View image in fullscreen Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
Whether it’s a two-in-one coat or a truly delicious handbag, add some fun to getting dressed during the cold, dark months with our expert’s favourites
The best women’s shoes and boots for autumn
Jess Cartner-Morley Sun 1 Nov 2026 14.00 CET Share Prefer the Guardian on Google T he clocks have gone back. The mornings are cold and the evenings are dark. The world seems to be doing its level best to discourage any fashion ambition beyond the need to stay alive and warm enough to function.
But clothes – even in winter – are not just about staying alive. They are about staying alive alive. Alive inside. So this month’s edit is about finding the fun in getting dressed when the weather is trying to discourage you. There is a pink jumper that manages to be both cosy and, well, slutty; a £16 henley that looks considerably more expensive than it is; and a skirt I have been stalking since the summer and can finally report back on. There are also ballet pumps with exactly the right amount of grownup elegance, a sweatshirt that makes a persuasive case for elevating the everyday, and a necklace to bring a bit of sparkle back to the proceedings.
Reformation Iris knit top £98 £98 at Reformation View image in fullscreen Iris knit
I love a slutty jumper. Are we allowed to say that? I mean it as a compliment. A going-out top you won’t freeze in is perhaps more polite terminology. I want it in the cherry blossom pink, but it is available in lots of other nice colours.
Reformation Iris knit top £98 £98 at Reformation An excellent value henley M&S Wool touch semi sheer henley top £16 £16 at M&S View image in fullscreen £16 at M&S There is something so classy about a henley. Like, when a character in a film is wearing a henley, you know it’s there to tell you this person has a good soul. When done with finesse – a superfine rib, delicate buttons – there is something quite sensual about it, in an old-timey kind of way. Anyway, this M&S version is amazing value.
M&S Wool touch semi sheer henley top £16 £16 at M&S A delicious handbag Polène Cyme mini £390 £390 at Polène View image in fullscreen Polène Cyme bag
Polène handbags are exquisite, which is why there are queues outside the Paris stores when new bags arrive. If you get a chance to swing by the Regent Street store in London, you will see what I mean.
Polène Cyme mini £390 £390 at Polène A Christmassy pigeon Fortnum & Mason Glass pigeon decoration £20 £20 at Fortnum & Mason View image in fullscreen Pigeon tree bauble
Forget robins and turtledoves. Pigeons are the spirit animal of 2026.
Fortnum & Mason Glass pigeon decoration £20 £20 at Fortnum & Mason Skirts are the new everything M&S Silk blend lace detail midi asymmetric skirt £80 £80 at M&S View image in fullscreen Silk blend lace detail skirt
Wear a skirt. This is not a drill: Miuccia Prada says so. Skirts are so back, baby. I spotted this one, with its snazzy lace insert, back in the summer, when M&S womenswear head Lisa Illis was wearing it in the showroom, but it wasn’t yet on sale. I’ve been stalking it ever since; it’s now arrived, and I can confirm it is excellent.
M&S Silk blend lace detail midi asymmetric skirt £80 £80 at M&S Everyday elegance, yes please The White Company from £80 £80 at the White Company £80 at Selfridges View image in fullscreen Gathered back sweatshirt
£80 at Selfridges…