If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that autumn is my favourite time of year, and dressing for it brings me so much joy. The colour palette, the textures, the added interest through layering combine to make autumn style flattering and fun to create.

I’ve chosen nine key pieces for this week’s fashion edit, which are currently on my wish list. They’re not tied into any particular “trend”, they’re simply strong stand-alone items that will look fresh and sophisticated. They’ll work beautifully together as a capsule edit, while each piece will sit comfortably alongside the basics already in your wardrobe.

The shirt

My style can be a little boyish at times, so I love a button-front shirt. This piece from Avoca has captivated me completely. I adore the contrast between a masculine cut and feminine floral motif. The red frame adds extra detailing and makes the print feel a little more graphic too, which appeals to my aesthetic. This is a beautifully unique piece and would work wonderfully over wide-leg trousers or a pleated skirt. As I love to layer, I would probably wear it over a very fine-knit polo for a slightly seventies feel.

The blazer

I can’t recommend buying a good quality suit jacket strongly enough. I have a black Elizabeth and James black blazer, which I bought in 2007 for significantly more than the cost of the one pictured. I haven’t had to buy another one since, yet I wear it constantly, and it’s still in terrific condition. If I had picked one up in Zara back then, I’m sure I would have invested in several others since. This version from Me+Em – one of my favourite UK labels for the quality and subtle but directional designs – is exquisite. The cut is classic, but the raw edge detailing elevates it, adding a unique, but contemporary effect.

The dress

A couple of smart, easy-to-wear dresses will work incredibly hard for you through winter. This Cos dress is an absolute winner. The silhouette is modern and flattering, and it makes enough of a statement with the blouson sleeves that it needs little or no accessorising. This is the kind of piece you can just throw on and go without sacrificing an ounce of style. I’m very pale, so this biscuit neutral colour won’t work for me, but if it comes in a darker shade later in the season, I’ll be all over it.

The trousers

I’ve almost replaced skinny jeans completely with wide-leg trousers. I find they’re a more chic and flattering throw-on and they look great with trainers. The pair pictured are from Topshop Boutique, which is the better quality, more expensive range from the high street stalwart. I own several pieces from Boutique and I find the fit great (roomier than standard Topshop items) and the designs far more sophisticated. These camel pants will make a great wardrobe staple. Although I avoid wearing this shade close to my face as it wouldn’t flatter my complexion, I can wear it on my bottom half. I’ll pair these pants with a sweater in a lovely autumnal shade like merlot in order to add more definition and individuality to the look.

The knit

For someone who loves to layer, cardigans are an essential element in my wardrobe. I have many, to which I will now add this gorgeous belted version from Uniqlo. This piece is part of the Inés de la Fressange collection. The French former model and luxury fashion house muse has been working with the Japanese retailer for several years and offers a taste of Parisian chic at high street prices. This cardigan will work beautifully over pleated skirts and polo-necks or hanging loosely over wide-leg trousers or jeans for an effortlessly chic look. And if you’re a fan of designer collaborations, keep your eye on the Uniqlo website for its upcoming Jil Sander collection.

The coat

A great coat is such an essential part of a woman’s wardrobe when she lives in a climate like ours, yet so many of us skimp on outerwear and footwear. I think owning one statement coat is a really good investment. When you’re feeling a bit drab, it functions like a red lip, bringing instant chic and interest to your look. This divine, oversized belted coat is expensive, but it is from fully sustainable brand Mother of Pearl so you’re paying towards a better planet as well as a better look. It’s one of the most fabulous I’ve seen this season; the black and white check coupled with tangy coral feels so fresh and contemporary.

The polo-neck

This sheer wool polo-neck comes in a variety of colours and I tend to stock up on them – I own one in mustard, petrol and white. They’re so fine that they work brilliantly layered beneath shirts or sweaters when temperatures drop, and they also feel really nice against my skin as they’re made from merino wool. They also offer a great way of transitioning lighter dresses into autumn-appropriate pieces. As I get older, my wardrobe has become more and more seasonless. I like almost everything to function for as much of the year as is possible.

The skirt

Everything about this look I adore – the layering, the seventies vibe, the covered-up nature of it. This dogtooth patterned skirt (it’s difficult to see in this shot, but on the H&M website you can view a close-up of the fabric) is part of the Giuliva Heritage x H&M collaboration and is a great wear-with-anything item. It can be styled to look super-smart, as shown here, or paired with a chunky Chelsea boot and oversized sweater for something a little less formal.

The boots

I already have a pair of these boots, although mine have a gold studded edge and a patent finish. They’re one of my favourite pairs because they’re smart enough to wear to meetings but they allow me to run around all day if I need to; before lockdown I needed to a lot. The leather is sturdy, but soft enough so that there’s no agonising breaking-in process. As soon as mine start to wear (and there’s no sign yet), I’ll be investing in another pair.

Marie Kelly, September 2020.