Creative Writing Editor Jude Kearney traces the origins of iconic Autumn fashion staples, and asks is fashion really that repetitive, or are some pieces just that good?

By Jude Kearney | Sep 11 2026

I'ts that time of year again, when we trade in our breathable baggy jorts and open-toed shoes in exchange for thicker fabrics and layered pieces. Many have been anticipating autumn for months, looking forward to being clad in cosy cardigans and glossy leather jackets with snap-band collars and rugged cowhide. For some, these recurring trends signal fleeting time, but the question remains: why do we gravitate toward the same styles that have been around for decades? And have they changed at all?

The knit pullover is a staple of autumn fashion, a garment that can single-handedly transform a boring combination of a t-shirt and jeans into an outfit worthy of an Instagram story. Originally intended for sailors and fishermen, the hand-knit sweaters offered insulation and water resistance during harsh weather; thus the 'Gansey' was born. It didn't take long for the pullover sweater to be recognised for its layering, most notably with collared shirts creating the uniformed academic look that accompanies the colder months.

Sweaters aren't short on variety either, and different cuts, from fitted to oversized, will be sure to complement trousers, jeans and skirts alike. Whether you adopt the persona of the preppy scholar with v-necks and horizontal stripes or even embrace the rugged cable knit of the sailor, the pullover has something for you.

But what about when the nights get colder? The evenings when a jumper just won't do, but your old puffer from secondary school would ruin your outfit's harmony. The solution: the leather jacket. Originally intended to help World War 1 US pilots combat cold temperatures, its wool lining offered insulation and its cropped silhouettes provided comfort during long hours in the cockpit.

Motorcyclists quickly adopted the leather jacket for its functionality and protection on the road, leading designers such as Irving Scott to invent the 'Perfecto Jacket.'

Today, the leather jacket has undergone many changes and iterations, making it more accessible than ever. The earthy tones of patinated tanned leather and tobacco-brown hides complement Autumn's warm tones and changing colours. It goes without saying that most of us are waiting for the mercury to drop so we can dust out our cotton-cuffed bomber jackets or stitched and patched racing jackets discovered in charity shops and parents' wardrobes from bygone eras.

When it comes to trousers, you could wear classic denim, or spice it up a bit. I bring you: corduroy . The ribbed cotton fabric we know and love dates back to 18th-century England, when industrial workers wove ridges into the base fabric to increase durability. Miners and factory workers relied on its resilience before corduroy exploded in ppopularity in the 1970s fashion scene. Aside from fit and changes in material blends, corduroys have remained largely unchanged over the decades because of their perfected weave and structure. These days, the vintage, relaxed look "cords" offer is perfect for that warm Autumn feel.

Moving on to a personal favourite, an item of footwear that survives the seasonal transition is the ballet flat.  Of course, the ballet flat doesn't originate from labourers or soldiers but from performers. The thin sole and minimalist design allowed ballerinas to perform intricate footwork with greater mobility. The sleek slippers traversed from the stage to the streets when fashion pioneer Claire McCardell featured the flats in her collections.

Lightweight comfort and sleek materials were prominent in the early 2000s indie scene, where they were often paired with skinny jeans and back-to-school uniforms. Their relevance in the summer and autumn seasons is perfect for those who aren't ready to retire their summer wardrobe just yet. You might glimpse suede and leopard print, pointy toes and velvet linings, with Puma even offering a ballet flat version of their popular Speedcat shoe or even my favourite, the studded flat, which peaks glinting from under the drape of your oversized denim. It's safe to say that the ballet flat isn't short for variety!

The autumn and winter months are nothing without their timeless pieces. The layered warmth of heavy wool and rigid leather adds a hidden layer of memories of a fleeting year. The history behind these recurring trends shows decades of culture and movements: bomber jackets adopted by motorcyclists and pullovers functioning today as a signature piece in academia, despite their seafaring origins. With fashion being cyclical, we are even influencing future trends of our own as we continue to reinterpret these everlasting pieces.