It's True: These Are the 7 Anti-Trend Staples Londoners Rely On in Autumn
We Brits are well accustomed to cooler climes, so we don’t consider it bragging when we say we’re experts at dressing for autumn. If you’re anything like the entirety of the Who What Wear office, chances are you’ve already started to dig out your favourite jumpers and coats and will soon be considering dusting off those black opaques.
However, before you get ahead of yourself, we suggest making the most of this in-between period. We consulted with some of our favourite influencers to bring you an edit of the seven pieces every woman really needs to kick-start her autumn wardrobe. From the jacket style we keep spotting on the streets to the boots style that works for every outing, these are the London autumn fashion trends that are becoming hard to ignore. Keep scrolling to see and shop your new season wish list.
1. A Field Jacket
Style Notes: We Brit girls know the answer to "do I need a jacket?", as it's almost, most definitely, yes. So it's little wonder that many of us are reaching for the trending field jacket styles that are all over the shopping circuit right now. Styles from Cos and Arket have already sold out, however, there are so many other options still out there.
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The high street always pulls through with great offerings.
2. Round Neck Cardigan
Style Notes: Classic jumpers are just as prevalent this year as they always are, but alongside them for autumn are their classic cardigan counterparts. Round neck, button-down versions are the timeless styles to buy into, and they're already trickling into our Instagram feeds worn with mini skirts, jeans and leather trousers.
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3. Floor-Sweeping Coats
Style Notes: Coats have gone south for winter, so the longer the better for this trend. Keeping you snug as a bug from all angles, the floor-sweeping coats also play a huge part in making you look effortlessly polished no matter what your outfit is underneath.
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4. Leather Trousers
Style Notes: Leather trousers are a firm staple in any fashion girl's autumn wardrobe. Although spray-on styles dominated in the past, for 2024, they should be of the baggier variety to give a slouchy, effortless finish. No need to stick to black, either, brown and burgundy are very autumn.
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There are also so many brilliant faux leather styles out there––I love this burgundy Mango pair.
5. Suede Bags
Style Notes: Suede jackets and blazer are having a huge moment, so naturally, we love suede bags, too. Stick to an elevated luxe palette of brown, tan, beige, khaki or even navy if you want to splurge on the Khaite style I can't stop thinking about. My tip? Invest in a good suede spray to keep it looking its best for longer.
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6. Sleek Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: A classic pair of tall boots are not only loved by London people, they're of course loved by most stylist women around the globe. Sleek, stylish and so easy to wear with anything from a mini, midi or maxi skirt to over jeans, once you get a great pair they'll be the base to all your autumn/winter looks––always.
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7. Black Loafers
Style Notes: When Londoners aren't wearing boots (see above!) they're in flats. And their flat of choice is a loafer. Ideally the chunkier the better, and they're not afraid of a logo style either. Chiara's Prada pair are the perfect example.
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Harriet Davey is a freelance fashion editor who has been part of Who What Wear's extended team since 2017. She previously worked in print at Look magazine and has since worked across print, digital and social for many other titles, including British Vogue, Stylist, Grazia, Refinery29 and Marie Claire. Also a stylist, Harriet has had the pleasure of producing cover shoots and editorials along with commercial shoots for brands including Boux Avenue, Watches of Switzerland, Benefit Cosmetics and Revolution. To add to this, Harriet also works in live TV styling for ITV’s This Morning.
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