I'm Ready to Update My Autumn Aesthetic—These 7 Trends Won't Make the Cut

It seems too soon to be talking about autumn when we're still enjoying the last of the summer sun, but if we know anything at Who What Wear UK, it's the benefits of planning a good wardrobe well in advance. The shops have already started packing away their sandals and swimwear and are focusing on fine knits and leather boots, so what better time to take stock of the pieces in your own wardrobe in order to prepare for the season ahead? 

Everyone has their favourite time of year, and even if you favour linens and dresses for a sun-drenched summer, there's still something undeniably comforting about layering up in soft knits for the crisp autumn temperatures. The A/W '23 runways gave us some exciting new inspiration for cosy-girl dressing, and the textures, colours and pieces that feel characteristically autumn are back with a bang. Those who prefer cardigans and coats over sandals and shorts, consider this your sign to start transitional dressing.

So, what are the autumnal trends that have everyone talking this year? Well there's the usual suspects: trench coats, ankle boots and plenty of denim, and some unexpected returns (maxi skirts and high-shine metallics are about to be huge this party season), but there are also a handful of key styles that are really worth investing in. Wondering what a fashion editor would choose? You've come to the right place.

Out of the dozens of styles, colours and pieces that were sent down the runway and straight onto the street style set, there are a few that this seasoned editor is truly backing, and some that feel a little outdated. Don't get me wrong; fashion is subjective, so we would never advocate throwing anything away (it's likely to make a fashionable return the following year, anyway), so instead, these are my suggestions of the most wearable and timeless trends that are about to be everywhere this autumn.

Keep scrolling for 2023's seven most outdated autumn trends, and the seven that we're ready to wear now. Bring on cosy season.

1. SHELVE: THE DENIM JACKET

SAVE: THE ELEVATED LEATHER JACKET

Style Notes: There's no doubt about it, I love denim (especially in autumn), but there's something about the leather jacket that adds a level of polish that distressed denim simply doesn't. Right now, there's a new wave of bombers, blazers, aviators and collared jackets in glossy leather that I want to wear with everything from knitted dresses and boots to white T-shirts and trainers as soon as the temperature drops. 

SHOP LEATHER JACKETS:

2. SHELVE: DARK FLORALS 

SAVE: STRIPES

Style Notes: If like me, you've been wearing florals since the beginning of spring, you're going to want add something different to your roster. Stripes are having a moment right now—from bold, rugby stripes to desk-to-dinner pinstripes, and there are a thousand different ways to wear this versatile print, none of which include florals in autumnal tones.

SHOP STRIPES:

3. SHELVE: FLARES 

SAVE: RELAXED JEANS 

Style Notes: Not convinced by the current crop of reworked, baggy denim? Neither was I, that is, until I tried it for myself. There's often a styling cliché that as soon as autumn rolls around, our wardrobes are automatically filled with '70s-inspired, bohemian references; but this time around, we're happy to defer to the noughties. High-waisted, supersized flares will always have a time and a place, but right now everyone is wearing relaxed jeans in boyfriend, baggy or straight-leg cuts that leave plenty of room for getting comfy.

SHOP RELAXED JEANS:

4. SHELVE: NOVELTY KNITS

SAVE: TIMELESS NEUTRALS

Style Notes: It makes sense to buy clothes that you'll want to wear for the next year and beyond, so it figures that you'll find a neutral knit in just about any guide to putting together the perfect capsule wardrobe. These building blocks are one of the few pieces you can guarantee you'll wear for the next 10 years without looking back and cringing, but the same might not apply to that statement slogan jumper or embellished cardigan that caught your eye in the sales. 

SHOP NEUTRAL KNITS:

5. SHELVE: PREPPY

SAVE: HUSHED LUXURY 

Style Notes: September means back to school, and despite our school days being long behind us, there's a resurgence of the preppy uniform every year without fail. The key components are there: chunky knits, plaid skirts, loafers and tailoring, but the other way to tackle the trend in a slightly more grown-up fashion is with a quiet-luxury spin. Muted colours, exaggerated silhouettes and polished accessories will make this September feel a little more boardroom-ready, and a little less "top of the class".

SHOP QUIET LUXURY:

6. SHELVE: STILETTO BOOTS 

SAVE: CHUNKY LUG SOLES

Style Notes: Question: What do last year's best-selling boots all have in common? They were all chunky-soled, pull-on ankle boots. There's a lot to love about a trend that's as practical as it is cool, so whilst stiletto-heeled boots might look good, they rarely feel it. So here's to boots that you can comfortably wear all day, and then some.

SHOP CHUNKY ANKLE BOOTS:

7. SHELVE: SEE-THROUGH SHEER

SAVE: LUXE SUEDE 

Style Notes: If autumn calls for anything, it's touchably soft styles, and as of late, suede has been enjoying an influencer-approved revival. From cowboy jackets to hobo bags and knee-high boots to A-line skirts, suede makes even the most simple of outfits feel premium, and if the thought of the "naked dress" leaves you cold, can I suggest swapping it for a luxe suede trench? It's the epitome of autumnal dressing. 

SHOP LUXE SUEDE:

Next Up: I've Created the Perfect Autumn Capsule, and It's Made Up of These 11 Pieces