While we might all pretend to enjoy summer dressing (linens! Sunglasses! Sandals!) there's no denying the collective sigh of relief heard amongst the fashion set the minute September layers become a viable option once more. After all, can you really call it "personal style" if you're just throwing on the thinnest piece of fabric in your wardrobe to make it through the sixth heatwave in two months? Sure, clothes serve a purpose, but they're so much more fun when that purpose is to spark joy rather than satisfy pure pragmatism.

And, with back-to-school season having finally arrived and an undeniable chill in the air, it's officially time to talk autumn outfits. Or, as some might say, 'sweater weather'. Whether you're into knitwear, have already reincarnated your coat closet or lean more towards tailored taste, the style set continue to tap into a series of outfit combinations that form the backbone of almost every great autumn wardrobe.

Looking to simplify your morning outfit routine? Keep scrolling to see the 9 classic autumn outfit combinations fashion people return to time and time again, and our pick of the best pieces to buy to fill any gaps in your wardrobe.

9 Classic Autumn Outfit Combinations To Try

1. Oversized Shirts + Tailored Trousers

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style notes: Tailoring is a classic style staple to return to in autumn; not only because it's been so missed over a summer spent in linen, but also because of the back-to-school mood that September never fails to bring about. Right now, it's all about loose, relaxed tailoring that would've undoubtedly had you sent to the headmaster's office. Think untucked shirts, oversized fits, trailing trouser hems and your favourite slimline sneakers.

Shop the Trend:

Mango Straight Poplin Shirt

Deep cuffs always look super premium.

The Row Daniela Wool-Twill Wide-Leg Pants

You'll wear these forever.

Miu Miu Plume suede-trimmed sneakers

The ultimate slimline sneaker.

Toteme T-Lock Croco-Embossed Top Handle Dark Brown

A staple bag to take you through both autumn and winter.

2. Puffer Jackets + Chunky Boots

(Image credit: @_livmadeline)

Style notes: Puffer jackets may feel a little premature right now (particularly when we're hit with a 24°C Tuesday every now and then), but there's little that feels more autumnal than wrapping up in one on a weekend walk. Sure, we might be wearing a t-shirt beneath ours for the time being, but the aesthetic is saying *autumn*. Paired with a walking boot, high-neck knit and your favourite light wash denim and you're practically a '90s style icon overnight.

Shop the Trend:

Max Mara The Cube hooded quilted down jacket

A rich chocolate colour that goes with everything.

Massimo Dutti Wool-Blend Knit Turtleneck Sweater

A super premium-looking speckled wool blend.

H&M Wide Crease-Leg Jeans

The perfect slouch.

Sorel Caribou Horizon™ Fleece-Trimmed Gore-Tex™ Ankle Boots

It's giving "outdoorsy".

3. Brown Leather + White Denim

(Image credit: @lindseyholland_)

Style notes: Okay, I may have spoken somewhat derogatorily about summer style, but, backtracking momentarily, who doesn't love a white jean? They may be one of summer's most undeniable sartorial highlights, but there's actually no rule as to when they become seasonally inappropriate. In fact, winter whites are fast-becoming one of the style set's secret weapons. Perfectly reflective of the cool weather crispness, they work so well in autumn paired with warm, deep hues (think browns, reds, burgundies) and rich textures like leathers, suedes, and faux furs.

Shop the Trend:

Saint Laurent Leather Bomber Jacket

Butter soft brown leather.

ZARA Z1975 High-Waist Regular Long Length Jeans

So much more than a summer staple.

COS Paradigm Suede Tote Bag

Something to fit your laptop (and then some!).

KHAITE Leather Ankle Boots

Super comfortable. Super chic.

4. Ribbed Socks + Slimline Loafers

(Image credit: @juliesfi)

Style notes: Cosy socks and loafers might just be one of the trends fashion people look forward to most when the weather cools down. Paired with everything from your favourite knitted mini while we wait for the chill to really set in, to tailored trousers in the office, light wash denim for a weekend brunch or even your cosiest joggers to add a little zhuzh to your Sunday supermarket run, they're the most comfortable, hardworking and super chic shoe to reach for instead of your go-to trainers this season.

Shop the Trend:

Calzedonia Socks With Wool and Cashmere

School socks made chic.

Toteme Moccasin Loafers Black

These go with everything from skirts and dresses to tailoring, jeans and even joggers.

Threadbare Threadbare Brown Quarter Zip Brushed Knit Mini Dress

An easy autumn go-to.

Le Specs Le Specs Icicle Slim Sunglasses

Totally timeless.

5. Statement Coats + Sunglasses

(Image credit: @hannahlovey)

Style notes: I live for a statement coat in autumn, and paired with your favourite classic sunglasses, it truly has the power to elevate any outfit. Having relied on this formula for endless September fashion week moments in both London and Paris, this is one I feel particularly passionate about. A soft but statement hue works particularly well with denim, while a deeper shade with intricate design or pattern-work looks great with a black tailored trouser. Pointed pumps are the easiest way to finish the look and take into the evening.

Shop the Trend:

The Frankie Shop Gaia double-breasted wool-blend coat

Nothing screams luxury like a white woollen coat.

Loewe Coil Cateye sunglasses

Loewe knows good sunglasses.

COS Facade Straight-Leg Jeans

The most classic denim wash there is.

MANGO Patent Heeled Shoes

Is there anything chicer than a slingback?

6. Knee-High Boots + Sheer Tights

(Image credit: @annelauremais)

Style notes: Many of us have a bit of a love-hate relationship with sheer tights (no doubt due to their frail nature and the ease at which one laddered leg can ruin a whole look), but when they work, they work. The chicest way to wear them right now is when they're barely visible at all, with just a small portion of your leg revealed beneath an outfit. We're talking skirts and knee-high boots, midi dresses and pointed heeled pumps, pencil skirts and ballet flats.

Shop the Trend:

Calzedonia Calzedonia 40 Denier Sheer Tights in Black

A pair of great tights is underrated.

Monki Monki Mesh Knee Length Skirt in Black

Such a chic way to lean into the sheer trend.

KHAITE Ona Crinkled-Leather Knee Boots

A 90s icon.

COS Belted Clutch Bag

This looks great tucked under an arm.

7. Khaki Cargos + Aviator Jackets

(Image credit: @claire_most)

Style notes: Unlike funnel necks, shell coats, oversized blazers and cropped trenches, aviator jackets haven't necessarily had a spotlight moment in recent years—which is precisely their appeal. Reliable, long-standing and by no means a fleeting trend, they're a staple in so many of our favourite fashion people's wardrobes. Paired with khaki cargos and a classic Ugg, it's an undeniably cool girl look that feels like a fun, fresh alternative to jeans and a jumper.

Shop the Trend:

Topshop Super Oversized Faux Shearling Short Jacket

One of the best high street coats of the season.

Stradivarius Poplin Cargo Trousers

We love a cargo moment.

UGG Ugg Classic Micro

A classic for good reason.

DeMellier The Small Stockholm in Black Fine Grain

So great for both daytime and evening plans.

8. Flared Joggers + Trench Coats

(Image credit: @brittanybathgate)

Style notes: Remember when joggers were widely-considered to be a behind-closed-doors kind of look? Unless, of course, you were an athlete heading to training or a Jack Wills ambassador holidaying down in Salcombe, they were by no means a go-to look amongst the style set. Now, though, we've come to our senses, and decided to put a chic spin on the comfiest trouser around. Paired with your favourite oversized shirt and fuss-free trench coat, it's a high-low look that works every time.

Shop the Trend:

STUDIO NICHOLSON Holin Cotton-Blend Trench Coat

A fuss-free trench elevates just about any outfit.

H&M Oversized Shirt

This one looks particularly great with a relaxed jean or jogger.

Lisa Yang Shannen cotton and cashmere wide-leg pants

Find me a more comfortable, chic trouser.

COS Crinkled Patent-Leather Ballet Flats

A deep square toe gives the more traditional ballet flat a real edge.

9. Pencil Skirts + Fine Knits

(Image credit: @aimeesong)

Style notes: Whether you're looking for a chic update to your office wear or something a little different to wear to dinner, a pencil skirt and fitted knit is the ultimate autumnal option. Far from their slightly matronly reputation, the mid-length pencil skirt has received something of a style overhaul over recent seasons. From rich fabrications to fun prints and clever layered accents, they're fast-becoming one of fashion's most unexpected daily go-tos. Paired with a bolder, more directional shoe to balance proportions, it'll be one of the hardest-working staples in your autumn wardrobe.

Shop the Trend:

CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Alessia Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater

A classic that you'll never stop wearing.