Autumn shopping guide: coats, jeans and trainers you need this season

Autumn fashion is in full swing as Joanne Hegarty unveils a definitive shopping guide that prioritizes pieces built to last over fleeting trends. The emphasis is on quality over quantity, with a preference for chic neutrals and the occasional seasonal pop of color. The palette leans into warm chocolate browns, caramels, charcoal grays, and touches of deep yellows, reds, and surprising blues, underscoring a belief that every woman can look stylish at any age or size when the right pieces are chosen. The guide is grounded in decades of experience, aiming to simplify the search through the crowded high street and deliver a curated collection that feels timeless rather than faddish.

Key Buy: A Beautiful Jacket and Coat. The foundation of any autumn–winter wardrobe hinges on outerwear that endures beyond a single season. The picks span several styles and labels. For mild days, a long heavyweight cotton trench is a versatile staple, with Mango offering a practical option. Suede remains a strong texture for the season, with Massimo Dutti showcasing a suede leather blazer that combines structure with tactile warmth. For a lighter, boho twist, Sezane offers fringed suede details. Bomber jackets stay relevant, and a leather bomber from Zara has drawn attention on the style set. Across coats, chocolate-brown tones headline the color story, with standout pieces from Victoria Beckham in a rich wool-cashmere blend, and camel options that remain timeless classics. Sezane also delivers a chic check-and-navy coat, while faux fur makes a bold impression this year, including a standout cream piece from the White Company. Almada delivers a double-breasted camel coat that plays into the season’s refined silhouette.

Knitwear is the next essential layer. The guide highlights Cos for reliable, quality basics that hold warmth through the season, including merino V‑necks that layer well over wide-leg trousers and skirts, and a chunky funnel-neck in a deep autumnal burgundy for added texture and warmth. The overall message is to lean into chunky cashmere for luxury and durability, with options that work across outfits from workwear to weekend looks.

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Three Jeans Styles You Need to Know. Denim remains a canvas for autumn outfits, with emphasis on silhouettes that flatter curvy shapes and balance chunky knits. Levi’s baggy dad jeans are praised for comfort and a relaxed vibe, pairing well with oversized sweaters. Cuffed denim adds a playful edge, with a dark indigo style from Cos proving popular this season. A chic straight-leg cut is favored by many style-conscious celebrities, including Margot Robbie and Dakota Johnson, and Cos offers a version that won’t break the bank. A rigid, high-rise pair from Frame provides a vintage feel for those seeking a more classic silhouette.

CooleST Accessory: Chunky-Rimmed Aviator Sunglasses. The style set is gravitating toward bold, oversized frames, with an Other Stories option that brings a modern edge to autumn wardrobes. The message is clear: sunglasses remain a year-round staple, even as days grow cooler.

The Only Four Trainers You Should Consider. Footwear is presented as a versatile element that can unify outfits from blazers to denim. The four recommended pairs cover a range of aesthetics: a sleek grey New Balance suitable for work, a chic black Jacquemus pick for dressier days, a sky-blue Nike for a playful pop, and Adidas’ Japan shoes featuring a bold stripe to elevate basics. The guide notes that trainers come in a spectrum of tones this season and advises selecting pieces that are easy to mix with daily staples.

Yes, You Need an Autumn Skirt. The pencil skirt returns as a focal point, with Max Mara offering a timeless black option. Leather skirts are celebrated as versatile pieces that work with oversized blazers or knitwear and knee-high boots. Massimo Dutti’s Tiana Midi Skirt in black and a straight nappa style from the same label are highlighted as strong contenders, reflecting a broader shift away from the white midi of summer toward richer textures and richer hues.

Suit Up. Collarless suits are framed as a fresh twist on traditional tailoring. Marks & Spencer offers a contemporary collarless option, while The Frankie Shop delivers an oversized chocolate-brown version that pairs well with leather trousers or leggings, completing a relaxed, luxe look for autumn days that blend professional and off-duty aesthetics.

The Going-Out Top. Statement tops remain a playful, frivolous option for evenings, with LouLou de Saison providing a piece that balances elegance with a hint of drama. The trend leans toward sheer layering that remains refined, avoiding overt exposure in favor of subtle sophistication that plays with fabrics and textures.

There’s Something About Lace. Lace detailing remains an autumn favorite, whether on a dress or a skirt. Massimo Dutti offers a standout dress suited for layering with knits, while Zara presents a lace skirt that punches above its weight in price. The overall direction is toward lace as a texture that adds depth when paired with leather and suede textures.

The Absolute Essentials. Layering becomes practical with roll necks sourced from Massimo Dutti, and Soft Goat brushed cashmere jumpers that deliver warmth without bulk. Boots come in a range of shapes, with suede brown ankle boots topping many wish lists. For a lasting investment, the guide points to Khaite’s refined pieces for a high-end, enduring addition to the wardrobe. The emphasis is on comfortable height and a versatile heel that elevates outfits without compromising daily wearability.

Top Trousers. Zara’s checked trousers are highlighted as a solid high-street find, often paired with a matching blazer for a coordinated look. Cos’s barrel-leg trousers appear in multiple shades, offering full-length options for additional ankle coverage in colder weather. Almada’s satin trousers are pitched as a dinner-ready option that remains easy to style with a blazer and boots for going-out evenings. The goal is a balanced wardrobe with trousers that suit both casual and dressier occasions.

My Dream Bag This Season. The bag lineup leans toward suede and timeless shapes that feel luxurious without being ostentatious. A suede piece from Bottega evokes a sense of luxury, while a Ralph Lauren half-moon bag adds a touch of old-money eloquence to outfits. These bag choices reflect a preference for enduring silhouettes that pair as comfortably with daywear as with evening looks.

In compiling her autumn list, Joanne Hegarty emphasizes a curated approach that blends texture, color depth, and timeless lines. The message is clear: build a wardrobe around a handful of versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched across occasions, with a focus on fabrics like wool, suede, leather, and cashmere to enrich the fall and early-winter season. By prioritizing quality over quantity and leaning into neutrals accented by seasonal tones, the guide aims to help shoppers assemble a capsule collection that remains stylish well beyond this autumn.