The Autumn 2025 Starter Pack—a Shopping Editor's Guide on What to Buy This Season

There’s something about autumn that makes getting dressed feel exciting again. After months of living in breezy dresses, sandals and anything that kept us cool, the shift in season invites us back into the world of layering, tailoring and richer textures. Suddenly, putting on a great coat feels like a style statement, knitwear feels less like a necessity and more like a treat, and even denim feels fresh when worn in darker washes and new silhouettes. Autumn 2025 is set to deliver all of this in abundance.

But as much as we love a new season, it can also feel like information overload. Every brand is dropping newness multiple times a week, trends are competing for attention on our feeds, and the temptation to buy everything at once is very real. That’s why I've done the heavy lifting for you. I have sifted through hundreds of arrivals to narrow down the pieces that not only look chic now but will continue to work hard in your wardrobe year after year. Consider this your shortcut to autumn dressing, minus the overwhelm.

This season’s shopping mood feels grounded yet elevated—less about a complete overhaul and more about small, smart updates that make your current wardrobe feel instantly more polished. We’re talking outerwear that makes even jeans-and-a-tee feel expensive, knitwear that looks as good on its own as it does layered, denim that’s subtly upgraded, and accessories that do more than just finish a look—they transform it.

So whether you’re building a capsule from scratch, hunting down a few key updates, or simply in the mood to be inspired, you’re in the right place. Ahead, I break down the pieces that will define autumn 2025 and prove that a handful of considered buys is all it takes to make every outfit this season feel elevated.

1. Elevated Outerwear

Autumn is nothing without a great coat, and this season it’s all about classics with a twist. From cropped trench capes to scarf-built toppers, these are the pieces that turn a simple jeans-and-jumper look into a full outfit.

& Other Stories

Wool Doublé Jacket

The kind of jacket that makes jeans feel instantly pulled-together; boxy, structured, but still endlessly wearable.

Róhe

Signature Double-Faced Scarf Coat

I will never get over scarf coats. A cocoon-like coat that does the scarf layering for you—pure quiet luxury in motion.

ZARA

100% Leather Bomber Jacket

A buttery-soft bomber that taps into autumn’s ’90s minimalism mood without trying too hard.

Damson Madder

Ella Trench - Navy Tan

This modern Damson Madder trench proves that practical doesn’t have to mean predictable.

COS

Cropped Trench Coat Cape

A cape-trench hybrid that nods to the season’s cropped proportions trend.

2. Knitwear Refresh

Whether it’s waisted silhouettes, jewel-button details, or relaxed, slouchy shapes, knitwear is no longer just the layer underneath—it’s the statement.

Cinched at the waist, this knit adds shape where others slouch.

ARKET

Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper

Cosy, simple and refined. Plus, I can't get over the deep chocolate hue.

A minimalist’s dream: sleek lines, fine merino, no fuss.

ZARA

Cashmere and Wool Basic Cardigan

Luxe textiles meet everyday ease—a knit you’ll actually reach for daily. Plus, adding a scarf detail to a cardigan is simply genius.

Reformation

Cashmere Boyfriend Sweater

Sustainability with edge: slouchy sleeves, 95% recycled cashmere.

MANGO

Knitted Jacket With Jewel Buttons

A cardi-jacket hybrid with buttons that do all the talking.

3. The Denim Update

Autumn’s denim comes wide, barrelled, and cropped. Think trousers reimagined in denim, puddling hems for polish, and slouchy cuts for ease. This is the jean update your wardrobe’s been waiting for.

ZARA

Z1975 Wide-Leg Cropped High-Waist Jeans With Belt

High-waisted with a built-in belt—Zara knows how to nail a viral silhouette.

The barrel leg is still fashion’s favourite; Arket’s cut is as flattering as it is current.

COS

Wide-Leg Denim Trousers

Tailored yet relaxed, these read more “workwear chic” than weekend.

& Other Stories

Relaxed Wide-Leg Jeans

The easy, roomy denim you’ll live in come crisp mornings.

FRAME

Le Slim Palazzo Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

A premium upgrade: puddling hems, elongated lines, pure polish.

Reformation

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

Relaxed, slouchy, high-rise—the cool jean that just works with everything.

4. Everyday Staples

The so-called “basics” aren’t basic at all this year. A neat tee, a ribbed turtleneck, a well-cut blazer—these quiet heroes pull every trend piece together and make your wardrobe work harder.

COS

Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

Crisp and elevated, not your average layering basic.

With Nothing Underneath

The Weekend: Seersucker, White

Oversized tailoring with breezy texture, this is a wardrobe essential if i've ever seen one.

& Other Stories

Wide Press-Crease Trousers

Pleat-front trousers that straddle the line between smart and slouchy.

Uniqlo

100% Merino Ribbed Turtleneck Jumper

Layering is crucial this season, and I'm tempted by Uniqlo's 100% merino turtleneck in every colour.

Massimo Dutti

100% Wool Houndstooth Blazer

A heritage pattern reimagined in a sharp, boxy cut.

5. Hard-Working Accessories

If outerwear sets the tone, accessories seal the deal. From logo-free trainers and heritage loafers to investment totes and playful ballet flats, these are the finishing touches fashion people actually wear on repeat.

Demellier

The Midi Hudson

A structured tote that quietly signals good taste.

Ballet pumps are still the flats to be seen in—this H&M pair nails it for under £30.

I'm shocked this is from Zara. A roomy shopper that’s as practical as it is polished.

COS

Minimal Leather Trainers

A perennial best-seller, the sleek, logo-free COS trainers are the definition of elevated casual.

LIÉ STUDIO

The Vera Gold Vermeil Earrings

Chunky but refined, the type of jewellery that finishes every outfit with ease.

The Row

India 12.00 Bag in Leather

The Margaux's older sister, The Row's India is as polished as it gets.

Massimo Dutti

Split Leather Loafers

An everyday loafer with just enough edge to feel fresh.