Curating the perfect autumn outfit often involves navigating challenges presented by wind, rain, and chilly temperatures. While some classic pieces like a trench coat or tailored trousers can instantly elevate a look, certain common wardrobe items can have the opposite effect. Fabulous Fashion Assistant Emily Regan offers expert advice on what to ditch this autumn to maintain an elegant and current style, moving beyond previously outmoded trends like Uggs and flimsy mini skirts paired with knee-high boots.

One significant item to reconsider, according to Regan, is clothing adorned with prominent designer logos. Despite the cost, such items often detract from a sophisticated appearance, making the wearer look like a "walking advertisement" and cheapening the overall ensemble. Instead, she recommends choosing "well-made, unbranded pieces that fit properly" to achieve a more refined and expensive aesthetic. High-street retailers like Zara and H&M, as well as second-hand marketplaces like Vinted and eBay, are excellent sources for such elevated, affordable options. Regan emphasizes that "true style isn’t about where you shop, it’s about how you choose to put your outfits together."

As colder weather approaches, many stores stock jackets with fur hoods, but Regan identifies these as a major fashion misstep. She argues that "there’s nothing that cheapens a winter look faster than a coat with a faux fur hood." The typical stiff, shiny, and uniform faux fur rarely conveys luxury, and the silhouette has become ubiquitous in fast fashion, making it appear dated and basic. While they offer warmth, their dated appearance means they fail to make a coat, which should be the star of an autumn outfit, look stylish.

White trainers, despite their versatility, are another item Emily suggests reconsidering. While they seemingly pair with everything, this omnipresence is part of the problem. With the recent shift in trainer trends, exemplified by the Adidas Samba, vibrant and colourful options have become the new standard. Choosing a bold pair demonstrates thoughtful outfit curation, offers an easy way to embrace "dopamine dressing," and avoids the common issue of white trainers quickly looking scuffed and dirty, which is never a good look.

Regarding jewellery, Regan is "firmly against" mixing metals, particularly the combination of silver and gold. Historically, gold has held greater monetary value and symbolized wealth and status, representing higher prestige, whereas silver is often perceived as cheaper due to its accessibility. While silver has its place, especially with cooler tones and fairer complexions, consistency is paramount for an elevated appearance. This principle extends beyond jewellery to all metal hardware, including zips on bags, buckles on shoes, and details on jackets, for a truly polished look.

The return of the iconic ‘Joni’ skinny jeans, sparked by Topshop’s relaunch, is also on Regan’s list of items to avoid. These jeans, which were popular in the early 2000s, belong firmly in that era. Wearing them now, particularly distressed styles, can feel forced and cheapen an outfit. While many opt for skinny jeans for their perceived leg-lengthening or slimming effects, a straight-leg cut can achieve the same illusion while looking considerably more elevated and contemporary.

Cropped jumpers are another tricky item. Regan notes that the issue is less about the jumper itself and more about how it's styled, often feeling impractical. She describes it as a garment "caught in limbo," with frayed-hem versions being the worst offenders, frequently appearing as though a perfectly good jumper was haphazardly cut. While cropped jumpers can work as a thoughtful layering piece, pairing them with low-waisted jeans, exposing the belly button, makes the look feel entirely out of place for autumn, suggesting a lack of intentional styling.

Finally, suede Chelsea boots, despite the enduring appeal of Chelsea boots as a staple, receive a strong caution from Regan. The combination with suede can be problematic, especially in rainy conditions, as the material is not weather-friendly. She likens it to a "throwback to 2010," particularly when styled with tights and a floral dress. Regan believes that the proportions of suede Chelsea boots often make them appear "off, bulky and inelegant," more akin to school uniform footwear than a sophisticated fashion choice, dragging down an otherwise elegant outfit.