I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe.

I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe.

      Welcome to The Great Try-On. With autumn definitely upon us, we seized the chance to try out some of the best new-in items from your favorite brands, documenting our experience along the way. We think that the ideal way to shop online is to see an item in real life and read honest reviews, so we hope this helps you make your most successful purchases of the year. Perhaps it’s a back-to-school mindset I can’t shake after leaving school over ten years ago, but autumn always feels like a new beginning. Instead of buying a new pencil case, I often feel the need to refresh the basics in my wardrobe, especially during those tricky transitional weeks when I’m unsure how to dress.

      For autumn, I'm always in search of the perfect jumper (think Harry Burns’s cream cable knit) and a stylish yet practical pair of flats (yes, I am definitely in back-to-school mode), as well as the timeless essentials we all count on. Fortunately, at Who What Wear UK, I am well-equipped with fashion recommendations. Each suggestion is supported by reviews from various team members, along with insights into how popular certain items are among our readers.

      So, with your mind fully in autumn mode, continue scrolling for the basics I recommend for the upcoming season.

      The Best Basics for Autumn 2025, Tried and Reviewed by an Editor:

      1. COS Clean-Cut Tee

      My Review: How much can be said about a white T-shirt? Well, as someone who wears a white tee and jeans at least twice a week, I have strong opinions on what makes this simple item just right. Interestingly, despite my colleagues praising the COS Clean-Cut T-Shirt, I had never actually tried it. This now seems like a significant oversight, as upon trying it on, I instantly wanted to purchase two (so I always have a spare while one is in the wash). COS is renowned for its quality, and this classic tee is no exception. In my view, it’s the perfect weight—light enough to layer under knits and jackets but substantial enough not to reveal the outlines or seams of lingerie (as you can hopefully see). The cut is also excellent (for reference, I chose my usual size small), slightly cropped so it works well both tucked and untucked with jeans or trousers, and relaxed in the body and sleeves.

      2. Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers

      My Review: You’re sure to find loafers in many fashion enthusiasts' shoe collections come autumn, but in recent years, they have firmly established themselves as a true wardrobe essential. When recommending a pair, Reformation seemed like an ideal choice. As a team, we admire the brand, not only for its environmentally conscious designs and overall cool appeal but also for the proven quality of each piece. I chose the chunky-soled Agathea style, not just because I’ve seen Gigi Hadid wearing them, but because they strike the perfect balance between edgy and classic. Although the Reformation website suggests they run large, I tried on my normal size, and they fit very well. I often wear socks with loafers, so I appreciate a bit of extra room. In-store, I paired the loafers with wide-leg jeans (side note: Reformation denim is also fantastic!) and loved how they looked with denim. I know that if these were in my wardrobe, I’d feel much less disheartened about putting away my flip-flops each summer.

      3. H&M Wide Trousers

      My Review: I prefer separates to dresses any day, especially during layering season, so finding a great pair of trousers is always a win. I was initially attracted to this H&M pair because of the pinstripe design. Perhaps it’s the back-to-school vibe that makes me gravitate towards a grey pair of trousers in autumn, but they are a staple in my year-round wardrobe and can be dressed up (like here, with a shirt) or down (with a tee or casual knit). I’m 5’9”, so I sometimes struggle to find the right length in trousers, but these worked out well, resting nicely below my ankle. If you’re shorter, they would skim the floor a bit more and might require a slight heel, but they are still a good length overall. As wide-leg trousers go, these definitely lean more straight leg than ultra-wide palazzo, making them a solid everyday choice. They’re made from a comfortable jersey fabric and feature an elasticated waist, but fit a bit smaller, so I’d recommend sizing up (I’m wearing a medium, for reference).

      4. The Frankie Shop Bea Single-Breasted Stretch-Woven Blazer

      My Review: If there’s one brand that excels at crafting cool-girl basics, it’s The Frankie Shop. Every piece is thoughtfully designed, often with a unique detail that sets it apart from similar items on the market. If you wear blazers, you’ve likely heard of

I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe. I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe.

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I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are 6 Essentials That Became Part of My Capsule Wardrobe.

Continue scrolling to view and purchase the six essentials I suggest investing in for the upcoming season.