I did a £125 Very autumn clothes haul– here's what you should buy while stock lasts

Shops are in that strange in-between stage right now. You’ll still find summer sandals lurking on sale rails, but if you look a little closer, the best autumn pieces are already landing – and many are already selling out (hello, M&S barn jacket I snoozed on last week). It’s a fashion sweet spot that only lasts a few weeks, because by the time September hits, everyone’s caught on, sizes are definitely gone and you’re left refreshing stock alerts instead of enjoying your new-season wardrobe.

So, I got in early. I did a £125 Very haul and snapped up four key pieces that will actually carry me through autumn. I picked trousers you can build a week’s worth of outfits around, denim with just the right amount of retro and a knit that can elevate any oversized shirt. They’re the pieces I know will sell fast, and the ones you’ll thank yourself for buying now, while they’re still sitting in your basket waiting for checkout...

Autumn staple 1: Flared jeans Flare Jeans with Front Patch Pockets, £38

Retro denim is back in full swing, and flare jeans are the hero silhouette of the moment. These mid-wash flares strike the perfect balance between ‘70s-inspired and wearable every day. The patch pockets are such a trend-driven detail (designers are putting them everywhere this season), but because the cut is so flattering, they won’t feel like a limited-time piece. The length works beautifully with boots (another big autumn essential) or platform trainers, which are also making a return

Autumn staple 2: Brown tailored trousers Clean Trousers in Brown, £30

These trousers arrived and immediately felt like the grown-up essential my wardrobe has been crying out for. The high-rise, gently flared leg and neat cut give a contoured silhouette, but without feeling like 'crisp' or stuffy workwear, if you know what I mean. The brown hue is perfect for autumn, checking off a major colour trend that isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and they pair just as well with chunky knits as with an oversized white shirt. Bonus: they have stretch.

Autumn staple 3: Knit vest Timeless Yarn Crew Neck Knitted Vest, £22

If you buy just one knit this autumn, make it a vest. Sleeveless knits are everywhere right now, from the catwalks to street style, and this dark green crew-neck version from Very is the perfect way to tap into the look. The shade is very much in line with this year’s trend for earthy greens, which pair so easily with everything from camel coats to denim

Autumn staple 4: Western-inspired denim shirt Rodeo Embroidery Denim Shirt, £35

Western influences will be one of the top trends of autumn 2025, and denim is at the heart of it. This shirt is the perfect gateway piece, as it nods to cowboy styling with the embroidery, but it doesn’t tip into fancy dress territory. The darker wash makes it feel elevated, so you can wear it buttoned up with wide-leg trousers or leave it open over a white vest and jeans for a double-denim look. I love that it’s not just a trend piece but one that has year-round wearability.

If you're shopping around for other new-in autumn finds, I seriously recommend also taking a look at Marks & Spencer's autumnal outerwear collection. With key pieces like the Suedette Harrington Jacketand Faux Leather Textured Longline Bomber Jacket already selling out, it's not a range you want to start thinking about shopping in a month's time, unless you want to be disappointed!