Wardrobe Reset: 9 Key Pieces To Take You Into Fall 2025

Bored of shorts? We don’t blame you. Because as enjoyable as the warm weather is, it does make putting interesting outfits together a bit of a challenge. Thankfully, cooler days are on the way, and while the mercury may not have started to nosedive just yet, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to transition into your fall wardrobe without missing a beat.

The trick is having the right pieces to call on when the weather does begin to change. But we’re not talking big coats and winter boots just yet. Instead, you’ll need transitional pieces capable of bridging that awkward gap without leaving you sweating on the way into work and hypothermic on the way back.

We have a few suggestions.

Think of this as your mini fall capsule wardrobe: a tightly edited collection of pieces that can be mixed, matched and layered up or down depending on the weather on any given day. These are the key pieces to take you into autumn 2025.

Waxed-Cotton Jacket

Private White V.C

It might not be freezing cold yet, but there will be rain. And unless you like the idea of walking around in a Gore-Tex jacket like a boil-in-the-bag fish at all times, you’ll need something casual and versatile that can fend off the occasional shower. For us, they don’t come better suited than a classic waxed jacket.

Be it a traditional Barbour or Belstaff, or something more niche, this type of outerwear is the fall OG. Water will bead right off it, leaving you bone dry, and while it might not be the warmest, most are cut roomy enough to fit an insulated layer underneath, which adds to its versatility. Plus, the more you wear it, the better it looks.

File under: buy once, wear forever.

Twill Overshirt

Lestrange

It’s the year-round wonder jacket. Infinitely wearable in all seasons, whether it’s unbuttoned and cuffed in the summer or worn between knitwear and a parka come January. But as evergreen as it is, somehow a classic twill overshirt feels most at home when the leaves begin to yellow, which is why it should be one of the first items on your autumn wardrobe-refresh list.

There are plenty of styles out there, but a traditional three-pocket worker jacket is always a safe bet. Go for one that’s fitted, but with enough room to get a jumper underneath without impeding your shoulder mobility – you should feel comfortable and unrestricted when raising your arms.

Colour-wise, khaki and olive green are the MVPs, but royal blue is great for a bit of French workwear swagger too. If you want to go full autumnal mode, burnt orange is always a winner.

Liner Vest

Lestrange

The trouble with transitional dressing is that the temperature can be unpredictable at best. One minute you’re freezing, the next you’re sweating. The solution? Layering. And a liner vest is an incredibly useful thing to have when that’s the case.

A simple piece that can do so much. Not only does the sleeveless design give your outfit an interesting visual element, but it’s highly effective at allowing you to regulate your temperature based on the weather. Throw it over a T-shirt on warm autumn days, layer it over a hoodie to beat the chill, or couple it up with some knitwear and a big coat to keep your core insulated in the coldest of conditions.

For bonus points, choose one in an eye-catching colour to give your autumnal fits a bit of added flair – think red, orange or even yellow.

Merino Crewneck

Velasca

The merits of merino can’t be overstated. Not only is it soft, quick-drying and light, but its natural temperature-regulating properties mean it’ll keep you cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cold. Obviously, this makes it the perfect option for tackling tricky transitional temperatures.

A merino crew neck in a neutral colour like ecru, grey, navy or black will doubtless see plenty of action. It’s the type of thing you can team up with anything from tailoring to jeans and sneakers without even trying, and it’s surprisingly durable if you look after it with care.

Waffle Long-Sleeve T-Shirt

Uniqlo

Sure, you could wear a plain old cotton long-sleeve with boring, smooth fabric. But where’s the fun in that?

A waffle long-sleeve serves the same purpose, but brings a bit of texture to the scene at the same time. What’s more, the stretchy, puckered nature of the fabric makes it super comfortable and great at trapping heat.

There are few garments this light and thin that will provide such an effective barrier against the cold, so work smarter and replace your plain tees with a few of these.

Selvedge Denim Jeans

Levi’s

Everyone knows that heavy denim goes into hibernation during the summer, but this is the time of year when it starts to wake from its slumber. With temperatures dropping, selvedge denim is a viable option once again. In fact, it’s probably going to be the legwear that sees the most use once the shorts have been relieved of duty for another year.

The trick to ensuring maximum wearability is to get the cut and colour just right. You want to be in Goldilocks territory – loose enough for comfort and movement, but trim enough to pair with smarter pieces. We always reach for a classic straight-leg before anything else. Think 501 for a starting point and work from there.

In terms of the wash, don’t bother. Raw indigo is as timeless as they come, and in a few months’ time you’ll have a pair of jeans that are faded, whiskered and moulded to be uniquely yours.

Tailored Wool Pants

Velasca

You can’t get through the fall in jeans alone. Raw denim can do smart casual, but for anything dressier you’re going to need something else to fall back on. This is where a pair of tailored wool pants comes in.

In a suitably autumnal shade, these grown-up trousers can mingle with anything from a suit jacket and loafers to a tucked tee and sneakers. You might actually find yourself surprised at how easy they are to style.

Plus, they don’t have to cost a fortune. Sure, there are plenty of Italian brands selling premium versions, but if you want the look on a budget, simply buy off the peg and have them altered to fit.

Leather Chukka Boots

Velasca

We’re not quite ready for the big winter boots just yet, but we’re prepared to admit that sandal season is well and truly on its way out. So, what to wear instead? The answer, as always in the fall months, is a simple pair of leather chukka boots.

Smart enough to dress up but relaxed enough to slip on with your weekend wardrobe, these mid-length boots are perfect for changeable weather and pair perfectly with other autumnal staples. Think Clarks Desert Boots or Wallabee Boots, or a pair of Red Wings if you’re feeling particularly flush.

Leather Loafers

Myrqvist

When the situation calls for something slightly sharper, more louche, more sophisticated, a pair of leather loafers is the autumnally appropriate choice.

Leather uppers will shrug off dirt and rain from wet city streets, while the low-cut silhouette looks great with all sorts of legwear – from chinos to suit trousers and everything in between.

Combine them with similarly preppy pieces like cardigans, waxed jackets, Oxford shirts and the like.