H&M Knows That These 6 Elegant Trends Will Define Autumn 2024

September has officially begun, and that can only mean one thing: autumn is almost here. As warm days become fewer and further between, airy cotton and linen pieces are packed away and cosy knitwear takes centre stage. The seasonal shift is subtle, but soon enough, we'll be waking up to crisp mornings and browned leaves, calling out for the seasonal standouts we last saw at the end of spring. To continue the ease with which we got dressed during the summer months, I'm here to make the wardrobe switch-up as smooth as possible, and we're starting with H&M.

Women wears brown top, leather skirt and white slingbacks.

(Image credit: H&M)

Known for consistently staying ahead of the trends, H&M has pre-empted the arrival of autumn with a new-in section full of fresh new-season styles. With a vast range of pieces from smart tailoring options to expensive-looking outerwear, a harmonious mix of reliable classics and revitalised staples fill the site, and I've taken the time to scour it all to find the very best bits that are worth your scrolling time. I've even separated these standout pieces into six categories, ready to integrate into your wardrobe as soon as the parcel arrives at the door.

Woman wears satin shirt and tailored trousers

(Image credit: H&M)

For autumn 2024, the high-street hero is leaning into the foundations of our wardrobes but with a notably polished edge. Sleek tailoring is set to feature in our work and off-duty looks, whilst fabrics and texture are highlighted in a classic approach to knitwear and fresh denim styles bring a fashion-forward edge. Summer was defined by the popularity of skirts, which is set to continue as we move into the latter half of the year. From leather to sharp pleats, H&M's skirt selection is primed to suit all aesthetics.

There's plenty more to explore, so keep scrolling to see the six autumn trends H&M is backing this year.

1. SMART KNITWEAR

Style Notes: Cooler days call for clever layers to keep the chill at bay, and H&M has ensured that staying warm and looking chic can happen simultaneously. Elevated colourways, button detailing and soft silhouettes add a put-together feel to cosy layers this season.

2. FRESH TAILORING

Style Notes: Whether heading to the office or on a coffee date at the weekend, tailoring is a cornerstone of our wardrobes. For autumn 2024, H&M is focusing on silhouette, shade and fit for its refined selection.

3. ELEVATED OUTERWEAR

Style Notes: Coats and jackets are returning as a focal point of our wardrobes, and the high-street hero offers a variety of elevated styles that are destined to go the distance. From now until spring, turn to classics in elevated hues for a final touch of polish when heading out the door.

4. UPDATED DENIM

Style Notes: Whilst summer is defined by light fabrics, autumn calls for a returned focus on more hardwearing materials, such as denim. Of course, I've included H&M's best-selling wide-leg jeans, but there are also revitalised shirts, skirts and more.

5. TIMELESS SKIRTS

Style Notes: Skirts featured heavily in our summer looks, and we're set to see plenty more through autumn, too. For the new season, look to cooler-weather fabrics like smooth leather, soft suede and slinky satin in demure midi and maxi lengths.

6. NEW-SEASON ACCESSORIES

Style Notes: With flip-flops and cover-ups packed away, our sights are set on autumnal accessories for the foreseeable. Keep scrolling for classic loafers, easy boots and a selection of premium-looking bags to pull it all together.

Florrie Alexander
Acting Affiliates Editor

Florrie embarked on her fashion journey while studying French and History at university. Whilst studying in Aix-en-Provence, she began to write her dissertation on the history of fashion and the influence of Haute Couture, and landed her first role at Harper’s Bazaar. Following this, she interned for various publications including Elle, Grazia and Marie Claire before joining the fashion team at Conde Nast Traveller. There, she contributed to international photoshoots, styled pages and covers, and produced engaging digital content.

During a freelance period, Florrie honed her skills in editorial work in various digital and print publications including Vogue Italy and Departures magazine, as well as styling e-commerce photoshoots and personal shopping. Florrie actively pursues an in-depth understanding of fashion and jewellery, and after styling a jewellery cover shoot at Conde Nast Traveller chose to complete the De Beers Diamond Foundation course. Florrie first joined Who What Wear UK as a freelancer before becoming the Commerce Writer, blending both editorial and commercial content. Now, as the Acting Affiliates Editor, she monitors current trends, new-in styles, wardrobe heroes and how best to style them. In her downtime, Florrie can be found in her hometown of London, usually with a coffee in hand.