‘This £52 faux leather jacket from River Island has got me excited for autumn’s arrival’

Shopping writer Lauren is already planning her autumn outfits around this standout faux leather coat

I’m already dreading summer being over, but building my transitional wardrobe has been something of a comfort. I’ve been on the hunt for a chic jacket to see me through the colder season, and that’s when I stumbled upon a standout piece from River Island that instantly made it into my collection.

This Faux Leather Jacket (£52) is everything I want in a new coat. It’s versatile enough to pull an outfit together effortlessly, while still trend-led enough to guarantee compliments.

Its high-shine finish gives off a cool, street-style vibe, while the smart collar and boxy fit feel elevated and modern. While it also comes in black, it’s the rich mahogany hue that caught my eye. The shade feels luxurious yet wearable, leaning into the ongoing 70s-inspired trend that’s set to dominate AW25.

The weather has been far too hot actually to wear it out yet, but that hasn’t stopped me from planning outfits. This autumn, I’ll be styling it with a crisp white boxy T-shirt, wide-leg jeans, boots and tinted aviators for a polished off-duty look.

For nights out, I can see it working perfectly over a slip dress with strappy heels for a chic finish. And for casual brunch dates, I’ll be pairing it with tailored trousers, chunky loafers and a cosy knit for a relaxed vibe that feels effortlessly put together.

Of course, there are plenty more transitional jacket options. A trench coat is a wardrobe staple that never goes out of style – and it’s especially handy when transitioning from summer’s lighter layers to autumn’s chill. This New Look design (£54.99) is a classic example, with a belt and double-breasted button front.

Suede jackets are particularly popular right now, too, with everyone from Mango to H&M stocking chic options. I love this Mint Velvet piece, which, although it is expensive at £285, is a timeless design that’s available in four colours.

Back to River Island, there aren’t any reviews from shoppers, but I don’t have anything bad to say about it. But if I had to call out one downside, it’s that faux leather can feel hot and sticky against the skin, which makes this jacket better suited for crisp autumn days than summer evenings. As much as I’d love to start wearing it now, I’ll be saving it for when the temperature drops.

All in all, though, this faux leather piece is an affordable yet elevated piece I’ll be reaching for all season long. It’s stylish, versatile and taps into one of autumn’s biggest trends, making it a smart buy for anyone refreshing their wardrobe ahead of cooler days.