I Tried On More Than 50 Items This Month—Here Are the 6 Essentials That Made It into My Capsule Wardrobe.

      Welcome to The Great Try-On. As autumn settles in, we seized the opportunity to test some of the latest arrivals from your favorite brands, documenting our experiences in the process. We believe the best way to shop online is to see items 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 lingering back-to-school mindset, despite having graduated over ten years ago, but autumn always feels like a fresh beginning to me. Instead of getting a new pencil case, I often find myself wanting to refresh the essentials in my wardrobe, especially as I rely on these staples during the tricky transitional weeks when dressing can be confusing.

      For autumn, I always seek that ideal jumper (think of Harry Burns’s cream cable knit) and a stylish yet practical pair of flats (I'm definitely in a back-to-school mood), along with the year-round basics we all value. Fortunately, at Who What Wear UK, I have access to a wealth of fashion advice. Each recommendation comes with reviews from multiple team members and insights into how popular particular items are with our readers.

      So, as you get into the autumn spirit, scroll down for my recommended basics for the upcoming season.

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

      1. **COS Clean-Cut Tee**

       **My Review:** What more is there to say about a white T-shirt? As someone who wears a white tee and jeans at least twice a week, I have strong opinions on what makes this simple garment just right. Surprisingly, despite my coworkers praising the COS Clean-Cut T-Shirt, I had never tried it until now, which feels like a significant oversight. After putting it on, I immediately felt the urge to buy two (to have a backup when one is in the wash). COS is known for quality, and this classic tee lives up to that reputation. In my view, it has the ideal weight; light enough for layering under knits and jackets yet substantial enough to hide outlines or seams of undergarments (as you can likely see). The cut is also excellent (for reference, I chose my usual size small), slightly cropped so it can be worn tucked or untucked with jeans or trousers and relaxed in the body and sleeves.

       **Shop COS's Clean-Cut Tee:**

       COS

       Clean Cut Regular T-Shirt

      2. **Reformation Agathea Chunky Loafers**

       **My Review:** You’re likely to find loafers in the shoe collections of many fashion enthusiasts during autumn. In recent years, they have established themselves as a true wardrobe essential. When recommending a pair, Reformation felt like an ideal option. Our team loves the brand not only for its sustainable designs and overall cool appeal but also for the reliable quality of each item. I chose the chunky-soled Agathea style, not only because Gigi Hadid has been spotted in them, but also due to their perfect balance of edgy and classic. While the Reformation website states they run large, I tried my usual size and found they fit well. I typically wear socks with loafers, so I appreciate having a bit of extra room. In the store, I paired the loafers with wide-leg jeans (by the way, Reformation denim is fantastic!), and I loved how they complemented the denim. If these loafers were in my closet, I'd certainly feel less sad about putting my flip-flops away every summer.

       **Shop Reformation's Agathea Chunky Loafers:**

       Reformation

       Agathea Chunky Loafer

      3. **H&M Wide Trousers**

       **My Review:** I prefer separates over dresses, especially during layering season, so finding a good pair of trousers is always a win. I was attracted to this H&M pair because of the pinstripe design. Perhaps it's the back-to-school vibe that draws me to grey trousers in autumn, but they are a staple in my wardrobe year-round and can be dressed up (as shown here, with a shirt) or down (with a t-shirt or casual knit). I’m 5’9”, so finding the right length in trousers can be a challenge, but these hit perfectly below my ankle. If you’re shorter, they might touch the floor a bit more and could require a small heel, but they are still a solid length. As wide-leg trousers go, these lean more towards a straight leg than an ultra-wide palazzo style, making them a great everyday choice. They are made of a comfortable jersey fabric and feature an elasticated waist, but run a bit small, so I’d recommend sizing up (I’m wearing a medium for reference).

       **Shop H&M's Wide Trousers:**

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

       **My Review