Next year is Ralph Lauren's milestone 60th anniversary. It's hard to believe that Ralph Lauren (the man) has remained at the helm of his namesake brand for its entire six-decade-and-counting run, but alas, there he was taking a bow at the end of today's runway show. So what does the beloved American designer have up his sleeve this time? "Spring 2027 is an irreverent take on romance that creates a new elegance," Lauren stated in the show notes. "It’s about ways of dressing that celebrate ingenuity, originality, and character—the freedom and fun of creating a style that is truly personal."

The show notes also provided a peek behind the curtain at some of this season's ingenious design methods: "Throughout, artisanal treatments enhance the clothes. An intricate woven construction lightens a fluffy, ombré shearling vest. 'Spritz and tumble' laundering rumples full-skirted dresses. Hand-painted and burnout techniques make for highs and lows of color intensity, giving silk lames and velvets an aged patina. One skirt’s embroidery was wrought in gesso-painted thread; the oversized sequins of another were coated to dull their shine. And an intricate spray-paint process imbued silk brocade with an impressionistic mystique."

Scroll down for everything you need to know about Ralph Lauren's spring/summer 2027 collection presented at NYFW today.

Breaking Down the Ralph Lauren S/S 27 Show

After Dark

The show notes highlighted some of the collection's best clothes meant to be worn after dark: "Evening offers a bounty of options: fluid wrap dress, engineered with only a single seam; shimmering navy tank dress covered in micro sequins that release into fringe over trousers; poetic, embroidered velvet robe over ethereal white blouse and gesso-painted floral-print jeans."

Well-Suited

"In an homage to the first suit Ralph Lauren designed for women, two stark, sharp pantsuits were built in an Italian menswear facility, where the focus is on highly defined structure," the brand explained in the show notes.

Archival References

This collection reminded our editors of some of Ralph Lauren's most enduring shows of the past, including spring/summer 2003. Over 20 years ago, Natalia Vodianova (pictured below, left side) wore a long coat with delicate florals in between pastel stripes, while today's show featured a similar Bridgerton-worthy jacket that was cropped in the front and long in the back.

Laid-Back Looks

Ralph Lauren thinks your 2027 jeans should be ripped, faded, baggy, and low-slung. This season, denim was paired with everything from cropped jackets (sans shirts) to floral-stamped button-down shirts.

Finishing Touches

Straw boater hats were some of my favorite accessories this season, but I also appreciated the impressive range of chic brooches, floral scarves, white handbags, oversized clutches, lace-up flats, delicate strappy heels, and more. And don't forget about the jewelry. Chandelier earrings were the perfect match for many of Ralph Lauren's most elegant evening looks.

Call me biased, but I'm a firm believer that every balanced wardrobe starts with a great pair of jeans. Whether you swear by classic straight-leg styles or prefer something slightly more slouchy and baggy, denim has had the power to make (or break) an outfit for decades. So, imagine my surprise when I dove into the "fun jeans for fall" hashtag on social media and found myself confronted with a particularly bold style I thought we’d left in the Y2K archives: lace-up jeans.

This risqué silhouette had parents clutching their pearls and teenagers rushing to their nearest Baby Phat long before "Y2K" became a TikTok and Pinterest search term, and like them or loathe them, lace-up jeans were doing what they did best: pushing the limits of how much (or little) denim could count as clothing. From Christina Aguilera's Stripped era (specifically that raunchy music video for "Dirrty"), to reigning queen of 2000s excess Paris Hilton, we hit peak It-girl fashion when a playful pair was styled with a ubiquitous graphic T-shirt.

And of course, bestie Britney Spears was never too far behind (both fashion-wise and spacially), with her unforgettable fedora-and-denim combination becoming shorthand for the time, but it was the low-rise lace-ups that really made it oh so Britney. And, lest we forget Destiny's Child and Jennifer Lopez (when she was still Jenny from the Block), who made laced jeans a styling language all of their own. Whether they were embroidered with floral details or finished with strategic cut-outs, these jeans were never just denim—they were a cultural reset.

Such was the magic of lace-up jeans. A grand departure from the subtle, sensible styles of the Calvin Klein '90s, these unapologetically sexy, slightly outrageous low-rise jeans were all about unabashed femininity. Which is exactly why, 20-plus years on, the style is so beloved today. Whilst summer maximalism was expressed through vivid shades of blue, psychedelic prints and wacky accessories, turning the corner into autumn means expressing yourself in a slightly different way.

With layering firmly at the forefront, this season is all about unexpected styling choices, and what, pray tell, says "I'm the party" louder than a pair of lace-front jeans? J.Lo was recently spotted in a pair again, whilst Bella Hadid wore hers with a graphic tee and pointed boots, so it's clear that amongst the fashion set, 2001 is officially back.

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If there’s one thing that I dislike about fashion, it's the idea that with each season you have to buy an entirely new wardrobe. No sooner had I settled into my linens and tank tops than a cool breeze whipped around, and after being caught out not once, but twice in sandals in the rain (sob), I knew it was time I gave some serious thought to my autumnal options. The same forever knits that I wore last winter are still good to go (thank you, Navygrey and Rise & Fall), and I rely on one style of jeans for everything (that's a true-blue straight), but the category I’m always excited to reassess come September is dresses.

Yes, autumn may signal the return of knitwear, coats and boots, but this season’s dress trends are arguably the most compelling reason to refresh this one area of your wardrobe. From polished, ladylike styles that feel made for the office to the unexpectedly sexy and vampish, according to the autumn/winter 2026 runways. Fashion has plenty to offer when it comes to new dress trends.

And whilst the runways are naturally my first place to start, the real test is whether a trend feels wearable beyond the front row. Sheer dresses and sculptural gowns will always get my full attention, but will they factor into my regular rotation? Don't bet on it. So, after paying close attention to the key looks already filtering their way down from the catwalk to our closets, these six dress trends feel fresh now and have serious staying power. Consider this your edit of the styles worth knowing (and shopping) before party season really gets underway.

The 6 Biggest Dress Trends for Autumn 2026

1. The Gothic Heroine

Style Notes: In the year that gave us Maggie Gyllenhaal's Bride!, Practical Magic 2 and a Charli XCX Wuthering Heights score, dark romance is back in a big way for autumn. Long, lacy gothic dresses were all over the runways, eschewing subtlety for costume drama—think lace trims, high necklines, sheer panels and Morticia Addams-coded figure-hugging silhouettes. This season, designers are using the gothic dress to bring a modern edge to Victorian-inspired dressing, and are trading witchy boots for polished court shoes and scaling back on jewellery stacking to let the dress do all of the talking. If this sheer, long-sleeved style feels too full-frontal, wear it under a black blazer for your evening plans. It's sure to cause a stir, in all of the right ways.

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2. The Antique Clothes Show

Style Notes: ICYMI, vintage fashion is having a moment right now. And no, I don't mean ’70s-inspired florals or '90s minimalism; instead, we're taking it all the way back to the roaring '20s, where fur trims, intricate embroidery and tassels reigned supreme. Borrowing all of the best bits of the era, Magda Butryms soft blooms sit perfectly alongside Dior, Ferragamo and Dries Van Noten's flocked-wallpaper-reminiscent prints. Over at Lanvin, the dropped waist felt modern over a tiered skirt, and Ermanno Scervino and Saint Laurent's delicate lace looked like French finery.

Sorry, pared-back minimalism- these are the kind of dresses that add instant personality to an autumn wardrobe, and if you’ve been tempted to dip a toe into the vintage aesthetic without looking like you’re in fancy dress, just add a simple, long wool coat, opaque tights and T-bar shoes for an outfit formula that tells people you're dressed to impress.

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3. 24 Karat Gold

Style Notes: From Shirley Eaton in 1965's Goldfinger to Tate McRae doused in liquid gold at Lollapalooza, there's something about head-to-toe metallic that makes for an unforgettable statement. From Standing Ground's muted yellow, through to No 21's chocolate-wrapper foil, Mugler's retro lamé and Akris' liquid-metal dress that looked poured onto the model, this high-octane colour proves that "party" dressing doesn’t have to wait until December. Whilst jewellery trends continue to shift towards silver and autumn beauty is picking up on copper, consider this your sign to embrace a little more 24-karat shine in your wardrobe to stand out from the crowd this autumn.

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4. Short and Sweet

Style Notes: Move over, LBD! According to designers, the minidress was overdue for a cuter makeover, and this season expect to see playful proportions, pretty prints, boxy silhouettes and lots (and lots) of bows, ruffles and Peter Pan collars. It is refreshing to see such spring-coded minis alongside the season’s heavier tailoring and oversized outerwear, and the styling possibilities make it surprisingly wearable once the temperature drops.

Take your favourite mini and add sheer tights or socks, pumps or Miu Miu-esque trainers, then finish with an off-the-shoulder coat for that effortless high-low balance. Whether you lean towards sweet and romantic or prefer something with a preppy edge, this is one autumn trend that’s guaranteed to bring a little fun back into getting dressed.

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5. Reach Out and Touch Me

Style Notes: If there’s one thing autumn 2026 is encouraging us to do, it’s to get a little more tactile with our wardrobes. It's no surprise that during sweater season we want to wrap ourselves up in cashmere and duvet coats, and now dresses are taking on an equally "touchable" quality this season with plush velvets, fuzzy knits, tactile bouclé, and feathered trims giving even the simplest silhouettes plenty of interest. You might not be reaching for Balenciaga's haute couture tulle to wear to the office, but ruffles, fringing and wool feel perfectly suited to cooler days, and there’s something undeniably luxurious about slipping into a dress that feels as good as it looks. Wear a tactile midi with a polished knee-high boot for day, or let a more dramatic feathered or velvet style take centre stage after dark.

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6. Dream Sleeves

Style Notes: Remember the "nap" dress, the style so comfortable and effortlessly relaxed that you could fall asleep in it? Well, this autumn our fascination with all things nightgowns has evolved into the kind of dress that you can comfortably wear throughout cooler days too. Sleeves are getting bigger, puffier and more sculptural, adding just the right amount of pillowy softness to otherwise simple dress silhouettes. From romantic balloon sleeves and gathered shoulders to subtly voluminous shapes, these may just look like white and cream dresses at first glance, but their proximity to the humble nightie makes this one of the easiest ways to make an everyday dress feel instantly more directional. Keep it modern (and outdoor-appropriate) by balancing the volume elsewhere—think sleek knee-high boots à la Chloé or Givenchy's playful puffball mules.

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With autumn less than a month away and the temperatures starting to drop here in the UK, my hunt for the most polished autumn wardrobe staples has officially begun. And although I like to dip my toes into trends to add some interest to my outfits every so often, the truth is that I’m a classic dresser to my core. To me, it’s all well and good to hop on the latest fad, but the most elegant, put-together wardrobes always have a foundation of timeless basics you can rely on year after year. Think of the type of classic pieces that can be dressed up and down with ease, can be mixed and matched to create a wide range of outfits, and, most importantly, will never look dated or out of style.

And so, with the new season fast approaching, I decided to go on the hunt for the classic pieces that will make up the basis of my autumn capsule wardrobe. From luxury investments that are sure to stand the test of time to affordable staples that look way more expensive than their high-street price tag, I spent hours scouring the web as well as the Instagram pages of the most elegant dressers I know to find the classic pieces that can be relied upon year after year.

And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below. From polished outerwear to refined accessories, keep scrolling to shop the classic pieces I’m planning to add to my wardrobe for autumn 2026 (and beyond).

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

Burgundy has been the color of fall for a few seasons now and most of us reach for the same color to pair it with every time: black. It's a safe, foolproof combination, but it's too easy to be the only thing you pair it with. Burgundy deserves a wider rotation than that. After some serious scrolling on my IG, I found so much inspiration. We have plenty of colors to choose from.

I'm not saying retire the black pants or the black boots, they're still doing their job. But there are quite a few colors and prints that all bring out something different in burgundy, from a little more warmth to a little more edge, and they're worth working into your closet alongside it. From leopard print to yellow, try these colorways next time.

Grey

This is the color pairing for when you want burgundy to look put together without any real effort. The two never compete, so a grey knit or trouser just lets the burgundy piece carry the look. It's an easy pairing to build a whole capsule around.

Leopard Print

I know, I know, leopard print isn’t exactly a color. But lately, it feels like a neutral. Pairing it with burgundy leans into the moodier, richer side of fall dressing instead of fighting it. Think a leopard coat over a burgundy dress, or a leopard bag against burgundy separates.

Yellow

Would you have guessed yellow and burgundy work together? The two sit on opposite ends of the color wheel, which is exactly why the combination feels so unexpected next to the black-and-burgundy default. But this color combo brings out a retro vibe I’m all about.

Denim

Burgundy and denim might be the lowest-effort pairing on this list, and that's exactly the point. Instantly, you've got a fall outfit without overthinking it. It's the combination for days when you want the color payoff without the fuss.

Brown

Here’s to an easy tonal pairing since both colors are rooted in the same warm, earthy family. This one feels especially right once the weather actually turns cold.

But Yes, Black Never Fails

It's polished, it works for basically any occasion, and it never asks you to think too hard about getting dressed. This isn't an argument to retire it, just a reminder that it's not the only option in your closet. Rotate in a few of the pairings above and black will still be there waiting for you.

I've been saving so many top-tier fall items from Nordstrom. Naturally, I'm here with an edit of the recent standouts that will bring a stylish spin to your wardrobe. If you wear any of the items coming your way, you'd totally impress me (a shopping director) if I saw you walking down the street. The pieces in question are sure to get you compliments.

Keep scrolling to find beautiful jackets in trend-forward silhouettes—think: high necks or sculpted shapes. If you need a few elevated basics to wear regularly, the range of fashionable selects will pique your interest. There's also strong shoes (sneakers included) and other accessories. Happy shopping.

If you’ve scrolled through social media lately and feel as though you’ve been sucked into a ‘90s J Crew campaign (and with the influx of Western-style belts and Ralph Lauren jumpers, who wouldn't), you wouldn't be the only one. Americana is back, and with it come its most recognisable signatures. Whilst it's true that just about every ‘90s trend has made a return to the runway at some time or another (Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s brand of clean-cut minimalism and the era's "anti-workout" take on athleisure spring to mind), in autumn 2026, it's the cosy energy of middle Americana that's "in".

Blending the polish of prep with the rugged, frontier appeal of Country Western, this fashion trend is all about casual comfort. Think imperfect, "lived-in" denim styled with loose-fitting shirts or slouchy sweaters. It's unfussy, a little undone and ultimately all about looking like you didn’t try too hard—even when you absolutely did.

And when you look to our favourite dressers of the '90s, many were pioneers of the "all-American girl". Whether it was the of-the-moment styling of early Friends or the functional wardrobe of the queen of autumn herself, Lorelai Gilmore, each of their outfits had the same signature, unfussy quality. Having delved deep into the biggest trends of the season, I've collated seven American-inspired pieces you need to see as we head into autumn. Scroll to see what made the cut below and to shop the very best.

How to Do '90s Americana Like a Fashion Person

1. Plaid Shirt

Style Notes: Nothing says "Americana" quite like a plaid shirt. Crafted from a textured weave more substantial than an Oxford, its rich pattern instantly adds a point of interest to even the simplest look. So whether you’re taking cues from Jacob Elordi in Euphoria and styling yours with a black T-shirt and straight-leg jeans, or pairing it with a lace-trimmed dress and suede flats like Sarah Lysander (pictured above), a plaid shirt is an easy way to dip into the trend this autumn.

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2. Relaxed Jeans

Style Notes: If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, the chances are you’ve probably come across the search for the best pair of ‘90s jeans. Sitting neatly at the mid-rise, they strike the sweet spot between too slim and excessively baggy, giving you a relaxed silhouette that still feels pulled together. And because nobody wants to look too dishevelled, the straight cut offers just enough structure to keep things looking polished. Better still, it's one of those styles that work with pretty much everything already in your wardrobe.

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3. Boat Shoes

Style Notes: When you think of preppy or classic American style, it's impossible not to think of boat shoes. Once firmly rooted in their stuffy "dad shoe" era, over the last few years (thanks to Miu Miu’s revamped shape), the style has experienced a renaissance. Balancing the ease of a trainer whilst being slightly more polished than your standard slip-on, boat shoes are the kind of everyday staple that can instantly make an outfit feel far more polished. Especially when styled as Lucy Williams has, with light-blue jeans and a loose leather jacket.

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4. Medallion Belt

Style Notes: With the ever-evolving fashion landscape continuing to favour loud maximalism over quiet luxury, it makes sense that the ludicrously sized medallion belt is taking centre stage. Beloved for its instantly recognisable rococo-inspired medallions, the Yellowstone style has quickly been adopted by the fashion set, adding a jewellery-like finish to jeans, shorts and trousers, without looking over-accessorised.

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5. "Frontier" Knits

Style Notes: You heard it here first: the "frontier knit" is about to be one of this season’s biggest fashion trends. Steeped in rich history and known for its intricate craftspersonship and timeless appeal, it's easy to see why this cosy knitwear style is having a moment. In an era dominated by fast-moving trends, these retro knits offer an alternative: a piece that will live with you for decades and only feel more nostalgic—in a good way. And in case you need any more convincing, Princess Diana was a big fan.

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6. Baseball Caps

Style Notes: Whether you wear your baseball cap backwards or forwards, this autumn, just make sure you wear one. Rooted in American sportswear, but spanning hip-hop and skater subcultures, caps have acted as a shorthand for urban cool. But this season, it's less about hiding a bad hair day and more about using it to pull together a smarter look. Be it a classic baseball style emblazoned with a vintage logo, or washed, distressed versions made from cotton, this relaxed, almost aloof little accessory is an easy way to achieve the ever-sought-after all-American feel.

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7. Canvas Bags

Style Notes: These aren’t your regular Sainsbury’s shopping bags—the style taking over this season is much more like a Trader Joe’s tote than a supermarket carrier. Practical, utilitarian and, dare we say, a little bit of a humble brag, the canvas tote has had quite the fashion makeover. Thanks to high-fashion houses like Marc Jacobs and Dior, who have reworked the everyday carryall in their own elevated ways, these once purely practical bags have officially found their way back into the fashion conversation. And honestly? We’re not mad about it; just ask Alex Mill.

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I have quite a divisive opinion about this time of year, in that I absolutely love it. While everyone else is mourning the end of summer, I'm feeling rejuvenated by the cooler temperatures and the ability to be outside for longer than 20 minutes without having to drench myself in sun cream, down five litres of water and wear a hat (my dark haired girls will understand).

So when it comes to discussing an autumnal wardobe, knitwear is my happy place. Not only is it a sign that my favourite season is upon us, but a good knitwear collection can see you effortlessly through the colder months in style.

The knitwear category has more variety than ever, expanding far beyond the traditional jumpers and cardigans to include a range of silhouettes and styles that offer endless styling opportunities. This season, there's a heavy focus on reinventing classics and an injection of colour. On the runway Miu Miu disrupted an otherwise neutral collection with bright v-necks and cardigans, while Chanel put a spotlight on the knitted tank, using longline proportions to create a drop-waist effect.

As the start of a new season has us re-thinking our wardrobes, I recommend building a solid capsule around great knitwear. Below, I've compiled an edit of the six trends I feel will not only tick several trend boxes, but will work hard with what you already own. Read on to find out more.

5 Knitwear Trends for Autumn 2026

1. Turtleneck Cardigans

Style Notes: The funnel-neck obsession has made its way into knitwear. If you love an elegant little cardigan, this trend is for you. The high neck elongates the frame, creating a sleek silhouette, so it's perfect for slip and column skirts or a cute pair of capri pants. It's also a great layering piece to wear under a blazer or a chunkier, oversized cardigan.

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2. Short Sleeve Jumpers

Style Notes: The silhouette of a short-sleeve t-shirt gives so much to our everyday wardrobe, so it only makes sense for that silhouette to have a place in our knitwear collections too. It's a super elegant take on knitwear that subtly adds dimension and texture without feeling too heavy. It's a versatile piece that will go well with everything from jeans and skirts to tailored trousers, so if you're going to invest in one new piece of knitwear this season, I'd make it this.

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3. Colourful V-Neck Jumpers

Style Notes: V-necks have definitely taken a back seat in recent years, overtaken by our love for the crew-neck, but they're having a resurgence for autumn and this time around they're far from boring. There's contrast necklines and lace details, but the biggest v-neck trend is definitely colour, and the brighter the better. Make them the centre of your outfit by keeping everything else neutral, or use them to create a striking colour-block look.

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4. Half-Zip Jumpers

Style Notes: With its sporty, outdoorwear origins, the half-zip jumper adds a touch of cool to an outfit while remaining polished. On its own and zipped-up you create a slouchy funnel-neck vibe, while undone can feel quite sexy. Layer over a t-shirt or roll-neck and you've got an outfit that looks considered but has required very little effort.

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5. Knitted Vests

Style Notes: Probably the most transitional, year-round item on this list, the knitted tank will work hard in your autumn wardrobe. On warmer days, it looks great on its own with a midi skirt, and when things get colder the layering options are endless, from t-shirts and rollnecks to shirts and even dresses.

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6. Fair Isle

Style Notes: If you're looking for a timeless print that has a bit more substance than a check or a stripe, look to Fair Isle knits. They embody the essence of being sat under a blanket by the fire in a wooden cabin somewhere secluded and peaceful, and everyone wants a bit of that, even if it's just in jumper form. There's a vast range of styles, from traditional to modern reworkings of the print, but whichever you go for you can rest assured all you need are jeans and a pair of chunky boots for a winning outfit formula.

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Susie Wright, the former Nordstrom buyer and creator of So Susie, recently shared a list of the popular fashion items she's not wearing as much. With her sharp eye and years of experience working in the fashion industry at Nordstrom, we thought her fall shopping perspective would be of interest.

Below, Wright is expanding on her in-and-out list with edits to the fall items she's not as into, along with the fall trends she's going to embrace more in 2026. Although at the end of the day, wear what makes you happy—what anyone else thinks doesn't matter.

Keep scrolling for a deeper dive, along with outfit inspiration from Wright. There's also plenty of shopping recommendations to help build your fall wardrobe.

Pausing: Joggers/Wearing: Drawstring Pants

"Drawstring pants are the perfect alternative to joggers—and they instantly update all your outfits. I can’t think of a more versatile pant right now. They’re comfortable and way easier to put on." — Wright

Pausing: Super Chunky Loafers/Wearing: Slim Loafers

"Loafers are always a closet staple, and they’re perfect as we transition into fall. This season I’m reaching for a slimmer, sleeker silhouette over the chunky versions we’ve seen the past few seasons. Look for classic styles with ruching or a streamlined shape—they’ll instantly feel more modern and elevated." — Wright

Pausing: Moto Leather Jackets/Wearing: Stand-Neck Jackets

"The It jacket of the year is one with a stand collar. So chic, and so easy to wear." — Wright

Pausing: Skinny Jeans/Wearing: Long-Length Looser Jeans

"Lately I’ve mostly been wearing looser, long length denim. They’ve given new life to some of my wardrobe staples and I feel a little more modern." — Wright

Pausing: Heavy Logo Bags/Wearing: Simple Sleek Bags

"Lately I’ve been leaning towards beautiful bags with modern shapes and minimal branding. There’s something about it that feels more elevated, and it gives your outfits that quiet-luxury look." — Wright

Pausing: Shackets/Wearing: Scarf Coats

"Lightweight scarf jackets look elegant, and they’re so easy to wear. Try one with your favorite jeans or even a leather pant—so chic." — Wright

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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It might just be because of the what felt like never-ending heatwave we had here in the UK this summer, but I’m really starting to feel the chill in the air. And, as a makeup lover, I can only think about one thing: swapping out my simple beauty routines for heavier makeup trends perfectly suited to the autumnal weather. Gone are the days when overly hot temperatures meant I could only throw on a tinted SPF and a simple brown lip gloss, and in their place lies an opportunity to experiment with bolder makeup looks that let me express my creativity. And there’s no better way to do this than by looking at the trends set to dominate the season.

My first port of call for finding out these trends? Well, as someone who works in beauty, I’m lucky enough to have a contact book filled with professional makeup artists who, thanks to their years of experience, can get ahead of the pack and predict the hottest trends before anyone else. And last week I sat down with Fara Homidi, a New York-based makeup artist and founder of makeup brand Fara Homidi, to discover the five makeup trends that are set to be huge in autumn 2026. Working across runway shows and campaigns for the likes of Miu Miu, Hermès, Chloé, Ferragamo, Coperni and Off-White, Homidi is well-versed in predicting trends before they hit the mainstream. And the best part? I’ve rounded them up for you below so that you too can be in the know about the makeup trends that will dominate autumn 2026.

From cool-toned lips reminiscent of the ‘90s to future-forward two-toned eyelashes, keep scrolling to discover the five easy-to-recreate trends that I’m planning to try out this season.

1. Cashmere Eyes

Homidi says, "I’m predicting we’re going to see a lot more cashmere-coded eye looks this autumn. Take a soft taupe, warm brown or deep espresso depending on your skin tone and wash it around the entire eye for a soft, minky haze of colour. It should feel monochromatic, diffused and incredibly soft around the edges, almost like cashmere for the eyes. Finish with a brown mascara on both the top and bottom lashes to keep everything tonal, and the result will be a plush, soft-brown eye that feels effortless but still very considered for autumn."

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2. Cool-Toned Lips

"It’s official: the cool-toned lips that dominated the ‘90s are back for autumn 2026. But instead of an obvious one-dimensional liner, focus on creating a buffed-out, sculpted lip through layers of cool-toned neutrals. To do this, you’ll need to take a gradient of soft, medium and deeper taupe lip pencils and layer them strategically to create natural-looking dimension and a fuller, 3D pout. The softer shades diffuse and blend the contour while the deepest tone creates the structure and dimension. It’s less about an obviously lined lip and more about using colour to manipulate shape and volume. And I may have something coming later this autumn that will do just the trick...", says Homidi

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