Autumn fabrics: Why cotton, leather, denim & silk are my vintage go-tos

Hi there,

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, I always find myself reaching for certain fabrics in my wardrobe. For me, autumn is all about layering, mixing textures, and investing in pieces that not only keep you cosy but also last season after season. That’s why, when I’m sourcing for Ella Pop Shop, I keep coming back to four timeless fabrics: cotton, leather, denim and silk.

Not only do these fabrics make dressing for autumn effortless, but they also tick the boxes of being sustainable, long-lasting, and endlessly versatile (especially when found second-hand or vintage). Let’s dive into why these fabrics are my absolute essentials for autumn dressing.

Cotton: The everyday classic

Cotton is a year-round staple, but it really shines in autumn. Breathable yet insulating, cotton pieces make the perfect base layers for transitional weather. Think cotton blouses, vintage shirts, and midi dresses that can be styled with knitwear or layered under jackets.

The beauty of cotton is in its durability. A well-made cotton shirt or jacket can last decades if looked after, which is why I’m always thrilled to source 100% cotton vintage finds for the shop. Bonus? Cotton is naturally biodegradable, making it kinder to the planet than synthetic fabrics.

Leather: The autumn power piece

If there’s one fabric that screams autumn, it’s leather. Whether it’s a vintage leather jacket, trench coat, or classic biker, leather instantly adds edge and structure to any outfit.

What I love most about leather is how it ages beautifully. A genuine vintage leather jacket only gets softer and more characterful over time. It’s the kind of investment piece you’ll wear year after year — and it’ll only look better. For autumn, leather also provides warmth and protection against chilly winds, making it both practical and stylish.

Denim: Your wardrobe anchor

Denim is my all-season hero, but in autumn it becomes the anchor of my wardrobe. From vintage denim jeans to midi skirts and jackets, denim is durable, versatile, and endlessly wearable.

I love denim for travel and everyday wear because it’s low-maintenance, doesn’t crease easily, and works with almost every other fabric (pair it with silk for evening, cotton for casual, leather for a chic day look). Vintage denim, especially those 100% cotton pieces from the '80s and '90s, is extra special because it’s made to last.

Silk: The unexpected autumn favourite

Silk might not be the first fabric you think of for autumn, but trust me, it’s one of the best. A vintage silk blouse, slip dress, or scarf can transform your outfit and layer beautifully under jackets and coats.

Silk is naturally breathable, yet it helps regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable when the weather is unpredictable. And let’s be honest — nothing compares to the way silk drapes and catches the light on those golden autumn evenings. Choosing vintage silk means you’re getting a piece that’s timeless, elegant, and of much higher quality than most fast-fashion alternatives.

When I’m out sourcing for Ella Pop Shop, I’m always on the lookout for vintage fabrics that last. Cotton, leather, denim and silk are the ones I trust most. They’re high-quality, sustainable, and full of character. These are the pieces that don’t just fill your wardrobe, they become part of your story season after season.

So, if you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe this autumn, think fabric first. Shop for vintage cotton shirts, leather jackets, denim staples, and silk treasures, and you’ll be set for years to come.

You’ll find all of these fabrics in the Ella Pop Shop online collection (and the IRL one, too), each one handpicked by me, with love, to help you dress more sustainably this season.

With love,

Ella x