11 Anti-Trend Pieces That Will Work Hard In Any Autumn Wardrobe

While we love nothing more than unearthing new microtrends and patiently awaiting our favourite designers' fresh looks at the start of each season, we don't necessarily recommend building a wardrobe from trends that disappear as quickly as they arrived. Instead, your wardrobe should integrate timely pieces, such as of-the-moment colours and prints, with more everlasting staples that you'll love and wear for years to come. This balance is the key to ensuring your outfits always hit the mark.

So as we gleefully discuss the many impressive trends that will define the season ahead, we also need to consider the classic autumn fashion items you can wear with them. These pieces will practically guarantee that every ensemble you wear over the next six months will be stylish and timeless.

Our editors put their heads together to come up with the ultimate autumn capsule for you, and we've concluded which 11 items absolutely need to make the cut.

Chances are you'll find some of these pieces in your closet already, so you won't have to start your own capsule from scratch and can hit the ground running when autumn rolls around. Scroll on to see the 11 classic autumn fashion items our editors consider to be immortal.

1. TRENCH COAT

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style Notes: Trench coats are the perfect autumnal cover-up because they provide just the right amount of protection from the elements without making you feel too hot during the inconsistent autumn weather. Plus, they're just so chic.

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2. KNITTED DRESS

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(Image credit: @abimarvel)

Style Notes: Knitwear and autumn naturally go hand in hand. The most stylish way to wear knit, particularly at the start of the season, is in dress form. Wear yours with a pair of knee-high boots and a leather clutch bag for an elevated look. 

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3. STRAIGHT-LEG JEANS

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Style Notes: Wide-leg, loose-fit denim is still trending for autumn, but if you're looking for blues that'll never go out of style, we advise investing in a pair of straight-leg jeans in a classic, vintage colour. 

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4. CHECKED SHIRT

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(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Over the past few seasons, flannel shirts have been adopted by fashion people and are now the ultimate choice for autumn. While they work seamlessly with straight-leg jeans, we love the idea of styling them with a slip skirt.

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5. PRACTICAL KNEE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @oumaymaboumeshouli)

Style Notes: Chunky track-sole boots might be considered trendy, but any terrain boots are an important and practical autumn fashion item to invest in. 

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6. V-NECK CARDIGAN

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(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: Cardigans are an essential layering piece for the colder months, but while temperatures are still somewhat palatable, wear V-neck cardigans with nothing underneath for a cool shirt alternative. 

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7. LEATHER MIDI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @venswifestyle)

Style Notes: Autumn is the ideal time to start reintegrating heavy textures, such as faux and real leather, into your outfit rotation. Trousers are always a good idea, but so are midi skirts. 

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8. WOOL BLAZER

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(Image credit: @alexisforeman)

Style Notes: During the months when it's still too warm for a full-on winter coat, a woollen, heavy-duty blazer is a good solution. The fabric will keep you warm when there's a chill in the air, but the cropped length will keep your autumnal outfits from feeling too wintry. 

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9. CHUNKY LOAFERS

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style Notes: We're not fussy—your autumn outfits will benefit from any type of loafers. But if you want a more directional option, look for loafers with stacked platform soles. 

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10. TAILORED TROUSERS

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(Image credit: @hannahlewisstylist)

Style Notes: 2023 is undoubtedly the year of the trousers, and designers have chosen to bring wide-leg, tailored styles to their autumn collections. Don't be afraid to get experimental with your colour selection, as the sleek silhouette will ensure your choice looks elevated and classic. 

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11. ROLL-NECK TOP

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(Image credit: @basicstouch)

Style Notes: It pays to have a roll-neck top or two at your disposal. Wear them on their own now, then layer them under cardigans and knitted vests when the temperature starts to plummet. 

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This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated. 

Next Up: 8 Elevated Buys That Are Guaranteed to Make Your Autumn Outfits Look Polished

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.