The leaves are falling from the trees, the sky is grey and grisly and the temperature has well and truly dropped. It’s time to turn to autumn outfits, and the most recent fashion weeks have provided plenty of inspiration.

In true autumn fashion, deeper, darker shades are in the spotlight. Burgundy is having a moment on the catwalk; navy is taking its place as a softer (yet just as versatile) alternative to black; and chestnut brown is slotting into every part of our wardrobe: shoes, bags, jackets and jumpers all included. Yet, a great autumn outfit goes far beyond just colour.

Helping to keep us cosy while remaining incredibly chic, leather is proving popular, particularly when clashing the fabric in two or three different fashion finds. Midi skirts are also having a moment as a more formal-fitting alternative to trousers, while dark-wash denim takes centre stage as one of the most versatile pieces to wear – especially when styled with a great jacket.

If it’s comfort you’re after, don’t dismiss the trusty tracksuit. Opting for a style in a bright and bold shade is sure to take it from a WFH-approved outfit to a more fashion-forward find, especially when styled with ballet pumps, sleek trainers or even a heeled boot. Just keep scrolling to see our four favourite autumn outfits in action. 

Jeans are a wonderful wardrobe staple no matter the season, yet they slightly shift in style and shade. While summer months call for light-wash jorts and distressed styles, autumn and winter are where dark-wash options excel and all form the base of many a great outfit. To truly step into the cooler season, we’ve taken inspiration from this street style look, pairing a wide-leg jean with boots, a long leather jacket and a hair-taming hat. Simple yet chic. 

Although the pull of a comfy pair of trousers is strong once the colder weather rolls around, a midi skirt is a surefire way to elevate an outfit. Simply swapping your trusty trousers for the shin-skimming piece will make your look feel much more formal and, in some cases, office-friendly – particularly if you pair it with a white shirt and structured coat, as pictured. 

Being cosy is only one aspect of building a great autumn outfit – being comfortable should never be overlooked. Ticking both boxes is a trusty tracksuit that becomes much more fashion-forward when worn in a striking shade, no matter if you opt for the whole set, clash colours or just reach for a tonal jumper. To make it a touch more formal, simply slot on a heeled boot or a ballet flat and you’ll be out the door in no time. 

Leather is a key fabric for any autumn outfit, no matter if it’s real or faux. This season, we’ve seen everything from leather boots and bags to trench coats and short shorts saunter down the runway, so we’ll be pulling out our best leather pieces to lean into the look. However, it certainly looks much more striking when two leather-like items are paired together as spotted at Paris Fashion Week’s street style, so don’t be afraid to layer up your leathers. 

Images: Getty