Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh’s ‘cardigan jacket’ is the cosiest Autumn staple – 5 on the high street from £40

Autumn is always a bit of an in-between time; you want to wrap up but your big winter coat isn't quite required just yet. That's where a 'cardigan jacket' comes in. And yes, it's pretty much exactly what you think it is - somewhere part way between a cardigan and a jacket or coat. The good news is there's plenty on the high street in a range of styles, but we're turning to Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh for inspiration, thanks to a particularly cosy winter look.

Back in January 2024, Sophie stepped out for a charity visit in London and was well layered up against the cold in a green jacket with a distinct cardigan feel, thanks to its wide lapels and wrap around fit.

The Duchess' exact cover-up was the 'Linda Blazer in Wool Blend' by Giulva Heritage, with a price tag of £1,300...not the easiest looks for most of us to replicate, then! Luckily, there are plenty of cardigan jackets in the same cosy, wrap-around in a wide range of autumnal colours, and even festive patterned knits.

New Look's £40 wrap cardigan is an affordable alternative and ideal for the season in a rich, chocolatey brown:

New Look Dark Brown Belted Wrap Cardigan

New Look Dark Brown Belted Wrap Cardigan

£40 at New Look

Looking to ramp up the royal similarities? Ro & Zo's version in heritage check would like right at home worn stomping around the grounds of Balmoral. Even better, it's currently 50% off:

Ro&Zo Heritage Check Belted Coat

Ro&Zo Heritage Check Belted Coat

Now 63% Off

£55 at John Lewis

The Royal Family also love a herringbone pattern, and this soft lilac is a great example of how to do the design subtly. It would also make a great overcoat for the Spring - and it's on sale:

Niamh Herringbone Wrap Coat

Niamh Herringbone Wrap Coat

£10 at Phase Eight

Or, also at Phase Eight, this deep wine shade is bang on the burgundy trend for this season:

Nicci Short Belted Wool Coat

Nicci Short Belted Wool Coat

Now 75% Off

£49 at Phase Eight

Looking for something a little more festive? This cosy Fair Isle knit by Nobody's Child is just the ticket:

Nobody's Child Fair Isle Knit Wrap Cardigan

Nobody's Child Fair Isle Knit Wrap Cardigan

£99 at Marks & Spencer

The Duchess' visit at the time took place in Battersea, where she was visiting the Katherine Low Settlement charity, to mark its 100th year. The organisation supports 'over 500 vulnerable local people, including the elderly, families, and refugees,' according to a post on the official Royal Family instagram account. The centre also has a further royal connection, as it was opened in 1924 by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.