Stylist Corina Gaffey on the must-have pieces to update your autumn wardrobe

Something about September makes you want to go a little style splurging, or is that just me? Maybe it’s the back-to-school feel or the fact there’s a change in season that allows for a wardrobe refresh. While I’m sad to say goodbye to long, lingering sunny evenings, I’m equally happy to embrace long sleeves, cosy knits and all the layers. 

If you’re looking to make some new-season investments, I’ve rounded up the key pieces that will elevate your wardrobe for the autumn season and beyond. Some, you may have in your closet already. This season, the fashion world embraces classics, including the trench, tank top, and tailoring, which might need slight styling tweaks to make them feel fresh again. 

But for every classic, some fun, feel-good, wardrobe-elevating trends will spark joy and add a little pizazz to your basics – think pink, platforms, and zesty neon tones. The items below are all pieces, whether classic or soon to be, that can be easily slotted into your existing cold-weather wardrobe and worn beyond the chiller temps. 

Platforms

Just when you got accustomed to super flat shoes, the platform makes a resurgence to take your look to new heights. A trend that’s become too hard to ignore, if you want to elevate your look (and your height) this season, go for a platform in a metallic shade that will be versatile and can be worn with everything from straight-leg jeans to maxi dresses. The chunky soled shoe also off-sets floaty, feminine, voluminous dresses perfectly. 

Fuzzy and fun knits

Give yourself the warm and fuzzies this season with a feel-good fun knit. Not only is it practical, keeping you cosy from the chill, but there’s something about a tactile knit that makes you smile. Look for bright stripes, bold colours, fringing, and embellishment. 

Leopard print

Technically not a trend, more of a classic print. Leopard prints roared all over the catwalks this season, along with other animal prints, including tiger, snake and zebra. For a new season, take on the perpetual print, pair it with shots of searing shades, or clash it with everything from polka dots, stripes or other animal patterns. 

Tank top

An easy and reasonable way of feeling new-season ready is with the addition of the white tank. The simple basic has got a luxe makeover and is the star of the show on the runways of Prada and Bottega Veneta. Wear it solo with straight-leg jeans or slipped under oversized blazers and leather jackets. 

Pink

Love or loathe it; pink is the fashion colour of the year, never mind the season. Specifically hot pink, but any shade will do. To avoid looking like an extra from the Barbie movie, give it a cool girl makeover by pairing it with sleek leather, leopard print and chunky footwear.

Neon tones

Along with hot pink, flashy fluorescents were a catwalk mainstay this season. Zesty tones of limes and lemons brightened the runways of Alexander Mcqueen, Valentino, and Gabriela Hearst. On the streets, the fashion set mixed varying tones in sleek separates for a modern way of wearing the highlighter hues. Shades of grey will help temper and add a chic feel to the shocking shades. 

90s minimalism

If you’d prefer a respite from the loud, statement trends, you’ll love the 90s minimal trend. Sleek, chic and all about clean lines, the easiest way to recreate this trend for real life is by opting for an oversized blazer in a neutral shade like grey, beige or black. Bonus points if you pair it with a tank top underneath. 

Trench Coat

If you’re looking for the perfect topper to navigate the tricky, still kinda sticky weather, then the trench will never fail. The classic was even featured on the runways of Dior and Prada in new-gen iterations. Still, if you want longevity, you can’t go wrong with the double-breasted beige trench, worn over everything from slouchy tailoring to a t-shirt and jeans. 

Bomber jacket

Another classic that designers like Prada, Givenchy, and Miu Miu reinvented for the new season, was the bomber. Take your pick from bright, fun, preppy, varsity styles or go cool and contemporary with a pilot, aviator style in black or khaki. Whichever you choose, go for oversized and sling it over everything from leather trousers, jeans and slinky slip dresses and skirts. 

Top handle bags

Cross-body has had a good run, but here to take over is the top-handle bag. Adding a ladylike feel with its structured and prim shape, you can opt for a mini or maxi style. Keep it looking more contemporary with interesting textures, colours, or modern hardware. 

Photography: Catwalkpix and Jason Lloyd-Evans