I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Winter Wish List
Angie Smith has been a stylist for over 20 years. As a Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence, she's sharing some fashion picks from her winter 2026 wish list.
You've probably heard of Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence and celebrity stylist Angie Smith from her work with household names like Holly Willoughby, Eva Mendes, Davina McCall and Rochelle Humes. Smith has a gift for making her clients look effortlessly chic, usually on an affordable budget. She's an advocate for shopping the high street, often mixing high and low pieces in her styling, and her own wardrobe and talent for uncovering the most expensive-looking finds are unrivalled. She's here to share her expert shopping picks for the season along with some styling wisdom. Keep scrolling to see her key buys for autumn 2026.
I’ve been a stylist and brand consultant for over 20 years now, and I'm a strong believer in buying less and wearing your pieces more. I've learnt from reworking clients' wardrobes that after editing them down to a smaller capsule, it becomes much easier to pull outfits together because you can actually see what's in there.
There’s a particular moment every November when getting dressed changes. The light goes early, the air cools and suddenly, the pieces that carried us through autumn feel a little thin. This is the month I’d stop thinking about outfits and start thinking about layers: what goes underneath, what goes over the top, and how it all holds together from the school run to dinner that runs later than planned.
This month’s edit is built around that idea. It’s weight and texture done right. A proper wool coat that earns its cost per wear by Christmas. Knitwear in cashmere and merino that feels as good against the skin as it looks. Trousers with a clean, straight line that work just as well with a flat as with a heel. I’ve stuck to natural fabrics because they’re warmer, and they wear better as the years go on. Nothing here is a one-season piece. These are the kinds of pieces that can slot straight into your existing rotation and still feel relevant for many years to come.
SHOP ANGIE SMITH'S WINTER 2026 EDIT
A staple in any great winter wardrobe.
So chic but most importantly warm.
Completely timeless. No notes.
There's always something so refined about a long double-breasted coat.
Great for a cosy dinner at a friend's house, as it's relaxed, but the velour sets it apart from the rest of your sweatshirts.
Even when the temperature drops, you'll happily layer up underneath just to have this sleek trench as part of your look. Honestly, it's one of the best I've come across.
Exactly how I want my cords to look.
A statement jacket is the easiest way to add interest to your outfit this winter.
This jumper with jeans is my go-to for casual looks when it's chilly. Plus, it comes in eight different colours.
Personally, I think this is the best jacket of 2026. It also comes in so many other chic shades.
If shirts feature heavily in your outfit rotations, you'll want this knit in tow.
Pair with everything from jeans to tailoring.
Shop More of Angie's Picks:
When your coat is the whole outfit.
A really beautiful cardigan.
Layer with your other necklaces.
One for the office.
The jumper of dreams.
A smart jacket that can be styled up or down.
I’ve been coasting to make sure I don’t lose the one pair of glasses I own. Now, I'm lining these up to be my second pair.
Still one of the most hardworking pairs of trousers in my wardrobe.
Something for the weekend.
A solid statement tote is a styling game changer for Autumn.
I have a few shirts from this brand but I love this colour way.
Try layering in something that isn't a white crewneck. Trust me, it'll change the whole look.
Shorts that will work well into Autumn.
These are exactly what I want to be wearing when it's too cold for ballet pumps.
Knitwear and beads are a match made in heaven!
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE'S PICKS:
The perfect cashmere jumper. Pair with black trousers and ballet pumps for the 9-5, or slouchy jeans for the weekend.
These are amazing and soft from the off.
Just amazing. Even a simple Tee will look considered with this skirt in tow.
It's surprisingly hard to find a simple gold chain. Just add a ring or charm from your collection to make it your own and add interest to the crewnecks in your new autumn wardrobe.
Knotted at the neck if you're feeling fancy, tied to a bag handle if you're not.
The perfect weekend jacket for the new season.
alpaca polo sweater in the prettiest blue for when it still feels like summer.
As soon as the temperatures drop, you'll want to have this sleek trench coat in your arsenal.
Style with a light knit and boots to embrace the autumn vibes. Or, throw on a denim jacket if you're not quite ready for knitwear season.
This will look especially chic with slim-cut black trousers and ballet flats.
A capsule staple every single season.
Fine knit, ballet pumps or loafers, done. Or a crisp shirt if you need to feel a bit more switched on than you actually are.
The quickest way to add some personality to your weekend wardrobe.
Collarless! Mocha! Poplin! Meet the boyfriend shirt, done right.
The adjustable straps make it perfect for a garden party, pregnancy, or a post-wedding brunch. Style with flat sandals by day, and a heeled mule by night.
Can you ever own too many canvas totes? Sling this leather-trimmed one over jeans and a tee or a floaty dress.
A soft pink summer knit that quietly does the heavy lifting. Tuck it into tailored shorts or wide trousers.
Made for wafting around with a fresh coconut in hand. The floaty romantic feel is what Dôen does best.
The transitional buy to earmark now! Shrug on over a slip dress in August, then come September swap in trousers and boots.
Citizens of Humanity always gets the cut right. I'm styling this pair with Western boots right now.
This whole look is what I want to wear right now. Add in a simple tank and a flat sandal and let the skirt do the rest.
The cowl neck and asymmetric flounce make this check feel modern. Keep it clean with a black strappy sandal.
A ruched bandeau one-piece in a rich foliage print that doubles as a going-out top under a skirt.
No one will believe this is a high-street find.
The closest to a perfect slip I've seen in a while. Style with flat sandals for the day and add heels and a bold cuff for night.
Crochet done oh-so right.
The kind of top that feels put-together without trying too hard. Bust-friendly without being fussy, which is the only kind of halter I'll actually wear. I'm also eyeing up the matching trousers.
There are an array of great skirts around right now but this would be my pick. Look at that red!
