People In London Will Live In These 8 Affordable Autumn Trends

Let's debunk an outdated fashion myth that spending a lot of cash on clothes will help you to look more fashionable. If there's one thing I've learned in the 12+ years I've worked in this industry, it's that having a healthy disposable income doesn't automatically come with great style. You can shop on a shoestring budget (or perhaps not shop at all) and still have more style in your little finger than someone who has the bandwidth to spend four figures a month on new pieces. This is why I always advocate for the high street, too. I've found some of my most-worn, -complimented and -borrowed clothes and accessories on the high street, which further proves my point—budget isn't everything. 

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(Image credit: @cocobeautea)

London's chicest dressers are embracing autumn in all its glory. 

So if you too shop lean or want to limit your spend but also want to look the fashionable part for autumn/winter 2023, I've rounded up eight affordable trends I'm already seeing my favourite London fashion people wearing for the season ahead. From the update to knitted dresses that makes them feel fresh to the texture everyone will be wearing into autumn, scroll down for your new-season, frugal fashion fix. 

1. Polo Knit Dresses

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(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

Style Notes: Knitted dresses are an autumn style mainstay. The detail that makes them feel 2023? A cute polo-collar neckline. 

2. Barrel-Leg Jeans

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(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

Style Notes: Jeans trends come and go, but it seems barrel-shaped legs, which I first clocked back in spring, are sticking around for the cooler months, too. 

3. Blue Striped Shirts

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(Image credit: @lois_la_mode)

Style Notes: The blue Oxford shirt's versatility knows no bounds—make like Lois and layer yours under a leather jacket and staple jeans for a chic day-to-day look. 

4. Lace Details

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Style Notes: If there's on texture that'll be everywhere for autumn, it's lace. Whether you go for something statement-making like Camille or just opt for a simple trim, you're about to see a lot of it. 

5. Second Skin Tops

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(Image credit: @chloepierreldn)

Style Notes: Second skin tops—tight, often mesh, long-sleeve, high-neck tops—keep cropping up on my feed. Look to bright hues and off-beat prints that'll make even your most basic jeans-and-boots outfit feel so cool.

6. Trench Coats

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(Image credit: @michellelin.lin)

Style Notes: No doubt the classic beige trench coat will appear as soon as autumn is in the air, but look out for loose-fit, soft styles. Fuss-free with minimal details, you'll throw it over any look just like Michelle. 

7. Denim Dungarees

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(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: This one piece knows no bounds. For summer it's worn with sandals and not much else, come autumn, it's all about adding savvy layers just like Lucy. She even has a spare layer thanks to the effortlessly cool waist-tie knit. 

8. Square-Toe Boots

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(Image credit: @basma_k)

Style Notes: It's boot season, baby! Cowboy styles are trending in a big way right now, but if you're after something a little subtler, London dressers can't get enough of one simple update: square toes. 

Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Trends That Really Count

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content 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, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV 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, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.