After dressing for scorching weather for what feels like months at this point, I'm now more than ready to embrace some autumn outfit ideas. Knitwear, jeans and light jackets are perfect for cooler temperatures and that's what Zara Tindall wore to the Cornbury House Horse Trials in September 2024.
This was a pared-back, neutral look and keeping things simple like she did is not only a time-saver, but very chic. Zara championed British clothing brand Fairfax & Favor and wore their soft wool and cashmere knit and Violet waxed coat.
Her jumper was a gorgeous muted taupe and whilst this isn't a big autumn/winter fashion colour trend for 2026, it's also a shade that will never go out of style. Like chocolate (which is still hugely popular), latte brown is a softer alternative to black and complements a vast array of colours.
Shop Zara's Outfit
Zara's exact waxed coat is almost entirely out of stock, but this other style by Fairfax & Favor is a chic alternative and is also in the sale. The cotton fabric has a herringbone effect and is water-resistant, making it very practical for autumn weather. The relaxed fit means it can be layered easily over knitwear and the collar is corduroy.
I own this jumper in a very similar neutral colour and it's the perfect knit for everyday. The crew-neckline, cuffs and hemline are ribbed and the silhouette is relaxed, making it great to half-tuck into jeans or trousers. It's made from a soft fabric featuring cotton and a touch of wool.
The M&S high-rise Ivy jeans are affordable and perfect for pairing with chunky knits or tucking into high boots. They come in a range of different washes, though this one is the most similar to Zara's denim. There are five lengths to choose from too and there's added stretch in the fabric.
Combining practical design elements with a stylish and very on-trend aesthetic, this barn jacket is made from cotton-rich fabric. It fastens with poppers and a zip to keep you cosy and also boasts a corduroy collar. The checked lining is a lovely addition and there are double patch pockets and a waist-cinching drawstring too.
This snuggly jumper is crafted from yarn with added stretch and features a touch of wool too. It’s got a regular fit and dropped shoulders to give it an extra relaxed feel. The crew neckline is timeless and there are ribbed trims on the cuffs and hem giving it a neat finish.
The 311 Shaping Skinny Jeans are mid-rise and as the name would suggest, they're designed to contour curves, sculpt and lift. They come in a range of different denim washes and have belt loops so you can accessorise them effortlessly. Throw on with ankle boots and a shirt for an understated style.
The King's niece left her knit draped over the waistband of her blue skinny jeans for a relaxed, effortless look. Whilst I love tucking fitted tops into wide or straight-leg jeans to accentuate the waist, skinny jeans are already very sleek and structured.
To balance out your silhouette, I'd recommend going for a slightly looser, relaxed top with them. The streamlined shape of skinny jeans works well with tall boots as there's no bunching of the material around the knees and Zara tucked hers into the Fairfax & Favor x Le Chameau L'Alliance Wellington boots.
These were a practical choice for a day at the horse trials and she added to the countryside feel with her waxed coat. The Violet design falls to just above the knee and has a corduroy collar, antique brass hardware and plenty of useful pockets.
Sadly, the exact coat is almost sold-out but barn jackets are a trending style for the season. It's still too warm for full-on coats and waxed cotton options give a traditional edge to an outfit and a degree of water resistance too. Zara Tindall left her Violet coat unfastened to give a glimpse of her jumper and jeans underneath and she picked the 'bracken' colourway.
This earthy brown-green colour looked great against her jumper and the structured shape meant the coat wasn't too casual. Just in case, she brought a fedora hat and a grey and white patterned scarf with her to provide some extra warmth during the day.
We could all easily adapt this basic combination of jumper, jeans and a waxed jacket to suit different occasions too. This ensemble would be perfect for a country walk but if you wanted to make it slightly more elevated, you could swap the wellies for leather or suede knee-high boots with a comfortable block heel.
If you're not sure about skinny jeans then you could also take inspiration from Zara Tindall's Cornbury outfit and choose a different denim style and ankle boots instead. She's a big fan of barrel-leg jeans, though they might not have looked so neat with her wellies and she wanted a combination of practicality and autumn style.
