Instagram is one of my favourite destinations for a daily dose of fashion inspiration. Each season, I love poring over our trend guide and street style stories, but there’s something to be said for seeing those whose style—and wardrobes—you enjoy try new-season pieces, test out trends and rework wardrobe staples in ways you could never imagine. They sometimes do the hard work so we don’t have to.
So when I thought about what I wanted to invest in ahead of the new season, I knew I needed to go straight to my usual source and, of course, share my findings with you. With that in mind, I asked six fashion influencers to share their autumn wish lists and reveal the pieces they’ve got their eyes on and what they’re planning on wearing all season long. Between them, there’s an eclectic mix of aesthetics as well as a great balance between designer and high street, proving that even those in the know understand the value of a good investment piece, whether it’s £30 or £300.
Expect a strong focus on hero knitwear as well as timeless outerwear and versatile dresses. Whether you’re a minimalist or a maximalist—or even if, like me, you fall into neither of these categories and like to dip your toe into every fashion camp—there’s something to inspire you here.
Keep scrolling to see what some of the people behind your favourite fashion accounts will be investing in this autumn/winter.
1. CHIARA PERERA
Follow Chiara: @chiarasatelier
SHOP CHIARA’S PICKS:
H&M
Oversized Cashmere Jumper
“A simple black knit is a classic for a reason. I picked up a cashmere sweater from H&M last year and wore it all the time, so it was definitely worth investing in and taking care of. It has lasted so well, and I cannot wait to pull it out again this autumn.”
The Frankie Shop
Gelso Oversized Tencel-Blend Blazer
“It’s officially blazer season—the time I pull out my favourite Frankie Shop blazer. I love the black one I have, but I spotted this grey one, and I think need it too.”
COS
Mohair Crew-Neck Jumper
“This season, I want to inject a little bit of colour into my autumn/winter wardrobe. I’m normally a neutral kind of girl, but whenever I do add a pop of colour, it makes me so happy. These COS knits look fabulous and come in an array of colours; I feel like I need to collect them all over the colder seasons.”
Yaitte
Exclusive Buoy Striped Shirt
“If you know me, you know that I love a shirt, and I think it’s one of the hardest-working items in anyone’s wardrobe. It’s so easy to style up or down and can be layered, too. I cannot wait to pull out my With Nothing Underneath shirts or my Yaitte stripes, which are perfect for the colder months, as they’re a little bit on the thicker side.”
Toteme
The Mid Heel 60 Leather Ankle Boots
“If you missed out on the famous Celine Phoebe Philo Madame Boots, this pair are super similar and now firmly on my autumn/winter hit list.”
2. EMMA ROSE THATCHER
Follow Emma: @emmarosestyle
SHOP EMMA’S PICKS:
“You can never have enough striped knits. I’ll be styling this ARKET number with leggings and boots this autumn.”
COS
Pleated Wide-Leg Tailored Wool Trousers
“A black suit is so versatile. Dress down with trainers or up with a heel and red lip. I love COS’s relaxed tailoring offering this season.”
& Other Stories
A-Line Mini Skirt
“I’ll be tapping into the miniskirt trend with an A-line skirt, which I’ll team with an oversized knit and loafers for a cosy but cool look.”
LOULOU Studio
Borneo Wool and Cashmere Coat
“An oversized black coat is high on my wish list for autumn/winter, and I love this effortless style from Loulou Studio. Perfect for throwing on over chunky knitwear.”
3. SANTINA HARRISON
Follow Santina: @_santinaharrison
SHOP SANTINA’S PICKS:
“Baggy jeans work well for both day and night. If you don’t want to spend a lot on the trend, this pair from H&M is a must.”
& Other Stories
Oversized Turtleneck Knit Sweater
“I’ll be wearing this Breton on repeat. The loose fit makes this an easy transitional piece in your autumn wardrobe.”
The Frankie Shop
Olympia Faux-Leather Blazer
“A bit like starting school, my wardrobe essential for autumn is the blazer. I can’t start the new season without one, and this Frankie Shop Olympia blazer is a perfect ode to the ’90s.”
Staud
Marike Patent Leather-Trimmed Suede Shoulder Bag
“I always like to invest in a really good bag, and this stylish Staud number is high on my list, ticking all the right boxes.”
The Row
Round-Toe Leather Ballet Flats
“The footwear of choice this season is a French-girl staple: the ballerina pump. I’ll team with jeans, dresses and skirts for a comfy yet chic look.”
4. THANDI MAQUBELA
Follow Thandi: @thandimaq
SHOP THANDI’S PICKS:
Aligne
Gitty Leather Shirt Dress
“I’ve been lusting after a leather dress since last season. It’s an incredibly timeless piece that can be styled in various ways, which lends itself to working with a wide range of colours for layering underneath. Pair with a cream or burgundy roll-neck before adding boots or trainers.”
Raey
Responsible Cashmere-Blend Belted Crew-Neck Dress
“This is a classic cream knitted dress that you’ll find yourself coming back to season after season. It will most likely be one of the hardest-working pieces in your wardrobe, as it’s such an easy yet effortlessly chic throw-on number, and perfect for taking the thinking out of getting dressed, which I love.”
Iris & Ink
Margot Satin-Crepe Midi Skirt
“Autumn is such a great time to play with mixing textures. This skirt would work really well with a chunky, knitted cream jumper. Cable and cashmere are just as complementary.”
Ulla Johnson
Charlie Gathered Cotton-Poplin Midi Dress
“A gorgeous transitional dress that works for both the office and downtime. You can easily take it through to the colder months by adding a cream roll-neck and boots.”
“These flats are perfect for those of us who are a little unsure about the traditional ballet pump, which is having a resurgence this season. Slightly more elevated but still incredibly comfortable, they’re just as reflective of the trend given their flat sole and almond toe.”
5. CLAUDIA BERRESFORD
Follow Claudia: @claudia_berresford
SHOP CLAUDIA’S PICKS:
“There’s no denying I have a bit of an obsession with green, and this Free People trench coat has been living rent-free in my head for the past couple of weeks.”
Crumpet Cashmere
Striped Taylor Roll Neck White/Navy
“I’m still loving stripes this season, and I’ll be getting as much wear as possible out of this Crumpet Cashmere sweater, which is a new addition to my wardrobe. It is so soft and snuggly, and I love wearing it with jeans, over a dress or with a slip skirt.”
LPOL
Penrose Soft Suede & Leather Handbag
“I have this LPOL bag in pink leather, which I’ve loved over summer, and I’m really tempted by this new colourway. Plus, it’s made sustainably in England.”
6. FRANCESCA SAFFARI
Follow Francesca: @francescasaffari
SHOP FRANCESCA’S PICKS:
COS
Oversized Rounded Wool Coat
“I love this oversized wool coat. The raglan sleeves and spread-collar detail are just perfect.”
Zimmermann
Luminosity Cable-Knit Wool Sweater
“A chunky cable-knit is a winter-wardrobe classic. I love the addition of the turtleneck and oversized fit on this iteration.”
Celine
Small Triomphe Belt
“This Celine belt is so subtle but impactful and is the perfect way to elevate your autumn/winter wardrobe.”
Maison Margiela
Tabi Chunky-Heel Boots
“These have been on my wish list for a while. They’re a love/hate item, but whenever I see them on someone, I fall more in love. They’re a great way to add some interest to a more pared-back outfit.”
