Rosemary Ferguson might be calling from a sun-baked holiday in Formentera, but she’s already thinking about autumn and what to wear when the season shifts.
“The other day I said to one of my kids, ‘Am I the only person who, despite having looked forward to summer all year, in July, suddenly thinks, ‘Oh great, in October we can be wearing jumpers and coats and jeans?’ They looked at me like I was completely mad,” she laughs. “The thing I like about the seasons is that the start of a new one makes you look forward. I’m very happy in the summer, but I also really look forward to winter clothes.”
Ferguson first made her name in the 90s when she was scouted in a McDonald’s on Oxford Street by legendary photographer Corinne Day. Alongside close friend Kate Moss, she became a poster girl for the decade’s low-fi, grunge aesthetic, all slip dresses, tousled hair and slouchy parkas. After having her first child (she is now a mother of three daughters), she decided to go a different route and became an IFM certified functional medicine practitioner and nutritional therapist. Today, she chooses her modelling jobs judiciously, and most recently stars in Burberry’s ‘Back To The City’ campaign, set in London. In it, she navigates unpredictable weather and legions of commuters as she heads to work.“I live in the Cotswolds now, so when I get dressed for a trip to the city it’s nice because it’s such a different thing,” she says. “The cape I’m wearing in the campaign just feels so good. I suppose it’s the autumn textures that I love. I love the feeling of a crisp white shirt, the softness of cashmere and the weight of a chunky knit.”
View this post on Instagram
Having turned 50 last year, Ferguson has cultivated an understated style that spotlights easy tailoring, classic denim and understated separates, a look that lends itself well to the cooler months. “For me, it’s about more structured clothing, which always helps me feel more pulled together – not that I ever feel truly pulled together,” she laughs.
Here, she shares seven wardrobe essentials that help her move from breezy summer looks to more refined, back-to-school outfits. It’s going to be a good autumn.
The Black Cashmere Knit
“It shouldn’t be too heavy or too light. I don’t like really fine knits; they don’t sit as well and they go shaggy really quickly. I wear my black cashmere jumper with denim usually, but I like that it can be dressed up too. Sometimes I tap into my 90s roots, and wear it with a black Victoria Beckham floor-length cami dress, which looks good for the evening. I also style it with a suit.”
The Trench Coat
“I know this is a Burberry thing, but I love their trenches so much I have three. A good trench lasts forever, and they’re just so versatile. I don’t think it ever looks out of place. From a practicality point of view, it’s great – you can wear it in the rain, but you don’t have to. There’s a weight to them which means when I’m wearing one, it’s feels as if I have a good layer of clothing on, but it’s not heavy or bulky. A trench goes with everything. I have an old Hillier Bartley plaid cashmere army jumper that looks so good with one.”
Burberry’s ‘Back To The City’ 2026 campaign
The Oversized Shirt
“This is a true autumn essential for me. As I’ve grown older, it’s become a style I feel really good in. I have multiple versions from Comme des Garçons in plain white and then the signature stripe, I just really love the cut. I wear shirts all the time, in the summer over vests and tees as outwear, and in the winter with a suit trouser, or more casually under a chunky knit buttoned to the top with the collar popping out.”
The Pointed Court
“I’m very much a trainer girl, but pointed courts like these from Burberry are so good for the evening. They add a little height, and feel more pulled-together than my trainers. I’d wear with jeans and a trench – now that’s a great look. It’s low-key, but feels smart.”
Burberry’s ‘Back To The City’ 2026 campaign
The Tuxedo Trouser
“I really like the structure that comes with autumn/winter clothing, and I depend on a good pair of tuxedo trousers. I have multiple styles, but all slightly different – classic straight-legs, wide-legs and some with front pleats, others with turn-ups and in a few varying colours. Bella Freud makes such good tailoring, as does Victoria Beckham, and Mango does great high-street options that I like too.”
The Chunky Knit
“Sometimes I’ll go without a coat if it’s dry, and just wear – as I said before – a heavy jumper over the top of a shirt, so it becomes outerwear. I’m a fan of British streetwear brand Aries for knitwear – they make amazing heavy knit jumpers, which I love. The pieces are more of a statement, and usually come with a pattern or a bold motif. I’d layer them over a shirt and a good pair of jeans.”
A Hand-Held Tote
“I have a great black leather bag just big enough to carry my laptop. It has a short strap that has to be held, rather than worn over the shoulder, which feels very back-to-school. Burberry has a great one. Rucksacks are also a really good option if you’re running around and there some really nice versions.”
Ella Alexander is Citizen Femme’s fashion features editor. She started her career at the Evening Standard, and has since held senior editorial roles at Vogue, The Independent and Harper’s Bazaar, where she remains a contributing editor. She also writes for The Telegraph, Sunday Times Style, Service95 and CNN. She is an author, having co-written Dame Zandra Rhodes’ memoir, Iconic: My Life In Fashion In 50 Objects, published by Transworld in July 2024. Her favourite travel destination is Catania, Sicily’s second city.
We may earn a commission if you buy something from any affiliate links on our site.
Lead image: Burberry
Any Questions or Tips to add?