Autumn is so officially on. The first day of spooky szn arrived this week, and with it came that crisp chill in the air and shining sun that grants us the perfect outfit window. Summer is of course great, but dressing for autumn is just...better. Light layering is a blessing from the fashion gods. Adding a cute pair of tights to the daily skirt rotation? Love. Now, maybe my fave quintessential autumn staple? Check prints.
As soon as the leaves turn orange and yellow, they just call my name. There's something about this time of year that goes hand in hand with checks, in all of its iterations. Houndstooth, plaid, tartan — they all scream October. A Scottish heritage check or argyle print paired with preppy pieces, like knee-high socks and knitted vests, is autumn styling 101. Look at us never not wanting to channel Clueless...
On the other end of the spectrum are grunge-esque Nirvana plaids. Whether it's simple styling, like a vintage oversized check shirt paired with a tank top and jeans, or a more colourful punk aesthetic with girly puff sleeves and kitsch accessories, à la Chopova Lowena; it'll always be in fashion.
Talking of Chopova, the recent SS26 shows at London Fashion Week were fully behind checks, meaning we'll be seeing the print sticking around right through to Spring and Summer. Burberry's punkish tartan in neon brights walked the runway whilst show goers like Jordan Dunn wore head-to-toe monochromatic checks in sleek grey, perfect for right now. If you love this versatile print but are looking for new ways to incorporate it into your autumn wardrobe, it has literally been the key motif of the style pack at Fashion Month, giving us all the best style inspo for October. Here are our fave looks to copy immediately.
The kilt
We <3 kilts. Wear them long and pleated with calf or knee-high boots, and we guarantee they'll pair with nearly everything you already own in your wardrobe. Oversized knit? of course. Cami top or boyfriend shirt? Just look to the street style set girlies below for confirmation. A kilt is also super easy to find in any vintage shop. If it has leather buckle clasps, all the better.
Heritage checks
The girls at LFW were putting a romantic spin on heritage checks, and we're very into this contrasting combo. It turns out lilacs and blush tones are a match made in heaven with vintage brown and khaki plaid. Who knew?
Blanket jackets
We're all thrilled we've reached cosy szn, right? But if you must leave your home, a jacket that can double up as a blanket is how you emulate that same cosiness out in the real world. For a cute high-low mix, pair with an evening skirt, in satin or lace, done to perfection below.
Argyle
It's back to school, but make it fashion. Argyle print is a big trend for AW25. Designers like Khaite styled the print with vinyl trousers and faux fur, whilst Dior's grunge woollen knits featured cut-outs and a moody colour palette. Not quite your typical grandad golf attire. You'll be seeing the print everywhere this season.
Clashing checks
Don't sleep on double checks. Whether it's alternate tartans in the same colour palette (see: Jordan Dunn above) or the same print in clashing bright hues, you can play around to create a real bold, fashion-forward lewk.
Dresses
Still pining for that check slip dress that didn't leave your side during summer party season? This is the prime opportunity to work a hot-weather staple into your autumnal wardrobe and impress everyone with your effortless transitional styling skills. Layer over wide, tailored trousers and add a leather bomber jacket, ideally in browns and burgundy, and voilà.
Shop the trend
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
