Even the most summer-loving editors will agree, there’s a particular sweet spot in the fashion calendar that we all look forward to: that in-between moment when the weather is still warm, but the new season collections have started to arrive. Before you recoil at the thought of cable knit jumpers, pre-autumn dressing isn’t about committing to heavy layers just yet—instead, it’s about investing in versatile, luxury pieces that effortlessly bridge the gap between what you can wear now and later too. Think beautifully tailored blazers thrown over linen dresses and worn again later with knitwear and jeans, or timeless loafers perfectly paired with romantic dresses or straight-leg trousers that promise year-round mileage.
It’s worth noting that the best pre-autumn, luxury buys aren’t dictated by fleeting trends; they’re the pieces that quietly elevate your existing wardrobe by offering longevity well beyond a single season. So, with that in mind, I asked my fellow editors for the pieces that they’ve been eyeing for the months ahead, whether they’re focusing on one solid investment, or refreshing their capsules with a handful of elevated staples. Wondering how Who What Wear UK editors really shop the transitional period? These are the designer purchases we’re are adding to our wish lists before autumn officially arrives.
Natalie Munro, News Writer
(Image credit: Who What Wear)
Shop Natalie’s Picks:
Rixo
Karia Satin Top in Black
“If you thought Rixo were just pretty summer dresses, think again. Not only are their blouse and skirt offerings are perfect with sandals on a sunny day, they can also be layered up with a suede jacket and knee high boot for autumn too.”
“This striking shade of blue stopped me scrolling in my tracks. Although COS’ merino cardigan comes in six different colours, this bold, pop of blue stands out from the crowd (quite literally), and I would happily wear it on repeat with jeans, tailored trousers and slip skirts from now till the end of winter.”
SAINT LAURENT
Leather Jacket
“I can’t wait for leather weather, largely in part to Saint Laurent’s sleek funnel neck bomber. Everything about this reminds me of the best bits of autumn—fresh mornings, cosy layering and crunchy leaves.”
ME+EM
Side Stripe Barrel Trouser
“With an upcoming holiday and several slow weekends planned ahead, I’ve been looking for casual options that still feel polished. These Me + Em trousers feel like the perfect hybrid of smart-trousers-meets-trackies that look like your favourite loungewear, only better.”
Poppy Nash, Managing Editor
(Image credit: Poppy Nash)
Shop Poppy’s Picks:
With Nothing Underneath
Sóller Shirt: Fine Poplin, Cobalt Blue X Lucy Williams
“A crisp shirt is a staple in my wardrobe all year round, but there’s something about With Nothing Underneath’s beautiful blue Sóller style that might just replace my usual white go-to. I have dreams of wearing this with white linen trousers for my honeymoon later in the year, and underneath a wool coat when we return.”
Massimo Dutti
Medium Braided Nappa Leather Bag
“Massimo Dutti might be a fixture on the high street, but they don’t cut corners when it comes to premium quality at a better price point than most luxury. Take this braided leather bag as a prime example.”
“COS’ Clean Cut t-shirt is already a Who What Wear UK favourite for it’s perfect fit and thick fabrication, but now it comes in an even better navy stripe, bringing the grand total of colours and prints to an impressive 20. I’d tempted to take one in every style…”
Rohe
Silk Relaxed Trousers
“ICYMI wide-leg silk trousers are having a moment right now, and if you didn’t buy a pair to wear during the heatwave, now is a great time to invest in Rôhe’s relaxed pair in midnight blue. Effortless elegance in a sleek trouser.”
Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor
Shop Remy’s Picks:
Toteme
Cotton Twill Jacket Cashew
“In the not-quite-trench-coat-not-quite-cardigan weather, you’re going to be thankful for a jacket like this in your arsenal. Ultra-light and ready to throw on over anything at a moment’s notice, Toteme have knocked it out of the park with this pared-back beauty, the very definition of simplicity, perfected.”
“I’m not ready to break up with bold pops of red, and once my red mesh ballet flats are too breezy for the weather, I’ll switch to this Loewe sweater to wear over white tees, tied around my shoulders, or of course, around my waist.”
Victoria Beckham
Dorian East-West Clutch Suede
“A sleek Victoria Beckham, cocoa suede, minimalist, suede clutch. Need I say anymore? This bag makes me want to immediately put my white cotton dresses to one side and step into a sharp grey suit and business-ready heel.”
“If there’s one pair of shoes that you can wear quite literally all year round, it’s a leather ballet shoe. Jimmy Choo haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel with their Margot flats, but they have perfected it—everything from the almond toe to the semi-patent finish is so finely tuned that you’ll be able to wear these for years to come without worrying that they will go out of style.”
Humaa Hussain, Junior Branded Content Editor
(Image credit: Future)
Shop Humaa’s Picks:
JAMIE HALLER
The High Striped Cotton T-Shirt
Sorry white tank tops, nothing says “autumn” quite like a stripped tee. Jamie Haller’s High Striped cotton tee is the perfect long sleeve for slightly chillier days, and the subtle print means it will still go with just as much as your usual every day basic.
FRAME
The Bow High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans
As soon as the weather gets cooler, it’s my sign time to bring out the dark denim.These are top of my wish list for the moment I stop wearing my linen trousers and flip flops.
KHAITE
Nevada Leather Ankle Boots
I’ve been eyeing these for a few seasons, and I think now is finally time to commit. These are the kind of classic style and execution you can wear year after year and they will never date.
Toteme
Summer Parachute Jacket Clove
I’m all about clever, transitional layering so having a jacket I can throw on over layers when the cold really settles in is perfect. Toteme are masters of the lightweight jacket, and this Summer Parachute jacket ticks every box.
Florrie Alexander, Shopping Editor
Shop Florrie’s Picks:
Rohe
Puck Sculptural Tailored Trousers=
Anyone who knows me knows that I live in straight leg jeans, but there’s something about Róhe’s barrelled, voluminous trouser that is convincing me that this autumn is going to be all about this sculptural silhouette.
The Row’s handbags are always on my wish list, but particularly in the transition between summer and autumn when you need a big bag with “back to school” energy to replace your summer basket bag.
Spinelli Kilcollin
Pia 925 Sterling Silver and 18kt Gold Ring with Diamond
Okay, this is spenny, but that’s precisely why it’s on my wish list. I could happily look at this Spinelli Kilcollin ring all day, and I dream of the way this could dress up even my most simple autumn outfit with a little extra sparkle.
“The next time you’re wondering what to wear with a white tee, jeans and loafers, Arma’s leather jacket just solved all of your problems.”
Georgia Seago, Sub Editor
(Image credit: Georgia Seago)
Shop Georgia’s Picks:
DeMellier
The Large Siena Bucket
“My fellow editors rave about DeMellier bags, but most of the brand’s styles are too structured for my liking. The Large Siena is perfect: slouchy, suede and super-versatile.”
Dries Van Noten
Printed Halterneck Silk Twill Top in Multicoloured
“I’m very into draped, longline tops right now. This is technically a minidress, but I’d wear it over wide-leg linen trousers with sandals now, and with straight-leg jeans and a leather jacket thrown over the top when it gets cooler.”
MIU MIU
Mu 11zs Rectangle-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
“I’m after a new pair of sunglasses, and I like the idea of a pink-tinted lens to brighten up my early-autumn outfits. These would look especially good with a cream and tan tonal look.”
