We all know the weather has cooled off, but the change in seasons from summer to autumn each year seems to hold more weight than others. It's like the universe is opening a door to a room where one can stand still for a minute and take a deep breath – even if life is as busy as ever. I would even argue that coffee tastes better in autumn.

Espresso, matcha and hot chocolate in hand, the RUSSH editors have come together to share a glimpse into what our AW26 wardrobe looks like and what we're wearing to the office this season. From layering with knitwear to footwear must haves – here is our roundup of workwear to tackle the crisp edge of the months ahead.

Kirsty Thatcher

Digital Editor

I’m a big fan of autumn, and autumn fashion more specifically. There are a few new additions to my workwear rotation this year. Trousers are obviously non-negotiable, and I love these ones by Beare Park, and these ones by Camilla and Marc are high on my need-to-buy list.

I feel the cold pretty easily (and the RUSSH office is famously freezing), so I’m typically in a long sleeve of some sort this time of year. I have this Flore Flore boat neck tank in white, but I’m eyeing off this navy colourway. This layered basic by St Agni is another need, not a want. I’m also a huge fan of this Ralph Lauren button up — it’s the perfect shade of blue. Thanks to Love Story, I’ll need a funnel neck jumper in my wardrobe this year — this cashmere style by Cos is great. I could also go direct to the source and shop this J. Crew style Sarah Pidgeon wore in the series.

As for footwear, I’m typically in a loafer or a ballet flat. I love this deep chocolate colourway by Alias Mae, and this powder blue style from Tony Bianco.

Serafina Angeli

Campaigns Manager

As much as I love the warmer months, my wardrobe naturally leans into transeasonal dressing, filled with pieces that lend themselves well to layering. I’ll be pairing this St Agni Ballerina top  with this Beare Park skirt as an everyday go-to. Slip on a pair of ankle boots such as these from Toteme, and a classic trench coat like this one from Camilla and Marc and you have an effortless autumn uniform.

As the season shifts, I also find myself gravitating towards warmer fragrances. Something like Under The Stars by Maison Margiela completes my autumnal wardrobe.

Cassandra Dimitroff

Features and Production Editor

I love a matching set for work as it takes the guesswork out of an outfit on those busier days (and sluggish mornings). Right now, DISSH’s Marco Bomber Jacket and Marco Lightweight Pant are my current favourite – probably paired with something elevated like these ESSEN The Glove Boots. I’m loving a check and a scarf-detail at the moment (Friends With Frank has some great new options in their autumn collection). I also love this Checked Scarf-Detail Shirt from COS. My dream work bag at the moment is the Louis Vuitton Express MM – such a perfect, slouchy carryall bag.

Stacey Gaskin 

Consumer Revenue Manager

ST. AGNI's tailored fold pants are my go-to at the moment. Also their minimal flat loafer. CAMILLA AND MARC do a great blazer on any day. I'm loving the Seri Blazer right now. I also need to pull the trigger on Maison Essentiele's Cowhide Classic Leather Jacket before they're gone. As groundbreaking as earthy tones are in autumn, I'm really enjoying everything brown and chestnut. I'd love to invest in GUCCI's Large Giglio GG tote bag.

I need a mascara restock and would like to try the brown YSL Lash Clash Mascara. I have the MERIT Signature Lipstick in '1990' in my cart. And lastly, I've been down a vintage Cartier watch rabbit hole of late, and all I can say is, if I won the lotto, there would be signs... 

Mia Steiber

Digital Strategy Director & Associate Publisher

It’s blazer season in the office and I’m eyeing off three: this sleek brown one, this olive-toned one and also this checked iteration. I’ve fallen in love with these St Agni pants but they’re very close to being sold out. I’ve also seen them on The New Trend, FWRD and Qantas Marketplace. So I will bide my time until my size comes back in stock. High up on the wish list is the Iris Top from Beare Park, I love how it can be worn two ways.

I’m also looking at a small accessories update, this brown belt is on my wish list as is this slouchy bag from & Other Stories, I love that it’s real leather for the price point. This pair of Le Specs Luxe glasses are so effortlessly chic, I think they’d be perfect styled with suit pants and a low heel. I’ve recently been converted to the OneTwo, a lingerie brand that’s all about finding the perfect fit, and I can confirm the bras are very comfortable – and very sexy, I have this set in red. Beauty wise, I’ve just topped up my favourite body lotion, it’s the Body Nutrition Lotion from Kit. It’s nourishing and perfect for keeping your skin hydrated in the cooler weather. I’m also lusting after this rich plummy Hourglass lipstick, the colour is Lynx.

Alys Hale

Music Editor and Creative Producer

Ahh the season of mist and mellow fruitfulness is upon us, which is arguably one of the best times of the year for my wardrobe as it means layers and leather jackets are back. Along with my vintage Anne D that gets to come out with the leaves changing colour, I’m also coveting this long line number from Esse Studios. The patent leather is fun and camp with a little nod to glam rock in my mind.

Autumn also means it's time to bring out the trench coats, and this salt and pepper coat from Camilla and Marc is chic, and would elevate denim into being office-appropriate. As much of my work for RUSSH is events based, eveningwear is big in my wardrobe, and I adore this velvet halter from Albus Lumen, and the capri pants with the crystals. They're so fun, but in a suitably noir way for me.

As I am a die-hard romantic, I am coveting the Love Letter necklace from my favourite jewellery brand, Serpent and The Swan. And as for footwear, I love that we are into close toe territory, and I am lusting after these Dries boots. They're on sale, too…

Emily Algar

Beauty Editor 

I love autumn – the mornings are crisp, but the days are warm-ish, and thus it’s all about light layers. It also means I can dip into my blazer and jacket collection without melting. How exciting. I have lots of options in my wardrobe already, but there’s always room for more. I love the sharpness of the Beare Park Griffin Blazer. This collarless style from Cos too. Imagine it with a grey turtleneck? Adore. I am also hardcore manifesting a Chanel jacket. Is autumn the season? I think yes. I love classic tweed. Matthieu Blazy’s take would be fabulous, but I am eyeing this on The RealReal instead (i.e. financially realistic). 

What else…? Basics are always needed. I am a Bassike girl through and through (pun intended). I love the lived-in nature of the long sleeve tees. They wash relatively well and rarely need ironing. I also love the way they soften up otherwise structured suiting. I literally just bought two more over the weekend… That says it all, really. 

As for shoes, I am a loafer girl. I live in my Saint Laurent pair. I had mine soled and they’re bulletproof – I can do 10k steps with no trouble at all (rain, hail or shine). At this point, the cost per wear is so great the loafers are paying me. I kind of want these navy ones next. Love the ease of a slip on, too. But I have to say, I tried on these from Tony Bianco the other week and they are pretty close in terms of comfort. Maybe I’ll get them in brown? 

Beauty-wise, I’ll be wearing my favourite creamy magnolia scent, Hermes J’our H’Hermes and swiping on the new Hourglass Unreal Liquid Highlighter.

Jaime Carmody

Digital Marketing Specialist

I’ve been drawn to the cuffed fur trend circulating right now, it’s a subtle way to bring personality and a sense of play into everyday office dressing. The Penny Lane jacket by Maison Essentielle feels like the perfect entry point, especially layered over this lace silk top from Reformation. I’ve also been keeping a pair of Miu Miu sunglasses in my work bag, while my Camilla and Marc tailored pants remain a constant in my workwear wardrobe.

This time of year always has me gravitating towards new footwear, famously I love an open toe but these Tony Bianco boots strike the right balance between practicality and polish. This Acne bag adds a welcome pop of colour. It also becomes the perfect catch-all for the essentials: lipstick, glasses, hand cream, and a few mints on standby.

Aleks Beare

Brand Art Director

I enjoy the change of seasons, though deciding how I’ll be comfortable during the day takes strategic planning with several factors that include: the weather app, how fresh my early morning dog walk was, and if I feel like holding onto summer vibes or dressing for practicality.

Tonal layering is how I like to do autumn. Starting with this St Agni grey marle T-shirt, with these Bassike pants. These pieces would look great with this wishlist jacket and bag from The Row. And these loafers have been worn daily already and will carry me into winter easily.

The humidity is easing up and my skin now needs extra hydrating, so I’m keen to try this hydrating rhode moisture balm. And I always wear sunglasses regardless of the season and these Chimi have a lovely lens colour that makes the day brighter.

Magdalene Shapter

Designer & Producer

I love the versatility of layering for work; of an outfit that can ebb and flow with the changing temperatures and demands of the working day. I’m reaching for oversized button-up shirts, worn over tanks or cotton long-sleeve tees, enveloped by a cropped jacket. This Low Classic shirt/jacket was a recent acquisition that is already paying for itself in cost-per-wear.

On rainy weekdays, I wear my Beare Park Carmen shorts and waterproof riding boots, paired with an oversized knit, or a Pleats Please statement top if I can feel the dreary weather taking effect on my mood.

My work bag also gets a rotation with the change of the season. I was attached to a vintage hobo bag for summer, but I’m excited to pull my Mulberry Bayswater out of its dust bag and fall in love all over again. 

Sophia Serafin

Implementation Manager

I’m always grateful for Sydney's mild autumn. It allows for very little disruption of my office uniform. When the temperature drops, I tend to throw a jacket (like this leather one from Henne) over my usual pants and tee combo and head out the door. 

I am however trying to be more thoughtful this year, and hope to incorporate colour and texture to my stubborn formula. I love the thought of wearing this Róhe check skirt with a pair of long-boots and a woolen shirt-jacket. Knitted tees are also my favourite way to stay warm without too many layers. This one from Deiji Studio’s is perfect in grey or blue.

If I know I'll be on my feet a lot, I’d opt for a burgundy Dries sneaker, relaxed tailored pants, and a v-neck knit sweater. Upon leaving the house, I’ll usually scramble for a preferred bag (always Lemaire), and pop on a piece of jewellery - I love this pair from Sarah & Sebastian.

Koby Dulac-Daley

Fashion Assistant

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year for style. Summer often requires pulling back due to the heat, and winter can lead to a heavy jacket that hides what's underneath. Autumn is the perfect middle ground.

When a new Uniqlo x JW Anderson collection drops, you know you’re in for a treat. I bought the green and black version of this blue sweater last year right before my summer vacation in Canada and it was perfect for the plane. I still got plenty of wear out of it while sitting around the campfire and climbing the Rockies.

Friends with Frank certainly know how to do autumnal wear, and their recent collection continues to prove it. I’m absolutely obsessed with their Funnel Neck Cropped Bomber Jacket, which gives the illusion of real leather. I’m also a sucker for a blue button-down shirt, and this one from Friends with Frank is no exception.

These Zero Meaning pleated tailored shorts are the perfect choice for transeasonal dressing. And I’m loving this tank from Kourh – the texture, shape, and colour are all perfect and feel quintessentially autumnal.

Feature image: @maison_essentiele