It’s time to pack away your weekly rotation of T-shirts and shorts and start thinking about layers.
As always, there’s no shortage of inspiration for your autumn look. The menswear shows displayed their usual styling tricks: at Prada, the exaggerated shirt cuff became this season’s unlikely focal point. Then, there are the It boys, old and new, who are always good for a sartorial steer: comedian and actor Jack Innanen is the latest addition to the roster, though Brad Pitt’s 90s looks are just as current. And that’s all before you get to the colour palette: this year, bright colours can be thrown in among the traditional rich, earthy shades.
These 50 easy updates span style, grooming and the wider cultural stuff worth knowing as the leaves start to turn – and, besides a few investment pieces, they’re all less than £100.
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Men’s style updates for autumn
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Clothing
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Colour blocking
Bright colours are in for autumn, but it’s still best to keep the look restrained. All you need to update your look is a couple of colourful T-shirts – say blue, red or green – to layer beneath shirts, coats and knitwear. For a steer in the right direction, check out Japanese designer Ssstein’s show.
Arket 170 GSM regular T-shirt
£14.45 at H&M £17 at Arket***
Choose brown over black
Though I’m always a fan of black, autumn is when you can switch it for brown because it has a softer, lived-in feel. It could be knitwear, trousers, outerwear or shirts; just stick to the richer, darker tones that look luxurious as opposed to toffee or caramel.
Abercrombie & Fitch baggy jeans
£54.99 at Asos £75 at Abercrombie & Fitch***
Coat check
Autumn’s a good time to invest in outerwear because you can make the most of it throughout the colder months ahead – simply switch up what’s underneath as the weather gets cooler. As this is a long-term purchase, go for something you can see yourself wearing for years to come, like a big, oversized woollen overcoat. Take a look at Gant’s recent campaign with Theo James for style pointers.
Weekday double-breasted wool-blend coat
£165 at Weekday £165 at H&M***
Tactile trousers
It’s time for trousers that feel cosy. It could be corduroy, flannel or wool; the key is to go for a relaxed fit that looks comfy rather than anything slim or constrained – something that would look at home next to an open fire with a book in hand.
Asos Design baggy corduroy trousers
£32 at AsosCos wool-blend wide-leg trousers
£119 at Cos***
Slogan T-shirts
Need proof slogan tees are back? Look no further than Jack Innanen. The up-and-coming Adults star has been cycling through them, with phrases such as “are my lips moving?” and “horny”. The best place to get them is Idea – the rare books shop that moonlights in slogan merch, where you can find T-shirts that say everything from “Yoga Helps” to “Intern”.
Idea That Band You Like T-shirt
£40 at Idea***
Check mate
Plaids and flannels are trending this year, with checks seen everywhere from Ralph Lauren to Zegna and, of course, Burberry. Try not to go full-on lumberjack and instead keep the cut sharp: tucked into tailored trousers or layered under a blazer rather than paired with denim and boots.
Carhartt WIP Todrick checked flannel shirt
£95 at Mr Porter £95 at John Lewis***
Zip-up cardigan
Thanks to Callum Turner – who has worn one everywhere from the red carpet to casual dinners out – the zip-up cardigan is the latest knitwear silhouette to add to your rotation. Turner has worn versions by Axel Arigato and John Smedley, but if you’d prefer something a little more accessibly priced, try the Danish high-street brand Selected.
Selected 100% cotton zip cardigan
£65 at Asos***
Try an Aran knit
Anyone who’s seen When Harry Met Sally will appreciate the appeal of a chunky Aran knit come autumn. Hand-knitted versions tend to be expensive, so Vinted is your best bet for a good, secondhand option.
Shop Aran jumpers at Vinted***
Navy seal
A plain navy T-shirt is autumn’s answer to summer’s white tee. If the fabric’s premium and it fits properly, it’s a top that can elevate everything from jeans to tailored trousers. If you’re shopping luxury, Sunspel’s the spot, but Cos and Uniqlo are my top high-street options.
Uniqlo 100% Supima cotton T-shirt
£19.90 at Uniqlo***
Go indigo
While promoting The Dog Stars in London, Jacob Elordi wore the perfect transitional outfit: a lightweight windbreaker with a pair of wide-leg indigo jeans. For structure, look for untreated denim – a good-quality pair can develop its own patina; you’ll be wearing them for years.
Percival straight leg heritage denim jeans
£120 at Percival***
Hood over heels
Though hoodies are mostly relegated to the comfy drawer, some styles are appropriate to wear out and about. What you’re after is substantial fabric – natural, not synthetic – and smart shapes rather than anything too baggy. If you want to make it work for the office (at least, one with a more casual dress code), throw an oversized blazer on top. End is a great place to start, especially the retailer’s newly released own line.
End Worn Established hoodie
£109 at End***
Sports-meets-fashion
Running kit is increasingly crossing over into everyday fashion. The vibe is sportswear designed for day-to-day settings. Think 9-to-5k. Whether you actually make it to the run remains, as ever, optional.
Acid Running men’s long sleeve T-shirt
£52 at Acid Running £59.99 at SportsShoes***
The leather report
Ever since Burberry showed a leather bomber on Romeo Beckham this season, it’s a jacket I can’t stop thinking about. His was a rich plum shade with a fur-trimmed collar, but a more classic style will make a versatile investment piece for autumn. A loose fit is the key: you want some room through the shoulders and torso so it reads as expensive – although real leather costs more than synthetic, it can age well and last for years with proper care.
Zara regular-fit leather jacket
£149 at ZaraFor more, read our guide on how to make your leather last a lifetime
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Fuzzy textures
Everyone from Dries van Noten to Tom Ford and Our Legacy sent fuzzy jumpers down the runway this season. If you’re buying mohair, look for pieces with ethical credentials – the Responsible Mohair Standard, for example. Or, for a more budget-friendly alternative, find something similar that’s made with synthetics, like this Topman jumper. Keep Kurt Cobain’s knitwear in mind while you’re shopping, and you can’t go far wrong.
Topman fluffy jumper
£45 at Topman £45 at AsosBound Heaton gradient sweater
£95 at Bound***
Long-sleeved layers
A long-sleeved T-shirt is one of the best layers you can own as the colder months close in: a base that works under anything, from casual shirts to jumpers, adding a pop of interest and extra warmth. A stripe or hit of colour peeking out at the cuff or collar works best.
H&M relaxed fit boxy long-sleeved T-shirt
£23.80 at H&M***
Shoes and accessories
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Sole warming
If you buy one thing, make it cosy socks, whether in soft cashmere or grey marl merino. It’s a touch that makes your outfit feel completely autumnal – and it couldn’t be easier.
Pairs the merino set
£40 at Pairs***
Sling shot
Every time I’m out in London, I spot another guy wearing a sling bag – and it’s usually the best-dressed guy on the street. The style is similar to a crossbody, but with a more streamlined fit that sits diagonally across the body rather than hanging in one fixed spot. It looks easy and effortless – and, more importantly, big enough for all the essentials such as sunglasses, keys and a mini aftershave.
Cos module crossbody bag
£119 at Cos***
Merlot mode
Penny loafers are a year-round staple, but this is the best time for dark merlot red because, just like the wine, it gets along so easily with everything that’s in rotation at the moment, including rich navy and earthy green. Marks & Spencer, as always, has the classic nailed down.
M&S leather penny loafers
£65 at M&S***
Tint condition
Dark sunglasses and autumn aren’t a good match – unless you’re Anna Wintour. Instead, go for a lighter tint that’s better suited to lower light levels. It could be brown, blue, yellow or orange. Theo James wears ones by Moscot – specifically the Miltzen frames with a yellow tint – but for a more affordable alternative, try Le Specs.
Le Specs Heart Throb
£50 at Fenwick £50 at Le Specs***
Schoolboy ties
Ties have been rising in popularity for a while now and are showing no signs of slowing down. The trick is wearing them in a less formal way – with a casual-leaning shirt, without a blazer, under a hoodie. Go for something silk, striped and preppy-adjacent: vintage and charity shops are great places to look.
Vintage Christian Dior tie
£65 at Rokit***
Sole investment
Whatever boots you choose should last you for years to come, so it’s best to go with something classic and versatile. My preference? Chelsea boots. You can dress them up or down and they’ll never date.
Schuh Dice leather chelsea boots
£65 at Schuh***
Out with stripes, in with ticks
Adidas has been head honcho in the trainer world for a few years, but it feels like the tide’s turning towards Nike thanks to the Moon Shoe. It’s a style from the brand’s archives brought back in collaboration with Jacquemus and has since made it into the mainline. The brown colourway is my top pick.
Nike Moon shoe OG
£89.99 at Nike £89.99 at Asos***
Ring leaders
The It boys are wearing mini hoops – Drew Starkey, Colman Domingo, Paul Mescal. Michael Jordan and Brad Pitt wore this look in the 90s, so this wave could run. You’re looking for the kind of hoop that looks like you never take it out: minimal, low-key and a size that sits close to your lobe.
Serge Denimes silver huggie hoop
£55 at Serge Denimes £55 at End***
Jewellery doesn’t need to be masculine
The men’s offering at jewellery brands can be full of dark gunmetal and chunky pieces that only really work if you’ve got measurements like Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. But this season, it’s better if your pieces lean delicate: think thin chains, vintage bracelets and small signet rings. Don’t be afraid to shop in the women’s section – and always look for precious metals like sterling silver.
Mejuri oval link chain
£88 at Mejuri***
Topped off
A baseball cap is always helpful: it protects from the sun, shields from the rain and helps retain warmth when it’s cold. This time of year calls for a weather-resistant finish, such as waxed cotton, or something warm like corduroy. Barbour’s Ashby hat has both.
Barbour Ashby cap
£29.95 at Barbour £29.95 at John Lewis***
Intellectual glasses
Autumn’s the perfect time to try clear glasses – the kind you’d expect a seasoned Oxford professor to wear with a neat blazer and corduroy trousers. Think something classic, rounded and tortoiseshell à la Matt Damon’s Mr Ripley. See it as an excuse to get your eyes tested; if you’re 20/20 it’s a bonus because you won’t have to pay for prescription lenses.
Jimmy Fairly the Cloud glasses
From £100 at Jimmy Fairly***
Rolex, eat your heart out
Though we’d all love a Rolex, dropping the equivalent of a house deposit on a watch isn’t feasible. If you like the Rolex Day-Date, Casio has a great alternative with a 40mm case, a classic stainless steel bracelet, and a similar day-and-date display. All for less than £60.
Casio MTP-1370D-1A1VEF
£59 at Amazon***
Vans are back
StockX’s August Big Facts report suggested the marketplace is betting on an incoming “skate boom” in clothing and footwear with brands such as Vans, whose sales on the platform rose 238% in the first half of 2026. So, consider it time to dust off your Old Skools – don’t worry, you can leave the board at home.
Vans Old Skool platform trainers
From £36.99 at Asos From £70 at Vans***
Cuff love
With cuffs in the fashion spotlight, what better time to upgrade your cufflinks? My favourites are all vintage and tend to cost way less than anything bought new – especially when you buy a job lot on eBay.
Vintage cufflinks
£25 at eBay***
Carabiner styling
Call it the Labubu effect if you like, but the appetite for stacking your carabiner with charms has spread beyond the viral toy; at Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, for example, they were accessorised with keyrings. Whether you go for designer charms or antique keyrings picked up from eBay, clip a couple on to your carabiner and call it a day.
Cadillac black leather keyring
£6.95 at eBay***
Grooming
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Go heavier on fragrance
This is the time for warm notes such as sandalwood, leather, amber or vetiver – or, if you like something aromatic, look for spices like cardamom or clove. &Horace offers the perfect balance.
&Horace eau de parfum, 50ml
£62 at Horace***
Skin food
As we head towards winter, it’s worth reaching for more nourishing products, as cold air and central heating can strip moisture from your skin. A facial oil is one way to help combat the effects. My favourite is Aesop’s Damascan rose formula with camellia and rosehip oils. Blend a few drops with your moisturiser at night.
Aesop Damascan rose facial treatment, 25ml
£65 at John Lewis £65 at Sephora***
Return to retinol
Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you may have eased off during summer. If you did and you want to build it back into your routine, start gradually with a low-strength formula. Byoma’s retinol oil is ideal, and make sure you still don’t skip the SPF.
Byoma Sensitive retinol oil, 30ml
£17.99 at Cult Beauty £17.99 at Sephora***
Skin in the game
Winter skin can take a beating, so it’s important to replenish it with nourishing ingredients. As a bonus, fragrance tends to last longer on hydrated skin.
Hotel, Mike hand and body lotion, 350ml
£33 at Hotel, Mike***
Lip service
While entry-level lip balms, such as Vaseline, will do the job, I find I have to reapply them much more regularly than formulas with active ingredients, such as Exist’s SpaceLip Origin, which contains a bioactive ingredient cultivated aboard the International Space Station. It’s the longest-lasting lip balm I’ve ever tried and comes in a suitably slick metal applicator.
Exist SpaceLip Origin, 3.2g
£34 at ExistFor more, read our guide to the best lip balms to hydrate and protect your lips
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Patch up
There’s never a bad time for eye patches, but some are better than others. My recent favourites are by Grown Alchemist. The brand says caffeine and ectoin can help brighten and hydrate the undereye area and reduce puffiness – and you get eight pairs for £20.
Grown Alchemist Hydra-Restore eye patches
£20 at Lookfantastic £20 at Cult Beauty***
Don’t skip conditioner
Cold weather can be drying on hair, too, especially if you’ve got any substantial length, as the ends can be particularly vulnerable. Start with something light, as using a heavy formula on fresh hair is how you end up looking like you haven’t showered in a week.
Hair By Sam McKnight Light Nourish conditioner, 200ml
£28 at Sephora £29 at Cult BeautyHair By Sam McKnight Light Cleanse hair and scalp shampoo, 250ml
£28 at Sephora £29 at Cult Beauty***
Who needs contour?
Using a gua sha or sculpting tool every morning can help your face look more defined by reducing puffiness and boosting circulation. FaceGym’s Multi-Sculpt has six edges for 10 different moves, all explained on the product page, but if you’re new to sculpting, you could start with a facial massage using just your hands. Apply an oil after cleansing to give your skin some slip so the tool (or your fingers) can glide rather than drag.
FaceGym Multi-Sculpt
£39.75 at Lookfantastic £53 at Space NK***
Fresh skin
Medicube’s PDRN pink collagen gel mask is a recent addition to my rotation that’s made a big difference. Niacinamide can help brighten your skin, while the cooling gel feels soothing. It also contains salmon-derived PDRN, an ingredient being studied for its potential in skin repair. The immediate glow afterwards is unrivalled.
Medicube PDRN pink collagen gel mask
£14.99 at Lookfantastic £18 at Space NK***
Raising eyebrows
Small cosmetic touches like curling your eyelashes, using a touch of concealer or a liquid blush can make a huge difference. An eyebrow gel is a good entry-level product that takes less than 30 seconds to apply, helps frame your face, and tidies away strays.
Refy Brow Sculpt, 8.5ml
£20 at Refy £20 at Space NK***
Inspiration for free
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Add Jack Innanen to your moodboard
Jacob Elordi might be the reigning menswear muse, but Adults star Innanen is the newcomer to watch. His style skews more playful than Elordi, but he’s just as fluent in the classics – think a green polo under a beige harrington or a striped breton with cream jeans.
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Good Will Hunting is your film homework
If you’re familiar with my seasonal updates, you’ll know there’s always film homework; this autumn, it’s Good Will Hunting. From Matt Damon’s denim, T-shirts and jackets to Robin Williams’s tweedy academia-core, it’s full of inspiration for the months ahead.
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Seven
Look past the crime-scene horror and this film is basically a masterclass in outerwear for the transitional months, from Morgan Freeman’s trench to Brad Pitt’s leather coat.
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As easy as a walk in the park
It might sound obvious, but the best way to get into the autumnal spirit is to go for a walk in the park. The changing leaves and moody grey skies should give you all the palette inspiration you need.
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Cuff it
Where collars have been the main character on recent runways – worn skew-whiff, poking out of blazers and knitwear – autumn/winter 2026 is about cuffs. Look at Prada to see how it’s done: big, oversized shirting with the cuffs folded back over coats or jumpers to create a contrast pop of colour or stripe.
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Fighting cuts
Try Brad Pitt’s Fight Club warrior cut on your next trip to the barber. It’s a choppy look that’s still got some length on the side: ask for two to three inches on top and a low taper cut with scissors – and a barber may use a razor blade to create extra texture. Style with a matte clay while it’s wet and follow with a salt spray before scrunching with your hands.
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On your reading list
Add Tobias Wolff’s Old School to your book pile. Set at a New England boarding school in 1960-61, it has the tweed and atmosphere of Brideshead Revisited without the indulgence.
Old School by Tobias Wolff
£10.99 at the Guardian Bookshop £9.85 at Amazon***
For your playlist: Mk.gee
Get into the new season zone by listening to Mk.gee, which mixes Bon Iver’s hazy melancholy with Frank Ocean’s slow-burn soul for a sound that’s moody but not miserable. A nice one to listen to on vinyl.
Mk.gee Two Star & the Dream Police vinyl
£37.99 at Rough Trade £33.63 at Amazon***
For your watchlist: The Bear
If you never got around to watching The Bear before it finished, now is the perfect time to binge. And not just for the high-intensity kitchen drama, but for the style: workwear jackets, gold chains and white T-shirts, including the now-famous 215 by German heritage label Merz b Schwanen, which the show helped turn into a cult favourite overnight.
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Worn identity
Distressed T-shirts are on the up – Gallery Dept sells them with built-in holes and stains for hundreds of pounds (not a typo), but you can get the same look for free by digging out your old tees and roughing them up a little. For style cues, see Austin Butler, whose pieces seem to be genuine vintage rather than anything bought new.
For more, read the best white T-shirts for men and the best men’s shirts for every occasion
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Peter Bevan is a stylist and fashion journalist covering menswear, womenswear and beauty
