Bidding farewell to the warm embrace of the summer months is never easy, but there are ways to cushion the blow. Some people turn to the comfort of pumpkin-spiced lattes and autumnal scented candles to get into the mood for colder climes. For us, making one or two seasonal wardrobe upgrades is the way we like to do it.
What do we mean by that? Think one or two big purchases that will last a lifetime rather than a full wardrobe overhaul. Luxury pieces you can call upon to elevate all sorts of outfits, built to last and designed to weather trends.
Below is a carefully selected mix of luxury pieces we feel are worth having when it comes to tackling the autumn weather. Whether it’s the beautifully aging denim of a pair of Japanese selvedge jeans, or the buttery soft nap of a suede bomber, these are the garments to consider.
Goodyear-Welted Boots
Wet mornings aren’t as much of a drag when you can step out into them wearing appropriate footwear. A Goodyear welt is a traditional method of stitching outsoles to shoes and boots. It’s extremely durable, makes repairs easy, and helps to seal the elements out, making it a solid option for autumn and winter footwear.
There are plenty of great heritage brands that still build their boots this way. A few of our favourites are Red Wing, Paraboot and Danner.
Cashmere Sweater
Warm, soft and smooth, cashmere knitwear adds a subtle touch of luxury to any outfit. Particularly if you pick something highly versatile like a classic crewneck sweater.
Layer it with a gilet or a light jacket, and add a big coat when the temperature starts to nosedive into winter.
It’s such a simple silhouette, too, which means you can style it any way you see fit. From tailoring to trainers, it can do the lot.
Suede Jacket
If you’ve got the cash to splash, a suede jacket is one of those pieces you’ll buy once and wear forever. Choose one in a classic shape, like a bomber or a trucker, and it’ll age gracefully as trends come and go.
Good ones aren’t cheap, but look after it and it’ll look after you. Dress one up with tailored pants, a fine-gauge knit and a pair of Derbies, or style it more casually with a Breton top, relaxed-fit selvedge jeans and suede moc-toe shoes.
Balmacaan Coat
Meet your fall fashion cheat code. Throw it on top of anything and everything, and you’ll instantly look like you know what you’re doing, even if you just pulled a pair of joggers and a hoodie out from the back of the wardrobe in a hurry.
Don’t get it confused with a more structured overcoat. A proper balmacaan has raglan sleeves that drape lazily over the shoulders rather than standing proud. This gives it a more relaxed feel that works well with both casual outfits and dressed-up looks.
Waxed Motorcycle Jacket
It can be a tricky balance finding something that looks stylish and performs well in wet autumnal weather. There’s nothing wrong with a technical shell in the right context, but it’s hard to pull off with a smart-casual fit.
This is where a waxed jacket comes in handy. A Belstaff Trialmaster, or something similar, is a timeless piece of outerwear that’s practical, stylish and sensible – a winning combination when it comes to battling unpredictable transitional weather.
Cashmere Scarf
Affordable but still very much luxury. That’s why we’re always preaching the merits of a cashmere scarf.
It’s a relatively small high-end purchase that will allow you to add a touch of class to any outfit you wear. There’s no limit to how it can be styled and what it can be paired with, which gives it an unparalleled cost-per-wear ratio over the years.
Look at ASKET if you’re thinking sensibly, Loro Piana if you’re not.
Japanese Denim Jeans
Finding the perfect pair of jeans is a long and laborious project. It’s such a subjective thing, and even when you narrow the search down to something as specific as Japanese selvedge denim, there’s still a whole world out there to explore.
Still, it’s worth both the time and the expense, because when you get it right, you end up with a garment that becomes part of you in a way. The fabric fades to echo your lifestyle and moulds to your body. After a few months of continual wear, there won’t be another pair like them.
Japan Blue is a brand we’ve found to be great value for money, but if you want to really lean into the luxury element you can spend a lot more on some real heavy stuff from the likes of Oni, Samurai and Momotaro.
Classic Arctic Parka
The day will soon come when you step outside and realise light outerwear season has finished. When that happens, you need to ensure you have something more substantial to rely on during the colder months.
This is where a proper parka coat pays dividends with its robust build, insulation and timeless design. Spend the money on a classic from Woolrich or Nigel Cabourn and you’ll have it when you’re old and grey.