With new-season collections dropping faster than autumn leaves, countless options coupled with excitement can overwhelm even the most discerning stylists when pulling together an autumn capsule wardrobe. After all, pre-autumn collections are renowned for their perennial appeal and rarely last long enough on hangers to make it on sale.
Keeping this in mind, you want to act smart and act soon to secure investment pieces that will work hard, affording you the freedom to pull together outfits that seamlessly mix and match. A timeless palette of tan, fawn, black and grey simplifies the styling equation, but with the right cuts, colours and the addition of some texture, this modular method of dressing is anything but boring.
The dos and don'ts of building your autumn wardrobe
Do build from the basics up; look for premium Oeko-Tex certified cashmere knitwear. Its mid-weight means it can be worn alone or layered over as temperatures shift.
Do buy multiple knits; having sleeveless, polo and V-neck options brings variety to a succinct edit of trousers or skirts.
Don’t fight your favourites; if you gravitate to one style of knit, buy it in multiple colourways instead.
Do invest in practical outerwear; a well-fitted trench adds sophistication to any outfit while providing a practical layer against unpredictable weather.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate more masculine silhouettes; boxy outerwear offers structure without restriction, ideal for layering.
Don’t abandon colour; choose classics and experiment with hues that breathe life into your neutrals.
Do lean into muted colours like winter yellow and cerulean blue as substitutes for cream and grey. Take it from New Zealand label Laing which has introduced an edit of new neutrals including tan, fawn and deep chocolate, which can be worn as a modern alternative to monochromatic tailoring.
Don’t overcomplicate your base; stick to classic cuts like cigarette pants, wide-leg trousers and straight skirts for maximum comfort and versatility.
Do look for signs of quality construction; pleating, well-placed pockets and reinforced splits will ensure multiple wears.
Don’t buy pieces for the sake of it. If you seem to be hitting walls when styling an outfit, you could have too many cameo pieces and not enough main characters.
Do consider buying your core wardrobe pieces from one brand’s collection and adding to as the season evolves.
Shop our edit of autumn essentials
