While this summer has been a little temperamental, we’re arguably still in the midst of warm, bright and sunny days so if you’ve put off looking for autumn clothes right now, I wouldn’t blame you. However, it’s never too early to start planning, and while there are only a few weeks of summer left (let’s not think about that right now!) it’s not too early to indulge in some autumn-ready purchases. If, like me, you are looking forward to trench and teddy-coat season, you might be wondering where to turn to invest in those truly covetable pieces.
With so many choices around it’s actually overwhelming to know where to begin, and it takes a great deal of research to pinpoint exactly which styles are worth adding to your wardrobe. But having scoured the new-in sections of a long list of brands, I believe my time spent scrolling will benefit you.
There are a few affordable stores that have particularly impressed me lately. Zara, H&M and Mango are teeming with pieces that are expensive looking and chic. They’re the types of investment items you can quickly get use out of this summer, autumn and for many years to come. Below are some long-lasting shopping picks that are classic enough to weave into any year, whatever the trends. Keep scrolling to see the key items I’d recommend from the hundreds and thousands that are currently available…
Jessica wears trousers from H&M.
If there’s one item you can trust to always make you look polished, it’s a double-breasted coat.
You’ll fall instantly in love with this neckline.
A blouse like this makes experimenting with textures and details so much fun.
I have a feeling you’ll be showered in compliments when you step out in this navy satin skirt.
Smart and chic. The kind of trouser you can just throw on and look pulled together.
A neckline as gorgeous as this deserves all the attention.
The humble tank is finally getting the recognition it deserves.
So ’90s yet so now!
I’ve always got room for prints if they’re as eye-catching as this.
So classic.
Tights in winter or no tights in summer, this’ll look great.
I keep seeing dresses of this ilk on Instagram.
Lauren wears a bomber jacket from Zara.
Your favourite jumpsuit meets elevated tailoring.
Wear with the matching trousers or jeans.
Easy to style trousers always get my vote.
I just ordered this and can’t wait for it to arrive.
If in doubt, you can always trust a black dress.
This one is for all the balletcore fans.
The perfect going-out dress.
Bandeau tops are not going anywhere anytime soon.
So glamorous.
Zara always delivers excellent boots.
Well-cut and meticulously-made, this biker jacket is built for a timeless capsule wardrobe.
Light and fluffy, yet super cosy too.
Monikh wears a matching striped co-ord from Mango.
A strong start if you ask me. You’re bound to get so much wear out of this timeless style.
No need to size up—this shirt has a relaxed fit already.
You’ll get so much wear out of this, whatever the season.
Flares have always been in.
Is there anything quite as elevated and transitional as tweed? You can pair it with literally anything and it’ll look great.
Layer this under your favourite wool coat in winter and thrown over your shoulders in summer.
So slick.
I’m absolutely obsessed with these.
I have a strong feeling that this’ll work for daytime and evening occasions.
Try styling this with knee-high boots when temperatures dip.
Loafers come under the category of truly timeless.
I just ordered this and can’t wait to wear it.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next Up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
