The thing about autumn is that it exposes the weak spots in your wardrobe. A cheap pair of jeans that looked passable in July suddenly feels paper thin. The T-shirt you’ve been rinsing all summer is sagging at the seams. That light jacket you thought would do the job? It won’t. Autumn demands better clothes – heavier fabrics, sharper cuts, pieces that can stand up to weather, layering and the occasional pub garden heater. Here are some key autumn wardrobe upgrades you can make in preparation.
Swap throwaway denim for proper jeans
A single pair of selvedge jeans will last longer than a drawer full of stretch-denim imposters. Buy them raw, wear them hard, and they’ll mould to your body while developing a patina that feels personal.
Upgrade your T-shirts
Thin cotton crewnecks are fine in summer, but layering requires substance. Look for heavier cotton in neutral shades – grey, white, navy – that keep their shape and make everything else you wear look more considered.
Buy a wool overcoat
An overcoat in navy, camel or charcoal is the ultimate autumn insurance policy. It goes over a suit, but also works thrown on with jeans and trainers. One coat, endless mileage.
Bring in knitwear with heft
Forget wispy jumpers that pill after two washes. Autumn knitwear should have body – think chunky lambswool or fine-gauge merino. It’ll keep you warm without straying into novelty-Christmas-sweater territory.
Trade hoodies for sweatshirts
There’s a reason men who know about clothes wear sweatshirts instead of hoodies. A loopback cotton crewneck, cut well and in a muted tone, has the comfort of loungewear with the credibility of sportswear.
Lace up proper boots
Sneakers in the rain are a miserable experience. Leather boots – Chelsea, lace-up or moc-toe – give you grip, durability and a bit of grown-up gravitas.
Try an unstructured blazer
A softly tailored blazer in corduroy or wool sits comfortably between casual and formal. Wear it with jeans, chinos, even drawstring trousers, and it won’t look try-hard.
Upgrade to technical outerwear
The British climate is not forgiving. Especially in those awkward transitional months. A proper waterproof shell or parka solves that problem. Just try to pick one that won't leave you looking like a hiker lost in Soho... unless that's what you're going for. Otherwise, keep it simple, keep it neutral.
Buy real accessories
Your scarf and gloves should not be acrylic. Cashmere or merino versions feel better, last longer and elevate the most basic outfit. Small upgrades, big payoff.
Refine your everyday bag
A leather tote, canvas weekender or neat messenger will do more for your look than a fraying nylon backpack. It’s a detail, but one you’ll carry with you every day.
Invest in proper sunglasses
The sun doesn’t clock off just because it’s October. A good pair of sunglasses will sharpen up your look, hide tired eyes and stop you squinting through low autumn light. Go for classic shapes – wayfarer, aviator, round – in tortoiseshell or black, and avoid novelty. The right pair works year-round and adds the kind of polish you don’t get from the petrol station rack.
Next up: 9 Autumn shoe styles you should know.
