Zara Tindall's easy autumn outfit formula of knee-highs, toffee-toned coat and knitwear is going to be hard to beat this season
She wore this neutral, cosy look to Cheltenham Racecourse last October and it's such a versatile combination for colder weather
As much as I love coming up with new autumn outfit ideas, it's often quicker to stick to tried and tested combinations you know will work. They don't have to be complicated and Zara Tindall's style formula from October last year is a perfect example of how chic a jumper can be with knee-high boots and a neutral coat.
She wore these for an outing with her eldest daughter Mia to Cheltenham Racecourse and everything from the toffee and chocolate colour palette to the timeless silhouettes just worked. Zara is a big fan of British clothing brands, especially if they're equestrian-inspired like Fairfax & Favor, who still make her exact Regina tall boots and Rye bag.
Shop Zara's Knee-High Boots
Zara Tindall has owned and worn the Regina boots for a long time now and she wore the mahogany version to Cheltenham. They're handcrafted from premium leather and feature the scalloped fan and iconic Fairfax & Favor tassel on the side. There are memory foam insoles and you can get these in different heel heights too.
The deep burgundy-brown tone of these M&S boots has a similar autumnal feel to Zara's boots. It's also very easy to pair with other colours and the design is simple, with a low wedge heel and pointed toe. Wear with jeans tucked in or with longer dresses and skirts draped over the top.
Made from smooth leather, these boots have a low block heel that makes them great for the daytime as well as evenings out. They're also available in black and have the benefit of Next's Forever Comfort® technology. Style with a long camel coat, knitwear and jeans for a Zara-esque look.
Complete the Look
You can't go wrong with a camel coat for autumn/winter and they're an easy way to add a sense of sophistication to even the simplest outfit. This one has a collared neckline and a single-breasted silhouette. There are darts for extra shaping and it has practical pockets on the sides.
Zara Tindall wore the Fairfax & Favor Rye crossbody bag and it's a style the brand still sells now, in both mahogany and black leather. The design is neat and minimal, finished with old brass hardware and a subtle chevron detail on the reverse. You can fit your everyday essentials inside and the shoulder strap is detachable.
Chocolate brown is still a huge colour trend and this jumper is a cosy way to incorporate it into your seasonal outfits. It's crafted from soft first-shear lambswool and it's ribbed at the lower hem and cuffs. The hemline is medium to long and you can also get this knit in a huge range of other colours.
The knee-highs come in different colours and heel heights and the King's niece chose the highest option. They have the iconic scalloped detailing and tassel the brand is known for and she tucked in her black coated jeans for a seamless finish.
One of the reasons I love knee-high boots for the colder months is because they are so streamlined that they give a gorgeous leg-elongating effect. They also keep you so cosy as you're covering half your legs in fabric, so they can be very practical too.
Fitted jeans are easiest to tuck in, though boots can also fit under wide-leg jeans so you don't have to go for something quite as sleek as Zara Tindall did. Jeggings or leggings are great alternatives too and the equestrian royal accentuated the streamlined feel of her ensemble with her coat.
The Hobbs Livia Wool Coat is back this season in various colours, including a dark camel, though Zara's was more of a warm toffee shade. She wore it loosely belted and with the lapels on the collar pulled back.
Even if your favourite autumn coats don't come with a built-in belt, it's worth considering adding one in a complementary colour if you prefer accentuating your waist. It's a simple trick and can be achieved quite affordably too.
Zara Tindall's coat had one as part of the design and you could just see her deep brown jumper poking out at the top of the collar. Her knitwear tied in with the boots and her Fairfax & Favor crossbody bag which were both made from mahogany leather.
These had a slight red undertone, though they were still similar enough to the jumper to give everything a cohesive feel. Brown is a big autumn/winter fashion colour trend for 2026 and it looks particularly stunning styled with other warm neutrals like this.
Zara added a pair of leather gloves and a velvet headband to complete her ensemble. These were some pretty finishing touches but the knit, boots, jeans and coat were what anchored everything. It's a fashion formula that's also easy to adjust to suit different occasions.
Heeled boots and a tailored coat naturally feel smarter, whilst flat ones and a more oversized cocoon coat looks quite relaxed. Certain jumpers can seem more elevated too, so it all depends on your signature style and the occasion you're dressing for.
