Autumn capsule for any budget

Once I finally accept that summer is gone and those leaves start to turn, I must say, I really do love autumn.  All the warm colours and the endless layering opportunities are right up my street.  I feel like at this stage of the game my autumn capsule wardrobe does not vary wildly from year to year but my desire for heels has somewhat waned over the past twelve months and you will see a good, practical waterproof coat has snuck in there too.

I will not lie to you – this took me so long to pull together…  but I really wanted to include a more budget friendly version too.  I must say, I am pretty chuffed with my finds.  I do in fact already have most of ‘the dream team’ in my wardrobe (or something similar) and I like to think they are all pieces that will stand the test of time and, therefore, a worthy investment.

 

THE DREAM TEAM

These pieces, or some version of them, have been on heavy mix and match rotation all month and showing no sign of retiring any time soon.

THE WINTER WHITES
Those Sezane trousers I actually bought at the end of the summer (because I loved the tan version so much) and I have had SO much wear out of them already.  The denim is nice and heavy and I sized down two sizes for a fitted look (I wear the size six, have the eight in the camel colourway but am usually an 8-10 for reference).  See them worn a few different ways here.

THE BRETON STRIPES
Fair to say the breton jumper has turned out to be THE knit of the year – these guys are everywhere.  I have two from Baukjen, the half zip knit and the sweatshirt, and the quality is beautiful. It is also a super sustainable British brand (the knit is made from plastic bottles, truly) and I have 15% off with the code THANKFIFI15 if you fancy a peruse.

THE LEATHER LEGS
I know I bang on about these Commando leggings but, and I will say it again, they are incredible.  Shapewear but not as I knew it – the most comfortable, flattering, high quality faux leather.  I wear size small which moulded to my shape very quickly so take your usual size and squeeze into them the first time – totally worth it.

THE CHUNKY WAIST BELT
I have this old Ted Baker double buckle, waist belt from around ten years ago and it must be one of the hardest working accessories in my entire wardrobe.  Every now and again I just fall in love all over again and, right now, I am head over heels.  It works over dresses, over sweater vests, over coats, with the paper bag trousers…  well, this Sezane one is almost identical.

THE PERFECT DRESS
This Phase Eight dress is SUCH a hard worker and just so easy to wear.  Layer it over or under or wear it alone – the print and colours are beautiful.  See it on here (I wear the size ten).  It happens to be on sale right now and looks set to sell out fast but, fear not, there is a budget friendly version (almost as good) if you scroll on down…

austin trousers – Sezane
samara organic sweatshirt – Baukjen (THANKFIFI15 for 15% OFF)
alyson newlife jumper – Baukjen (THANKFIFI15 for 15% OFF)
maggie trench coat – LK Bennett
amelya ankle boots – Sandro
faux leather leggings – Commando
eliza bucket bag – LK Bennett,
cassandra boots – LK Bennett
gisele belt – Sezane
cavanagh rain jacket – Varley
herringbone sweater vest – Mango
matilda dress – Phase Eight (ON SALE)

 

 

THE BUDGET FRIENDLY

I TRAWLED the www for these babies and *pats self on back* did a pretty great job.  I really wanted to include some more affordable options but there were some things I simply could not let slide – the bag, boots and belt had to be genuine leather and the rain coat must be waterproof (not water resistant because honestly, in Scotland, what is the point?).  Girls, I nailed it.

THE RAIN JACKET
I cannot confirm or deny but H&M claim this rain coat to be made from ‘waterproof functional fabric with sealed seams’ and a ‘water column rating of 10,000 mm’ (which is pretty good).  I love these kind of jackets because you can throw them on in autumn and spring and when the temperature drops you can easily layer a thin puffer or fleece underneath.  It comes in black too.

THE CHUNKY WAIST BELT
Ok, so I think this Ted Baker belt might actually be this year’s version of my vintage and much loved belt.  Still not cheap but that is a lot of leather and, if it is anything like mine, it will be with you for a looooong time.

THE SWEATER VEST
What an absolute hero.  I am so pleased to see that sweater vests are sticking around for another winter because they are just so versatile; they take your mid season dresses right through the cold months and work equally well over blouses.  H&M have a great selection right now and the price tags are fairly friendly which is always a bonus.

 

straight leg belted jeans – Mango (ON SALE)
(these from Reiss at Brand Alley are nice too)
Paisie stripe sweatshirt – Amazon
stripe knit sweater – Mango
oversized trench coat – Asos
western ankle boots – Marks & Spencer
faux leather leggings – Mango
(honestly though, the Commando ones are so good so do have a look here on ebay)
leather shoulder bag with chain – Zara
leather boots – Marks & Spencer
elzbeth belt – Ted Baker
waterproof commuter jacket – H&M
knitted sweater vest – H&M
floral dress – H&M

 

I hope you find something you like or some inspiration to dig a classic out of your wardrobe.  The husband has been suffering many a lonely evening (binge watching Money Heist) while I pulled this together so please do let me know if you found it useful or, indeed, if I missed anything out.  Just leave me a comment below or drop me a message on Instagram if you have any questions and I will be so happy to help.

This post contains affiliate links and gifts

 

OUTFIT DETAILS

maggie trench coat – LK Bennett
alyson newlife jumper – Baukjen (THANKFIFI15 for 15% OFF)
faux leather leggings – Commando
boots – Mint Velvet (old)
aviators – Ray Ban
eliza bucket bag – LK Bennett