I’ve Done The Research: These Are The 6 Biggest Microtrends of Autumn 2026

As someone who swears by the careful art of a well-balanced capsule wardrobe, you might think it's a touch out of character to be discussing the biggest microtrends of autumn 2026. But alas, you would be wrong. You see, whilst I remain picky about what enters my rotation, I’ve always believed in clever ways to embrace trends without abandoning your staples (or buying something you'll later regret). Think about colour, shape, or style and suddenly the pieces you know and love will be lent a new lease of life. Because if we’re honest, although you can never go wrong with a pair of straight-leg jeans, a fresh white T-shirt or a cashmere cardigan, sometimes we crave a little update (perhaps an unexpected pattern, playful print or interesting colour) to give our go-to looks a new lease of life.

Putting my fashion-editor brain to good use, I looked at the trends that cropped up on the autumn/winter 2026 runways and, crucially, what the fashion set is already snapping up and wearing. And boy, do I have an edit for you. There are boho patterns, statement-making details and so much more to get into, so if you're looking for some quick wins to ease you into a new season of dressing, scroll on.

The 6 Coolest Microtrends Fashion People Will Be Wearing This Autumn

1. All About Animal

Style Notes: Be it leopard, zebra or deer, this autumn is set to be a wild one, with animal print prowling back into the spotlight once more. Adding a playful pop to neutrals whilst projecting a strong image of confidence and power, this season, forget styling them in neat head-to-toe blocks. Instead, animal prints are being used to accentuate vibrant hues, or (for the more adventurous amongst us) mixed and matched for deliciously maximalist energy.

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2. Casual Camo

Style Notes: If the mass of camo print on your social media feeds makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into the Destiny’s Child Survivor music video, you wouldn’t be the only one. Loved for its utilitarian, almost anti-fashion appeal, camo has (almost ironically) become one of the coolest motifs to wear. Grounded in essence whilst pairing well with both neutrals and vibrant hues alike, it's already been picked up by an array of It girls. So whether you choose to channel Alexa Chung and pair yours with ballet flats and a waistcoat, or take a slightly more directional approach with a fringed peplum top like Aimee Song (pictured above), this practical print is ready to be put to work this autumn.

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3. Fanciful Fringe

Style Notes: We've seen all manner of tactile textures so far this year, but nothing has quite captivated the fashion set like the arrival of tassels. As fashion continues to turn its back on quiet luxury, this decorative embellishment is making a very convincing comeback, injecting a sense of playfulness, movement and visual joy into everything it touches. Whether woven into your favourite bags and shoes, adorning dresses or taking centre stage in multiple elements of a look (see Caroline Lin above), tassels are proving that sometimes more really means more.

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4. Pretty Paisley

Style Notes: Here at Who What Wear UK, we’ve been quietly predicting the return of paisley print for some time, and as we turn the corner into autumn, it seems like the day has finally arrived. Inherently bohemian with a hint of retro charm, today's iterations feel worlds away from the psychedelic paisleys of The Beatles days. Instead, think muted hues worked into sumptuous satin jackets or decorating your favourite pair of jeans. It's the same print we know and love, but decidedly more polished and grown-up.

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5. Fluttery Feathers

Style Notes: As if fashion couldn’t get any more weird and wonderful this season, may I turn your attention to feathered accessories? Dynamic in their movement, deliciously tactile and instantly capable of adding a little theatrical drama to even the most pared-back looks, faux feathers have quickly become the go-to styling detail of choice for the It girls. Whether fluttering from the ear as oversized earrings or making a pretty statement pinned to a blazer, à la Sara Walker Ratliffe (pictured above), feathers are the fluffiest finishing touch you can choose right now.

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6. The Micro Crop

Style Notes: The autumn jacket microtrend I’m most interested in this year is the cropped button-up. And no, these aren’t the cropped trenches or big bombers we know and love. This season, they’re far more sculptural: think neat, close-to-the-body silhouettes that sit somewhere between a jacket and a blouse. They're perfect for warmer autumn days when you want a little structure without the bulk, particularly in a vivid hue styled with black capris or with a pair of fitted jeans and pointed-toe shoes, just like Daughter of a Hoarder (pictured above). It's an easy way to look polished without trying too hard.

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