I might be in the minority when I say this but, after what felt like an uncharacteristically long, hot summer in the UK, I'm ready to embrace the crisp, cosiness of autumn with open arms. Although there is an ease that comes with summer dressing (strappy dresses, sandals and swimwear always makes a winning combo), autumn feels like an opportunity to experiment. There are new textures, trends and, of course, a whole new colour palette to explore, and the consensus among my fellow fashion editors is that it's also the perfect time to wear our favourite wardrobe staple: tailoring.
We used to hear "tailoring" and immediately think of office-ready pinstripes, but it has steadily worked its way from its formal remit into our everyday wardrobes. In fact, I'm convinced that if I dedicated the time to sorting through my wardrobe, tailoring might make up at least 70% of the contents. Not only does a well-cut piece make an outfit look instantly more polished, but the right fit can make all the difference in creating a strong silhouette (and I still comfortably rely on the leg-lengthening trick I copied from Kate Moss: a pair of kick-flare trousers and platform heels).
After all, where would we be without the versatile blazer and the flattering wide-leg trouser? Both of which we've been wearing on repeat in the Who What Wear offices for the last year at least. And as I scroll through the new-in sections of some of our favourite brands, it's clear that no matter the season, tailored pieces have become a staple that we can rely on (sorry, billowy boho dresses). It would seem that influencers agree, and a cursory glance through my feed has highlighted the myriad ways that simple tailoring can be styled. Whether you're pairing with denim, wearing to the office or dressing up for dinner, there is a style and a shape to suit everyone, for any occasion. So keep scrolling for my favourite looks that perfectly demonstrate why autumn tailoring should be a part of any well-curated capsule. Your wardrobe will thank you.
1. HEAD-TO-TONAL
Style Notes: Was it just me, or did the three-piece suit truly make its presence felt this year? If 12 months ago you had suggested that I trade in my loungewear for sharp suiting, I would have recoiled at the thought, but now as we're relishing getting dressed up to go out, an easy outfit that always looks expensive is tonal layering.
Style Notes: Whether neutrals or brights, head-to-toe colour always makes an impact. And while it might look like you spent hours pulling together this look, it's that much quicker to assemble the right pieces in the morning when they're all the same shade. I've always come back to black as a reliable go-to, but Erika Boldrin's chic choice of greige is making me reconsider.
The Frankie Shop's blazers have a cult following for good reason.
Layer up the blazer with the matching Gelso waistcoat or even a similarly toned shirt.
Getting the balance between fit and length right is a fine art that The Frankie shop has perfected.
2. THE SKIRT SUIT
Style Notes: From the runway to the high street, it's been a very good year for the micro miniskirt. While we enjoyed bare-legged season throughout summer, it's not the first thing you think of for autumn, that is until you add the season's most stylish shoes: knee-high boots.
Style Notes: Skirt suits feel more playful than their modest big sister, the trouser suit, so amp up the fun with retro-looking co-ords in attention-grabbing colours.
Believe me when I say, you can trust high-street tailoring. The affordable price tag is just an added bonus.
Channel the designer look straight from the runway with this check mini and an oversized shirt.
If you invest in any boot this season, make it a long-wearing, slouchy pair of leather knee-boots that will last you for years to come.
3. WAISTCOATS AND WIDE-LEG TROUSERS
Style Notes: Our love affair with the waistcoat started over the summer and shows no signs of slowing down. Unlike tonal tailoring, here you also have the freedom to mix and match your separates like Lindsey Holland did, and create a bold but refined contrast.
Style Notes: Is there a more well-rounded trouser style than wide-leg? The relaxed silhouette and tailored finish make it one of our wardrobe heroes, and no matter your shape, a nipped waist and flared leg are universally flattering. Just add relaxed flats and a shopping tote for an easy weekend outfit at home or away.
Look for waistcoats like this with a high enough neckline to wear alone as a top.
Joseph knows good tailoring, but for an introduction, start with the Alana trousers, handcrafted in a heavyweight woven wool.
Mango got the styling right when pairing this structured waistcoat with a pair of looser, fluid trousers.
4. THE OVERSIZED BLAZER
Style Notes: It's official: Boxy, oversized tailoring is big business this season, and the menswear-inspired look that we saw all over our feeds is working its way onto the high street too. When pairing with a mini, make the most of the next few months of hosiery with a pair of interesting tights.
Style Notes: Looking for even more ways to wear a blazer? We've got you covered. From the perfect denim pairing to the colours to buy now, we're blazer connoisseurs, and this white-chinos-and-loafers combination is a new one to add to the list.
I audibly gasped when I came across this blazer. It is perfect for autumn, especially layered under a trench coat.
It's not all dark colours for the next few months ahead, and cream is an all-year-round success that will go with anything.
Ah, the Hopsack blazer we've come to know and love, but now it's available in a new colourway.
5. THE SLEEVELESS JACKET
Style Notes: Think all of the best bits of the oversized blazer but with the sleeves cut off. And trust me, when the weather is so interchangeable, that is a good thing. Not only is the sleeveless jacket practical, but it also feels entirely modern. Just when we think we've seen every tailoring trend, this is a reminder that suiting that can still be fresh and new.
Warehouse doesn't just do exceptionally good dresses. There's affordably priced luxury-looking tailoring too.
A round of applause for AllSaints. Not only is this the perfect fit for a co-ord, but it's an incredibly chic colour choice too.
And speaking of colour, inject a little vibrancy into a grey autumnal day with this warm shade of green.
6. THE WOOL COAT
Style Notes: I don't remember what we wore before longline wool coats. Every wardrobe has one (or needs one), as it's the type of timeless piece that never goes out of style. And while they may have been overlooked amongst the sparkle and high glamour of the noughties, this simple coat has circled back around with a looser, '90s fit.
Style Notes: If you were wondering what to wear throughout autumn, you just found it. A crew-neck knit, cream denim and trainers are so simple yet so effective. Just add a thick wool coat to finish and extra points if it reaches maxi length.
From the oversized collar lapels to the dropped shoulders, this coat is the epitome of cool.
If your first thought when someone says "classic coat" is a narrow-fitting camel coat, you have exceptional taste. This is one I know you'll love.
It would be wrong to discuss autumn must-haves and not include Totême. If the best-selling scarf coat is any indication, every coat it puts out is a surefire success.
Next Up, I Just Tried On Arket's Best Blazers, Shirts and Trousers
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