At the start of every new season, there are always certain non-negotiable basics I know I’ll be wearing in the coming months regardless of what the trends are. In winter, the list includes a warm coat and lug-sole boots. Spring might involve some new dresses and sandals, summer always requires a trove of white tops and basic linen, and autumn, of course, comes with its own set of essentials—all of which you’re about to read about below.
While the 2023 trend agenda has plenty of fun and directional looks to play with, I think the key to having a successful autumn wardrobe is being able to balance out the more of-the-moment pieces with an edit of never-date basics. This will ensure every outfit you wear feels timeless and not too trend-specific.
I like to keep on top of my basics, only replacing them when required. But to help you assemble your own edit of reliable autumn basics, I’ve chronicled them for you below. To see my must-haves in action, I’ve called upon some of my fashion friends for help, as they perfectly demonstrate the importance of autumn basics with their flawless outfits. Scroll on to see them and to shop my picks for each category along the way.
Style Notes: The cardigan’s massive comeback is probably my personal favourite of the last several years. Collared styles or thinner iterations are going to be popular this
& Other Stories never lets us down on the knitwear front.
This lightweight option is ideal for mild autumn days.
Iconic.
I feel warmer just looking at this cashmere piece.
Style Notes: I simply cannot wait for the summer heat to die down and get myself into a pair of rigid cotton jeans this autumn. The straight-leg silhouette is my personal preference, but as long as you opt for never-date blue hues, any jeans style can be considered classic.
Just the right amount of stretch to keep you comfortable.
Everything you could hope for from a blue jean.
Agolde’s Pinch jeans are some of the most-loved in the industry.
Wide-leg jeans look so chic with a knit and heeled boots.
Style Notes: Everyone should own a classic (and/or fashion-forward) trench, and if you’re going to buy a new one, there’s no better time than just before the start of autumn, when the best are still in stock.
A versatile everyday layer.
Totême’s outerwear is widely loved for a reason—and it’s no mystery.
This khaki hue makes a nice change from typical tan trench coats.
Truly timeless.
Style Notes: Because there’s really no better category of shoes, am I right? While heeled boots are just as sleek, it’s flat boots I can’t live without during the fall months.
An investment, but so worth it.
We love a serrated sole at Who What Wear.
I really rate Arket for great quality footwear that isn’t too expensive.
Totême is totally nailing the refined basics this season.
Style Notes: Dress trends come and go, but knit styles will always be relevant in the colder months of the year. My only requirement when shopping for them is that they pair well with boots and mules.
Basically an on-the-go blanket, but make it chic.
Simple, streamlined and super soft.
How great does this look with knee-high boots?
Brown is a huge colour trend for 2023.
Style Notes: If you’re going to buy a new bag for the coming season, it should really be one of the crossbody variety. Not only are they still very popular, but they also allow you to keep your hands tucked into your pockets in the chill. Right now, I’m quite taken with curved, half-moon styles.
The bag everyone I know owns and loves.
Sling it over and you’re ready for the day.
Just gorgeous.
Chances are you already own and wear the Uniqlo cross-body bag daily.
Style Notes: Leather is to autumn what linen is to summer, and I love thinking up new ways to wear it. Leather bombers currently dominate my wish list.
This insta-famous jacket is still in stock!
M&S has really pulled it out the bag with this one.
Sometimes basic is best.
Timeless.
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
Next Up: I’ve Created the Perfect Autumn Capsule, and It’s Made Up of These 11 Pieces
