As we bid farewell to summer, we look forward to the cosy goodness autumn brings. Longline silhouettes, warming earth tones and lightweight knits to nuzzle into as the climate inevitably cools. The stretch of time between June and August calls for widespread wardrobe experimentation - after all, what better time to toy with your style than when you’re tanned (confident) and tickled by the sweet taste of Sangria (uninhibited)?
As September unfurls however, we begin to sift through the drawers in search of the layers, from cable knits to denim jackets and skinny scarfs à la Lindsay Lohan circa 2002. The month also doubles as a celebration of preloved style, with the annual Second Hand September campaign urging shoppers to press pause on buying new clothes for thirty days.
According to B-Corp certified fashion label Omnes, British consumers are re-wearing their outfits 35 per cent less than they did 15 years ago, with the average garment lasting only 7 to 10 wears. Therefore buying less and buying better is essential when curating a mindful archive that’s kinder to both your budget and the planet.
© Getty ImagesShopping vintage is one way to reinvigorate your autumnal style. The UK has access to some of the best vintage platforms in the world, and quite frankly, they are severely underutilised. France is leading the charge, with Vinted claiming top spot for the country’s biggest retailer, beating mega brands like Amazon to the punch. Touché.
Want your wardrobe to really go the distance? Look to vintage luxury. Pricier - yes, but utterly transformative. There’s nothing quite like the disruptive cheekiness of a 90s Jean Paul Gaultier mesh graphic, or the kittenish ruffle of a Blumarine frock. Houses like Saint Laurent, Gucci, Fendi and Chanel are revered for their outerwear - meaning there’s no better time to browse Vestiaire in search of your dream designer gem as the season settles in.
© Conde Nast via Getty ImagesThink buttery leathers, petal-soft cashmere, muted animal prints and retro metallics that radiate Eighties charm. While autumn calls for cocooning, it begs for your style to shine.
Step sustainably into the new season and shop my top vintage picks below. Remember, once they are gone - they’re gone.
Fashion Editor's luxury vintage picks for autumn 2026:
Cavalli Class Purple Pink Midi Dress
Ramona's Archive
Bring the party with you wherever you go with a touch of preloved Cavalli. This dress, sourced by Ramona's Archive, will make for a stunning wedding guest look this season.
Comics Print Denim Coat Dress
Jean Paul Gaultier
The early autumn months call for a lightweight jacket to combat the temperature drop. With its contrasting denim and comic book fabric strip panels, Jean Paul Gaultier's longline jacket caught my eye.
AW99 Leaf Print Bustier
Prada
Few pieces capture the essence of autumn’s shift quite like this one: a painterly watercolour leaf-print bustier, worn by Sarah Jessica Parker and first unveiled on the Prada autumn/winter 1999 runway - a collection now considered highly collectable.
Purple Nappa Leather Split Skirt
Gianfranco Ferre
Purple leather is at the forefront of my mind this season - and this split hemmed vintage midi skirt by Gianfranco Ferre is a timeless gem that's avant garde and flirtatious in all the right ways.
Fendi Zucca Baguette Bag
Farfetch
Take it from Carrie Bradshaw, Fendi Baguettes are a powerful piece of arm candy. Forever in demand, these puppies are the sign of a die-hard fashion insider - and the cream finish of this preloved jewel is perfect for complementing the changing tones of the autumn leaves.
SS01 Poodle Print Zipper Camisole Top
Dior
John Galliano's Dior will forever hold a special place in our vintage-loving hearts - and this poodle-clad cami, hailing from the brand's spring/summer 2001 runway collection, is an adorably kitsch piece to invest in this autumn.
A/W 2004 Jacquard Dotted Silk Skirt
Chloé
A covetable slice of Phoebe Philo-era Chloé, this 2004 silk skirt pairs a delicate polka-dot jacquard with a fluted silhouette and tiers of romantic satin and chiffon ruffles.
1990s Vintage Chanel Multichain Belt
Susan Caplan
Radiate 90s glamour with this show-stopping vintage Chanel belt sourced by Susan Caplan. A luxury piece to cherish for years to come, this playful investment will pair perfectly with your favourite LBD this party season.
Ozbek 90s Cropped Tailored Jacket
Rellik
Fully lined featuring an uber-cropped tailored cut, extra-long sleeves and pearl button detailing, this 90s Rifat Ozbeck jacket can be slung over your favourite mini dress for a luxurious, whimsy-goth look.
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 2000 Vintage Psychedelic Semi-Sheer Mesh Dress
1STDIBS
Invest in a striking mesh number courtesy of Jean Paul Gaultier to see you through part season in style. We'd finish the look with some mega gold earrings and lace-up boot heels.
Blumarine Women's Black and Pink Corset
Fairycity
Fairycity is our go-to port of call for girlish gems - and we have our eyes on this Y2K-inspired corset by Blumarine. Who said florals were reserved for spring?
Marithé + François Girbaud Tie-Dye Wide Leg Cargo
Triptyc
Considering both the ongoing obsession with preloved Marithé + François Girbaud pieces and Gen Z's penchant for balloon trousers, these tie-dyed options from Triptyc are a no-brainer. Hailing from the designer's SS05 collection, these utilitarian pants are destined for street style supremacy.
Vintage Voyage Passion Fitted Jacket
eBay
One can never have too many autumn-ready jackets - and denim makes for a dream lightweight layer as the temperature slowly cools. True fashion lovers understand the timeless allure of Voyage - a must-have label in your playful autumn/winter wardrobe.
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