5 min read
Autumn is the season where the morning and the afternoon disagree. You leave in a chill and come home in the dark, with a warm middle in between. The outfits that work are the ones that change with the day.
Think in three temperatures rather than one look. If each layer can stand on its own, you are dressed for all of them.
Build for three temperatures
Start with a light base, a tee or a fine shirt. Add a mid layer you can carry, a knit, an overshirt or a light jacket. Finish with an outer layer for the cold ends of the day, a coat or a heavier jacket. Shed the outer layer indoors, keep the base and mid.
The autumn palette
Autumn rewards warm, low-contrast colour: camel, chocolate, olive, rust, burgundy and cream. (If you search for fall outfit ideas, this is the same season under the American name.) Two of these plus a neutral base is an outfit. Three is usually one too many.
Fabric and footwear
Wool, cotton twill, corduroy and suede read as the season. Linen and thin jersey do not, however good they looked in July.
For shoes, pick something that survives a wet pavement: a boot, a loafer with a real sole, or a leather shoe over a trainer. Keep suede for dry days.
The takeaway · Dress for the warm middle of the day and carry the cold ends of it.