Mixing Textures and Layers: Perfecting the Art of Autumn Fashion in 2024

Autumn is always a favourite season for fashion lovers. As the temperatures drop, the opportunity to experiment with layers and textures becomes an essential part of the season's style. In 2024, the UK fashion scene is embracing a new level of sophistication when it comes to layering, moving beyond the predictable and venturing into an artful mix of fabrics, textures, and unexpected combinations. This year is all about creating depth and dimension in your wardrobe, where each piece adds its own voice to a harmonious, multi-layered ensemble.

The British autumn weather, known for its unpredictability, provides the perfect backdrop for mastering this look. One moment it's crisp and sunny, the next, a drizzly downpour. This means that fashion in 2024 isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s practical too. The balance between warmth and style, functionality and fashion, has never been more crucial. As we step into this season, it’s clear that the days of simple layering are behind us. Instead, we’re seeing a shift towards bold pairings of different fabrics and textures, creating looks that feel fresh, modern, and undeniably British.

This year, texture is taking centre stage. From the softness of cashmere and the richness of velvet to the edginess of leather and the sheen of silk, the possibilities for creative expression are endless. Velvet, once reserved for special occasions, is now being incorporated into everyday looks, offering a plush contrast to more structured materials like denim or wool. A velvet blazer paired with a silk blouse, for instance, creates a luxurious, tactile contrast that feels both elevated and wearable.

Leather, too, is having a major moment. But unlike previous seasons where the focus was solely on leather jackets, 2024 is seeing leather take on new forms—skirts, trousers, even shirts. The juxtaposition of leather with softer fabrics like wool or knits is a hallmark of the season’s style, offering an appealing mix of toughness and femininity. A leather pencil skirt worn with a cosy oversized knit jumper, for example, strikes the perfect balance between hard and soft, structured and relaxed.

Speaking of knits, autumn wouldn't be complete without them, and in 2024, chunky knitwear is back, but with a twist. Layering isn’t just about putting a jumper over a shirt anymore—this season, we’re seeing knit-on-knit combinations, where different textures are layered together. Think a ribbed wool jumper over a fine cashmere roll neck or a knitted dress with a cardigan in a contrasting weave. The effect is a subtle play of textures that feels sophisticated yet effortless.

Outerwear is also taking layering to new heights. The trench coat, a perennial British favourite, is being reimagined in 2024 with unexpected details like faux fur trims, quilted linings, and contrast textures. It’s no longer just about throwing on a coat for warmth—outerwear has become an integral part of the outfit itself. We’re seeing long, tailored coats layered over shorter jackets, or puffed gilets worn beneath blazers, creating a dynamic, multi-layered look that’s as stylish as it is functional.

Patterns and prints are playing a role too, but in a more understated way than in previous years. Rather than clashing bold prints, 2024’s approach to patterns is more about subtle integration, where textures do most of the talking. Plaid and checkered patterns in muted tones are being layered under block colours or mixed with textured fabrics like corduroy or suede. The result is a look that feels polished, restrained, yet still full of visual interest.

Footwear is not being left behind in this textural revolution either. Chunky boots, a staple of autumn fashion, are now being paired with more delicate fabrics like silk skirts or even lace detailing. This mix of heavy and light creates a contrast that feels perfectly in tune with 2024’s trend of blending the unexpected. Ankle boots in patent leather or even velvet are being worn with cropped trousers or long skirts, giving a nod to the '70s-inspired trend that’s also making a comeback this season.

Ultimately, autumn fashion in 2024 is a celebration of contrast. It’s about embracing different textures and materials, finding harmony in the tension between the soft and the structured, the warm and the cool. This isn’t about playing it safe—it's about making deliberate choices that push boundaries and create a sense of depth and richness in every outfit.

As we navigate through the crisp days of autumn, the streets of the UK will undoubtedly be filled with women showcasing their skill in layering and mixing textures, offering a masterclass in how to transition effortlessly between the seasons. Whether it’s a simple errand or a special event, 2024’s take on autumn fashion invites you to play with materials, create unexpected combinations, and ultimately make every layer count.