Want timeless style? Jigsaw's new-in collection will help you create an elevated, versatile autumn wardrobe that will rival fashion experts
Elevated basics to invest in now and wear forever
I'm excited; the weather has finally dipped, and I can't see another heatwave on the horizon, which means it is time to fully embrace those autumn outfit ideas. Cashmere, leather, wool and cosy layers - October is my favourite fashion period, as the change in climate offers plenty of opportunity for new outfits and invigorating old ones.
But it isn't about buying everything new every season. Yes, the latest autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026 will help to update your look, but first every closet needs the basics to underpin each look. Creating a capsule wardrobe can feel boring, but getting the foundations right - timeless trousers, the best cashmere jumpers, or neutral skirts will mean that your outfits will always feel polished, and you'll never have those 'nothing to wear ' moments.
When it comes to my autumn capsule wardrobe, I always advise women to invest in the best basics they can afford. A beautiful pair of leather trousers, an elegant coat to take you through the festive season, or a luxe wool jumper can last a lifetime when well cared for. And this season, Jigsaw's new-in section is packed with what I would call forever pieces that you can build on with faster-fashion, more trend-driven items.
This cashmere jumper is available in seven different colourways. Tapping into the autumn/winter fashion colour trends 2026 of cobalt blue and burgundy, there is also a gorgeous hot pink, alongside timeless neutrals that you'll wear for years to come. A great cashmere jumper can pair effortlessly with jeans, trousers or a trending kilt skirt for easy, cosy style.
The front patch pockets give these mid-wash jeans a bohemian feel that will pair beautifully with seasonal suede and luxe leather. While you might not think of Jigsaw as a traditional denim brand, the British clothing label does know how to cut an excellent pair of trousers - even Kate Middleton has been spotted in its suiting, so give its jeans a try.
Speaking of tailoring, festive fashion is just around the corner. It might only be October, but right now, it's very much a case of the early bird catching the worm, and I've seen so many high street labels tentatively start dropping holiday-ready edits. This gorgeous bitter chocolate velvet jacket has matching trousers, and there is a midnight blue version too.
Burgundy is big news this season, and if you're looking for a speedy autumnal update, this silky, bow-necked design with a deep cuff will dress up tailoring, add a vintage feel to skirts, or take your most comfortable jeans into the realm of smart-casual outfits. A pretty blouse always has a home in a capsule wardrobe, and this aubergine hue never truly goes out of fashion.
I think the term 'baby tee' can be quite off-putting, but this cashmere t-shirt is well worth the investment. I love this chilli red hue, that will pair with any neutral, while the classic round-neck silhouette makes it easy to style. A slightly shorter hem line means it will work well with all manner of skirts or trousers and particularly good for tucking into higher waistbands.
Any autumn wardrobe is incomplete, in my opinion, without a great, throw-on-and-go dress. Sometimes we just need an outfit that has pretty much styled itself, and this seasonally-ready dress in corduroy will look chic teamed with boots, but can also be dressed up with heeled loafers or courts for smart meeting or relaxed date night.
Accessories can reinvent a whole look, and these knotted earrings are a speedy way of refreshing last year's little black dress, adding a more statement finish to a knit, or adding a feminine finish to sharp tailoring. A striking design, they look far more impressive and expensive than their price tag, and are timeless enough to be worn for years to come.
The half-zip jumper is the sporty staple you'll wear on repeat at the weekend. This camel hued design is double faced for extra comfort, and I love it here styled with light denim and white, the ultimate autumn and spring colour palette. This neckline came into fashion a few years ago and has stayed popular, making it time to add it to your capsule wardrobe.
Barrel legs remain one of the biggest denim trends of 2026, and the silhouette has been so popular, we're seeing this flattering shape reimagined in other fabrics too. The leather trouser has been slowly taking over as the chicest alternative to jeans, and despite the hefty investment price tag, great leather trousers will last for years, and they always look chic.
The heritage trend is back on the fashion map, and with the Celebrity edition of The Traitors launching last night, you can certainly expect country-coded style to be flooding the high street. Argyle is a timeless knitwear pattern, and in this classic colour combo of camel, bitter chocolate and blue, you can wear this retro-style cardi for years to come.
Nothing ruins a festive-ready outfit like your every day-parka, so if you know you have any events or parties on the horizon, do your wardrobe a favour and invest in an event-ready coat. Now you don't have to save this beauty for best, but knowing you have at least one, really smart winter coat in your style arsenal is a great idea.
Leather trousers not your thing, I absolutely adore this leather skirt. An elegant midi length, a flattering high waist and a jet black hue, you can dress this up with blouse, or down with a casual shirt, tee or knit. Leather is expensive, but beautiful, buttery iterations will look even more elevated than the price tag and last for years.
When adding to your autumn/winter capsule wardrobe, think about longevity; this is the place worth investing what you can in timeless styles, cuts and colourways that will underpin your outfits year in, year out. A great coat, good tailored, cosy cashmere or sumptuous leather, these pieces don't go out of fashion and can be teamed with more seasonal trending items for a directional finish.
And Jigsaw is a great place for updating the building blocks of your style arsenal. Elegant cuts, top-quality fabrics and considered design will mean you can return to these pieces every autumn.
