I Love Summer but I Can't Wait to Recreate These 6 Easy Autumn Outfits

Until last year I never considered myself much of an autumnal dresser. My style has always leant towards windswept dresses that are apt for balmy temperatures. As I approach my mid-thirties, I’m embracing styles that caress, in rich tones that feel characteristically autumn. Considering the forecast we’ve been granted thus far, I’ve been thrust into the realm of autumn dressing prematurely. I have to admit, it’s inspired me, especially when revisiting some of my favourite A/W shows from February. Last week’s Copenhagen Fashion Week saw temperatures drop and attendees donning windswept umbrellas and clad in elongated lengths. Although it was a far cry from last year’s summery styles, it presented us with a smorgasbord of deep hues, textures and juxtaposed fabrications — signalling the start of transitional dressing.

There are many transitional pieces I’ve adopted as part of my uniform and both summer and autumn looks can be built with and around them. White full skirts, for example (which happens to be a trending piece this year). The bright wash and airy voile compliments fuzzy knitwear beautifully. The same goes for accessories. If you’re enjoying basket bags this season, consider investing in a leather patina you can wear with sundresses or trench coats and blazers.

The key to dressing for transitional seasons is layers that you can either pile up or shed. Take Sylvie’s look — the svelte and flesh-baring elements of a silken dress are appropriate for warm weather, but pop a trench coat over the top and it instantly transforms into an autumn-appropriate outfit. When it rains, swap open-toe shoes for heeled boots. Or, Marina’s look. A boxy leather jacket will serve you well in neither here nor there weather conditions and sunglasses lend the look an intentionality.

Scroll down to see and shop the easy autumn outfits I have in my back pocket for the transitional seasons and beyond.

1. Slip Dress + Trench Coat

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(Image credit: @sylvie_mus)

Style Notes: Make like Sylvie and play on lengths to make the most out of your summer wardrobe. You can wear this outfit well into autumn with closed-toe shoes and hosiery.

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2. Boxy Leather Jacket + Mid-Wash Jeans

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(Image credit: @marina_torres)

Style Notes: The smartened leather jacket isn't going anywhere for autumn. I plan on taking notes from Marisa and styling mine with straight-fit indigo denim and a crew neck t-shirt.

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3. Floral Blouse + Straight-Leg Jeans

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(Image credit: @taniceelizabeth)

Style Notes: Tanice makes a good case for transitioning the floral adornment into autumn. We may have moved onto feathers but I'm a floral girl at heart, so this style is for life. Look for sleeved styles to adapt to the weather.

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4. Cashmere Knit + White Jeans + Trench

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(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style Notes: Bright denim is a guaranteed way to warm up any look. Tie the look together with a transitional knit, loafers and a relaxed trench. I plan on taking my fashion cues from Brittany and adding a silk scarf.

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5. Lightweight Cardigan + Tailored Trousers

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(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style Notes: Embrace knitwear early and style light knits with free-flowing tailored trousers. It's modern suiting at its finest. Add a trench coat for added warmth.

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6. Full Skirt + Blazer

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(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

Style Notes: You don't have to retire your cotton skirts when the seasons change. Instead, pair voluminous skirts with layers and throw-on outerwear.

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Up Next: The Autumn 2023 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy This Year's Season-Defining Trends

Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.