Bodycon, Sequinned Trainers and Trapper Hats: 6 Autumn/Winter Trends I Didn't See Coming

In a world where robots walk the runway, and Kylie Jenner wears a fake lion head on the front row, is anything really unexpected in fashion anymore? That's the question I've been asking myself this week, as we watch another fashion month unfold with more than a few mad moments. If you predicted the take-off of Chanel's barely there shoe (or should I say ankle wrap?), the wildness of the Vogue World runway or (throwback) Rick Owens' human backpacks, then nothing can faze you. If you didn't, however, then you can still be surprised, because creativity, it seems, has far from hit the ceiling inside the fashion industry.

And so, on a smaller and far more wearable scale, I want to look at the more unexpected trends on the autumn/winter 2026 runways: refreshed throwbacks, a new lane for boho and some crazy colour pairings, to name just a few, all of which promise to add extra intrigue to any wardrobe.

For the maximalists, there's a case to be made for sequin trainers, standout trapper hats and colour clashes that veer on the side of chaotic. Coming back to boho, we're feeling a bit folky, with heritage prints and outdoorsy embellishments promising to make us all feel like a show pony. And paisley print is plucked out yet again: proof that we really should hold onto our clothes just a little longer, as the 20-year trend cycle is nothing if not reliable. Below, find the six A/W 26 trends I didn't see coming.

6 Unexpected Autumn Trends That Might Surprise You

1. Colour-Clashing

Style Notes: After a previous autumn season obsessed with '90s minimalism and years of quiet luxury, perhaps the most popular unexpected trend of the A/W 26 is colour-clashing, with everyone from Valentino and Versace to Tory Burch and Prada ripping up the rulebook when it comes to pairing colours. The bolder, the better is the only real note here, and if you can clash more than three shades in a single outfit, consider yourself somewhat of an expert.

Shop the Trend:

2. Boho Feels Folky

Style Notes: Yes, boho is still a big trend, but A/W 26 is showing offshoots of how to take the style beyond ruffles and suede. Top of the agenda? Folksy knits, with horses, hearts and heritage patterns woven into each piece. Bonus points if you can find one that's handmade.

Shop the Trend:

3. Sequinned Trainers

Style Notes: Calling anyone who owned a pair of Lelli Kellys—or at least remembers the song (how could you not?)—the grown-up answer to the sparkly trainer is officially here, with sequinned and beaded styles in no short supply. Not only did Miu Miu send them down the A/W 26 runway, but Cecile Bahnsen's Asics collab, Simone Rocha and Dries Van Noten are all putting their sparkly feet forward.

Shop the Trend:

4. The Return of Bodycon

Style Notes: Are you ready for another throwback? Just as skinny jeans slowly clawed their way back into our wardrobes, the basic bodycon dress is now trying its luck, with Alaïa leading the charge. This time around, however, we're swapping the lung-restricting bandage styles for something a little looser.

Shop the Trend:

5. Trapper Hats

Style Notes: A trend that's both attention-grabbing and practical is always a winner in my books. Ticking both of those boxes this season? The trapper hat, beloved by Miu Miu, Hermès and Dsquared2. Never will your ears feel the chill again.

Shop the Trend:

6. Paisley Print

Style Notes: Remember when you owned a paisley-print mini skirt, shirt and dress? Well, the boho print is back, with Dries Van Noten, Etro and Boss all playing with paisley on the A/W 26 runway, and it's all over the high street too. Just like you did 20 years ago, toughen it up with leather, suede or a great pair of jeans, and lean into autumnal colours.

Shop the Trend: