To quote the viral clip from Gilmore Girls, I am an autumn. Sorry to all the warm weather lovers out there, but the transitional season is far and away my favourite. I actually love the unpredictability of the weather—the fact that you get a mix of grey days which call for cosiness, and those beautifully bright blue sky days that have just the right amount of crisp in the air. And one of my main reasons for loving this mix of temperatures is that fact it actually allows for a real mix of outfits. Is there any season where you get more wear out of most of your clothes? After all, this is the time where you're as likely to wear your knitwear as you are to wear a breezy linen shirt that you took on your summer holiday.
But while it can be fun to have the opportunity to come up with a mix of outfits week after week, I get that sometimes you just need things to be simple. Trust me, I'm as big a fan of an easy outfit formula as the next person. So I got to scrolling Instagram to try and find some outfit inspiration that fits two criteria: one, it makes me excited for the new season, and two, it's undeniably easy to throw together.
Turns out, most of the best and most impressive-looking outfits rely on a rotation of key staples that you likely already own—and if you don't, designer and high street favourites more than have you covered. From tailored trousers paired with slouchy knits, to mini dresses styled with turtlenecks and knee-high boots, the tricks tend to come down to layering, so that you look like a styling pro while also being prepared for whatever weather the day throws your way.
Keep scrolling to see and shop 13 of my favourite autumn outfits to get you as excited for the new season as me.
13 EASY AUTUMN OUTFIT IDEAS
1. Monochromatic Jumper + Tailored Trousers
Style Notes: If there's one colour at the top of my autumn wish list, it's brown. So it's no surprise that Marisa's outfit immediately caught my eye. This monochromatic look exudes sophistication, but also is so effortless that you could feel confident wearing it in so many scenarios.
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Is there anything more luxe than an silk shirt?
This deep brown is perfect for autumn.
I love the cut of these trousers.
The glossy finish of these loafers is so cool.
2. White Shirt + Wide-Leg Jeans + Trench Coat + Pointed-Toe Flats
Style Notes: If you're looking to bring Scandi style into your autumn wardrobe, this look is a great one to recreate. Jeans, a white shirt and a trench coat are all transitional season staples—but the patent pointed-toe flats give the whole ensemble a cool, contemporary twist.
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I always trust COS to deliver on classic, clean top staples.
Wide-leg jeans continue to be a top denim trend.
I've spotted so many Scandi tastemakers in these Ganni flats.
I love the contrast collar.
3. Red Top + Tailored Trousers + Heeled Mary Janes
Style Notes: If you want to inject a jolt of colour into your autumn wardrobe, make it red. Crimson or burgundy, tomato or cherry, this is the colour to know this season. And the best way to wear it? By contrasting it with black tailored staples.
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Your must-have basic t-shirt.
Perfect for layering.
Arguably one of the best pair of tailored trousers on the high street.
A velvet Mary Jane? Yes, please.
So sophisticated.
4. Bermuda Shorts + Oversized Jumper + Strappy Heel
Style Notes: If you embraced the Bermuda short trend this summer, good news—you can take them into autumn with Dawn's styling trick. Embrace the oversized silhouette by styling them with a baggy jumper, and give the look a polished finish by opting for minimalist black heels.
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A crewneck t-shirt is great for autumn layering.
This colour is so versatile.
So chic.
A close-toed strappy heel is perfect for cooler temperatures.
My ultimate sunglasses.
5. Mini Dress + Turtleneck + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Love a high hemline? Follow Liv's example and bring your favourite mini dress into the colder months by layering it over a fitted turtleneck and finishing off with knee-high boots.
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A pinafore dress is ideal for layering over tops.
It's giving Parisian vibes in the best way.
A cold weather must-have.
Small shoulder bags will continue to dominate autumn.
6. Barrel Jeans + Blazer + Heels
Style Notes: If I'm honest, my typical go-to for easy autumn outfits tends to be some variation of jeans + top. So Anouk's outfit is giving great outfit inspiration for how to take this combination up a notch—and it all starts with the very cool barrel-leg jean.
Shop the look:
COS t-shirts are the very best.
So many tastemakers are fans of this silhouette.
Pearl jewellery continues to be a top accessories trend.
I'm forever a fan of The Frankie Shop's tailored separates.
I love the Nineties vibes of these heels.
7. Striped Jumper + White Trousers + Birkenstocks
Style Notes: This is the perfect coastal grandma-inspired outfit for those sunny autumn days. Bring your summer white trousers into the transitional season by layering them with Bikenstocks and an oversized striped jumper. Gorgeous.
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Truly timeless.
The kind of white trouser you could wear to the office and take on holiday.
The braided detail is such a cool touch.
Cat eye sunglasses without the designer price tag.
8. Knit Skirt + Camel Jumper + Mules
Style Notes: This is the kind of sophisticated outfit I aspire to recreate, but when you break it down, it's actually surprisingly simple. Knitted skirts and camel jumpers are true wardrobe staples, but the tonal story here just makes the whole outfit look extra chic.
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Who can resist ultra soft cashmere knitwear?
Yes to this whole outfit.
A pointed-toe mule heel is so elegant.
A bag you'll love for years to come.
9. Mini Skirt + Jumper + Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: Make mini skirts cold weather appropriate by pairing them with oversized knitwear and a classic suede knee-high boot. The ideal outfit for in-between days.
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A fisherman jumper is such a classic.
I love this gingham pattern.
Definitely worth the investment.
A cream bag is so chic.
Wear all year long.
10. Silk Cami + Tailored Trousers + Leather Trench
Style Notes: This is the kind of outfit I picture wearing for an evening out, where you might be starting with dinner with friends but don't know where the night will take you. The silk camisole and leather trench coat give it an understatedly sexy edge, while the tailored trousers keep it just refined enough.
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How gorgeous is this colour?
I love the slouchy fit.
My leather trench is probably my favourite outerwear piece.
Pure Nineties minimalism.
So refined.
11. Pleated Skirt + Blazer + Western Boots
Style Notes: Another monochromatic look, but this time in all grey. Frann's outfit looks so considered, but is actually blissfully easy to pull together.
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A dream cold weather skirt.
A silk-blend t-shirt? I'm sold.
The oversized fit makes it ideal for layering.
A minimalist-Western crossover boot I can get behind.
12. Leggings + Turtleneck + Blazer + Flats
Style Notes: In the world of simple dressing, is there anything easier—and more comfortable—than leggings? Thankfully, over the past year our favourite influencers, like Chrissy, have proven that these figure-hugging pants can be styled to look seriously elevated, and this outfit is a brilliant example.
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You'd wear this all season long.
Toteme's high-fashion take on the workout basic.
A white blazer is so elegant.
Such a versatile flat.
The finishing touch.
13. Bright Shirt + Jumper + Black Jeans + Trainers
Style Notes: As I said, jeans and a top is my favourite go-to easy outfit, and Jess' outfit is another example of how to make this otherwise "basic" combination feel more considered. I love the contrast of the bright shirt with the studded belt, and black jeans are just always a good idea.
Shop the look:
Such a brilliant colour that is appropriate for all seasons.
For when the chill hits.
A great fit.
How cool is this belt?
My preferred Adidas trainer style.
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