There are so many things we love about autumn: The leaves changing to magical colours before falling and crunching under our feet, nights turning dark, not needing an excuse to stay home and devour a box set, etc. However, when it comes to getting ready, obstacles arise. Chilly mornings that give way to unexpectedly mild afternoons can cause frequent headaches, particularly when quickly dressing for work. It’s too mild for winter coats and cashmere—two easy rush hour options—yet summery dresses just don’t provide enough coverage for the commute.
It’s that tricky transitional time of year, especially if you’re leaving the house every day and need to look put together in a hurry. With this in mind, we’ve sourced a handful of outfit formulas that will take your early mornings from rushed to relaxed. Whether you’re layering like a total pro or just picking the right shoes to give you a bit of extra warmth, there are plenty of professional yet comfortable solutions. Hint: Make relaxed shirting, cosy layers and matching sets your closest allies to keep the Monday-Friday crises at bay. Follow our suggestions below for some simple autumn work outfits.
Style Notes: Brown and orange is possibly the most autumnal colour combination, which means it’s perfect for now (not to mention, both hues are seriously on-trend). A thick knit will balance out the formality of a suit.
Turn heads on your coffee break in this punchy jumper.
Look professional without sacrificing comfort. Win-win.
You could also wear these pieces separately to change things up mid-week.
Style Notes: Luckily for all you camel coat lovers, this reach-for staple can be carried through the seasons. Go for a version with minimal fuss free design, it always looks more premium.
Mango has a great selection of coats at the moment, this one is a highlight.
COS should be your go-to for workwear basics.
A hero trouser for autumn/winter. If you hadn’t heard, leather is big this season.
Style Notes: Waistcoats aren’t going anywhere, they are still a huge trend for autumn/winter. Monochrome will always have a place in my wardrobe, if you want to add some colour try a printed roll neck underneath for a autumnal spin.
This waistcoat holds the power to totally change up your look—and for that price!?
When in doubt tailored trousers will always look smart.
Sure to boost every ensemble.
Style Notes: When in doubt, a head-to-toe tonal look with a tailored coat will always look chic. We love to add black accessories for a timeless finish.
This coat is autumnal in every sense of the word.
I love me a jumper dress, this version will take you through to winter with a slim fit roll neck layered underneath.
I think I might have just found the perfect knee high. Swoon.
Style Notes: A blazer for an office might seem obvious, but pairing it with a mini skirt will make it feel fresher.Just add tights and boots when the weather starts to turn.
This has long been on my wish list, I think its time.
It’s worth investing in some high-quality tees.
Mini hemlines are everywhere, and this & Other Stories number is the perfect length.
Style Notes: A full cotton skirt with tailoring will always look smart. Play with proportions and opt for pieces like a plain white shirt that have little to no detail on them for a polished look.
You’ll be washing and wearing this shirt non-stop.
I can also picture this skirt falling over black knee-high boots.
Chunky loafers = the shoe of the moment.
Style Notes: If you go for an all-black outfit, choose well-structured pieces that you’ll feel good in from 9-5. Impeccable tailoring is often what makes an item look expensive and elevated.
Yes shorts are office-appropriate, just make sure they hover around the knee and no shorter.
Everyone needs a silky black blouse, take a blouson sleeve version for extra style points.
Channel Deborah with her Leamaire squishy bag, all your on-the-go bits and pieces should fit in here.
Style Notes: Some offices call for bold dressing more than others—if this sounds like your work environment, choose a statement-making jumpsuit that you can slip on in a hurry. Minimum effort, maximum chic.
I love how a jumpsuit can be office appropriate yet easy to dress down at the weekend.
It’s all in the details.
Kitten heels are a nice compromise if you want to look elegant but can’t bear to spend all day at a height.
Style Notes: Let’s be honest—comfort is key when dressing for an eight-hour day. You can still look sophisticated in relaxed separates, but do yourself a favour and only wear heels if you’ll be sitting at a desk.
This cult buy keeps selling out—you’ve been warned.
You can always rely on COS for a luxe accessory.
This wide leg cut is really easy to style.
Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter
This article was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
