September is finally upon us, and cooler, rainy days mean it’s time to hang up summer dresses and switch back to autumn staples. But before you reach for your favourite jeans, Clodagh McKenna just wore a chic denim alternative that’s well worth investigating for the months ahead.
Offering a polished aesthetic, Clodagh wore a pair of moss green velvet trousers in her latest Instagram reel. With a high waist and wide leg, the silhouette was flattering, comfortable and cosy, winning the style serious points when it comes to autumn attire.
While you might think velvet should be reserved for festive dressing, Clodagh proved you can get your velvet trousers out now, particularly if you opt for a pair in an autumnal palette. Styling her moss-hued trousers with neutral knitwear. She half-tucked the sweater in to highlight her waist. Sandals kept the look rooted in early autumn, while layered necklaces added a feminine finishing touch.
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Uniqlo are a great brand when it comes to basic wardrobe staples, and this 100% cashmere jumper is a particular standout for autumn. Like Clodagh's knit, it boasts a flattering V-neckline and a relaxed cut. It's also available in a range of different hues.
With a flattering high-waisted, slim-leg silhouette and a mossy green tone, these velvet trousers offer an elegant, tactile finish. Available in eight autumn/winter colourways, from brighter blue to classic black, there is something for every taste
A slimline but subtly chunky sandal like Clodagh's is perfectly paired with trousers, and this pair from Office perfectly emulates her style. The rich tan hue is sure to offset greens beautifully, while the simple yet sophisticated design makes them super versatile.
This H&M jumper is available in a range of soft, neutral hues, and this dark beige is a warm and cosy shade. With dropped shoulders and a slouchy V-neckline, it has a relaxed look that shoppers say is not too oversized but is perfectly laid-back.
These velvet trousers by Finery London come in a gorgeous dark bottle green and can also be snapped up in black, burgundy and chocolate brown - ticking all the boxes when it comes to the autumn/winter fashion colour trends of 2026. Like Clodagh's pair, they boast a loose fit, wide-leg cut and a flattering high waist.
This layered necklace is from Oliver Bonas's waterproof jewellery range, so it can be worn at the gym, pool or in the shower. Layered necklaces and stacked rings are a big part of the jewellery trends for 2026, and buying a pre-layered design takes out a lot of the guesswork of styling something similar yourself.
When it comes to getting creative with autumn outfit ideas, it's easy to fall back into the familiar pattern of jeans and a blazer, but Clodagh McKenna has proved that this surprising autumn/winter staple can work from September onwards and add a more polished feel to smart casual outfit ideas than your classic true blues.
While you might have traditionally kept velvet for the festive season, by teaming her moss green trousers with a cosy, slouchy knit, Clodagh adds a laidback spin to this tactile, polished piece, making them wearable from now and into the later part of the year.
Velvet is expected to continue to be a big autumn/winter fashion trend for 2026, with aesthetics of gothic romance of particular importance this season. Well worth adding to your autumn capsule wardrobe, we have seen velvet come back time and time again, making it a great investment for now and many seasons to come.
