Emma Thompson proves bright stripes are one of the easiest autumn/winter trends you can start wearing now
Ease into a new season in style
Autumn is officially here, and ff you're slightly stuck on how to proceed after months spent in floaty dresses and flip-flops, allow Emma Thompson's bright striped shirt to inspire your autumn capsule wardrobe. A tailored button-down is one of those wardrobe investments that will see you through every season, but Emma's Brunello Cucinelli cotton-blend shirt is made for transitional weather - and it's the perfect pattern to kick-start your autumn wardrobe.
When the sun has disappeared, but some of the summer heat is still lingering, a lightweight long-sleeve is the ideal investment to see you through. The beauty of a button-down is its layering capabilities - and how easily it can make slouchy denim or cargos look sophisticated. In a soft, timeless yellow stripe, Emma's shirt is ideal for pairing with the autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026 to ease yourself into the new season.
But if you don't quite have the budget for a £1,000+ shirt, fear not. There are countless similar options on the high street right now to bolster your autumn outfit ideas, all of which can be worn undone over a white tee, buttoned and styled with straight-leg black trousers for the office, or layered under the best wool jumpers with the striped collar on show when the chill sets in.
Emma's exact shirt comes in a lightweight cotton blend with statement buttons, faux front pockets, and rolled-up sleeves for a relaxed yet polished feel.
Lean into autumnal hues with this yellow and brown shirt from Zara, which will pair perfectly with denim jeans and ballet flats for early September days.
A similarly striped shirt, this time marrying blue and yellow, offering a gorgeous way to wear two standout colour trends right now.
If you prefer a slightly more neutral palette for autumn, this Ralph Lauren striped shirt is perfectly boxy.
Go bold with this yellow French Connection shirt that makes just the right statement whilst remaining versatile and easy to style.
This pink and camel colour combination will slot effortlessly into your autumn wardrobe, with an ideal boxy cut that isn't too long for petites.
The simplest way to ease yourself into autumn dressing is by identifying a handful of key pieces that can be mixed and matched to create effortless outfit formulas, with a few wearable patterns in the mix to add interest. Stripes are arguably one of the most timeless designs out there, remaining chic and put together no matter the trend cycle.
But rather than light blue pinstripes typically associated with spring and summer, a bright and vibrant shade of mustard feels instantly autumnal with the same polished finish. Deep reds, purples, or even brown stripes also work beautifully for this time of year - and remain easy to style.
Worn with wide-leg jeans, a tweed blazer, and some slingback mules, you've got a day-to-night look that can be made more casual with a pair of white trainers too. A trend that will never date, bright stripes are the ideal way to transition from summer to autumn without sacrificing style points.
