You know that viral TikTok “I am an autumn” sound? That's me. Autumn outfit ideas are where I thrive, so if you're looking for inspiration you're in the right hands.
This is the time of year stylists, editors and influencers live for, and if you love fashion you'll know why. Autumn presents the opportunity to wear more clothes – thanks to layers, thicker fabrics and textures.
Sure, adding a T-shirt beneath your summer dresses and slipping on a pair of cowboy boots instead of sandals can make for a great autumnal outfit, and getting the maximum amount of wear from your garments outside of their intended season is a very sustainable way to dress. However, those combinations will only take you so far… and that's where autumn/winter fashion trends come in.
As well as individual pieces that can help level up your looks (knitwear, coats and jackets; we're looking at you) there are ideas for how to style your existing wardrobe and what to add to it for 2024.
Keep scrolling to see the autumn outfit ideas that will elevate your new season wardrobe
1. Top-to-tonal dressing
There's a colour trend for every season, and, while summer set sights on butter yellow, autumn is making a beeline for Merlot red (or Bordeaux red, as it has also been coined). Yep, burgundy has been spotted on the runways of several designers – from Hermès to Duran Lantink – and in top-to-toe tonal looks, too. Though it may be daunting, think of an all wine red look in the same way as you would dressing in all black. Effortless, chic, but very in-the-know. If you're still unsure, start with a burgundy bag and build up the courage from there.
2. Levelled-up outerwear
Trench coats, quilted jackets, waterproofs…you name it, you'll need one for autumn. This year's silhouettes have had a makeover, though, with levelled-up features such as reversible designs and mob wife-approved bold prints seemingly taking over the high-street. I've seen Aligne's Barnaby wax trench on the wishlist of at least 10 influencers now, so I'll be racing you to the checkout for that one.
3. Satin trousers
If you've not seen the swathes of satin trousers walking the city streets by now, you must be living under a rock. They're everywhere. While the slinkier fabric does give off more spring/summer vibes, it can also work just as well for autumn. Try something along the lines of the look below, with a chunky cardigan draped over your shoulders for good measure.
4. Corduroy
Corduroy trousers made their comeback last autumn, and they've not gone anywhere for 2024. In fact, it seems people are embracing the texture wholeheartedly (see below for a corduroy waistcoat and jeans co-ord). Move aside, denim.
5. Tweeds and checks
Thanks to Burberry, Helmut Lang, Loewe and Chloé, everyone is going mad for plaid this autumn. Tartan and check prints are always a hit, but there's much to be said for an Argyle or tweed moment too. Don't be afraid of mixing your patterns, either. As long as you balance it out with something relatively simple – like a silk shirt – you'll hit the mark.
6. Leather
Leather was never not going to be in this list. It's always in this list. It's the one fabric (whether real or vegan) that continuously makes a comeback every autumn, be it through a leather jacket, bag, or winter boots, but this year, why not try an entirely leather look? AllSaints are forever advocates for that biker-inspired style, and done in the right way it'll take your comfort blanket all-black ensembles to the next level.
7. '80s tailoring
Nipped in waistcoats and blazers with big shoulders are everywhere, and if that doesn't scream ‘80s tailoring then I don’t know what will. If you're struggling with what to wear to work this autumn, look to hourglass jackets and longline suit skirts. Pair it with a kitten heel and some on-trend oversized stud earrings and voila – very Vivian from Pretty Woman.
8. Borrowed-from-the-boys knitwear
If you have a man in your life whom you like to borrow items of clothing from, this outfit idea is for you. Oversized knitwear in luxurious fabrics like cashmere, wool and mohair is always a good investment, and they can be the base or main feature of any outfit. On warm days that call for your favourite white t-shirt and best jeans, tie one round your neck; and on chillier days where you need a few layers but a coat is still out of the question, wear one over a crisp shirt.
9. Earth tones
Khaki, chocolate brown, charcoal and tan… earth tones are an easy way to make up an autumnal outfit without even trying. You could go for all of one colour, like the aforementioned trending Merlot hue, or you could combine them all for a look worthy of a character in Gilmore Girls. See Miu Miu, Rokh, Ralph Lauren and Schiaparelli's Fall 2024 runways for more inspo.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
