As much as we might want not to believe it, summer is coming to an end. But with the gusts of orange leaves and the darker nights comes opportunity: the chance to really go for broke on the seasonal dressing.
Key to getting an autumn look right is layering. The principle is simple: stack items of clothing on top of each other in a way that looks effortless and chic. But getting it right is actually a lot harder than it looks.
Fortunately, we spoke to a pro on how to do just that: luxury fashion stylist Bee Newham (beenewhamstylist.com). Here’s where to start.
Start with what you feel comfortable in
Throwing together a look can feel like a lot of pressure. Fortunately, there’s a solution: “start layering with similar outfits that you wear in summer or outfits that you feel comfortable in everyday,” says Newham.
“If you’re wearing a pair of trousers and a t-shirt and flip flops, you can add a pop of colour through like a thin cashmere cardigan tied at your waist or over your shoulders. Or layer a thin merino wool neck V-neck jumper over your t-shirt. They’re subtle tweaks that can turn a summer outfit into one that’s more autumn appropriate.”
She also suggests adding ‘pops of white’ into your everyday outfits as an easy way of starting the layering journey. “I like to do this with a t-shirt or a white shirt. I always say to my clients, if the t-shirt isn’t high enough so you can’t see it underneath the jumper or cardigan, turn it around, because the neckline at the back is always usually higher than the front.”
Beaufort and Blake
Any wardrobe needs a solid array of heroes, and this goes doubly for layering. Think lightweight, breathable items in an array of neutrals: nothing too flashy, but well-fitting building blocks for what will go on top afterwards.
“I’d look at having a good set of basics so you can easily layer,” says Newham. “So I’d look at ones in neutral colours until you feel more confident: black, white, grey, navy. I’d look for some thin cotton t-shirts; I really like Arket and Cos for theirs. Long sleeved t-shirts also great as we go into autumn. And then I’d look at some cotton and denim shirts. I love With Nothing Underneath, they’re a great British brand who specializes in shirts.”
Long-sleeved t-shirts, black trousers, and well-fitting jeans are all essentials: Cos is a good place to look for shirts, whereas American cool girl brand Reformation is a great place to pick up black trousers in a variety of styles. Of particular interest for an investment buy is the black Vida low rise pants: slimline, chic and great for pairing with shirts, jumpers and white tanks. As the colder weather rolls in, it also goes well with a chunky loafer; very autumnal.
Reformation
For those in search of proper button-down shirts, Beaufort & Blake have also launched a limited two-piece collab with designer Frankie Penwill which looks effortlessly chic: think white shirts or blue striped ones dotted with tiny flowers on the collar and cuffs. Tuck them into jeans, or indeed layer them over a skirt.
Nail the different textures
One of the best ways to make an outfit look interesting is to add a bit of depth. That comes with mixing different textures: experiment with wool, suede (fringed jackets in particular are having a bit of a moment) and denim as well as more lightweight items like silks and cotton.
Thick knit cardigans and jumpers are a good place to start here. Layer them over a collared shirt, or better yet, over a summery dress.
“Cashmere cardigans are great for layering, tucking jeans, layering over dresses, and skirts,” says Newham. “My favourites are from Marks & Spencer’s; they’re pretty inexpensive as well. And then look at getting some merino jumpers and turtlenecks, with crew neck or a V neck.”
If you can’t find what you want there, outdoorsy brand Finisterre have also launched a great capsule collection of knitted woollen items that are perfect for colder climes, in collaboration with Amy Powney. Grab one of their jumpers in a brown knit if you’re after something especially autumnal; otherwise, their knitted fisherman’s sweater is dreamy, perfect for swinging over the shoulders and will last you years.
Think you can’t wear two prints at the same time? Think again! But it’s a fine art: try to avoid pairing ‘big’ prints with other big patterns – instead, pair with a smaller one. Stripes go with pretty much everything, and busy prints look best with simpler ones.
“Someone who does it really well is Trinny Woodall,” says Newham. “She takes the colours that are in the prints and kind of matches them together in a really subtle way. You don’t want to match prints that are too big, but you can look at doing stripes or polka dots that are similar in colour and size.”
TBCo
In 2025, the humble scarf is king. “I bought a silk scarf from last autumn and I’ve worn it so much,” Newham says. “I’ve tied it around my waist over a skirt in summer, but it’s something that I could do over a dress or skirt in autumn. I’m looking forward to wearing it tied over my shoulders over a chunky knit with jeans and boots.
“If I was picking one up now, I’d definitely look if I was picking up a silk scarf, I’d definitely look at a vintage one. Or one of my favorite brands is Hostetler: it’s got a drop of vintage designer silk scarves coming in early September, so it’s the perfect time to pick one up.” Otherwise, the internet abounds: try TBCo for their collection of artist collabs, or everybody’s favourite quirky brand, Toast.
Skirts and dresses are in
Your biggest champion when it comes to nailing a chic autumnal look? Skirts and dresses over pretty much everything else. This is both a great way to reuse your summer looks, but to add an interesting bit of boho-flavoured texture, pair them with jeans (as all the Gen Z kids are doing these days). Bonus points for delicate silk slip dresses, or sheer ones.
Newham also recommends investing in a lace cami. “We’ve seen so much lace this summer from designers such as Chloe,” she says. “I’d look for one slightly longer in length, so the trim pokes out the bottom, to layer a chunky jumper or a cardigan over the top in autumn. Or look for one with a pretty lace neckline so you can layer it underneath like a merino thin V neck jumper or cashmere cardigan.”
Damson Madder
Given that layering is all about showing off beautifully coordinated layers of items, it makes sense you’d want to keep the outerwear light and breezy – mostly so you don’t overheat, but also to add a bit of texture to the look.
A great place to start here would be trench coats. They’re forever chic, they’re versatile and they’re also easy to pair with items like cardigans and jumpers; Damson Madder does a fun one with a sailor collar too.
