Chic and Easy Outfits Are My Speciality—These Versatile Basics Will Infinitely Upgrade Your Autumn Wardrobe

When you hear the phrase "basic" your mind might automatically go to "simple", "underwhelming" or "played-out", but as a fashion editor with a passion for finding hardworking staples, I'm determined to change the very definition of the word. For me, a balanced wardrobe is a healthy mix of the buzzy trends that set your heart racing, and the classic pieces that are the foundation of any well-curated closet. So, with an appreciation for versatile investments in mind, I started thinking about the season ahead and the pieces that are well worth your time and attention right now.

As ladylike elegance and the "demure" aesthetic are currently having a moment, there's no better time than the present to start packing away our shorts and strappy tops in favour of the layering pieces that are a little more cold-weather ready. We had a great time over summer experimenting with micro hemlines, bold prints and embellishments, but now as we welcome autumn, I'm ready to fall back into slouchy knits, sharp tailoring and polished accessories with plenty of back-to-school energy. Ready to join me? Keep scrolling to see the brand new chic autumn basics that will go with everything you already own (and make them look even better). You can thank me later.

SHOP CHIC AUTUMN BASICS:

Arket

Double-Face Wrap Coat

£189

I have a feeling this is could-be-designer coat is about to be a bestseller.

COS

Scoop-Neck Knitted Polo Shirt

£65

Wear with everything from denim to tailoring.

DEMELLIER

New York Leather-Trimmed Suede Tote

£495

I audibly gasped when I saw this delicious brown suede.

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY

Annina Organic Wide-Leg Jeans

£300

This shape looks so elegant with boots.

Abercrombie

Collared Cardigan

£58

How to channel 90's Gwyneth.

H&M

Double-Breasted Trenchcoat

£45

The trench coat is the autumn staple we've been counting down to wearing again.

American Vintage

Fizvalley Cotton T-Shirt

£60

Stop what you're doing—this quality white tee deserves your full attention.

Massimo Dutti

Strappy Midi Slip Dress

£129

Burgundy is about to be the colour trend of the season.

&Daughter

Enya Cashmere Cardigan in Dark Navy

£450

Invest in a quality cashmere cardigan and you'll wear it for years to come.

Sézane

Samuel Jumper

£105

Trust me—a sleeveless knit will serve you well on milder days.

Aeyde

Belinda 50 Suede Ankle Boots

£440

These are autumn in a boot,

Arket

Oversized Cotton Coat

£169

This whole look is worth bookmarking for later.

Everlane

The Utility Curve Pant

£104

You can wear ecru denim long past summer with the addition of a cosy knit.

Rise & Fall

Women's Silk-Cotton Vest

£46

Wardrobe staples like this ultra-soft tank will get worn all year round.

Dear Frances

Mary Jane, Patent Black

£450

The prettiest shoes I've seen this week.

The Row

Half Moon Bag in Leather

£1410

I'll never get tired of The Row's bags.

Maeve

Faux Leather Jacket

£130

Throw on over a white tee and jeans and voila, instant polish.

& Other Stories

A-Line Maxi Dress

£77

This gives the little black dress a run for it's money.

Free People

Molly Slim Trousers

£88

We're not back onto skinny jeans quite yet, but slim-line trousers tuck so perfectly into knee-high boots.

New Look

Wide Fit Black Leather-Look Strappy Kitten Heel Sandals

£33

These look at least three times their price tag. A must for event season.

Reformation

Veda Reed Jacket

£448

There's something distinctly Parisian about this chic jacket, non?

ALIGNE

Betty Reversible Wax Coat

£189

Wax jackets are currently trending RN.

Nobodys Child

Striped Easy Fit Crew Neck T-Shirt

£39

Breton stripes come into their own in autumn.

Filippa K

Darcey Wool Trousers

£225

I could happily live in Filippa K forever.

ALOHAS

Tb.490 Club Onix Cream Leather Sneakers

£170

Not your average white trainers.

John Lewis

John Lewis Wool Blend Shepherd Cardigan

£55

Such a charming shade of red.

Nobody's Child

Cotton Rich Striped Funnel Neck Jumper

£69

See what I mean about Breton stripes?