Autumn Transitional Styling with M&S Autograph

Autumn is that awkward in-between: chilly mornings, mild afternoons, and the odd surprise shower. It’s the season where smart layering really earns its keep, and this year I’m easing in with head-to-toe pieces from the M&S Autograph range, refined, well made, and built for serious cost per wear. You can explore the collection here.

The Hero: A Brown Suede Jacket

Let’s start with the star of the show: a brown suede jacket. It’s the easiest way to introduce earthy tones without overhauling your entire wardrobe. The cut is clean and modern, the suede has that soft, matte richness that instantly elevates a simple knit and denim, and it layers comfortably over everything from t-shirts to chunkier jumpers as the temperatures drop. I went for a deep chocolate shade that works with black, navy, grey and my current favourite pairing, off-white.

A quick note on longevity: treat suede with a protector spray before its first outing, and give it a light brush every now and then. Do that and you’ll have a jacket that looks better each season.

The Unsung MVP: White Japanese Selvedge Jeans

Yes, white (or ecru) denim in autumn. Hear me out. Japanese selvedge is robust, holds its shape, and softens beautifully with wear. The off-white tone brightens darker layers and keeps outfits looking fresh when the weather goes flat. These M&S Autograph White Japanese Selvedge Jeans are genuinely all year staples: crisp with linen in summer, sharp with knits and boots come October.

Fit-wise, keep the leg straight or gently tapered; cuffing to show a clean selvedge edge looks intentional and pairs well with loafers or minimal trainers. If you’re worried about upkeep, go ecru rather than paper white, it’s more forgiving and looks richer against autumnal palettes.

Layering the Right Way

Under the jacket I’ve gone for a textured knit in a complementary brown. The tonal mix adds depth without shouting. Here’s the simple formula that rarely fails:

·       Top layer: suede or a soft-shouldered wool jacket in an earthy shade (chocolate, chestnut, olive).

·       Middle: a lightweight knit or waffle crew in a similar family of browns or rust.

·       Base: a clean tee for comfort (and easy washing).

·       Bottom: white/ecru selvedge denim for contrast and year-round wear.

Finish with dark leather loafers and a structured leather brief or tote to keep things polished for city days.

Cost per Wear That Actually Adds Up

I’m picky about pieces that claim to be “investment buys.” For me, that means fabrics that last, neutral colours that play well with the rest of my wardrobe, and silhouettes that won’t date in a season. M&S Autograph nails this: classic shapes, quality materials, and thoughtful finishing. The suede jacket is something I’ll reach for across at least three seasons; the selvedge denim is a weekly rotation piece; the knit will layer under coats when winter lands. Spread the cost over the wears and it quickly stops feeling like a splurge.

How to Rework What You Own

If you’re not shopping right now, start with what’s already in your wardrobe:

·       Pull out your white or ecru jeans and pair them with your darkest knit.

·       Swap a black jacket for brown, even a chocolate overshirt will shift the mood.

·       Add leather accessories in espresso tones; they tie the palette together instantly.

Small changes, big impact.

Final Word

Autumn dressing doesn’t have to be complicated. A rich brown jacket to set the tone, white Japanese selvedge to keep things light, and a few well-chosen layers, that’s my formula. Durable fabrics, wearable colours, and pieces that earn their keep. Have a browse of M&S Autograph here and build a rotation you’ll still be wearing next year and the year after.