Clodagh McKenna strides through NYC in wide-leg jeans, billowy shirt and slouchy suede bag - the perfect sunny September trio
It's not quite jumper and coat season yet so this combination is a versatile alternative for the warmer weather and can be layered up
I'm longing to break out my jumpers but so far in September we've been having to think of more summery autumn outfit ideas because of the weather. Before we know it, things will get a lot colder so we might as well make the most of the sunshine and reach for versatile staples like jeans and shirts that can be layered up later on.
Clodagh McKenna relied on that timeless duo during her recent trip to New York City, where she stepped out in a Sézane Joris shirt with wide-leg jeans and a suede bag from Free People. This was the chef's outfit for a visit to Russ & Daughters deli and her billowy blouse had a stand collar, embroidery and lace detailing.
Shop Clodagh's Outfit
Clodagh's beautiful billowy shirt is made from organic cotton and has embroidered sections on the button placket, collar and sleeves. There's also lace on the front and sleeves for a touch more detail and the buttons are mother-of-pearl. Tuck into jeans or trousers and add white trainers or ankle boots and you're good to go.
Roomy and casual, the Roma Hobo Tote bag comes in so many different colours besides this warm tan. It's got two shoulder straps, closes securely with a zip and is made from soft suede. Fill with your everyday essentials and throw on with everything from jeans to dresses.
I own these exact jeans by M&S and also picked them up in two other colours - that's how much I swear by them. They've got a flattering high-rise design and the wide-leg cut is very comfortable. There's some stretch to the fabric and they're great for tucking light jumpers and shirts into.
Can you really go wrong with a white shirt? I don't think so, and this one is made from pure cotton which makes it super breathable. It's got embroidery on the scalloped collar, front and sleeves, with pintucks for shaping too. On colder days layer a knitted vest or jumper over the top.
The Harper suede shoulder bag from FatFace is crafted from soft suede with top-stitch detailing for a polished finish and a cotton lining. Inside is a practical pocket to help keep your belongings organised and the shoulder-bag shape makes it comfy and casual to wear.
Affordable and classic, these mid-blue jeans have a high-rise waist and a double button fastening at the front. The wide hem gives them a contemporary edge and they're made from soft, super stretchy denim. Wear with heeled boots and a shirt for a smart-casual outfit.
New Boho style is a major autumn/winter fashion trend for 2026 and the super feminine shirt was a lovely contrast against Clodagh's blue denim. If you're not as much of a fan of frills or embroidery then consider subtler elements like scalloping or contrasting buttons.
These just make a classic white shirt feel a little more special without detracting from its wearability. Collared designs look particularly polished when you add a jumper or knitted vest over the top, though the ITV star didn't need to worry about layering in the NYC sun.
She went without any knitwear or jacket and tucked her shirt into her high-waisted, wide-leg jeans. Wide-leg jeans are such a comfy silhouette as they're not at all restrictive on the legs and high-rise styles cinch you in and accentuate your waist beautifully too.
They also have a gorgeous drape to them that can feel quite trouser-like, meaning they're easier to elevate for date nights or smart-casual occasions than you might think. Clodagh was wearing block sandals but heeled ankle boots would be a stunning alternative.
For comfort day-to-day, I'd probably stick to white trainers or flat brown Chelsea boots and mid-blue jeans like hers are complemented by a range of light and deeper shades. Sometimes it also feels like indigo or black jeans should be what we're wearing in autumn/winter but lighter denim can still be given a seasonal twist.
Clodagh did this by adding a chestnut suede shoulder bag and the cosy texture of the material and warm neutral hue were very September-appropriate. A white shirt and jeans are so minimal that you can embrace more colour with your accessories without them overpowering everything.
Tones like burnt orange, brown, tan and olive green can give your outfit a seasonal feel and suede and oversized shoulder bags are big autumn/winter handbag trends. The This Morning chef ticked off both of these with her slouchy bag from Free People and although clutches and mini bags look so elegant, realistically they don't fit much.
This isn't something you have to worry about with a roomy shoulder bag like Clodagh's and the unstructured shape suits a jeans-and-a-shirt look perfectly. There's so much scope with a simple outfit base like this and with her blonde hair swept up into a loose bun and a pair of sunglasses, Clodagh McKenna looked effortlessly chic for her visit to Russ & Daughters.
