Autumn Fashion
Sep 6, 2023

I Just Restyled 5 Summer Pieces to Work Perfectly for Autumn—Here's How

by Bébhinn Campbell

With the blissful weather we're experiencing right now (it's 28 degrees in London as I write this), it's hard to believe autumn is just around the corner. An Indian summer would be a welcome treat, but there's only so long we can hold on to our warm-weather clothing—right?

Well, not necessarily. Many of the summer items you've been preparing to shove to the back of your wardrobe can, in fact, be carried into the colder season. All it takes is some smart styling. We're not talking about barely-there sandals and bikinis, but crop tops, cotton shirts and mini skirts are easy to incorporate into autumn outfits. By adding in a few extra layers, using accessories to beat the chill and adjusting the colour palette—think more warm neutrals than striking brights—you can keep wearing your ride-or-die staples for the next couple of months.

But I'm not one to dole out advice without leading by example, so below, you'll find a collection of outfits I've assembled around five popular summer buys. I've also linked all of the items featured, so you can easily pick up the pieces you need to re-create these chic summer-to-autumn looks.

Rewear summer pieces in autumn: A white shirt styled with blue jeans, loafers and a knitted vest

Photo:

Who What Wear

Style Notes: Our Instagram feeds have been filled with breezy cotton shirts for the past few months, tossed on nonchalantly over bikinis and strappy camis. As the temperature cools, use your shirt as the base layer rather than the cover-up, adding a knitted vest on top for added warmth.

Shop the look:

COS Oversized Cotton-Blend Shirt

Oversized Cotton-Blend Shirt

I've owned several COS shirts, and they always last an impressively long time.

H&M Sweater Vest

This one is sitting in my basket as we speak.

COS Large Chunky Hoop Earrings

Large Chunky Hoop Earrings

Premium-looking jewellery doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Missoma Bevelled Chain Necklace | 18ct Gold Plated

Bevelled Chain Necklace | 18ct Gold Plated

Chain necklaces are an essential companent of every outfit. You could layer this one with others of varying lengths.

Zara Bowling Bag

Zara's current handbag selection is one of the best on the high street.

Rewear summer pieces in autumn: A floral midi dress styled with a biker jacket and trainers

Photo:

Who What Wear

Style Notes: Think you need to say goodbye to your flowy midi dresses? Think again. Swap your sandals for sneakers and give the look an autumn spin with a biker jacket. Simple.

Shop the look:

Zara Faux Leather Biker Jacket

Faux Leather Biker Jacket

This is faux leather, so vegans don't have to miss out.

M&S Collection Pure Cotton Printed V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress

Pure Cotton Printed V-Neck Midi Wrap Dress

You could also dress this up with heels and red lipstick and wear it to an autumn wedding.

Acne Studios Musubi Knotted Printed Suede Shoulder Bag

Musubi Knotted Printed Suede Shoulder Bag

No need to abandon all colour as we head into the colder months.

Arket Veja Campo Trainers

Veja Campo Trainers

This brand is a long-time favourite of the fashion set.

Rewear summer pieces in autumn: A mini skirt styled with knee-high boots and a chunky knit jumper

Photo:

Who What Wear

Style Notes: Mini skirts made something of a comeback over summer; all you need to do to carry them into autumn is add thick tights and a cosy knit. In my opinion, short skirts and knee-high boots were made to be worn together, so consider this the perfect opportunity.

Shop the look:

COS Cropped V-Neck Mohair Jumper

Cropped V-Neck Mohair Jumper

Few materials are as insulating as mohair.

& Other Stories Domed Hoop Earrings

& Other Stories

Domed Hoop Earrings

I own these and wear them daily.

Arket Mid Size Curved Shoulder Bag

Mid Size Curved Shoulder Bag

I've spotted this exact bag on some of my favourite influencers.

Mango Riding Style Leather Boot

Riding Style Leather Boot

Mango always delivers on the boot front.

Rewear summer pieces in autumn: A cropped tank top styled with a denim midi skirt and cardigan

Photo:

Who What Wear

Style Notes: Tank tops are truly a year-round staple. Not only do they allow you to tailor your outfit to the weather (you can strip off your knitwear on milder days), but the more basic iterations can be inserted into any kind of outfit.

Shop the look:

Khaite Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan

Scarlet Cashmere Cardigan

This sell-out cardigan is back again, and we couldn't be happier.

Loewe Cropped Embroidered Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Jersey Tank

Cropped Embroidered Ribbed Stretch-Cotton Jersey Tank

This would also go well with high-rise tailored trousers.

& Other Stories Graphic Printed Square Scarf

& Other Stories

Graphic Printed Square Scarf

The French-girl secret to making every outfit ooze elegance? Add a silk scarf.

River Island Black Split Front Denim Midi Skirt

Black Split Front Denim Midi Skirt

Another summer staple we'll be wearing into autumn.

& Other Stories Small Leather Shoulder Bag

& Other Stories

Small Leather Shoulder Bag

This looks far more expensive than it is, don't you think?

& Other Stories Mary Jane Ballet Flats

& Other Stories

Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Simply add cream socks on cooler days.

Rewear summer pieces in autumn: Wide-leg trousers styled with a cape and ankle boots

Photo:

Who What Wear

Style Notes: Wide-leg trousers proved their versatility over the warmer months, paired with everything from linen shirts to one-piece swimsuits. For seasonal shift, switch into cosy mode and style yours with smart layering pieces in a sophisticated autumn palette.

Shop the look:

COS Second-Skin Long-Sleeved Top

Second-Skin Long-Sleeved Top

I love using printed basics like this to add extra interest to a look.

COS Hybrid Trench Coat Cape

Hybrid Trench Coat Cape

This is incredibly chic.

H&M Wide Trousers

I'm calling it: H&M is the frontrunner for budget-friendly trousers.

Arket Horsebit Buckle Leather Belt

Horsebit Buckle Leather Belt

Arket is constantly restocking this designer-looking belt.