Autumn is a season of change. The leaves turn golden, everyone inexplicably starts banging on about pumpkin spiced lattes and all your outfit ideas start to feature knitwear, jackets and boots as the weather turns chillier. There's something quite comforting about autumn outfits, which – if you choose wisely – can serve you well as we move into winter, too.
If you're at a loss with what to wear in this changeable season, here are some of our favourite autumn outfits to inspire you...
SHOP: The Best Autumn Outfits 2024
Try A Leather Trench Coat
One of our favourite autumn pieces comes in the form of a trench coat, but not any old style. This season, opt for a leather version in autumnal tones of chocolate brown or tan for a 2024 take on a classic cut.
www.selfridges.com
Leather is a brilliant foundation for all your autumn outfits - and conker brown is the shade to be seen in this season. Good American's leather trench coat will be your constant companion this autumn/winter - style over knitwear and jeans, or tailored trousers and a white shirt.
www.matchesfashion.com
Salomon's techy footwear makes the perfect fashion-approved run-around trainer. There are so many punchy shades to choose from. Plus, they're waterproof.
Pair Jeans With A Smart Cardigan
Switch up your usual jeans and jumper combo with a boucle jacket - it'll add polish and elegance, with little effort. Then pile on the accessories for an easy take on a perfect autumn outfit.
www2.hm.com
This 'Chanelegant' jacket is one of the most popular styles of the season - and perfect for dressing up a simple pair of jeans.
www.zara.com
A pair of light-wash jeans will instantly make a smart jacket look more casual. Zara's straight-legged pair have a high waist and longer than usual length – they'll provide the perfect foundation for autumn outfits.
www.gant.co.uk
A silk scarf is one of the easiest way to dress up more casual autumn outfits. Gant's red-and-white style will also add a splash of colour to whatever you're wearing.
Go For A Sweater Vest
A sweater vest is your ideal transitional wardrobe staple, warmer than a tank top but not too hot and stuffy. Try pairing yours with a chic midi skirt and long boots for an outfit that's minimal effort but maximum impact.
www.nobodyschild.com
A knitted sweater vest is the ultimate wardrobe staple for the seasonal switch up. Wear solo with bare arms or layer over a fine-gauge jumper or a sharp white button-down.
www.cos.com
This elongated pencil skirt is easy to dress up or dress down with both heels and flats (try loafers and socks for a 2024 spin) - and it's in the shade of the season.
www.marksandspencer.com
A classic long black boot will be your new-season staple. M&S has some of the most reliable pairs on the high street.
Matching Knitwear
We all love a good cosy knit, so why not take it one step further with a full woollen ensemble. Look for matching skirts and jumpers or mix 'n' match different shades for an outfit that is equal parts comfy and stylish.
www.arket.com
For a ready-made outfit, opt for a knitted cardigan-skirt combo. Arket's quiet luxury take on the trend looks so much more expensive than its price tag.
www.arket.com
This knitted skirt is as chic as it is comfortable. Wear with the matching cardigan or something else woolly for a head-to-toe approach to sweater weather.
Midi Skirt + Long Boots
This autumn/winter is the season of the skirt - look for a statement print or fabric that will add some interest to simple accessories. We love a snake-print midi finished off with an oversized biker and long black boots.
www.theoutnet.com
Try a statement skirt with classic black leather boots. Ganni's snake-effect wrap skirt will be the gift that keeps on giving - this autumn and next.
www.cos.com
Look for an oversized fit to keep a leather jacket looking cool.
www.hush-uk.com
Kitten-heel height boots offer maximum wearability.
Hoodie + Coat
You don't have to save your favourite hoodie for a night spent on the sofa. No, no. As this woman proved in Paris, loungewear can look oh-so-luxe with the addition of an ankle-sweeping coat and scrunched leather gloves.
www.monki.com
Monki's wool-blend hoodie can easily be dressed with leather trousers and a smart pair of ankle boots.
www.zara.com
Zara has a superlative collection of slouchy jeans that are a trending style for AW24.
www.weekday.com
Weekday's oversized coat is made of a wool blend that means it's super warm.
Colour-Blocking
Caroline Issa certainly brightened up the grey skies of Paris. Her violet dress and khaki coat was an inspired colour combination that is almost guaranteed to cheer you up when the weather forecast is decidedly gloomy.
www.cos.com
This orchid purple dress isn't just a sensational colour - it's also sensationally comfortable thanks to its long sleeves and flared silhouette.
www.stories.com
This & Other Stories trench coat comes up on the small side, so consider sizing up if you prefer a more relaxed fit when it comes to outerwear.
Double Denim
You could easily wear this double denim outfit until winter as long as you've got a coat and a pair of opaques handy.
www.marksandspencer.com
A faux-sheepskin collar will make your denim jacket look suitably autumnal. Pair it with a maxi skirt, ankle boots and tights for maximum wearability.
www.newlook.com
Aligne's denim maxi skirt is crafted from 100% organic cotton that uses 80% less water than regular denim. Invest this autumn - it's guaranteed to become a staple of your wardrobe.
The Blazer Is A Staple
If all fails throw on a blazer. It's a easy option that makes it look like you tried without trying.
www2.hm.com
Don't underestimate this perennial wardrobe staple - so many outfits can be built around a simple white top.
www.na-kd.com
Make sure it's oversized and has plenty of room.
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.