Autumn is my favourite season, and staycations are my favourite type of holiday, so it’s safe to say I’m well versed in packing for the occasion. From Welsh coastal stays and remote cabins deep in the New Forest to cute Cotswold weekenders, I’ve travelled the length and breadth of the country, curating the perfect packing list as I go.

Unlike packing for your summer holidays, an autumnal staycation has a few extra factors to consider, namely your itinerary and, of course, the erratic English weather. This obviously means practicality and comfort play a huge role in deciding what to take with you, but when you also want to avoid looking like rambler, it can be hard to find the right balance.

Luckily, outdoor and technical wear are more stylish than ever before, so you can easily slot a hard-working waterproof into your casual everyday wardrobe and even dress it up with a stylish pair of boots. The key is to pay attention to the details and choose pieces that offer practicality without looking overly technical. For coats, look for styles that are at the very least water-resistant, or better still, waxed. Suede boots can absolutely make the cut, but opt for a flat or low block heel that can handle cobbled streets. And while a cool pair of trainers is a staycation staple, it pays to choose brands with practicality at their core, such as Salomon, Keen or Hoka.

Combine these with some autumnal classics like heritage knitwear, checked shirts and jeans and you’ve got yourself a versatile capsule wardrobe that will keep you warm, dry and effortlessly stylish.

Below, I’ve compiled an edit of the five pieces that are always on my staycation packing list. Read on to find out more.

5 Packing Essentials For An Autumn Staycation

1. Knee High Boots

Style Notes: Yes it will probably rain. Yes there will be mud. It's almost certain you'll encounter cobbled streets. But that doesn't mean a stylish pair of boots are off the table for your autumn staycation. By all means pack your wellies, but a flat pair of boots with heavy treads will also work hard and compliment almost every outfit. This season's slouchy styles are perfect for tucking in your jeans, while the rounded toes and thick soles add an edge that contrasts with softer pieces like skirts and knitwear.

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2. Plaid Shirt

Style Notes: The current obsession with 90s grunge has caused a plaid resurgence, and this time round it's more versatile than ever. Expanding beyond the realm of alternative dressing, plaid shirts are quickly becoming a staple that lends itself perfectly to the layered needs of a weekend in the countryside. Use like an accessory and tie around your waist for added dimension, or layer under knits and oversized t-shirts for warmth and a hint of print.

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3. Argyle Jumper

Style Notes: Heritage knits such as Fair Isle and argyle are timeless staples, resurfacing every autumn with fresh new takes. While both have their place in a capsule wardrobe, if you want something bold and statement for your staycation I would always recommend argyle. Layered under jackets and coats it's a print that still holds its own, and comes in such a variety of colourways and iterations that you can really have fun with it, creating colour combinations and print clashes.

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4. Barn Jacket

Style Notes: You can't get a more classic piece of country outerwear than a barn jacket. Quintissentially British, they instantly add that preppy, equestrian touch to a simple jeans and jumper look. There's also a versatility to them, as brands experiment with fresh colourways, textures, and details to give you something statement.

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5. Rugby Shirt

Style Notes: Continuing with the preppy vibe, a rugby shirt is another throw-on-and-go piece that adds intention to a look with very minimal effort. For minimalists, focus on silhouette and texture. For maximalists, its all about the big, bold stripes in unexpected shades.

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I can usually tell when a trend is about to have a moment. It starts quietly: a detail I keep spotting in runway collections, a styling trick that shows up everywhere, a very specific item making its way from fashion people's wardrobes to my Saved folder. And then seemingly overnight, it's the thing I can't stop thinking about.

That's exactly where we are with fall 2026. The big-picture trends may already be on your radar, but I'm much more interested in the smaller, more specific shifts bubbling underneath—the ones that feel fresh now and, if the fashion crowd is any indication, are about to become impossible to ignore. They're not necessarily the loudest trends in the room. They're the details that make an outfit feel in-the-know and incredibly current.

Consider this your early intel and your excuse to get a little ahead of the curve. Scroll on to see the six fall micro-trends about to be everywhere and shop the pieces I'm eyeing.

Statement-Buckle Belts

The belt is having a very specific comeback: bigger, bolder, and impossible to miss. Think sculptural circular buckles, polished hardware, and waist-defining styling we're seeing at Dior, Celine, and Ralph Lauren. Worn over denim, tailoring, or even a simple knit, this is the accessory that can make an entire outfit feel intentional.

Royal Purple

Purple is taking a decidedly richer turn for fall. I'm talking about deep, regal shades that feel less playful and much more luxurious—somewhere between aubergine and amethyst. The color works beautifully as a statement piece, but I'm especially into the idea of wearing it from head to toe or pairing it with equally saturated shades like tomato red and sky blue for maximum impact.

Cummerbunds

If there's one styling trick that feels particularly relevant, it's the cummerbund. Once reserved for formalwear, the waist-cinching layer is suddenly showing up in much more fashion-forward ways, adding structure and a slightly dramatic flourish to everything from trousers to dresses.

Wayfarer Sunglasses

After seasons of oversize bug-eyed frames and ultra-tiny sunglasses, the pendulum is landing somewhere in the middle. Classic Wayfarer shapes are back with proportions that feel polished rather than exaggerated. They have that effortless, slightly retro quality I always want from sunglasses.

Eel Leather

There's a new texture making leather feel considerably more interesting. Eel leather—or, more specifically, that distinctive slinky, ridged finish—is bringing a subtle sheen and tactile quality to bags, shoes, and accessories. It feels luxe without being overly precious, and it's exactly the kind of under-the-radar detail that makes a familiar piece feel surprisingly fresh.

Opulent Embroidery

Minimalism can take a seat. This season, I'm noticing a return to embroidery that feels lavish, intricate, and almost fantastical. Think richly decorated pieces, ornate motifs, and the elaborate detailing seen on Conner Ives's embroidered fur robes that went viral 10 times over during the label's fall/winter 2026 show. The appeal is in the excess: These are pieces designed to be admired up close and remembered.

Every fall I tell myself I'm going to shop less and wear more, and every fall I end up buying 12 versions of the same striped tee anyway. This year I did the math on what I reach for in the cooler-weather season, and it’s anything but basics. I have the classic pieces down so I decided to build a capsule out of the 10 trends that do all the work.

None of this requires clearing out your closet or starting from zero. A sculpted blazer over a striped tee, a trench thrown over the jeans you already own. That's how you use this guide best. Below, the 10 pieces I'm buying this season, with a few price points in each category so you can build the capsule at whatever budget makes sense.

Sculpted Blazers

Is there a faster way to look pulled together than a hourglass shape? A sculpted blazer swaps out the once-popular slouchy and oversize fit for something with real structure. I saw it everywhere during fashion week, and I want in.

Lace-Trim Skirts

Lace trim has been a fun way to keep a plain skirt from reading too basic. I like mine under a nice sweater or a leather jacket so it doesn't look overly dainty.

Trench Coats

A trench coat is the one piece on this list I'd tell you to buy even if you owned nothing else. Mine goes over everything. I like to go a size up to make room for my favorite sweaters.

Elevated Flannels

Flannels currently have the fashion industry in a choke hold. I wear mine buttoned all the way up under a blazer for work, then loose over a tank on weekends. Same shirt, two completely different outfits.

Military Jackets

The moment this jacket trend walked the runway at Khaite changed us forever. Now that everyone is putting their little spin on it, I’m buying in. It gives an outfit some edge without requiring you to commit to an entire tough-girl look.

Striped Tee

A striped tee is the one basic I never stop buying, and it's also the piece doing the most work in this whole capsule. It layers under blazers, sweaters, and jackets. For me, it isn’t fall without a new striped tee.

Fur Scarves

A fur scarf sounds like a big statement, but mine mostly just replaces a boring winter accessory. Wrapped over a plain coat or blazer, it adds texture without adding effort. As soon as it’s cold enough to wear them, I’m down.

Windbreakers

Windbreakers used to live strictly in the gym bag, and now mine is doing double duty over dresses, capris, and tailored pants. It's the piece I reach for on days I want to look put together but refuse to feel restricted. It has an instant cool-girl effect.

Skinny Flare Jeans

Skinny flare is the jeans silhouette that makes sense of the whole skinny-versus-wide-leg debate by refusing to pick a side. It's fitted through the hip and thigh, then kicks out just enough at the ankle to work with a heel or a flat boot. I tried them out last week and decided they’re the must-have jeans for fall 2026.

Leather Maxi Skirt

A leather maxi skirt reads more polished than intimidating once you see it styled with something soft like a knit or an oversize shirt. It's earned a permanent spot in the rotation, making it a real investment, not just a trend.

The leaves are crisp, the mornings are fresh, and you (might) have turned your heating on. It's official: autumn is upon us. After months of easy linen, lightweight dresses and barely-there layers, the arrival of autumn is always an excuse to take stock and rethink our wardrobes, but perhaps most importantly, the way we put our outfits together. Layering is practical, of course, but a great coat can be the entire outfit. Knitwear is no longer relegated to an afterthought, and the right pair of boots can make even jeans and a white tee feel like a statement. But for me, some of the best autumn outfit inspiration doesn't come from the runway, but from those who have already mastered the art of fashion storytelling.

Across TV, film, music and fashion, there is no shortage of brilliant and well-dressed women, both real and fictional, who strike that elusive balance between looking effortlessly elegant and weather-appropriate. Their wardrobes might not be full of the most directional pieces, but the way they combine timeless staples, thoughtful accessories and a few of the season's key trends makes their style and legacy so compelling. Where would we be without Jane's roomy Birkin? Kate Moss' maxi dresses and shaggy furs? The Gilmore Girls brand of cosy chic?

This autumn, we're taking cues from the style icons who make transitional dressing look particularly good. From sophisticated city dressers to those who know how to be comfortable and look good, with a penchant for outerwear and clever layering, these are the women to have on your radar when you're wondering what to wear as the seasons change. Whether you're looking for inspiration for your next office outfit, a weekend look or simply a new way to wear the pieces already hanging in your wardrobe, this is your guide to the autumn style set worth really watching—plus the outfit ideas we'll be re-creating in 2026.

1. The Gilmore Girls

Style Notes: If there was ever one fictional wardrobe that feels most synonymous with autumn, it has to be Gilmore Girls. Set against the cosy, small-town backdrop of Stars Hollow, the comfort-watching series is full of inspiration for anyone who believes that the best autumn outfits involve plenty of ' 90s-coded knitwear, thrown-on jackets and a generous dose of nostalgia.

From Rory’s preppy staples (think fitted roll necks, pleated skirts, and loafers) to Lorelai’s dressed-down denim, leather jackets, oversized knits and polished boots, the magic of the styling is all in the layering: nothing feels overly "done"; it's just the familiar, easy ensembles that we all crave once September rolls around. Just add a takeaway coffee, a plaid scarf and a crisp walk through the leaves, and suddenly the Stars Hollow aesthetic doesn't feel like such a throwback.

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2. Jane Birkin

Style Notes: Thinking of quintessential Jane Birkin may conjure up images of undone blouses, baskets and micro-minis, but her approach to autumn dressing is just as mood board-worthy. What has cemented her status in the halls of fashion history is her knack for making simple pieces feel chic, and when the temperature drops, her worn-in denim, soft knitwear and relaxed tailoring come into full effect.

An oversized jumper here, a lived-in jacket there, minimal accessories, always (and often finished with tousled hair), Birkin was the queen of nonchalance, and her autumn aesthetic proves that the secret to great cold-weather dressing might simply be mixing and matching old staples for that extra je ne sais quoi.

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3. Claudia Winkleman

Style Notes: As dedicated Traitors fans will know, Claudia Winkleman's series wardrobe has become as much discussed as her trademark fringe. It's a simple formula, but wonderfully low-key: chunky knits, opaque tights, ankle boots and plenty of black, usually softened with cosy textures and the occasional checked or printed layer; in short, the pieces you may well own.

And, as the show is shot in the Scottish Highlands, practicality is key, but for any of the more dramatic moments (round tables, especially) you can expect boxy silhouettes and the kind of accessories that will sell out the day after airing. For anyone looking to build a chic autumn wardrobe that prioritises comfort, character and timeless staples over fleeting trends, Winkleman is a particularly compelling source of inspiration; there's a good reason her look already is so iconic that it's become a Halloween costume.

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4. Sade

Style Notes: Before there was quiet luxury, there was Helen Folasade Adu. In an era of new romantics, club kids and rock, Sade’s style was the kind of effortless elegance that was ahead of its time. With a wardrobe built around clean lines, fluid tailoring and a restrained palette (it's rare to see her outside of cream, black and denim blue), the same silky blouses, perfectly cut trousers and oversized jackets she championed in the '80s and '90s have come back around.

There’s a sense of ease to everything she wears, but never anything accidental—each look feels considered without being overly styled. Add her signature hoops, sleek hair and red lip, and you have a masterclass in quiet glamour that still feels remarkably modern today—see Solange Knowles, Tracee Ellis Ross or Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.

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5. Princess Diana

Style Notes: So much more than just a "revenge dress", Princess Diana’s downtime wardrobe is the perfect example of how to make even sporty separates feel regal. We all remember her oversized blazers, pleated skirts, and riding boots, but it was the jersey sweaters, jogging bottoms and caps that gave her off-duty looks the perfect balance of polished and relaxed. Sweatshirts with shirts, smart, tailored coats with tracksuits and leggings with heels might feel like a regular occurrence today, but Diana paved the way for the paparazzi-conscious A-list to try the high/low approach.

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6. Kate Moss

Style Notes: Few models are as known for what they wear off the runway as Kate Moss. Say the words "Glastonbury" or "leopard-print coat", and a mental roster of her best looks comes to mind—proof that she is one of British fashion's most enduring muses. Her signature formula? Rock-and-roll staples with bohemian classics: slim black jeans, maxi dresses, ankle boots and a statement coat thrown casually over the top.

She’s never one for being too polished (and if she looks like she just got out of bed glowing with well-restedness, even better). Always undone but endlessly influential, the secret to great autumn style the supermodel way is simple silhouettes, a subtle colour palette and an eye for detail.

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7. Monica Geller

Style Notes: Everyone is quick to fangirl over Rachel Green's outfits in Friends, but when it comes to autumn style, Monica Geller is hard to match. Rachel and Phoebe's style reflects their personalities, and so too does Monica's: punctual and precise, like the character herself. Think fitted knits, turtlenecks, high-waisted jeans, smart skirts and jackets, often grounded in a muted palette of black, grey and autumnal browns. Don't call her "boring" though; the occasional print will sneak in, or an accessory like a hat or a great boot will keep things interesting. For an autumn wardrobe that leans classic, comfortable and quietly chic, her later looks remain an excellent source of inspiration for desk to dinner.

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8. Charlotte Rampling

Style Notes: Charlotte Rampling's turn on the AMI menswear runway in 2023 should tell you just how much the fashion crowd truly loves her. It's not often that a 77-year-old woman gets the celebration she deserves, but Charlotte Rampling has long perfected the kind of understated style that only gets better with age.

Clean tailoring, pared-back knitwear, crisp shirts and beautifully cut trousers might feel British in their suiting heritage, but she has a French nonchalance when it comes to layering dark neutrals and minimal accessories to allow the clothes—and her unmistakable presence—to do the talking. Whether she’s in a sharply tailored, masculine suit like her runway finale look, or '60s shift dresses, she proves that great style isn’t about following trends; it’s about knowing what works for you and wearing it with confidence.

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9. Anna Scott

Style Notes: Minimalists, rejoice! Julia Roberts’ character wardrobe in Notting Hill is the ultimate lesson in late-'90s understated dressing. Long before Ryan Murphy's American Love Story put CBK back on the mood boards of women everywhere, Anna Scott's covert uniform of a leather blazer, fitted T-shirt, straight-leg jeans, and sleek black accessories changed the way we wanted to dress. Throughout the movie, her colour palette stays pretty much the same: plenty of black, cream, denim and icy pastels (she's a celeb in hiding after all). But rewatch after rewatch, you'll be surprised just how well it holds up nearly 30 years later—inspiration for our own shopping approach.

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10. Iman

Style Notes: It takes a lot to stand next to David Bowie and hold your own, but Iman's supermodel style makes her a legend in her own right. Rooted in strong silhouettes, impeccable tailoring and a very healthy dose of glamour, she's best known for her sleek '80s power dressing, fluid evening gowns and his-and-hers off-duty looks. Our favourite thing about Iman? She’s never afraid of proportion, whether that means a dramatic shoulder, a sweeping coat or wide-leg trousers, whilst rich neutrals and jewel tones give her wardrobe sophisticated polish.

Given the era in which she rose to prominence, accessories play an equally important role (and yes, that often means statement earrings and oversized sunglasses), but her looks are so beautifully curated and immaculately presented that nothing ever feels excessive. The result is a wardrobe that feels confident and glamorous without being dictated by trends—a masterclass in using great tailoring, striking proportions and a signature sense of individuality to create truly memorable style.

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It's just September, but Nordstrom is already having a fall sale. Yes! My colleague shared a list of her favorite items from the Nordstrom Fall Savings Event (ahem, 25% off coveted items). The sale ends on September 23, so I thought I'd put together an edit of the pieces I don't think you'll regret buying before the event ends. The items are versatile, easy to style with your existing pieces, modern, and chic—you know, all of the words.

Keep scrolling to shop the best fall fashion items on sale before prices go back up. There's everything from stylish sweaters I know you'll get compliments on to current-feeling denim silhouettes, gorgeous boots, and so much more.

With autumn just weeks away, there’s only one thing on my mind: how can I look effortlessly polished and expensive without breaking the bank? As someone with a luxury taste on a very affordable budget, I’m very particular about the staples I choose to invest in. So, with a new season on the horizon, I decided to hunt for an expensive-looking capsule wardrobe that can be mixed and matched to create a myriad of outfits and remain classic and elegant for years to come.

And after much research, I’ve managed to narrow my attention down to seven easy but refined pieces that I’ll be able to pull out for each and every occasion and, more importantly, that will look expensive at every price point. And if you too are on the hunt for an autumn 2026 capsule that looks far more expensive than its high street price tag, I’ve rounded up the staples that I’ll be relying on below.

From sophisticated outerwear that will act as the focal points of all of your outfits to smart footwear styles that perfectly balance form and function, keep scrolling to discover the seven designer-passing basics I’ll be adding to my autumn 2026 capsule wardrobe ahead of the new season.

7 Expensive-Looking Buys to Add to Your Autumn 2026 Capsule Wardrobe

1. Trench Coat

Style notes: It doesn’t get more classic than a trench coat in autumn. Whether I’m throwing it over a button-down shirt and trousers for the office or a slip dress for dinners out with friends, I know that this staple is going to serve me well from now all the way through to next summer.

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2. Lightweight Knit

Style notes: Knitwear season is here! But before the temperatures really drop and I have to pull out my chunky cashmere knit, I’ll be opting for lightweight iterations that can be layered and adapted to the unpredictable weather we know all too well here in the UK.

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3. Tailored Trousers

Style notes: Every polished dresser I know owns a pair of tailored trousers of some sort, and for autumn 2025 I’m on the hunt for versatile neutral hues that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. Luckily, the high street is filled with a myriad of expensive-looking options, but the viral COS pair below are by far my favourite.

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4. Knee-High Boots

Style notes: When it comes to designer-passing handbags, opting for natural materials is always your best bet. But never fear, because you don’t have to splash out loads on a high-quality bag. In fact, the high street is currently filled with a number of 100% leather totes in the chicest bowling silhouettes.

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5. Relaxed Shirt

Style notes: On those days you’re stuck on what to wear, a button-down shirt is a foolproof way to look put together. They’ll not only add an instant sense of polish to jeans, skirts and leggings, but look expensive at any and every price point. So of course, instead of splashing out on a luxury iteration, I’ll be shopping for a button-down in every colour on the high street to last me from now until next spring.

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6. Straight-Leg Jeans

Style notes: After months spent in crinkly linen, I, for one, cannot wait to get my denim out again. And although I’m always partial to a baggy silhouette, for autumn 2026 specifically, I’m opting for a straighter cut that can work both in and out of the office.

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7. Leather Bowling Bag

Style notes: I’ve sworn by my H&M knee-high boots for years now, and everyone always thinks they’re designer. And the good news is that they’re back in stock for autumn 2026! I’ve linked them down below, but if you already own them and love them as I do, there are also plenty of other expensive-looking options on the market at the moment.

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There's no denying the staying power of an oversized blazer, but fall 2026 is making a convincing case for something a little more fitted. Sleek, close-to-the-body jackets are quickly becoming one of the season's defining outerwear trends, offering a sharper alternative to the roomy silhouettes that have dominated for years. The overall effect feels polished without looking overly corporate, which is exactly why fashion people are gravitating toward them.

The key is in the proportions. Rather than exaggerated shoulders and loose cuts, the latest jackets skim the body, nip slightly at the waist, and often hit around the hip for a streamlined finish. Whether structured or slightly softer in construction, these fitted silhouettes instantly give an outfit more shape and make even simple fall staples feel considered.

As temperatures start to dip, expect fitted jackets to become the layer that replaces the default blazer in plenty of wardrobes. They have the same ability to pull an outfit together but feel decidedly fresher for 2026. Ahead, discover the best fitted fall jackets to shop now, along with plenty of styling inspiration for the season ahead.

Fitted Jacket Outfits

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Capris + Pointed-toe mules

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Mini skirt + Animal-print heels

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Black tank + Statement skirt + Pointed-toe heels

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Jeans + Small bag + Heels

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Jeans + Sleek leather boots

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Black jeans + Bold sunglasses

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Mini skirt + Round sunglasses + Flats

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Mini skirt + Heeled sandals

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Tank + Leather pants + Heels

Get the look: Fitted jacket + T-shirt + Jeans + Ballerina sneakers

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Button-down shirt + Jeans + Belt + Boots

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Animal-print pants + Heels

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Jeans + Flat boots

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Cargo pants + Sweater + Ballet flats

Get the look: Fitted jacket + Denim skirt + Layered belts + Boots

With our fall wardrobes, we tend to rely on the same familiar basics year after year, but this season, a few subtle swaps can make those staples feel significantly fresher. Rather than abandoning the hardworking pieces that make getting dressed easy, fashion people are gravitating toward updated versions with more personality. The difference is often as simple as a new neckline, an unexpected texture, or a slightly sharper silhouette.

The best part about these alternatives is that they're every bit as wearable as the classics they're replacing. They still serve as the foundation of an outfit, but they add enough trend-forward edge to make styling feel intentional. Think of them as the 2026 answer to basics that may already be taking up plenty of space in your closet.

Before stocking up on another round of predictable fall staples, consider these six alternatives instead. Each one has the versatility of a tried-and-true basic with a little more fashion credibility built in. From elevated layering pieces to updated takes on denim, these are the swaps poised to make a fall wardrobe feel more current.

The New Fall Wardrobe Basics of 2026

1. The Upgrade: A Sheer Long-Sleeve Tee

The classic long-sleeve tee is a fall layering staple, but a slightly sheer version feels noticeably fresher right now. It serves the same purpose in a wardrobe while adding subtle texture that feels more considered. The hint of transparency brings an understated sexiness without sacrificing its everyday appeal. It's an easy, directional swap for the standard long-sleeve.

2. The Upgrade: A Collared Knit

Instead of another basic crewneck knit, consider a collared sweater this fall. The added detail offers a polished, slightly preppy quality while remaining just as versatile. Whether relaxed or fitted, the silhouette feels more distinctive than the straightforward sweaters that typically dominate fall wardrobes. It's a small shift that gives an everyday outfit more personality.

3. The Upgrade: A Baseball T-Shirt

A plain white long-sleeve tee may be a dependable closet staple, but the baseball tee is quickly becoming its cooler counterpart. Contrasting sleeves and a sporty silhouette give the familiar white top an interesting point of view. There's also a nostalgic quality to the style that is especially relevant alongside fall's polished pieces. It delivers all the ease of a basic long-sleeve while making an outfit feel current.

4. The Upgrade: A Chic Plaid Button-Down

Traditional flannels are synonymous with fall, but a refined plaid button-down is an elevated way to embrace the print. Unlike heavier, more rugged flannel shirts, this season's plaid styles are crisp, lightweight, and intentionally polished. Refined color combinations and relaxed proportions keep the look effortless rather than overly preppy. It has all the seasonal appeal of a classic flannel with a decidedly more fashion-forward finish.

5. The Upgrade: A Boatneck Top

The classic crewneck has long been the default for simple fall tops, but a boatneck silhouette offers a subtle yet impactful update. Its wider neckline beautifully frames the shoulders and gives a minimalist piece a more elegant shape. It's just as easy to layer and style as a standard crewneck but feels more refined. Consider this one of the simplest ways to make an everyday fall basic look more sophisticated.

6. The Upgrade: A Fitted Denim Jacket

The relaxed denim jacket has been a wardrobe mainstay for years, but fitted silhouettes are bringing a sharper feel to the category. A closer cut creates a cleaner, more streamlined shape that feels polished rather than overtly casual. It still provides all the versatility that makes a traditional denim jacket so useful, only with a more intentional silhouette. For fall, it's a fresh alternative to the roomy denim layers that have dominated in recent seasons.

I don't care how many Emmy-winning television shows there are—as soon as fall hits, I'm streaming Gilmore Girls for the umpteenth time. In the autumnal episodes, Rory and Lorelai stroll through Stars Hollow wearing chunky knits, plaid skirts, leather blazers, and enough denim to dress a small army. Rory and Lorelai Gilmore both have wardrobes worth revisiting every fall, but their approaches couldn't be more different. Rory leans classic and collegiate, favoring pleated skirts, fitted sweaters, loafers, and other polished pieces that feel straight out of Chilton or Yale. Lorelai, meanwhile, is a little more playful and trend-aware, mixing fitted tees, leather jackets, flirty dresses, and statement accessories into her everyday rotation.

Naturally, I started thinking about what the Gilmores would actually wear in 2026—and Zara has plenty of pieces that fit the Stars Hollow dress code. Think cozy sweaters, autumnal colors, preppy staples, and a few slightly unexpected pieces that feel very Lorelai. Whether your fall wardrobe skews more Rory or Lorelai, these 12 new Zara items nail Gilmore Girls nostalgia.

For many fashion people, fall isn't just another season. It's the season. That is especially true for Sandy Koszarek, a former Nordstrom VIP stylist and the creator behind Stylish Sandy. Fall is truly where rich textures, deliberate layering, and bold new silhouettes have their moment. On that note, she always enjoyed helping her clients build their fall wardrobes at Nordstrom and continues to expand upon that with Stylish Sandy and in her own closet.

While Koszarek relies on her core wardrobe staples, seven key fall 2026 trends have caught her attention. Fresh, modern, and still versatile, these styles will elevate her signature looks even more. Keep scrolling for a deeper dive into the key 2026 trends, along with visual and outfit inspiration.

Funnel-Neck Jackets

"Jackets are my favorite category, and this fall, I can't wait to wear a funnel-neck style. It feels fresh and elevated, and I'll style it with everything from denim to trousers."

Purple

"Purple is a new color for me this fall, and I'm having fun with it. It feels fresh, modern, and surprisingly easy to wear."

Satin Pants

"I'll be wearing relaxed tie-front pants this fall, especially in satin. They're so comfortable, and the satin makes them feel a little more elevated."

Slingback Kitten Heels

"Slingback kitten heels are at the top of my list for fall. I love how they add a feminine touch to jeans, trousers, or a straight skirt."

Plaid

"Plaid is a pattern I love, and I'm excited to wear it this fall. I especially love it in a tailored short. It feels classic and polished."

Dark Denim

"I love denim, and dark denim is what I'll be reaching for this fall. It feels perfect for the change of season and looks great with everything from blazers to boots."

Scarves

"Scarves are my favorite accessory for fall. I love how one can instantly elevate an outfit and pull the whole look together."