I’m a summer person who prefers autumn clothes, so for me, this time of year brings mixed emotions. While I’ll always wish for warmer days no matter the time of year, I love layering and playing around with fresh new trends. The thing is, though, often I find myself avoiding most of this newness in favour of easy-to-style pieces that save me time getting ready in the morning. Because I’ll do anything for that extra ten–minute snooze!
Minimalist outfits comprised of expensive-looking tailoring, great basics and premium knitwear and outerwear are the pieces I find myself most drawn to. And I’m not alone. So many of Instagram’s most stylish women rely on simple, effortless outfit equations to always look polished—trust me, they never fail.
Here are seven fuss-free, minimalist autumn outfits I’ll be re-creating over the next few months.
Style Notes: Tailored separates are the easiest way to look put together, with minimal effort needed. Caroline tucks her oversized shirt into wide-leg trousers to keep the look polished. A ‘just in case’ knit around the shoulders and a white heel elevates just gives that little something extra.
You’ll wear this classic knit on heavy rotation across all seasons.
The perfect wear-everywhere heel height.
Style Notes: If there’s one colour I can guarantee will be huge news for autumn—aside from red—it’s grey. And what better way to wear the season’s hottest shade than by going top-to-toe tonal? Yatri layers a slouchy knit vest over a second-skin roll neck to create the perfect pairing with jeans.
I’ve already bought this ready to wear with denim.
This brilliant basic comes in so many colours.
So effortless.
Pumps are everywhere, and this pointed pair gets my vote.
Style Notes: Proving that mini skirts have longevity beyond summer, Liv styles hers with knee-high boots and a knit top. When it comes to the leather jacket, minimalists will prefer styles sans buckles, buttons and belts. This outfit is already in my saved folder on Instagram ready to copy ASAP.
This fuss-free jacket is firmly on my wish list.
You’ll get so much wear out of this simple knit top.
& Other Stories have nailed the brief.
This slouchy style is so comfy.
Styles Notes: Denim has been key throughout 2023, and it isn’t going anywhere. Switch up the traditional Canadian tuxedo by wearing a denim maxi instead of jeans. If you want to tap into the Western boots trend without going full cowgirl, just look for a pair with a simple square-toe and angled heel.
Style Notes: For an upcoming night out or an autumn wedding, the pairing of a long sleeved midi dress with a blazer will always work. You’ll be warm enough to enjoy your plans but still look effortlessly chic—genius.
You can see why this is one of Ghost’s bestsellers.
Timeless.
Everyone needs a pair of strappy black sandals.
Love the gold hardware.
Style Notes: Myself and Marianne are among the people who keep their sandals on for as long as possible. I’m of the firm belief that there’s no need to pack them away just because it’s autumn. Instead, simply style them with cashmere jumpers and trench coats to give them a new season spin.
It’s an investment, but you’ll wear it forever.
M&S is always a go-to for some of the best cashmere on the high street.
Ecru jeans can work all year round.
These are Marianne’s actual sandals.
Style Notes: It might be one of the oldest tricks in the styling book, but it’s still one of the best. Wearing one colour top-to-toe never fails to look chic, especially when you make like Gia Sinatra and pick a shade such as cream.
A worthwhile add to your next ASOS order.
These also come in silver.
Staud really does know how to deliver on good shoulder bags.
