It's been a long time since dressing for a grey day was part of our weekly rotation. But as the first week of September draws to a close, autumn’s transitional weather is surely making itself known. Having spent the better part of the last six months in lightweight linen and flouncy maxi dresses, I must admit I’m rather excited to start layering again.

Having slowly started to re-shuffle my capsule wardrobe (dusting off the thick jeans and cosy cardigans that have served me well over the last few years), it became clear that a few minimalist staples were missing. Structured skirts that can be dressed up or down? Nowhere to be found. That perfect tailored blazer? Vanished without a trace. Allowing the discombobulation to last no more than a minute, I did what any savvy fashion person would do and took a peruse through the new-in sections of Zara, H&M, and COS to see if I could plug the gaps. Spoiler alert: I found more than just the necessities.

The trifecta of expensive-looking high street style, each store brought something a little different to the table. Whilst Zara’s digital shelves boasted fashion-forward shapes, H&M’s embraced luxurious fabrications and classic silhouettes. And COS? Well, almost every piece featured the clean lines and muted colours that every pared-back dresser dreams of. Having scrolled for hours, I’ve collated the very best each of these stores has to offer. Think tapered blazers that gently taper, or wool maxi skirts that cast a powerful shape all on their own; this is modern minimalism at its very best, all at a fraction of the price.

Shop the Nine Chicest Minimalist Buys From Zara, H&M and COS

COS Brushed-Cotton Long-Sleeved T-Shirt

This is exactly how I plan on dressing this autumn.

H&M Shoulder Pad Wool Blend Jumper

The shoulder pads give this jumper a softly structured finish.

ZARA Leather-Effect Bomber Jacket

If you missed out on last years viral leather bomber jacket, I'm happy to report that its back in a full size range.

H&M Wool Midi Skirt

I'd swap the chunky boots for loafers for an office-appropriate look.

ZARA Satin Jacket With Frog Fastening

Frog fastening jackets have become of of this season's biggest trends.

COS Leather Moccasin Loafers

I wear a pair of loafers not to dissimilar almost every day.

H&M Brushed Knot-Button Jacket

On a cooler day style with a classic white T-shirt and ballet flats.

H&M Wide Crease-Leg Jeans

In my opinion no capsule wardrobe is quite complete without a pair of easy going denim.

ZARA Blucher Trainers

Whether you call them Derbies or Blucher trainers, this minimal shape has been all over the fashion set as of late.

Shop More Chic Buys From Zara, H&M and COS We Adore

COS Funnel-Neck Cotton Trench Coat

If you're in the market for a sweeping trench which feels fresh and slightly cooler, you now can cease your search.

H&M Wool Turtleneck Cape

Statement making.

H&M Cotton Poplin Shirt

Riddle me this, can you ever go wrong with a crisp white shirt?

H&M Single-Breasted Wool Blazer

This softly structured blazer has gone straight into my basket.

COS Sculpted Stand-Collar Jacket

I'd personally style this beautifully sculptural cropped jacket with loose jeans and loafers.

COS Draped Crepe V-Neck Top

Swap your summer whites for an autumnal Ecru this season.

ZARA V-Neck T-Shirt

V-neck T-shirts like these have been all over my social media feed as of late.

COS Valley Bootcut Jeans

How chic is this full look, its one I'll be recreating ASAP.

COS Pintucked Cotton Mini Dress

This little black dress will work with loafers, ballet flats and boots this autumn.

H&M Tie Detail Jacket

All the chicest Who What Wear UK editors are utterly obsessed with this jacket right now.

ZARA Satin Midi Skirt

Simple, yet oh so stylish.

ZARA Leather Heeled Ballet Flats

If you missed out on Massimo Dutti's viral heeled ballet flats, Zara has a pretty similar pair in stock right now.

ZARA Soft Knit Short Sleeve Jumper

On a warmer day, style this alone with loosely fitted trouser and square-toe boots for a '90s-inspired look.

H&M Wrap-detail Tailored Trousers

I need this full look ASAP.