The autumn wardrobe reset: pieces that make getting dressed easier

When the weather turns, getting dressed can suddenly feel harder than it did in summer. The answer doesn’t have to be a whole new wardrobe, though. 

After months of linen and easy summer dresses, it’s worth looking again at what you already own and what you’ll actually wear on colder days. 

Mumsnet favourite Boden’s advice is to start by plugging the gaps with a few pieces that work with your existing favourites. After all, it’s easy to fall for a piece that looks lovely on its own, then realise you’ve got nothing to wear it with. Before buying, picture at least a couple of outfits you could make from clothes you already have.

Have a good look through what you’ve got and fill any obvious gaps. Put away the pieces you won’t wear until spring, but keep the T-shirts, jeans and dresses that can earn their place with an extra layer. 

Think about your actual week: work, weekends, the school run and whatever else fills the diary. The useful pieces are the ones you’ll reach for more than once.

Boden’s autumn collection leans into dresses with shape, expressive knits and outerwear with a bit of detail. Here are some ways to work those pieces into the wardrobe you’ve already got.

The dress that does more than one job

A dress belongs in an autumn wardrobe when you can wear it on an ordinary Tuesday as well as for plans you’ve actually put in the diary. Boden’s collection has a few different ways into that idea, from easy jersey to more dressed-up jacquard. 

If you want something you can pull on without much thought, start with the Jasmine Ruched Jersey Dress. The long sleeves and midi length work well with tights and boots, while the ruching and deep wine shade give it enough presence for dinner out. It comes in petite, regular and long lengths, too.

Pictured: Boden’s Smocked Cord Midi Dress, £169

For more colour and print, there’s the Juliet Jersey Midi Dress. Its paisley pattern, notched neckline and embroidery have a ’70s feel, but you needn’t style the whole outfit around that. Pick out one colour from the print for your shoes or cardigan and leave the rest alone. 

The Crew Midi Jacquard Dress does more of the work for you. The flared skirt and floral detail on the sleeves and hem make it feel special, and the matching fabric belt lets you choose how defined you want the waist. Add a coat and boots rather than saving it for an occasion that never quite arrives.

And if jersey isn’t what you’re after, the Smocked Cord Midi Dress brings texture instead. Embroidered cotton cord feels right for colder days, especially with boots and a simple knit. It’s the sort of dress you can keep wearing when the novelty of a new season has worn off. 

Knitwear with enough personality to carry an outfit

Cosy knitwear may be a layering essential but who says function can’t come with a little bit of fashion? Be it a bold pop of colour, an eye-catching texture or a vibrant print, bring some personality to your outfit with a showstopping knit. 

Best of all, a good knit is enough of a statement to keep the rest of your look fairly basic.

Pictured: Boden’s Chunky Fair Isle Jumper, £139

Like the Chunky Fair Isle Jumper in one of our favourite colour clashes of pink and red. Whether you're unwinding after a day on the slopes or trying to feel stylish in the supermarket aisle, this piece is made from a cosy mix of wool, cotton and alpaca. 

For an off-duty vibe, team with denim jeans and a pair of chunky loafers but if you need to dress it up, whack on a midi slip skirt and some pointed heels and you're good to go.

Pictured: Boden’s Fur Collar Cropped Cardigan, £149

There’s keeping warm in winter, and then there’s cosying up in a soft cocoon of faux fur. If you struggle to add colour to your cold weather wardrobe, the Fur Collar Cropped Cardigan could be just the ticket. The green floral print is perfectly clashed with a bold pink faux-fur collar, which doubles as a scarf, keeping you cosy without the need to pile on extra layers. 

Add tailored trousers and a pair of slingback heels, then let this fabulous cardie do all the talking. 

The coat that pulls everything together

During the colder months, your coat is often the first thing anyone sees. The Cotswold Wool Coat in grey herringbone has a relaxed, single-breasted shape, a structured collar and welt pockets. Boden describes it as a soft wool blend, with room for layers underneath. 

The grey herringbone gives a simple jeans-and-knit outfit some texture, but won’t fight with a patterned dress. It’s the sort of coat you can reach for on an ordinary day and keep on for plans afterwards.

- Koulibiak

Make the pieces work harder

You don’t need six separate outfits for six separate plans. Start with a few pieces you like wearing, then change the layer, shoes or accessories to suit the day:

1. For the everyday dash: a jersey dress and a cardigan

Wear the Jasmine Ruched Jersey Dress with the Jemma Jacquard Knit Cardigan and the flats you can actually spend a day in. The dress brings the colour; the oatmeal knit softens it. Add tights when it’s cold and you’re ready for work, errands or a lunch that runs on.

2. For plans after work: keep the dress, change the finish

The same Jasmine dress can go out in the evening. Swap the cardigan for the Cotswold Wool Coat, add earrings and change into heels if you want to. If you’d rather let the dress do the talking, the Crew Midi Jacquard Dress already has a fabric belt and decorative detail. Either way, there’s no need to start the outfit again.

3. For a weekend: a bold knit and familiar jeans

The Chunky Fair Isle Jumper gives plain jeans a bit of life without asking much else of you. Keep the rest simple with ballet flats or trainers. It’s an easy outfit for the school run, a walk or a Saturday with too many stops.

Pictured: Boden’s Cotswold Wool Coat, £299

4. For dinner: let the knit keep its place

You can wear that Fair Isle again with dark jeans and slingbacks, but if you want something less chunky, try the Ella Embroidered Knit Jumper instead. Add earrings and you’ve changed the mood without buying an entirely different outfit. 

5. For colder days: let the coat lead

The Cotswold Wool Coat gives jeans and loafers a cleaner outline. Underneath, keep things easy with the Carmen Trim Detail Top. Its floral print gives you something interesting when the coat comes off, without piling on another bulky layer.

6. For a dressier day: the same coat, a different base

Wear the Cotswold coat over the Smocked Cord Midi Dress and add boots. The cord and embroidery feel right for autumn, while the coat gives the outfit a stronger outline. It’s a change from jeans that still feels practical when you’ve got places to be.

That’s the point of a wardrobe reset: the pieces shouldn’t need a special occasion or a whole supporting cast. Start with the gap you actually have, then see how many days of your week one good addition can cover.

About Boden

Boden is a British clothing retailer that offers high-quality and stylish clothing for women and children. Known for their vibrant prints, classic cuts, and attention to detail, Boden has become a go-to brand for fashion-conscious shoppers. With a focus on sustainable and ethical fashion practices, Boden is committed to creating clothing that is not only fashionable but also environmentally friendly. Whether you're looking for casual wear or office attire, Boden has something for everyone.