Autumn days rarely stick to one temperature. A chilly start, a milder afternoon and the odd shower in between can make it hard to know what to wear, especially when your day runs from a morning class to coffee, errands and a long walk home.

The good news is that athleisure is made for days like this. Built in layers, one outfit can take you from the studio to everything that follows. In this guide, we'll cover how to layer athleisure for autumn, from your base layer to the jacket you finish with, and show you how our Head of Product, Lennon, puts an outfit together for the season.

How do you layer athleisure for autumn?

The simplest way to layer athleisure is to build your outfit in four parts: a supportive base, a light top, a warm layer and a jacket. Start with lighter, closer-fitting pieces and add warmer, more relaxed ones on top, so you can take a layer off whenever the day warms up.

A considered approach to layering can make all the difference to your outfit. Start with pieces that complement one another in length and silhouette, allowing each layer to sit neatly beneath the next for a polished, put-together finish. A matching or tonal base creates a refined foundation, while neutral outer layers offer versatility and pair effortlessly with the rest of your wardrobe.

Versatility is key when dressing for different moments throughout the day. Sweatshirts and zip-through jackets make it easy to adapt your layers as your plans change, helping you maintain both comfort and style from one part of your day to the next.

Start with a supportive base

Your base layer is your sports bra and leggings, chosen to look and feel just as good on their own as they do styled with additional layers.

Choose a bra that feels supportive and comfortable, and leggings that stay in place as you move.

High-waisted leggings are a good choice for layering, as they give the pieces above a clean line and sit comfortably under a longer top or sweatshirt. A sports bra with a slightly longer hem also looks more finished when it's worn alone, which helps if you're heading straight from class for a coffee before adding anything else.

Choosing a matching set keeps things simple. Once the colour underneath is decided, everything you add on top only needs to work with one shade. Browse our sports bras and leggings to find your base.

Add a light top

A light top is the first thing to go on as you leave the studio. A breathable tank or tee adds a little coverage without much extra warmth, so it's comfortable to wear straight after a session.

Sleeveless styles offer a versatile foundation for layering, sitting smoothly beneath sweatshirts and jackets for a clean, streamlined look. Consider the length and fit of each piece, choosing styles that sit comfortably over your waistband for a polished finish that works effortlessly from your Pilates class to the rest of your day.

You'll find soft, layer-friendly styles across our tops.

A warm layer for the rest of the day

Your layering piece should feel just as considered as the rest of your outfit, taking you effortlessly from your Pilates class to coffee stops and everyday plans.

A sweatshirt or hoodie is an easy choice, as long as it's light enough to wear indoors without feeling too warm.

Fabric makes a difference. French terry is a looped knit that feels soft and breathable, which makes it a comfortable choice for the in-between part of the day. Fleece is brushed for extra warmth, so it suits colder days when you'll be outside for longer.

Small details help too. Thumbholes keep your sleeves in place when you pull a jacket on, and a split or dipped hem sits comfortably over leggings. Explore our sweatshirts for lighter and warmer options.

Finish with a jacket that suits the weather

The outer layer is the one that changes most with the forecast. On a dry, cold day, a sherpa jacket adds plenty of warmth. When it's wet, a padded or water-resistant jacket is the more practical choice, and on a milder day something lighter may be all you need.

If you'd rather not decide every morning, a reversible jacket covers more than one kind of day. The Versa Dual ½ Zip Jacket, our first reversible jacket, has soft 270gsm sherpa on one side and a water-resistant padded shell on the other, so you can turn it round depending on the weather. Its longer length also sits neatly over a sweatshirt. You can also find other styles across our jackets.

Build an autumn outfit with us

Here's how our Head of Product, Lennon, builds an autumn outfit, from a morning class to 10,000 steps. One outfit, four layers, each one added as the day goes on.

For class

Lennon starts with the Breathe Sports Bra and Flex Leggings, both in Wine. The leggings are made from our signature SilkSculpt fabric, which is silky-soft and designed to smooth, support and sculpt, with a reinforced high waistband that stays in place through your session.

The Breathe Bra has a soft brushed under-bust band for comfort, alongside a flattering longline silhouette that makes it ideal to wear on its own or as part of a coordinated activewear set.

Breathe Sports Bra, Wine

Longline racerback with a soft brushed under-bust band. £40

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Flex Leggings, Wine

Our signature SilkSculpt fabric, with a reinforced high waistband and an outer pocket. £55

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Next stop

Next, the Flow Soft Tank, also in Wine. It's silky-soft and breathable with a light stretch, and the split hem with added coverage at the back means it sits neatly over the leggings.

Flow Soft Tank, Wine

Silky-soft and breathable, with a split hem and added coverage at the back. £42

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Post-class coffee

For post-class coffee, Lennon adds the Motion French Terry Sweat in Stone. The lightweight loopback French terry balances warmth and breathability, the thumbholes keep the sleeves in place, and its split hem layers over the tank's. The neutral shade works with the Wine underneath, and with almost anything else in your wardrobe.

Motion French Terry Sweat, Stone

Lightweight loopback French terry with thumbholes and a split hem. £58

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For your 10k steps

And for the final layer, the Versa Dual ½ Zip Jacket, worn sherpa side out for a dry autumn walk. If the weather turns, switch it to the water-resistant padded side. The high neck adds warmth, and there are pockets on both sides.

Versa Dual ½ Zip Jacket

Reversible, with soft sherpa on one side and a water-resistant padded shell on the other. £96

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The same pieces work through the rest of the week, too. Wear the base with the Motion Sweat for errands, or wear the Versa on the padded side over the set for a wet school run.

Frequently asked questions

How do you layer athleisure?

Build it in four layers: a supportive sports bra and leggings, a light top, a sweatshirt or hoodie, and a jacket chosen for the weather. Start with lighter, closer-fitting pieces and add warmer, more relaxed ones as you go, so you can take a layer off when the day warms up.

What is athleisure?

Athleisure is clothing designed for movement that's comfortable and considered enough to wear for the rest of your day. Leggings, sports bras, soft tops, sweatshirts and jackets can all be part of it, worn for a class and then on to coffee, errands or a walk.

What colours work well for autumn athleisure?

Deeper shades like wine, navy and forest green are easy to wear through autumn, especially as a matching base. Add neutral layers such as stone, cream or grey on top, and every piece will work with the others, whichever ones you're wearing that day.

How should I care for it all?

Wash cold, inside out, and avoid the tumble dryer. This helps protect each fabric's softness and shape over time. Please refer to the instructions inside each garment for the best care guidance.

A few pieces that layer well will carry you through most autumn days, from the first class of the morning to the last of your steps. Start with a base you love, add one layer at a time and take one off whenever you need to.

Explore our sweatshirts and outerwear to build your own autumn layers.

Now all that's left is to enjoy the walk home.