As a fashion editor, the turn of the season can be a tricky time for our wardrobes. There’s the transitional stage where we straddle both seasons in a way that feels chaotic, then there’s the stage where we’re fully in it, inundated with new trends that make our wardrobes feel flat while we try to gauge if triangle scarves are still cool.
The key to avoiding all of this is thinking ahead. While it may give you a hot flush to think about autumn dressing in the middle of a heatwave, now is the best time to take stock of not just our wardrobes and the pieces we’ve carried over from last season into summer, but of the trends emerging now that set the tone for autumn.
By identifying the trends that are already gaining momentum rather than waiting until September and overhauling your wardrobe in a panic, you can make the transition feel seamless and your outfits feel more considered. From long-sleeve t-shirts and barrel-leg jeans to suede shoes and capri pants, there’s a whole host of items that make up a great perennial wardrobe that can be re-styled for autumn to feel fresh and modern.
This method also allows you to look at microtrends with a new perspective, having already created a strong foundation for your autumn wardrobe where you can select what compliments rather than relying on them to do the heavy lifting.
So to give you a head start I’ve pulled together five early-autumn outfits I’ve spotted amongst the fashion set that are both transitional, versatile and, most importantly, stylish. Read on to find out more.
5 Early-Autumn Outfit Ideas
1. Long Sleeve T-Shirt + Satin Skirt + Suede Mules
Style Notes: I have such strong feelings about long-sleeve t-shirts. They’ve become much more than a basic thanks to The Row’s summer 2025 collection where short sleeve tees were layered over long-sleeves for a quiet luxury take on 90s grunge (my happy place). The trend gained traction at the end of last summer and took us into winter but by no means are we done with it. It’s maximum impact with minimum effort, and the long-sleeve tee options are endless. There’s striped, slogan, raglan, oversized, fitted etc etc. Plus, the quiet luxury element means it pairs well with smarter, more feminine pieces like satin skirts and tailored trousers.
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