We are all about getting the most out of our wardrobes. Sure, you may be fully embracing your beloved snuggly jumpers and knee-high boots right now, but before you dive headfirst into a pile of plaid (or checks or tartan), take this moment to utilise the last dregs of your summer wardrobe while you still can.
That means combining warm-weather staples with your favourite autumn fashion trends. Think: silk dresses with leather jackets, cable-knits over white midi skirts, or trench coats with mini dresses and a great pair of boots. October is the month where you truly get the best of both wardrobes with a little Spooky Girl™ action thrown in for good measure.
So before you pack away those tank tops and Bermuda shorts, allow me to persuade you to keep them out just a little bit longer, with these extremely copyable October outfit ideas.
A mini dress and trench coat
Save this outfit for those days when your heart says "mini dress <3" but the forecast says "trench coat <3." Trust me, there will be many of them.
An anorak and a slip skirt
When your usual aesthetic is starting to feel a little stagnant, reach for an unexpected combo to break up the creative gridlock. In this case, a gorpcore anorak and a sweet little silk skirt. It's a crossover no one will see coming.
Pink and camo
As a proud Elder Emo, I'd be doing us all a disservice if I didn't recommend this look to the masses. Pink and camouflage is one of the few Millennial-inspired looks that aged incredibly well, and it's my duty, as a Millennial, to take advantage of that fact.
Everyone's clicking on...
Sweats and sequins
I, for one, will never get sick of this eclectic combo. There's just something about the casual vibe of sweats and the dressiness of sequins that always, always, always looks chic in my professional opinion. And come October, the weather will finally be ripe for the playful combination.
A leopard coat and white tee
It's finally time to break out your favourite statement coat! Yay! Let her shine by layering over the classic early 2000s model go-see look, aka a white tee and bootcut jeans.
The return of the blazer dress
That boxy blazer you've had on reserve for the last four months? It's time to dust that baddie off. Pop it on pantsless with your highest heels for a makeshift mini dress moment.
The first sweater dress of autumn
Thanks to our old friend global warming (sigh), you probably won't get to touch your heavier knits until November this year... but loose-knit sweater dresses are fair game! Pair them with boots and a leather bag to nail that autumn feeling.
Mix-and-match prints
Autumn neutrals are always the move (see previous photo), but don't sleep on bold colours, either. When the same old leaf tones start to feel repetitive, layer up on polka dots and stripes in contrasting hues. It'll add a necessary dose of excitement to your wardrobe.
Bermudas and a blazer
That being said, on days when basics just hit different, feel free to embrace that vibe. Your favourite summer shorts can be utilised to create an autumn-appropriate 'fit. Just style them with a suit jacket and flats.
A cropped trench
At Cosmo, we love a long trench. But cropped styles should never – I repeat, never – be underestimated. They are just as versatile, with a fresher feeling (especially when styled with a pleated mini or wide-leg trousers).
Witchy statement tights
Don't forget: October is spooky season. I get it if you're saving the orange and black for 31st October, but you can still style the witchy vibe in a way that feels trendy, especially this month. Case in point: lace statement tights and a Wednesday-coded mini skirt.
A leather jacket and maxi dress
As soon as the weather starts to chill, silk dresses become totally unwearable. But under a leather jacket, they can work for more temperate autumn days. And let's be honest, the mix of textures looks wildly chic.
Suede and denim
When 1st October hits, most people see pumpkin patches and apple picking. I, a fashion editor, see suede jackets and silk scarves. Wear both with a crispy button-down and a pair of jeans for an easy autumn 'fit that's great for either of the aforementioned activities.
Updated school uniform
Consider this your reminder that past the age of 16, it's actually cool for pleated skirts to be longer than fingertip length. Midi styles feel so runway – especially when worn with heeled sandals and a posh necktie.
A dress over pants
Happy dresses-over-jeans season to all who celebrate (Ashley Tisdale, anyone?). Take full advantage by styling your most beloved summer dress over the jeans you're most excited to break out.
Kelsey (she/her) is a freelance digital fashion editor and writer with a knack for turning top-performing content into top-selling content. She has extensive experience in editorial and e-commerce strategy, having worked in both divisions during her years at Seventeen and Bustle. With more than a decade of experience in digital media, she also offers creative and social media consulting, as well as copywriting services. She enjoys cheeseburgers, traveling, and vintage hauls. Follow her on Instagram at @klstieg.
