I've Been a Stylist for 20 Years—These Are the Key Buys on My Early Autumn 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 early autumn 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 is 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 summer 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.
Angie wears a Rixo Shirt and Beare Park Cords.
September is on the horizon, and already there's a back-to-school feeling in the air. Suddenly, I want tailoring, a richer colour palette, and everything in my wardrobe to feel a little more considered than the throw-on-and-go pieces I've been living in through summer. With the warm weather still holding on, it's a balancing act rather than a full pivot.
This is the month I invest in a proper pair of ballet flats, beautifully cut black trousers with a slight ankle crop, and an oversized shirt to ease layering back into my wardrobe. Alongside, it's time to start thinking about knitwear, whether that's snapping up great cashmere knits, light jackets for the cooler moments or a versatile cardigan to throw on for milder evenings. The grey one below is giving chic French woman, and honestly, that's exactly what I want to emulate at the start of the new season. Not quite autumn, not quite summer, just the in-between bit where a good wardrobe does all the heavy lifting for you. 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 EARLY AUTUMN 2026 EDIT
1. The Cashmere Knit
The perfect cashmere jumper. Pair with black trousers and ballet pumps for the 9-5, or slouchy jeans for the weekend.
2. The Sleek Trousers
Tuck in your fine knit and style up with boots.
3. The Soft Ballet Flats
These are amazing and soft from the off.
4. The Midi Skirt
Just amazing. Even a simple Tee will look considered with this skirt in tow.
5. The Staple Necklace
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.
6. The Silk Scarf
Knotted at the neck if you're feeling fancy, tied to a bag handle if you're not.
7. The Light Denim Jacket
The perfect weekend jacket for the new season.
8. The Alpaca Polo
alpaca polo sweater in the prettiest blue for when it still feels like summer.
9. The Funnel-Neck Trench
As soon as the temperatures drop, you'll want to have this sleek trench coat in your arsenal.
10. The Brown Flared Jeans
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.
11. The Boat-Neck Jumper
This will look especially chic with slim-cut black trousers and ballet flats.
12. The Classic Shirt
A capsule staple every single season.
13. The Slim Tailored Trousers
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.
14. The Relaxed Trousers
The quickest way to add some personality to your weekend wardrobe.
SHOP MORE OF ANGIE'S PICKS:
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!
The kind of shorts you can wear out to lunch and not feel like you've just rolled off the beach.
Recently I've found myself reaching for espresso colourways over black. With a structured design, considered cut and pared-back look, this is the kind of swimsuit you'll rely on every time the weather heats up.
Rely on a cotton poplin shirt every summer. Throw over swimwear or pair with slouchy vintage denim.
Part comb, part pendant, all conversation; wear it solo against bare skin or over an open-collar shirt.
A rust-and-cream stripe with a sweet tie-back; layer it under an open linen shirt with a raffia tote.
Crisp taffeta with a clean square neck. Dress it down with a chunky sandal or dress up with a strappy heel and red lip.
You had me at lilac.
No quicker way to add personality to your holiday packing list than a Hawaiian shirt. Throw over a bikini or buttoned up with white linen.
High-street quiet luxury. Layer in flat sandals and a tote by day, or a heeled mule and gold stack by night.
This is a really good black one-piece: cut right on the leg with lifting and support where you want it. Your new favourite.
This is the kind of soft organic cotton I want to fly in.
Buy the set, wear it on the plane, split it on arrival.
The kind of scarf that you'll wrap yourself up in on long haul flights and live in on holiday.
Mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe.
The side tie details are such a nice touch.
I can't get this Sézane blouse out of my mind.
Spacious, timeless and and sure to outlast the moving trends.
Sunglasses are back as an everyday essential.
I'm yet to meet a pretty lace top I don't like.
The cut of these jeans is truly incredible. If you like your denim low, you have to try them.
Chic ready-made sets are just so versatile.
I can't get this colour out of my mind.
This necklace sits perfectly with crewneck tees and cosy knits.
I'm drawn to the soft texture of this shirt. For warmer days, I'll wear it as a light jacket.
COS's beloved cashmere knit is one you'll reach for season after season.
I love the cut of these T-shirts, and this vibrant red is calling my name.
This dress would look great layered over straight-cut, lived-in denim. Finish with the Marant boots.
