Every year when autumn arrives, I reorganize my wardrobe—not just for the change in weather, but as a moment to reflect on whether I’m truly dressing like myself.
In the streets of Europe—especially Paris, Amsterdam, and Milan—fashion isn’t about being flashy, but about expressing individuality through detail. You’ll see many people who look effortlessly stylish in what seems like simple outfits, yet each of them appears to be telling a story. That’s when I realized: there are countless good-looking outfits, but very few that are memorable.
1. Create a Visual Anchor to Leave a Lasting Impression
I often ask myself: If someone saw me once, would they remember what I was wearing? Not because the colors were loud or the accessories over-the-top, but because there was a visual anchor—a striking element that defines the look.
A “visual anchor” is one standout detail that gives an outfit a point of recall. It doesn’t need to be excessive—maybe it’s a uniquely cut coat, a sculptural bag, a pop-colored scarf, or a pair of sharply designed shoes.
For example, last autumn I wore a dark green double-breasted coat with a strong shoulder silhouette. The rest of the outfit was minimal: a cream turtleneck and black straight-leg trousers. But the coat’s tailoring was so precise, and the way it flowed in the wind gave the outfit a cinematic quality. That week alone, four people asked me, “Where did you get your coat?”
That’s the power of a visual anchor.
Another anchor I love: structural handbags. Whether it’s the Loewe Puzzle Bag, a geometric tote from COS, or even a special-edition piece from Zara—these kinds of bags can transform an otherwise basic outfit into something with depth and intrigue.
2. Color Pairing: Practice Restrained Boldness in Autumn
Autumn’s color palette tends to be gentle—earth tones, creams, caramels, forest greens, smoky greys. These are the season’s staples. But if your whole outfit is drenched in these tones, you risk blending into the crowd.
That’s why I like to apply what I call “restrained boldness” in color pairing.
This means grounding your look in stable neutrals, and then adding a color that stands out—just enough to catch the eye, without overwhelming.
Some examples:
- A caramel suit with a white top and burgundy ankle boots—the boots are the pop, but remain classy.
- A forest green trench coat with a smoky grey turtleneck, cream pants, and a deep-sea blue scarf—the scarf becomes the focal point.
- An all-black outfit broken up with an olive green leather tote—the green disrupts the monotony with elegance.
Lately, I’m drawn to combinations like “cream + misty blue,” “light grey + deep brown,” “oatmeal + sage green.” These pairings don’t scream for attention, but they add dimension and feel unique even on a gloomy city day.
3. Prioritize Silhouette, Not Just Trendy Pieces
Autumn and winter clothing is often heavy and layered, which makes it easier to look bulky. I’ve seen people wear expensive pieces and still look like they’re being swallowed by fabric.
So I’ve adopted a golden rule: choose the right silhouette, not just trendy styles.
Take the trench coat, for instance. I don’t just look for labels—I look for clean shoulder lines, a length that suits my height, and that magical flow when it catches the wind.
My favorite trench isn’t a designer piece. It’s a vintage navy coat from a British brand. It’s sharply tailored, hits mid-calf, and when buttoned up I feel like a BBC drama lead. Left open, I look like I stepped out of a street style editorial.
The heavier the fabric, the more attention you should pay to structure. High-waisted trousers elongate the legs. Drop-shoulder coats soften your outline. Straight skirts pair better with chunky boots than fishtail ones. Cropped leather jackets bring lift and edge to your look.
Another principle I hold onto: your outfit doesn’t need to be complicated—but your body should always have space to move and breathe. Clothes should embrace your shape, not mask your personality. The most elegant looks always allow you to feel relaxed, unforced, and graceful.
4. Amplify Your Style Through Seasonal Symbols
Every season has its symbols. In autumn, beyond colors and fabrics, there’s a specific mood in the air.
That’s why I love wearing pieces with a story in fall—like plaid, corduroy, wool, leather, collared knits, and pleated silk. They evoke nostalgia, a touch of vintage charm.
I have a deep emerald corduroy blazer that I always bring out in late September. I pair it with caramel trousers and a navy shirt, finishing with metallic earrings and sunglasses. The look gives off serious cinematic energy—think 1990s journalist on a rainy London street.
Another favorite is a high-waisted coffee-brown pleated skirt worn with a beige knit vest layered over a white shirt, vintage Mary Janes, and socks. It feels like I’ve stepped out of an old magazine spread.
There’s a trick to mastering this seasonal style: pick one key fabric and build around it. For example:
- Wool: Pair with knee boots, chunky knits, and ribbed beanies
- Corduroy: Match with leather boots, micro-plaid shirts, and metal buckled belts
- Suede or leather: Combine with denim, oversized outerwear, and minimalist layering
Autumn already carries emotional depth—dressing in a way that echoes that feeling will always resonate more than blindly chasing trends.
5. Accessories: The Most Overlooked but Powerful Finishing Touch
Many people say, “The outfit looks nice, but something’s missing.” That “something” is often accessories.
I’m not a fan of excessive ornamentation, but I’m very deliberate about earrings, watches, scarves, and bags. They have to be consistent with the tone of my outfit—and, ideally, enhance it.
In autumn, my go-to earrings are a pair of brushed gold hoops—just the right amount of presence to light up the face. My watch is small-faced with a leather band, which looks just right under a camel trench. Scarves are my color palette tools—from deep burgundy and soft taupe to muted blue and clean black and white, I swap them based on mood and weather. They’re the easiest way to create a fresh focal point.
I suggest curating a few high-rotation accessory sets. For example:
- Minimalist gold earrings + a textured knit scarf + a matching crossbody
- A vintage-feel watch + suede belt + retro brown boots
- A sharply structured medium-sized tote + wool hat + matte sunglasses
Truly memorable style doesn’t come from piling things on—it comes from intentional precision.
You Shouldn’t Just Look “Acceptable” in Autumn
Dressing isn’t about blending in. Especially not in autumn—a season full of temperature, tone, and emotion. It’s the best time to use your outfits to express something.
I’ve come to believe that “fashion sense” is really just “clarity of choice.” You know why you chose that jacket, why you put on those shoes, why that earring felt right today. That kind of clarity is where personal style begins.
Autumn isn’t the season to perform—it’s the season to refine. You don’t need to dress loudly, but you should dress in a way that shines with your own light. When you walk down the street and someone turns to look at you, it shouldn’t be because you’re flashy—it should be because you look like yourself.
