These 12 Trending Items Are Already Autumn’s Cult Buys

As fashion editors, we’re rather well acquainted with the trend cycle. We’ve witnessed hundreds of beautiful garments and many exquisitely crafted accessories rise in popularity, before ebbing out of style. There are, however, a few exceptional items that we’ve seen transcend this rhythm and reach true cult status. These special items have the rare ability to capture the fashion zeitgeist, riffing off a building trend and delivering a wardrobe-altering product.

These true cult classics offer a timeless look that always feels current. Khaite’s V-neck cashmere cardigan eclipses its peers, delivering a flattering, comfortable and wearable style that you’ll reach for for years to come, whilst The Row has struck gold with its leather ankle boots that balance grunge with wearability. From luxury leaders such as Acne Studios and Miu Miu to high-street heroes including ARKET and COS, we’ve identified the cult buys of next season to give you a head start on honing your autumn wardrobe.

Read on to discover the cult fashion buys of autumn 2023.

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1. Miu Miu's Coin-Logo Leather Loafers
(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Style Notes: Miu Miu's new leather loafers have been swiped up quickly by the fashion set. The classic, chunky style features a subtle gold coin insert with an embossed logo design. The humble loafer has peaked at cult status already this year, and we expect to see its popularity continue to grow through autumn and beyond.

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2. Toteme's Embroidered Scarf Jacket
(Image credit: @ANOUKYVE)

Style Notes: Toteme's embroidered scarf jacket is a fan favourite amongst the Who What Wear UK team. I'm secretly counting down the days until it's officially autumn and I can safely cocoon myself in a jacket this cosy once more.

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3. The Row's Zip-Front Leather Ankle Boots
(Image credit: Splash)

Style Notes: Every year I keep my eye out for the perfect pair of leather ankle boots, and every year I come back to this style. Chunky enough to ground a light, transitional outfit, this pair from from The Row serve as my go-to inspo from autumn and beyond.

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4. Acne Studios Distressed Leather Bomber Jacket
(Image credit: Getty)

Style Notes: I've spotted worn, leather bomber jackets on all of my favourite influencers, and I can't wait to scoop one up myself. Acne's slightly cropped version falls to hip height, which means it'll pair perfectly with high-waisted trousers.

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5. Loewe's Puzzle Bag
(Image credit: @_JESSICASKYE)

Style Notes: Loewe's ergonomic bag has been on our radar in a big way since it debuted in 2014. Now available in a broad range of colours and sizes, we're as charmed now as we were when we first laid eyes on it almost 10 years ago.

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6. Max Mara's Coat
(Image credit: @AIDA.BDJI)

Style Notes: Nothing signals the change in seasons like a Max Mara wool coat. Autumn 2023 will lean as heavily on Max Mara's classic camel coat, just as in seasons past.

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7. Arket's Oversized Wool-Blend Blazer
(Image credit: @_JESSICASKYE)

Style Notes: Arket's Oversized Wool Blend Blazer is every fashion insider's secret to elevating a casual look. Pairing as well with jeans and a white tee as it does an evening dress, this is the blazer we're banking on (again) this autumn.

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8. COS Wide-Leg Wool Trousers
(Image credit: @Y.A.T.R.I)

Style Notes: The perfect pair of trousers does exist. Coming in a range of colours, COS's wide-leg wool trousers are expertly pleated to drape loosely but elegantly on the leg.

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9. Khaite's Cashmere Blend Cardigan
(Image credit: @THEINDIAEDIT)

Style Notes: Ever since Katie Holmes wore this cardigan in 2019, we haven't been able to get it out of our minds. Khaite is a cut above on quality and design, and this is the absolute perfect cardigan to wrap up in on a cool autumn evening.

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10. COS's Cross Body Bag
(Image credit: @BRITTANYBATHGATE)

Style Notes: The Uniqlo crossbody bag's big, more sophisticated sister, this is composed of supple leather. Like all crossbody bags, it works just as well with a summer dress and sandals as it does a heavy winter coat.

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11. Toteme's Signature Stripe Turtleneck
(Image credit: @_JESSICASKYE)

Style Notes: First released in 2019, I'm as head over heels for this jumper now as I was then. The bold Breton stripes combined with the perfect roomy fit make this item a staple that I'll be calling upon for the foreseeable.

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12. Prada's Logo-Plaque Loafers
(Image credit: @CHANELMCKINSIE)

Style Notes: Before Miu Miu's coin-embossed loafers came on the scene, it was all about Prada's "stealth wealth" version. Composed of gleaming patent leather, these sleek shoes feature the covetable Prada logo front and centre, perched upon the refined design.

Next Up: Ganni's Knit Vests Are the Cult Autumn Item Every Fashion Person Wants to Buy

News Writer

Natalie Munro is Who What Wear UK’s news writer. Previously freelance commerce writer at British Vogue, Natalie’s experience spans journalistic and styling roles, which have seen her work on shoots for publications such as British Vogue, Vogue Ukraine, AnOther Magazine and Elle UK and write for publications including British Vogue and Conde Nast Traveller. With an interest in uncovering the latest fashion trends, Natalie takes a leading role in identifying news and trends for Who What Wear UK, with a particular focus on celebrity style and emerging fashion trends.