Autumn Wardrobe Essentials: What to Wear and How to Get the Right Fit Every Time
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
As summer fades and the days begin to cool, your wardrobe needs to adapt. Autumn is the season of rich colours, layered textures, and transitional dressing. But with changing temperatures comes the challenge of assembling a wardrobe that’s both stylish and practical—without falling victim to inconsistent sizing across brands.
This guide explores the must-have pieces for autumn, from tailored outerwear to layering basics, while showing you how to ensure a perfect fit with Tellar.co.uk—the UK’s leading free sizing tool. If you’ve ever ordered your usual size and found it too tight, too loose, or just off, you’re not alone. Let’s fix that.
Why Autumn Demands a Smarter Approach to Sizing
Autumn style is built on layers: think coats over jumpers, dresses paired with boots, and tailored trousers with longline knits. But layering only works when the base pieces fit right. Unfortunately, sizing varies massively between brands, and returns are often due to poor fit—not poor style.
That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists. Our free tool matches your body measurements to over 1,500 fashion brands in real-time, so you get the right size first time—no more guesswork, size charts, or costly returns.
The Autumn Capsule: 9 Must-Have Pieces
1. The Wool Coat
A premium wool coat is the ultimate autumn investment. Choose a structured silhouette—either a wrap coat, longline double-breasted style, or oversized check pattern.
Recommended retailers: Reiss, COS, Massimo Dutti
Sizing tip: Reiss often runs small across the shoulders and chest. Check your bust and hip measurements at Tellar.co.uk for accurate recommendations.
For layering over jumpers, consider a slightly looser fit—but don’t size up blindly. Use Tellar’s profile tool to find the coat size that suits your exact shape and layering needs.
2. Tailored Trousers
From soft corduroy to pleated wool blends, tailored trousers elevate your everyday look. High-waisted designs with pleats or a slight flare are flattering and modern.
Fit matters most at the waist and hips. If trousers fit your waist but are too snug at the hip—or vice versa—this likely comes down to brand-specific sizing.
Tellar.co.uk’s database ensures your recommended size takes both measurements into account. Create your profile here
and get tailored size guidance instantly.3. Knitwear and Chunky Jumpers
Every autumn wardrobe needs a selection of knitwear: chunky jumpers, roll-necks, and cable-knit cardigans.
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Fabrics to favour: Merino wool, lambswool, cashmere blends
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Brands to try: & Other Stories, Arket, Hush
Different knits fit differently—some oversized, others cropped. Always check the chest measurement against your profile on Tellar.co.uk before buying, especially for boxy styles or cropped hems.
4. Long-Sleeved Dresses
The long-sleeved midi dress is a perfect transitional piece. Printed shirt dresses, ribbed knits, and belted styles work equally well with tights and boots or layered under trench coats.
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Brands to explore: Whistles, Hobbs, Mango
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Note: Mango often runs slightly large in the waist; Zara tends to be more fitted at the hips.
Not sure how a size 10 in one brand compares to another? That’s where Tellar comes in. Try the store lookup feature to see how sizes vary from one brand to another—before you check out.
5. The Trench Coat
A classic trench coat is an autumn essential. It’s lightweight yet warm enough for layering, making it ideal for unpredictable weather.
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Cut considerations:
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Straight cuts work for more androgynous shapes.
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Belted styles flatter curvier body types by emphasising the waist.
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Many trenches are designed to be worn over knitwear, meaning they may be sized more generously. Check the bust and sleeve length in advance using Tellar’s free measurement system here.
6. Shackets and Overshirts
A shirt-jacket hybrid (shacket) is ideal for early autumn. Wear it buttoned up as outerwear, or open over a base layer.
This item is frequently oversized, but even ‘one size fits all’ items differ depending on your frame. Find the right balance between comfort and shape using your Tellar measurements before you buy.
7. Layering Basics: Turtlenecks and Thermals
Long-sleeved layering tops in jersey or ribbed knit are foundational for cold-weather dressing. Look for turtlenecks, slim-fitted thermals, and base layers in neutral tones.
Sizing matters more than you think here—especially under a fitted blazer or trench. Use Tellar.co.uk to get a bust-hugging fit that doesn’t feel restrictive.
8. Boots: Chelsea, Knee-High and Ankle
Autumn is boot season. Leather boots in black, taupe, or chocolate brown work with virtually any outfit.
Fit Check:
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If you’re buying knee-high boots, calf width matters. Measure your calf and compare against product specs.
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If boots feel snug with socks, try sizing up by half.
While Tellar.co.uk focuses on clothing, ensuring your trousers and dresses fit means your whole outfit—including boots—works better together.
9. Scarves, Gloves and Hats
Autumn accessories are not just functional—they complete your look. Blanket scarves, leather gloves, and structured felt hats are excellent seasonal investments.
These often don’t come with size guides—but if your coat fits properly (via Tellar), accessories become the finishing touch, not the correction.
Still Guessing Your Size? Stop.
Brands interpret sizing differently. A Medium in Zara may be a Small in COS or a Large in Whistles. Even within one retailer, sizing can vary from piece to piece.
Tellar.co.uk eliminates this problem.
Why Use Tellar.co.uk?
✅ Match your measurements to over 1,500 brand size charts
✅ Supports both CM and Inches
✅ Completely free to use
✅ One-time login—no subscriptions
✅ Offers printable measuring tape if you don’t own one
✅ Instant results for your best size across multiple brands
You can start by entering your measurements manually or choose your known size in a favourite brand—Tellar will do the rest.
Start now: www.tellar.co.uk
How It Works
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Create your profile: Click here to enter your bust, waist and hips
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Check your size: Use the store size lookup to see how brands compare
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Shop smarter: Find out if you should size up, size down or stick with your regular
Follow Us for Style and Size Tips
Join our community to stay ahead of seasonal trends, fit hacks and sizing tools:
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Instagram: @Tellarsizing
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Pinterest: TellarUK
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Twitter (X): @Tellar100
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Facebook: TellarSizing
Final Word
Autumn fashion is about more than just staying warm—it’s about dressing confidently, comfortably, and effortlessly. But no matter how stylish a coat or how luxurious a jumper may be, if it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t work.
Avoid the trial and error this season. Let Tellar.co.uk handle the guesswork, so you can focus on building a wardrobe that works for you—across every brand, every size, every time.
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