10 Major Autumn Fashion Trends That Are Totally Worth Investing In

The time has officially come to start looking to the season ahead, and when it comes to what we'll be wearing for the next five months, there's a reassuring number of wearable trends and wardrobe staples to consider for the colder months to come (and yes, that could signify the retirement of the micro mini and platform shoes)

There has always been an air of sadness around the end of summer, and putting away your shorts and sandals for another year can be a reminder that the days are about to get darker and drearier, but my answer to that is think optimistically of all of the opportunities for dressing up ahead. This is cosiest period in the calendar, and it's positively brimming with colour and texture. When else could you wear bright-red faux fur? Or glossy head-to-toe leather? It also signifies the countdown to Christmas and the sparkly party season ahead, and if nothing else, a pumpkin spice latte just doesn't feel right in 30-degree heat. 

So while this year's runway collections were a celebration of all things "extra AF" (think supersized tailoring, floor-skimming dresses and plenty of head-turning colour), when it comes to the items you'll buy now and wear forever, there were a handful of particularly strong pieces that stood out as hot-ticket items, and we've pulled them together in a handy little edit for your perusal. Keep scrolling to see the 10 major autumn trends that deserve a place in your wardrobe now and for years to come. 

1. THE LEATHER TRENCH COAT 

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(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

The classic coat reigns supreme for another year, but this glossy, leather iteration is the trench 2.0. Waterproof, windproof, all-weather proof, this sturdy coat is your protection against the elements and happens to look particularly slick while doing it. 

2. COLOURFUL KNITS 

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(Image credit: @kateemao)

There's only one way to combat the seasonal blues, and that's to dress yourself happy. Summer might be over, but there's no reason you can't still bring the sunshine mood with cheerful knits in bold, bright colours in soft, fluffy fabrics. 

3. THE MAXI SKIRT 

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(Image credit: @lindatol_ )

The micro miniskirt might have taken over spring, but cooler weather calls for something a little more substantial. The maxi skirt is back, and this time it isn't a floaty, summer skirt. It's formfitting or flared and best paired with structured tailoring or a slouchy knit. 

4. THE BRETON KNIT 

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(Image credit: @styleidealist)

It is almost impossible to have missed the Breton boom of the last month. As soon as swimwear was packed away, the fashion set reached for their stripey jumpers, and a Breton knit + skinny jeans + ballet pumps has become the transitional uniform of discerning dresser. Thankfully for us, this is a classic knit that comes back around every year, so you know the jumper you buy now will stick around for many more seasons to come. 

5. KNEE-HIGH BOOTS 

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

From the runways to the street style set, the knee-high boot is kicking the ankle boot into touch. When once we would have rushed to find a black, suede ankle boot that would work with jeans, the knee-high boot does it all—miniskirts, midi dresses, you can even tuck in jeans—and so fashion has spoken. When it comes to boots this season, the taller the better. 

6. CORDUROY

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(Image credit: @meganadelaide)

Corduroy has unfairly gotten a bad rep. Sure, it's practical and sturdy and almost never considered provocative per se, but it has an undeniably cool vintage allure that lends itself well to autumn's laid-back aesthetic. This season, corduroy adds texture to skirts, trousers and even dresses and is no longer reserved for geography teachers. 

7. THE LRD (LONG RED DRESS) 

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(Image credit: @millakuoksa)

The little black dress has been a longstanding institution for an age, and while black is known for its versatility, isn't it a little bit boring? Fiery red set the runways ablaze this season, and after Aperol orange and Barbie pink were all we wanted to wear this summer, it's time to welcome a new shade to our colour palette, and the easiest way to wear it is a head-turning midi dress. 

8. LEOPARD PRINT 

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(Image credit: @laurenpops)

This autumn is all about taking a walk on the wild side, and while we've been enjoying a flirtation with zebra, if you're looking for a print that will still look as strong next year as it does now, leopard print is the only option for longevity. From Diane von Furstenberg at Studio 54 to the Saint Laurent runway, the spotted print has proven itself to be the print of choice for the daring dresser and covers everything from slip dresses to shoes this season. 

9. THE DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER 

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(Image credit: @astyleedit)

There simply isn't a way to improve on the blazer. It's the perfect mix of tailoring and versatility. We're always on the hunt for new styles and new ways to wear them, but sometimes reverting to a classic is just as good as looking for the next big thing. You might already have a double-breasted jacket in your wardrobe, but if not, now is the time to try the single-breasted blazer's dressier big sister. Wear oversized, open, and with plenty of attitude. 

10. THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BAG 

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(Image credit: @hodanyousuf )

Back to school always meant a new bag for the year ahead, and autumn has plenty of totes, satchels and top-handle bags bursting with preppy energy. Big enough for all of your essentials and stylish enough for the office, weekend, and beyond, this is the trend to replace teeny, tiny bags for the foreseeable. 

Next Up: 10 Major Shoe Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn

Fashion Editor

Remy Farrell is a London-based shopping editor with nearly 10 years of editorial experience covering fashion, beauty and lifestyle. After graduating with a journalism degree and working on the editorial and fashion teams for titles such as Grazia, Elle, Cosmopolitan and British Vogue, she moved into the luxury e-commerce sector, working as fashion assistant at TheOutnet.com styling for the social media channels and helping to develop the collections for the in-house brand Iris & Ink. After expanding an assisting and styling portfolio that includes shooting talent such as Gigi Hadid, Victoria Beckham and Miquita Oliver, she also branched out into beauty, creating tried-and-tested reviews and diverse beauty content.

In her role as shopping editor at Who What Wear, Remy is interested in discovering new and exciting brands to share with the Who What Wear readership and particularly loves uncovering hidden gems at affordable prices to make shopping accessible to everyone.

Born and raised in Sheffield, Yorkshire, Remy moved to London in 2014 and lives in the Docklands with her partner and pug Billie.