Let's debunk an outdated fashion myth that spending a lot of cash on clothes will help you to look more fashionable.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.
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 2024, I've rounded up nine 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.
9 Affordable Trends London Girls Are Wearing This Autumn:
1. Polo Knit Dresses
Style Notes: Knitted dresses are an autumn style mainstay. The detail that makes them feel 2024? A cute polo-collar neckline.
Shop Polo Knit Dresses:
No doubt you'll want to wear this with other cream accessories.
Switch from sandals to chunky boots to work across all seasons.
2. Barrel-Leg Jeans
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.
Shop Barrel-Leg Jeans:
These jeans will work across all seasons for years.
It makes a welcome change from blue.
3. Blue Striped Shirts
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.
Shop Blue Striped Shirts:
No need to size up with this one.
Love this cobalt update.
4. Lace Details
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.
Shop Lace Details:
You could wear with jeans or add this underneath a strappy slip dress.
Or wear with a lace maxi.
5. Second Skin Tops
Style Notes: Second skin tops—tight, sometimes mesh, long-sleeve, high-neck tops—keep cropping up on my feed. Look to classic hues or prints that'll make even your most basic jeans-and-boots outfit feel so chic.
Shop Second Skin Tops:
Off-white always looks so premium.
Tala is killing it at the moment.
6. Trench Coats
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.
Shop Trench Coats:
The double layer collar is the only detail you need.
M&S is so good this autumn.
7. Denim Dungarees
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.
Shop Denim Dungarees:
There's something so elegant about ecru denim.
I love how this is styled.
8. Square-Toe Boots
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.
Shop Square-Toe Boots:
These are a fail-safe option for any day of the week.
I'd style this suede brown with a burgundy knit dress.
9. Khaki Clothing
Style Notes: Colour trends come and go but there are some, like khaki, that work all year round. However, this autumn, fashion people are going all-out, from classic trousers in the chic hue to denim jackets, knitwear and trench coats. The great thing about khaki is that, like denim, can be worn other colour.
Shop Khaki:
This is at the top of my autumn wishlist.
Khaki will go with all of the neutrals in your wardrobe.
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