Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn well and truly in the air, we seized the opportunity to try on some of the best new-in pieces from some of your favourite brands, documenting the process along the way. We believe that the best way to shop online is to see an item IRL and to read candid reviews, so we hope that this leads you to your most successful purchases of the year.
Arket has long been the gold standard on the high street for wardrobe staples. Okay, actually not that long—it only launched in the UK five years ago. But honestly, I have no idea what I (or my fellow editors) did or where we shopped before that. Not only does Arket design the classics well, but also I find the quality really stands up, even against some of my more expensive designer buys. Hence I keep returning to the brand every season, especially when my basics feel like they need a bit of an elevated refresh. So when we started brainstorming who was going to try which brands for our Great Try-On autumn series, I jumped at the chance to head into my favourite store ahead of the new season.
Of all the great pieces I put to the test (and there were a lot), I have to say I was most impressed by the coats. Whether you’re looking to add a beautiful wool version, a more transitional shorter style or the brand’s famous puffer to your collection, Arket has all the classic bases covered. I even came home with the black wool number I tried bellow because, well, just look at it when you scroll down. As always, the tailoring was also impeccable, fitting true to size (I’m a pretty standard UK 10 in trousers and an 8 in jackets) and all with seriously expensive-looking details. From flattering pleats to the perfect amount of slouch, these are pieces that never feel boring. I tend to turn to Arket for great layers, too, and can highly recommend adding one (or a few) or its merino roll-necks to your winter wardrobe. I particularly loved the new striped crew-neck ribbed knit for tucking into all my wide-leg trousers.
It’s really no wonder Arket is one of Who What Wear readers’ favourite brands or that its pieces can so easily become cult wardrobe must-haves, going viral on Instagram with countless editors and influencers sporting them, because we all feel good getting behind the brand. Its transparent about sustainable practices next to each piece on site (all the puffers are made from recycled down, for example) and makes timeless designs that not only feel good to wear but also elevate our wardrobes beyond just one season (without the designer price tag).
Keep scrolling, and you’ll find six autumn outfits I built from the brand’s best-selling hero pieces that I will literally be living in this autumn/winter. And my honest review and tips for each if you’re looking to invest.
1. Knitted Vest + Shirt + Wide-Leg Trousers
My review: First up was this knitted vestm a trend that is still going strong for A/W 22 (it's basically a classic now, right?) and a piece I somewhat unbelievably still haven't invested in. I guess I've been holding out for a not-too-chunky-not-too-flimsy style, and this one is definitely *perfect.* It comes in a few colours, and I layered it up with Arket's classic white poplin shirt for an office-ready look.
Now on to the trousers, which are straight-up AMAZING for fit, quality and versatility. The drawstring waist is super comfy, but the hopsack material means they still feel nice and polished. They come in black, too, but I actually loved this classic tomato red paired with the cream knit. I feel like they add an easy but impressive pop of colour to an autumn wardrobe.
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2. Wool Coat + Striped Top + Tailored Trousers
My review: I told you this black wool coat was good. So good, in fact, that I couldn't let this one slip away, and it came home with me. I'm a coat obsessive, mainly because I think if you have a beautiful outerwear piece, you can get away with a really simple outfit underneath and still look like you put a lot of effort in. And this style was warm and soft and had a Max Mara–esque relaxed slouch that made it feel really expensive. Paired with these beige tailored trousers and a classic Breton long-sleeve T-shirt that I know I would wear with everything, it made for a great transitional outfit IMO.
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3. Puffer Coat + Cardigan + Jeans
My review: Of course, I had to try on Arket’s famous puffer coat while I was in-store. These things were like gold dust at the end of last season, so to see them restocked and available in plenty of sizes got me more excited than it probably should have. This is the mid-length style since I’m only 5’2”, and let me tell you it’s SO cosy and practical, and it’s made from sustainable recycled down. With the temperature dropping this week, it seems like a wise time to invest, especially if you missed out on one last year. Whether you opt for this one, the long version or the waist-length style, it's a coat you'll have in your winter arsenal forever.
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4. Trench Coat + Striped Knit + Jeans
My review: If you couldn't already tell, I'm a big fan of classic style, and it doesn't get much more classic than jeans, stripes and a trench coat. It's my failsafe outfit, especially during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, and of course, Arket has nailed all the parts. You may recognise this collared knit already since it's thinner-striped predecessor went completely viral online and IRL last year—you couldn't scroll Insta or walk the streets of London without seeing one, I swear. Unsurprisingly, it sold out then, and unfortunately, I've just checked, and this new version is currently sold out online this year too. But the brand restocks it often, and you can guarantee we'll report back to you the second it arrives. A special mention also for these jeans, which sit perfectly over boots and are actually comfortable thanks to the slight stretch. I'd advise sizing down in these, though, as they came up a little big (how refreshing!).
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5. Blazer + Roll-Neck + Miniskirt
My review: Arket’s hopsack blazer is THE perfect blazer, and I won't hear a word against it. Trust me when I say I've tried a lot in my time (some cheaper, some much more expensive), and this is hands down my favourite. I have it at home in black (which comes with me basically every time I go anywhere that requires me to look "nice") and this beige as well (which is ideal for work occasions). It also comes in some brighter hues, including the matching red to the trousers above and a really pretty cornflower blue, which is new for A/W 22. I know I'm not alone in my love for this blazer, since all our editors and countless influencers own it too. The quality is honestly amazing, and mine still feel brand-new after years of wear. I most often pair it with classic blue jeans and a white T-shirt, but I thought for this try-on I'd step outside my comfort zone and test it with a trending miniskirt. I'd probably switch the ankle boots for knee-highs, but otherwise, I loved this look—especially with this useful roll-neck layered underneath. For size reference, I'm wearing a 34 here, but I sized up in my black one for a Frankie Shop–style oversized fit.
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6. Cropped Wool Jacket + Striped Knit + Wide-Leg Trousers
My review: Since I've invested in so many wide-leg trousers recently, this autumn, I've been looking for a cropped jacket to wear with them so my petite frame doesn't look overwhelmed in a voluminous full-length coat. These super-soft double-faced wool versions were ideal, and I think you'll agree they look so expensive. Both were dreamy, but I think the grey was my favourite with its curved collar, and I can see myself wearing it with jeans and boots on repeat.
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