The start of autumn is always a bit tricky when it comes to dressing. We need to master the game of layering. The difference in temperature between morning and afternoon can be more than 15 degrees on a sunny day, which means we have to dress properly to avoid being cold in the morning and minimise sweating in the afternoon. This is why understanding layers is so crucial. You need to figure out what works best for you and your personal style, so that on a day like this, you can lose one layer throughout the day.

Outerwear

Autumn brings more rainy days, so a raincoat or a waxed jacket is a must-have. I would even go further and say that they are different just enough that you should have both in your closet. A mac coat for days when you dress up, and a waxed jacket for when you want to be more casual. Next up is a nice suede jacket. Suede is a perfect material - if you get it in the right style, it works perfectly for more serious outfits or when you only want to wear jeans and a sweater. If you don’t feel that suede works for you, you can get a chore coat instead. Another must-have is an M-65 jacket. This is a no-brainer because it works well with every casual outfit. An added bonus is that you know you always have a safe option for days when you’re in doubt. The last piece on the must-have outerwear list is a nice vest. Here you have more freedom, and you can go with whatever works best for you. But I will say, allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to picking a vest. Go with a color that you don’t wear often - choose something bright, like yellow or red. But if you want to play it safe, you can always go for navy, olive or brown.

Mid layers: Jackets and Sweaters

Here you have plenty of options and I would suggest going with colors that match the color palette of your wardrobe. When it comes to sports coats or jackets that will often serve as mid-layers, I would pick something with a pattern because outerwear and trousers are mostly plain. So add an interesting pattern with a jacket or some texture with a sweater. If you are just starting to build your knitwear rotation, I suggest going with safe colors - beige, grey and navy. Once you have the basics covered, you can start adding brighter colors or patterns. I think everyone should own a good crewneck, roll neck and cardigan.

Trousers

I am more of a casual dresser, so I would suggest starting with some denim first. Ecru, washed blue and indigo jeans are a must-have. Then, add a few pairs of trousers or chinos in colors like khaki, olive or brown, and you’ve basically got everything covered/ build a strong base. I intentionally didn’t mention grey because I believe all the colors mentioned above are more versatile for casual wear. If you’re looking for something dressier, then grey would be a great option, but that’s a topic for another article.

Footwear

When it comes to footwear, spring and autumn are the best seasons because you can wear all of your favorite shoes, from sneakers and loafers to boots. I would start with a pair of loafers as you can wear them with all of the essentials. If you only want one pair, then dark brown or black leather is probably the most versatile option. That said, because of its aesthetic, I will always pick suede over leather. Another must-have in autumn is a pair of derbies. I would suggest going with black leather if that’s your only pair. It will work for all scenarios in fall. But to play it safe on a rainy day, you should consider a pair of boots. If you're a very casual dresser and only want one pair of boots, then suede chukka boots might be the best option for you. And don’t forget, on warm and dry days, you can still wear canvas sneakers.

Building a wardrobe is very personal, which is why there is no ultimate best solution that will work for everyone. That’s why I included a few alternative options. Let me know if there are pieces you consider essential that I didn’t include.