe racer, flight, utility…the list goes on. To find out which is for you, check out this guide by Ape to Gentleman.
Cardigans
Knitwear is a go-to trend for both autumn and winter – but what’s a little different about this season is the prominence of cardigans. If you’ve always relied on jumpers and sweatshirts to stay warm, why not branch out this autumn, and invest in a stylish yet cosy and comfortable cardigan?
Cardigans are far more versatile than you might think. They come in light, medium, and heavy fabrics, from thin and fitted merino wool to oversized chunky knits. Then there are the myriad of colours and patterns you can choose from; keep things traditional by choosing single or block shades, or spicing things up with bright colours and fun patterns.
Some cardigans have statement features like thick shawl collars, dropped shoulders, cable knits, or textured fabrics – and you can put your own spin on things by deliberately going for an oversized look. To check out some of the best cardigans currently available, head over to GQ.
Cargo trousers
If you’re someone who likes to spend the whole summer in shorts, you’re probably not relishing the idea of wearing jeans this autumn. But the good news is, you don’t have to. Cargo trousers are perfect for autumn, being warm enough to see you through the chilly days while still being breathable and flexible. Plus, the many pockets always come in handy!
The current menswear trend for wide-leg trousers means that cargo pants are just as cool as they are comfortable. Most come in a slightly baggy silhouette, but there are variations. And while khaki is still the most popular colour, you can choose from so many other tones; navy, grey, brown, stone, and beige always look stylish.
To browse through a wide range of cargo trousers, head over to John Lewis.
Final thoughts…
Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season but due to the changeable weather, it can be tricky to dress both appropriately and stylishly. However, investing in a few key pieces, particularly a warm coat or jacket, means you’ll always look chic when you head outdoors.
Moving towards darker, warmer colours is a great way to feel more seasonal, and choosing soft, cosy fabrics you can layer up, whether it’s a classic cardigan or a thick velvet sweater, means you can change up your look throughout the day.
For more fashion inspiration, check out the fashion and beauty section of our website. And for further tips on upgrading your look, you might like to read our articles; 8 tips for creating a timeless and sustainable capsule wardrobe and 10 tips for dressing with colour and confidence.
Are you a fan of any of these autumn trends? Or are there other trends this season you’re looking forward to wearing this season? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.