There is something about autumn that makes getting dressed more interesting.
The lighter fabrics of summer disappear, layers return, and suddenly there is much more to work with — richer colours, heavier textures and, particularly in Scotland, a very good reason to own a proper coat.
But autumn tailoring doesn’t have to mean simply reaching for another navy or charcoal suit.
Here are five combinations worth considering this season.
1. Brown + Grey
Brown tailoring can sometimes feel like a bigger step than navy or grey. It doesn’t need to.
Pairing a brown jacket with grey trousers keeps the outfit understated while introducing warmth and interest.
For autumn, look towards richer tobacco, chocolate and earthy brown tones. They work particularly well with grey flannel trousers, a pale blue or white shirt and dark brown shoes.
It’s different without trying particularly hard to look different.
2. Olive + Navy
Green is surprisingly easy to wear.
Deeper shades such as olive and forest green work particularly well alongside navy, brown and grey — which means they can slot into an existing wardrobe without requiring everything else to change.
An olive jacket with navy trousers is a simple place to start.
For something more subtle, reverse it: navy tailoring underneath an olive overcoat.
3. Swap the Shirt for Knitwear
Tailoring doesn’t always need a shirt and tie.
As temperatures fall, fine knitwear underneath a tailored jacket creates a softer, more relaxed look while still feeling considered.
A fine-gauge crew neck can work beautifully beneath a jacket. A knitted polo creates something slightly smarter. And a roll neck can completely change the character of an otherwise traditional piece of tailoring.
It’s particularly useful for dinners, drinks and occasions where a suit might feel too formal but you still want to look properly dressed.
4. Make the Overcoat Part of the Outfit
An overcoat is often treated as the practical part of an outfit.
In reality, throughout autumn and winter it’s frequently the first thing anyone sees.
So rather than simply throwing a coat over an otherwise considered outfit, make it part of it.
Camel over navy. Deep olive over grey. Chocolate brown over softer neutral tones.
A good overcoat should work just as comfortably over tailoring as it does with knitwear and more relaxed clothing.
And in Scotland, chances are it’ll get considerably more wear than something reserved exclusively for special occasions.
5. Stop Thinking in Suits
One of the easiest ways to get more from tailored clothing is to stop thinking of every jacket and trouser as belonging to one particular outfit.
A textured jacket with flannel trousers.
A navy jacket with grey trousers.
A brown jacket with denim or chinos.
Add knitwear, change the shoes or introduce an overcoat and the same pieces can feel completely different.
This is where a well-considered wardrobe becomes far more useful than simply owning more clothes.
Autumn Tailoring: Think Wardrobe, Not Garment
At Edinburgh Tailoring Company, choosing a cloth is only one part of the conversation.
We also consider where you’ll wear something, what you already own and how a new garment can work alongside the rest of your wardrobe.
Because the best wardrobe isn’t necessarily the biggest.
Sometimes it’s one where a single new piece gives you three, four or five new ways of wearing things you already own.
And occasionally the best place to start is simply:
“I hadn’t considered that.”
