This may be controversial, but I always think that fall is my favorite season to dress up. I’m not denying the ease of summer at all, as it only takes five minutes to get ready every morning with a quick dress and slip-on sandals. But the freedom to layer and mix and match with different pieces in fall opens up a variety of styling possibilities and gives me the opportunity to get serious about my style. Every year at this time, I start prepping for the season and organize my wardrobe, putting away sarongs and linen shirts and unpacking cardigans and tailored pieces that I last saw at the end of spring. This seasonal act is not only necessary to organize my wardrobe, but it also allows me to inspect the items I own and identify the gaps that have yet to be filled. As I was pulling boxes off the top shelves for the next seasonal changeover, it felt like the perfect time to showcase the luxury items that I make sure to buy every year.
As we look towards autumn, the season’s essential purchases are the hardest workers in our wardrobes. Leather boots will face days of drizzle and long walks on damp paths covered with fallen leaves. Jackets and coats are the outermost layer of our outfits and are picked up every day, so they demand a polished feel and quality construction. Even tote bags need to be packed full with umbrellas, sunglasses and even light scarves as the unpredictable British weather makes its true statement. With this in mind, certain autumn items are really worth investing a little in for the durability of their quality manufacture and design. Adding just one or two of these items to your autumn outfit will instantly bring a luxurious feel that will elevate any other look, whether it’s made up of designer styles or excellent high street bargains.
As a fashion editor, I’m often asked which designer items are worth saving up for, and the new season is the perfect time to invest in luxury styles that you can wear not just for fall, but all year round and for years after. Having worked in the fashion industry for over eight years, I know all too well what types of items are truly worthwhile, and I’ve compiled them all in a succinct edit for your reading convenience.
Some of these pieces are historically iconic and have established themselves as wardrobe mainstays for years, while others are fresh creations by designers that are bound to capture the hearts of fashion people and earn the title of timeless buys. Think of Burberry’s ultimate trench coat, a decades-old favorite that combines both practicality and glamour. Or Khaite’s iconic cardigan, with its modern pinched silhouette and cozy properties. Quality denim has always ranked high on my list of worthy luxuries, alongside exquisite tailoring that can be used for both easy-going daily looks and proper evening wear. There are plenty more pieces to explore, so scroll down to see my 19 luxe fall pieces that I swear by.
Fall Splurge Shopping:
Burberry
Kensington organic cotton gabardine trench coat
There’s a reason the Burberry trench coat remains a wardrobe staple: it can be worn with any outfit, be it dressy, tailored or denim.
kite
Scarlet cashmere-blend cardigan
It’s always a good idea to have a light layer ready in case the sun shines through, especially with these timeless mall shades.
Agolde
+ Net Sustain 90s Pinch Waist Long High Rise Straight Leg Organic Jeans
A great pair of jeans will serve your wardrobe well all year round, and if you haven’t added a classic straight-leg jean to your collection yet, Agolde’s pinch waist style is a great choice.
Jimmy Choo
Biker boots in smooth black leather
Biker style is back again this year, and Jimmy Choo’s supple leathers and sophisticated designs are sure to be a hit for years to come.
Proenza Schouler
Janet pleated crepe top
A great top can help you wear jeans, skirts and tailored outfits for the evening.
totem
Double Leather Skirt Off White
From the sleek leather to the elegant cream color, this skirt is destined to be the brand’s new hero.
The Law
Black Margaux Leather Tote Bag
The Margaux bag is a coveted tote for any fashion conscious: this unique style features a woven body and a practical size to hold all your essentials and more.
Patou
Wool and alpaca cardigan
Add a sophisticated edge to a t-shirt and jeans combo or layer it underneath your trusty trench coat.
Magda Butrym
Pleated wool and silk blend cady straight-leg pants
Invest in exquisite tailoring and luxurious blends of wool and silk.
Prada
Chocolate brushed leather loafers
Loafers are a classic item that comes back every year.
Palmer // Harding
Courage Maxi Shirt Dress
From the color to the perfectly draped silhouette, this shirtdress has captured my attention.
Aneen Bin
Luca wool and cashmere coat
It’s never too early to invest in a luxury coat for the cooler months, and this wool and cashmere blend style is a real standout.
ARCH4
Nilly ribbed cashmere midi skirt
Pair it with a simple t-shirt and sneakers, or a cardigan and ballet flats for an effortless yet sophisticated look.
Celine
Triomphe oval acetate sunglasses
I always keep sunglasses in my bag because even when the weather gets cold the sun still shines through.
totem
Signature Stripe Turtleneck Black
This is a signature piece from the brand, which focuses on timeless designs that you’ll want to wear forever.
Furore Furore
Custom Cotton Shirt
No matter the season, a nice shirt is always a smart investment.
Max Mara
Wide leg tailored pants
Perfectly placed pleats and natural drape showcase Max Mara’s design intuition.
Aseno
Red Valencia Silk Dress
A sophisticated silk dress in autumnal hues will be the perfect wardrobe addition for any formal occasion.
Manolo Blahnik
Maysale 50 Buckle Suede Mules
Manolo Blahnik’s elegant Maysale mules will instantly add a touch of class to any outfit, from dresses to jeans.
