Autumn Investments: 11 Fall Luxury Pieces That Are Worth The Money

Bidding farewell to summer is never easy, but there are ways to cushion the blow. Some people turn to pumpkin-spiced lattes and autumnal scented candles to get into the mood for colder climes. For us, making one or two seasonal wardrobe upgrades is the preferred approach.

What do we mean by that? Think a handful of considered purchases that will last for years rather than a full wardrobe overhaul. Luxury pieces you can call upon to improve all sorts of outfits, built to last and designed to weather changing trends.

Below is a carefully selected mix of investment pieces we feel are worth owning when it comes to tackling autumn and beyond. Whether it’s the beautifully ageing denim of a pair of Japanese selvedge jeans, the buttery-soft nap of a suede jacket or a pair of cashmere-lined leather gloves, these are the pieces that justify spending a little more.

Goodyear-Welted Boots

Myrqvist

Wet mornings aren’t quite as much of a drag when you can step out into them wearing appropriate footwear. A Goodyear welt is a traditional method of stitching the outsole to the upper of a shoe or boot. It’s extremely durable, makes repairs and resoling easier, and helps keep the elements out, making it a solid option for autumn and winter footwear.

There are plenty of great heritage brands still building their boots this way. A few of our favourites are Red Wing, Paraboot and Danner.

Cashmere Sweater

Velasca

Warm, soft and smooth, cashmere knitwear adds a subtle touch of luxury to almost any outfit. Particularly if you pick something highly versatile like a classic crewneck sweater.

Layer it with a gilet or light jacket in early autumn, then add a heavier coat when the temperature starts to nosedive.

It’s such a simple silhouette that you can style it pretty much however you see fit. From tailoring to trainers, it can do the lot.

Suede Jacket

Luca Faloni

If you’ve got the cash to splash, a suede jacket is one of those pieces you’ll buy once and wear for years. Choose one in a classic shape, such as a bomber or trucker, and it’ll age gracefully as trends come and go.

Good ones aren’t cheap, but look after yours and it’ll look after you. Dress it up with tailored trousers, a fine-gauge knit and a pair of Derbies, or take things more casual with a Breton top, relaxed-fit selvedge jeans and suede moc-toe shoes.

Balmacaan Coat

Velasca

Meet your autumn style cheat code. Throw it over almost anything and you’ll instantly look like you know what you’re doing, even if you’ve just pulled a pair of joggers and a hoodie from the back of the wardrobe.

Don’t confuse it with a more structured overcoat. A proper balmacaan has raglan sleeves that drape naturally over the shoulders rather than standing proud. This gives it a softer, more relaxed feel that works just as well with casual outfits as it does dressed-up looks.

Waxed Motorcycle Jacket

Private White V.C.

It can be a tricky balance finding something that looks stylish and performs well in wet autumn weather. There’s nothing wrong with a technical shell in the right context, but it’s difficult to make one work with a smarter outfit.

This is where a waxed jacket comes in handy. A Belstaff Trialmaster, or something similar, is a timeless piece of outerwear that’s practical, stylish and sensible. A winning combination when it comes to battling unpredictable transitional weather.

Cashmere Scarf

Loro Piana

Relatively affordable but still unmistakably luxurious. That’s why we’re always preaching the merits of a cashmere scarf.

It’s a relatively small high-end purchase that allows you to add a touch of class to practically any outfit. There’s no limit to how it can be styled or what it can be paired with, giving it an excellent cost-per-wear ratio over the years.

Look at ASKET if you’re thinking sensibly, Loro Piana if you’re not.

Japanese Denim Jeans

Samurai

Finding the perfect pair of jeans can be a long and laborious project. It’s such a subjective thing, and even when you narrow the search down to something as specific as Japanese selvedge denim, there’s still a whole world out there to explore.

Still, it’s worth both the time and the expense, because when you get it right, you end up with a garment that becomes part of you. The fabric fades to echo your lifestyle and gradually moulds to your body. After a few months of continual wear, there won’t be another pair quite like them.

Japan Blue is a brand we’ve found to offer great value for money, but if you want to really lean into the luxury element you can spend considerably more on some seriously heavyweight denim from the likes of Oni, Samurai and Momotaro.

Classic Arctic Parka

Woolrich

The day will soon come when you step outside and realise light-outerwear season has finished. When that happens, you’ll want something more substantial to rely on during the colder months.

This is where a proper parka coat pays dividends, with its robust construction, insulation and timeless design. Spend the money on a classic from Woolrich or Nigel Cabourn and you could still be wearing it when you’re old and grey.

Cashmere-Lined Leather Gloves

Aspinal of London

A pair of leather gloves might seem like a small purchase compared with a coat or jacket, but that’s precisely why they’re such a good place to indulge.

Cheap leather tends to be stiff and bulky. Good leather is supple enough to mould to your hands, developing character the more you wear it. Add a soft cashmere lining and you have one of those small everyday luxuries that makes miserable winter mornings considerably more tolerable.

Stick to black, dark brown or tan and avoid unnecessary hardware. British glove specialist Dents is an obvious place to start, particularly its cashmere-lined hairsheep, deerskin and buckskin styles. Look after them properly and a good pair will last for years.

A Proper Umbrella

London Undercover

Most umbrellas are treated as disposable objects. Buy one for £15 when the heavens open, lose it on a train, repeat. But a proper stick umbrella is a different proposition altogether.

It’s one of those wonderfully old-fashioned purchases that still makes perfect sense. A strong frame, quality canopy and solid wooden handle will stand up to years of British weather, while looking considerably better hooked over your arm than something pulled from the bargain bin at a station.

Fox Umbrellas is the benchmark. Its classic men’s umbrellas come with everything from simple hardwood to Malacca and whangee handles, giving you something that feels closer to a well-made accessory than emergency rain equipment.

The only problem with finally buying a good umbrella is remembering not to leave it in the pub.

Wool Flannel Trousers

Velasca

Denim gets most of the attention when autumn rolls around, but few things make cold-weather dressing feel more considered than a great pair of wool flannel trousers.

The fabric is warm, soft and full of texture, but considerably easier to dress down than traditional suit trousers. Go for mid-grey or charcoal in a straight or gently relaxed cut and they’ll work with almost everything else on this list, from cashmere knitwear and suede jackets to Derbies, loafers and minimalist trainers.

This is one area where spending more generally gets you something tangible in return. Better-quality wool hangs more cleanly, feels softer against the skin and tends to retain its shape better over time. Look to specialists such as Incotex, Slowear and Loro Piana, and prioritise the quality of the cloth and cut over anything overly trend-driven.