Changing rooms still feel like a real novelty after months of online-only shopping, so to celebrate the arrival of autumn collections, our editors headed into stores to be able to give you our honest reviews. This month, we’ve been to the high street, tried new-in handbags and tested buzzy collaborations—and this time we’ve assembled eight autumn outfits from pieces we admired the most from the A/W 21 collections.
Our team has tried so many cult items, from Bottega boots to Christopher Kane’s statement tees, and have each tried different aesthetics for autumn. You’ll find something grunge, something '70s and something with a back-to-school spirit. So whatever styling camp you’re in this autumn, we think you’ll find an outfit idea or two to try. We visited the personal shopping suites at Browns Fashion and MATCHESFASHION.COM, and because we are not just about new-in pieces, we also went to the rental platform Hurr’s space in Selfridges. Renting doesn’t have to be just for wedding guest outfits—we love the idea of borrowing a fabulous coat for a week or two.
Keep scrolling to see the eight outfit ideas we really love for autumn, assembled from some of the strongest collections around.
EMMA SPEDDING, EDITOR
I'll be honest—I don't know what happened to me at Browns. This is a very un-me outfit, but I'm into it. I love balancing the splashes of Billie Eilish green with a classic trench coat, making it feel less out-there.
Shop the Look
This Prada nylon blazer is actually from the men's department, and I love the oversized boxy fit. These Burberry loafers are also a wow autumn item for me and would look great with jeans or with midi dresses.
Shop the Look
HANNAH ALMASSI, EDITOR IN CHIEF
"One of my favourite films for fashion inspiration is Eyes of Laura Mars. So whenever that '70s suiting look comes back into fashion, I'll always go full throttle for it. The outfit centres around the dagger-collared orange-and-brown cardigan from Rejina Pyo, which I have been obsessed with for months. It'll look good with jeans, but I'd much rather dress it up in a totally retro way."
Shop the Look
"Blame it on the back-to-school mood I find myself in, but I'm into this bookish 'dark academia' idea of pinafore dresses layered over prim shirts. It's simple but effective and very easy to re-create with what's already in your wardrobe. Although, I wouldn't say no to either of these things hopping into my closet…"
Shop the Look
REMI AFOLABI, VIDEO CONTENT CREATOR
"Kermit green is here to stay for me this autumn. I styled this stunning Bottega knit shirt with this bold blue Stella skirt for a striking take on the colour-block trend. I also paired this combo with the highly coveted Bottega boots for a kick of contrast to the feminine flare of the skirt. The light Totême leather jacket thrown on top is perfect for the days that don’t require too many layers."
Shop the Look
"I couldn’t help but obsess over Sacai’s unique take on the high-waist midi skirt. (As you can probably tell, I do love a midi.) From the utility-style pockets to the crisp pleated details, I’m all over this khaki nylon number. Again, I paired them with chunky boots for the ultimate utility-style combo."
Shop the Look
JOY MONTGOMERY, SHOPPING EDITOR
"Despite not usually being a big dress wearer, there's something about this season's prairie dress style that has piqued my interest. With its statement frills and dramatic sweeping skirt, it's a dream for those who enjoy a little retro styling. I'll be wearing this with my vintage loafers now then swapping in knee-high brown boots when winter arrives."
Shop the Look
"I love the texture that the homespun trend has brought to the autumn collections, a season usually dominated by minimalist silhouettes and neutral colourways. Quilting is one style that Sea NY has really got on board with and executed beautifully. This skirt is the perfect foil for my fave past-season Ganni logo tee and the high-low appeal is very Scandi. Just add chunky boots and a shearling coat for the colder months."
Shop the Look
Next up, see our guide to the key trends for autumn 2021.
-
Reformation's Sale Is Finally Here—8 Marked-Down Items I Tried On and LovedMore discounted finds are inside.
-
I Test-Drove Every Chic Minimalist's Holy Grail Brand and Lost It Over These 16 PiecesWorth flying to the brand's new Miami store.
-
I Just Popped Into Saks—These Summer Finds Are So Good It's Stressing Me OutI'm still thinking about them days later.
-
We Test-Drove 10 Eco-Friendly Brands—Now, We Can't Stop Talking About ThemIt's your turn next.
-
Reformation's Spring Pieces Are Low-Key Amazing—16 I Tried and Absolutely LovedTry-on haul.
-
We Tested Out the Cult-Favorite Designer Collab Fashion People Swear ByJW Anderson's latest Uniqlo collab is ready to shop.
-
I Tested Out Every Internet Fashion Brand so You Don't Have ToTry-on haul!
-
It's H&M Haul Time—I Tried 17 Pieces and Would Buy These 9 Right AwayI styled the best finds so you don't have to think about it.
