I've Been a Stylist for Over a Decade—8 Winter Outfit Formulas I Recommend If You Want to Look Polished
By Anna LaPlacaHarriet Davey,
1 days ago
These are the types of days—when it's still cool in the mornings and evenings but gets slighter warmer in the middle of the day—can make it feel impossible to dress correctly for the weather. Well, almost. The perfect autumn outfit for this kind of weird in-between season needs to marry fashion with function. That means it's all about layering. Some of the chicest autumn outfits work so well because they feature classic wardrobe staples in of-the-moment layering combinations that bring both a forward feel to the looks and a practicality for keeping up with the roller coaster of the day's temperatures.
While there are plenty of tried-and-true layering combinations that always work—think a T-shirt underneath a cardigan underneath a trench coat—I've sourced a number of key outfits that'll never fail. The looks in question are all especially relevant for autumn 2024, and I also think said outfits could earn you compliments thanks to their more creative feel. Some people might even go so far as to assume you started working with a secret stylist to amp up your wardrobe. And you know? I say let them. With that, keep scrolling for a few autumn layering outfit ideas, complete with shopping inspiration.
EASY LAYERING OUTFITS THAT MAKE YOU LOOK POLISHED:
1. Button-Down Shirt + White T-shirt + Blazer
Style Notes: Freshen up a casual jeans outfit by layering a white T-shirt and striped button-down underneath your boxiest blazer. Let the white peek out from underneath the shirt by leaving the top few buttons undone, and tuck it all into a pair of high-rise jeans for a polished finish.
Shop the Look:
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Gelso Oversized Tencel Lyocell-Blend Blazer
£350
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend Blue Multi Stripe Fine Poplin Shirt
£95
COS
Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt
£30
AGOLDE
+ Net Sustain 90's Pinch Waist Long High-Rise Straight-Leg Organic Jeans
£300
& Other Stories
Rectangular-Buckle Leather Belt
£67
Polène
Numéro Neuf Mini Textured Black
£380
2. Waistcoat + Blazer + Maxi Coat
Style Notes: Waistcoats are still key for autumn, and one cool way to wear yours is to layer it underneath a coordinating blazer. For added warmth depending on the forecast, throw a maxi coat in a tonal colour on top to keep the look polished.
Style Notes: Layering a crisp white tee underneath your jumper, especially a V-neck that shows off the contrasting colours, is the coolest way to wear your basics right now. Pair the combo with '90s-inspired denim and a leather jacket for the freshest everyday outfit that's secretly so easy to throw together.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
Veda Dalia Relaxed Leather Blazer
£478
Navygrey
The Classic V Navy
£185
Arket
Heavyweight T-Shirt
£37
Levi
501 90's Ankle Jeans
£100
PROENZA SCHOULER
Lug Sole Glossed-Leather Platform Loafers
£895
4. Double Jumper + Tailored Trouser + Suede Bag
Style Notes: Double the knits equals double the fun (and warmth). Tap into the monochromatic trend by wearing a knit and tying another one in the same hue over your shoulders to match. Wear with matchy-matchy trousers for the full tonal vibe.
Shop the Look:
Whistles
Wool Crop Relaxed Knit
£109
Whistles
Cashmere V Neck Knit
£199
Reiss
Hallie Textured Wide Leg Suit Trousers
£150
KHAITE
Lotus Medium Suede Tote
£2560
5. Jumper + White T-Shirt + Delicate Skirt
Style Notes: The best way to wear a white T-shirt right now? Letting one peek out from underneath a crewneck sweater. It's an easy way to add a forward feel to your everyday basics—and the combo works with everything from jeans to a sequin skirt.
Shop the Look:
COS
Pure Cashmere Jumper
£155
& Other Stories
Crewneck T-Shirt
£19
Róhe
Ivory Embellished Midi Skirt
£570
LOEWE
Puzzle Edge Small Textured-Leather Shoulder Bag
£2550
6. Trouser Suit + Button-Down Shirt + Tank Top
Style Notes: The savviest layering techniques are all in the details. Next time you wear a collared shirt and blazer, leave the collar out over the blazer's lapels for some added interest.
Shop the Look:
Arket
Oversized Blazer
£159
Autograph
Pure Cotton Collared Relaxed Shirt
£50
TOTEME
Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Tank
£100
Arket
Penny Martin and Arket Tailored Trousers
£119
Reformation
Heather Block Heeled Mule
£298
7. Denim Dungarees + Trench Coat + Trainers
Style Notes: This is your reminder not to sleep on dungarees during the transitional seasons—they're much more versatile than you might have thought. Right now, fashion people and celebrities (ahem, Hailey Bieber) are wearing them underneath a maxi coat, and it brings an unexpectedly elevated feel to the otherwise casual piece.
Shop the Look:
Reformation
River Relaxed Denim Overalls
£228
Autograph
Cotton Rich Longline Trench Coat
£149
Vans
Checkerboard Classic Slip-On Trainers
£60
8. Roll Neck Dress + Collarless Jacket
Style Notes: Collarless, structured jackets are arguably *the* It piece to know for autumn. Of all the ways to wear one, we love the idea of layering it over a long ribbed dress—bonus points for chic stripes.
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