Just when I thought summer skirts had officially run their course as we inch closer towards fall, fashion people found a way to make a new style bubble up in the zeitgist right before the sun sets on the season. Enter the two-tone skirt: a subtle-but-impactful micro-trend that’s quietly taken over some of the chicest wardrobes I follow, from Hailey Bieber to tastemakers summering in the South of France.

Rather than relying on bold prints or statement silhouettes, the two-tone skirt micro-trend is all about contrast. Think bold satin bias-cut slips finished with contrasting lace trim, sheer lace underlays peeking out in an unexpected shade, or clean color-blocking that makes even the simplest midi feel infinitely more interesting. It’s less of a specific skirt style and more of a clever styling detail—and exactly the kind of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it trend fashion people love. Wear it with a t-shirt, a tank-top, or even a cropped trench for chillier days between the seasons.

Below, shop the two-tone skirts making me reconsider putting away my summer wardrobe for good at the end of August.

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Two-tone skirts on the style set

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It's hardly a new season without a new The Row bag to fawn over. Whether it's a sleek shoulder bag tucked neatly under Kendall Jenner's arm or a capacious tote slung effortlessly over Zoë Kravitz's shoulder, we've become accustomed to looking to the brand to determine which understated silhouette will earn It-bag status next. And judging by its latest arrivals, there are already several contenders for autumn 2026.

As fashion's appetite for baguette bags continues to grow, The Row has delivered not one but two particularly compelling styles. There's the Alma, an elongated silhouette that's already found a fan in Elsa Hosk, and the Dalia, a returning favourite with an equally impressive celebrity following, including Dakota Johnson. Elsewhere, the beautifully minimalist Parker has returned in supple black and brown leather, alongside a sumptuous chocolate-brown suede iteration that feels practically made for autumn.

The Terrasse Bauletto is also back for the new season, arriving in a fresh line-up of elegant neutrals. Its compact bowling-bag silhouette feels particularly relevant as fashion continues its fixation with sleek, ladylike shapes, whilst the pared-back finish ensures it remains unmistakably The Row. At the other end of the size spectrum, the Marlo—a strong contender to fill the Margaux-shaped hole in our wardrobes—continues to cater to our appetite for roomy, understated bags that can carry practically everything. Then there's the Agnes, which has returned to the virtual shelves after promptly selling out last year.

Together, the collection encapsulates exactly what makes The Row's bags so covetable: recognisable to those in the know, almost anonymous to everyone else and designed with enough restraint to transcend a single season. The only difficult part is predicting which one we'll be calling the next cult The Row bag this time next year.

Keep scrolling to shop the best new-season The Row bags for autumn 2026.

Shop The Row's New-Season Bags

Much has been lamented lately about the death of the movie star. But what happens when these box office bombshells, the true bastions of cinema, transcend the screen entirely? This is exactly what Nicole Kidman, the Sydney-raised, Nashville-based Oscar winner, has proven over the past few weeks.

Cementing herself as the acme of popular culture, she has ingrained herself in every facet of the cultural zeitgeist, from earning meme-ified headlines about her incognito club nights in Ibiza to delivering countless memorable front-row appearances as an ambassador for Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel. To put it plainly, she is the blueprint of what it means to be a star in today's day and age.

Lately, however, her relationship with fame has shifted into something more liberating. Unshackled from the limitations formerly placed on leading ladies in their 50s—as she said when accepting the Best Actress award for her performance in Big Little Lies at the 2018 SAG Awards, “20 years ago, we were pretty washed up by this stage in our lives”—Kidman has torn down the rampant and, is seemingly, operating from a place of doing whatever the hell she wants, when she wants.

There was, of course, her surprising cameo in the music video for Troye Sivan’s newest single “She’s The Best”. Whether she was walking down the street smoking a Vogue Slim cigarette or holding the Australian musician under blue lights as he croons her in a Conner Ives demi-couture coat, she stole every scene with a knowing gaze and slight smirk that lived up to the record’s name.

The cinematography even harkened back to that sultry scene from Halina Reijn’s Babygirl where she watched on in a bathrobe as Harris Dickinson danced topless to George Michael’s “Father Figure”.

These days, even the main pop girls are ready to enshrine her in their bodies of work, with breakout Slovak singer Adéla featuring a song called “Nicole Kidman” in her upcoming debut album Prima. Kidman also attended Charli XCX’s brat tour in NYC before hitting the red carpet at the Met Gala days later in a bespoke design by Karl Lagerfeld for her Chanel No.5 ad in 2004.

And whilst this completely minimises her impressive film credits and collaborations with the true auteurs of our time, including Stanley Kubrick in Eyes Wide Shut, Gus Van Sant in To Die For and Baz Luhrman in Moulin Rouge!, it really does feel like no one is having a better hot girl autumn than Nicole.

She’s balanced the duties of raising her two daughters, including Jonathan-Anderson-for-Dior muse Sunday Rose, with making the upcoming Practical Magic sequel. She’s gone through the process of separating from Keith Urban while concurrently studying to become a death doula. She’s continued to put on crazy wig after crazy wig in the name of art and theatre and maintains having the time of her life doing so.

All that’s left to do is recreate that shot of her throwing her arms in the air after leaving her divorce lawyer’s office after leaving Tom Cruise, yeah?

In fact, I’d contend that the phase of her life that Nicole Kidman is in isn’t too dissimilar from Princes Diana’s following her split from King Charles III in 1996. Because isn’t the act of throwing the proverbial middle finger to the world by knowing your worth, fearlessly flaunting your talent and raving her way through Euro Summer the modern-day equivalent of showing up to a party in a black Christina Stambolian LBD the night your ex-husband televised the confirmation of his affair to the world? If there’s a lesson to be gleaned here, it’s that living well, and especially fabulously, is truly the best revenge.

In honour of this next chapter of her life, scroll through to see and shop pieces inspired by her iconic filmography and campiest moments. (Yes, including the pinstripe suit she wore when delivering the searing line, “we come to this place for magic”, as part of the AMC Theatres commercial.)

Shop Pieces Inspired by Nicole Kidman's "Revenge Dressing" Era

I may be biased, but I’ve always believed that jeans are the hardest-working piece in any capsule wardrobe. Versatile, timeless and always easy to throw on at a moment's notice, I have yet to find a pair that I'm not charmed by. And while they look polished with almost every top trend going, there's one pairing I return to time and time again: jeans and a shirt.

Simple in theory, smart in practice, it's a combination that can easily transition from casual to polished depending on how you choose to style it. Oversized pieces instantly have a laid-back allure, and dressier formal occasions call for classic colour ways, muted prints and structured shapes that feel far more "put together".

Now, if you’re looking at the heat and questioning whether it's time to dust off this combo, trust me, autumn's blissful chill is mere days away. Because of this, I’ve been looking at the best ways to wear it ahead of the seasonal change. Having spent time researching this year's trending denim and smart shirt styles, I’ve been able to compile a look book of sorts. So naturally, I had to share it with you. This is how to style jeans and a shirt—the cool women edition.

The 5 Best Shirt and Jeans Outfits To Wear This Autumn:

1. Plaid Shirt + Drawstring Jeans

Style Notes: A blue shirt and loose jeans are nothing new style-wise, but if you’re looking to give this classic look an It-girl spin, there are a few tricks you can employ to bring it up to date Firstly a crisp, white tank top will be your biggest asset as the casual addition makes the whole look feel less contrived. Secondly, an equally laidback pair of drawstring jeans keeps the look minimal fuss, maximum pay off.

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2. Denim Shirt + Straight Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Can you ever go wrong with a Canadian tuxedo? Balancing the ease of a two-piece set with a healthy dose of cool confidence, double denim has long been a favourite of fashion's best dressed. If you want to make yours feel less Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in the noughties and more autumn 2026 appropriate, lean into fashion-forward finishes and understated accessories à la Nnenna Echem (pictured above).

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3. Pinstripe Shirt + Stovepipe Jeans

Style Notes: If you’re a pared-back dresser, straight-leg jeans are probably a staple fixture in your go-tos. However, if you’re looking for a subtle update, why not try out a pair of sleek stovepipes? With a slimmer fit, the streamlined silhouette strikes the perfect balance between polished and everyday comfort—and come autumn, they’ll look exceptionally stylish finished with a structured leather jacket. For a seasonal swap trade a pretty pair of heeled ballet flats for swap out Lucy Williams inspired ankle boots (pictured above). Weather-dependent, of course.

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4. Contrast Trim Shirt + Kick Flare Jeans

Style Notes: In case you missed it, boho is back in a big way this autumn. But in 2026, it's not only the Chloé-coded whimsy which has taken our fancy. This season, for those averse to pretty dresses, lean into country and western coded denim styling. From big buckled belts to two-tone denim, this is the cooler, more "now" way to embrace the trend , and Sarah Lysander (pictured above) makes the strongest case for it. Be it her distressed bootcuts or slouchy suede bag, this is modern bohemia at its very best.

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5. Polo Shirt + Barrel Leg Jeans

Style Notes: Now, further proof that a shirt and jeans doesn’t have to be boring. Case in point: Diana Garcia Urbina's most recent look (pictured above). Using a vibrant striped polo to inject a playful pop into her look, she uses shapely barrel-leg jeans to balance the look. From her oversized sunglasses to the contrasting tan bowling bag, this is certainly a look I’ll be saving for later.

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As a beauty editor, I'm lucky enough to get my hands on new perfume launches before anyone else. This is so I have lots of time to test the fragrances and decide which ones I think will be trending for the season ahead. So, although it's still August, I've already found my autumn perfume of choice, and I just know that everyone will be talking about this scent come September.

Although it's only just launched, I've been wearing this perfume since the start of July, and I can't tell you how many compliments I've had. Whilst I personally loved spritzing it through the summer months, the rich, heady aroma is particularly fitting for the change in seasons. The scent in question? Byredo Future Memories. Whether you're already a fan of Byredo perfumes, or are totally new to the brand, I highly suggest you keep scrolling for my full review...

Byredo Future Memories

The first thing I noticed when spritzing this fragrance was its unique take on vanilla. It doesn't have that typically sweet, gourmand scent. Instead, a base of vanilla liquor accord, ambrofix and musks creates incredible depth, cocooning the senses in this soft yet rich aroma. However, the opening itself is crisp and juicy, with notes of blackcurrant and galbanum adding a green, earthy element. Again, totally unexpected, but when this green element meets the creamy, musky vanilla base, it comes together in the most beautiful of ways.

Before reading up on the fragrance, I thought there were notes of tobacco, but I actually think it's the boozy undertone that makes me think of cosy pubs and roaring fires.

What's really striking about this scent is how it settles on the skin. The vanilla shines through, yet it still maintains that green, almost woody element that keeps it from veering into overly gourmand territory. Plus, the heady base means it lasts all day long.

It's the kind of fragrance that has people gravitating towards you before you've even entered the room, and in true Byredo style, the bottle is just as appealing. It's these reasons alone that I know every fashion person will be wearing this perfume in autumn.

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We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

It's been 20 years since Miuccia Prada explained her philosophy on skirts. Fast forward to the present day, and her words are still ringing loudly in our ears: "For me, the skirt is like a T-shirt. So I put all my ideas there". She goes on to explain that an eccentric skirt "doesn't change that much about you" because it's "waist down". To me, it makes perfect sense: the closer to your face an item of clothing or accessory is, the more of a commitment it feels. It’s the same logic behind telling my hairdresser to keep a deep root when I get my hair coloured so I can be "spiritually brunette".

I have a penchant for a low-effort, high-payoff outfit, and this is why I love skirts so much. When in the thick of climate-change-induced heatwaves, the last thing you want is to be uncomfortable, but as fashion folk, if there’s a way to hack the system and stay cool without sacrificing style, then it’s all aboard! A dramatic skirt is the antidote to a potentially boring top. Case in point: Carrie Bradshaw in her tutu, elevating a simple vest to become part of a look that made fashion history. Then there are Salma Hayek’s evening skirts and kitsch little cardigans and bandeaus on red carpets in the '90s, which remain on mood boards to this day.

The word on the street is that it’s a statement-skirt summer, and one of the undisputed It styles of the season is the "party skirt" by Versace, by way of Dario Vitale’s one-and-done collection as creative director. The scandal surrounding the collection lends it some infamy and notoriety, and the skirt is the perfect piece to wear as I lay back on the hill I would die on, which is that multicolour pieces are easier to style than most neutrals. They go with everything, and the party skirt is no different. I have worn this skirt nonstop since it arrived at my door. Throwing on a fabulous, colourful skirt and a top is just as low effort as putting on a T-shirt and jeans. Two items are all it takes; why not choose the more elevated path?

Alana Hadid did for the launch of her trainer collab with ARKK at CPHFW. She paired a bubblegum-pink trainer in a "dad" silhouette with a just-as-pink "princess" skirt and a tied black tee. As if by magic, the huge plumes of her skirt seemed, dare I say, casual—it’s all in the styling! The look reminded me of a Copenhagen version of Claudia Schiffer by Arthur Elgort in 1994 in a knotted Genny cardigan and a billowing taffeta skirt by Atelier Versace. As we veer into autumn, the cardigan will be the fun skirt's Type A bestie: Saffy up top and Eddie below the waist.

My own wardrobe has become incredibly skirt-heavy of late, so I've been tasking myself with making sure they all get a good outing. I accidentally got the girls in a frenzy when I posted a recent instalment of my video series where I show real outfits alongside the real (read: chaotic) background situation in my flat as a mum who works in fashion. In a week of work and school runs, I truly wore a Dries Van Noten skirt covered in tiny loose threads that looks like it could have been made by Cookie Monster if he went to Central Saint Martins, a lime green and white Sunnei skirt with the texture of a cracked meringue, a vintage Escada skirt in bright pink and green houndstooth, a throwback Evisu skirt and the aforementioned Versace number.

The biggest showstopper, however, was a recent addition by BruceGlen that is a sensory utopia, adorned with clear, oversized sequins that reveal rugby stripes underneath. The BruceGlen twins (fashion designers Bruce and Glen Proctor) filled me in on the design story: "We wanted to take the classic stripe and silhouette and infuse them with a little whimsy. We added oversized piettes (what we call bubbles) to create the feeling that you’re surrounded by bubbles as you move. For us, bubbles represent present joy, so the skirt is ultimately a reminder to slow down, embrace the moment and enjoy the now," they told me. Clearly, they exceeded expectations, as this skirt gets the most joyous reactions in public.

The key to a great skirt is to think limitlessly. Nothing is too weird, too textural, too bright, too voluminous. And just because the skirt is a statement, it doesn't mean everything else has to be minimal. You can make it even more interesting by styling it with a top in a contrasting colour, such as red with a lime skirt or baby blue with a deep purple. If you’re more maximalist, experiment with clashing prints or the same print in a different colour. On the flip side, you can join the fun in a more low-key way. One of my favourite skirts is a navy silk asymmetric style with a fully sheer lower panel by Hades. It’s the perfect prelude to an unexpected shoe. To conclude, your outfit is a gallery, and the skirt is the main event. Happy dressing!

Shop the Best Statement Skirts

At Who What Wear UK we pride ourselves on being dedicated trend forecasters, and that means figuring out what people are going to want to wear a whole season in advance. After the runways, celebrities, and in turn, the street style set, are the first to wear the most discussed pieces ahead of time, so it when it comes guessing what the next It-shoe will be, all we need do is look at the feet of fashion's most influential for a steer on style.

After summer's kitten-heel sandals and flip-flops, its time for something a little more cold-weather appropriate. We've already spotted Zoë Kravitz in leather ballerinas, Margot Robbie in calf boots, and Alexa Chung in denim Dior peep toes. While Dua Lipa continues to expand her ever-growing collection of black heels and Kaia Gerber makes a case for black suede and trench coats, we couldn't help but run to the new-in section of our favourite luxury brands in order to scratch our own sartorial itch.

So, if you're in the market for a new pair of shoes for autumn and you'd like to invest in a pair that not only look good but will go the distance too, keep scrolling to see the best designer shoes on the market for this season.

Shop Designer Shoes for Autumn 2026

The trend cycle has been noticeably condensed in recent years, compressing years- or decades-long movements into monthlong micro-moments that lose steam as fast as they're conjured. We see it across fashion and beauty, but one category that never seems to change as swiftly as the latest TikTok makeup aesthetic or Pinterest fad is hair. Hairstyles still move at a slower pace. After all, people usually change up their mane seasonally for a fresh start more than anything. But there's one hairstyle we beauty editors have been keeping our eyes on as it gains momentum, and that, my friend, is bangs.

Whether you've watched in awe or horror as Y2K side bangs began to reenter the style stratosphere or pined after Daisy Edgar-Jones's cool-girl curtain bangs, it's hard to ignore the onslaught of fringe inspiration we've seen over the last few years. When I started looking closer at the tastemakers who define future fashion moments, one thing became clear: Feathered, flippy whisper fringe is the next biggest hair trend on the horizon, and celeb hairstylists would have to agree.

What Is A Whisper Fringe?

In short, whisper fringe is the piecey curtain bangs you've likely seen on celebs as of late—the longer kind that you can swoop away from the face like Miley Cyrus and Zoë Kravitz or full-send Gen Z side bangs à la Bella Hadid and Mika Abdalla.

"I like to think of this as the noncommittal bang," celebrity hairstylist and brand founder Benjamin Mohapi tells Who What Wear. "It's so versatile. You kind of have it, but you can also kind of don't. It's perfect for a world where constant reinvention is the norm and attention spans are so limited." Whether worn as feathery, light curtain bangs or piecey side bangs, these face-framing snippets allow you to reinvent your fringe every single day—a necessity for the fashion-forward folks who yearn to stay ahead of the curve.

"I feel like 2026 has really been the year of the curtain fringe," says celebrity hairstylist Marylle Koken. Whilst the stylist doesn't expect this trend to go anywhere just yet, she does see people taking a lighter approach to the cut rather than going for a Dakota Johnson–thick shear. "This autumn, we're going to see clients become a little more daring. The fringe is becoming softer, more personalised, and really tailored to each person's face shape and natural texture," she explains. "What I'm seeing behind the chair is that clients aren't asking for one trend anymore. They want a haircut that works for them."

Forget about cut-and-dry trends. Real clients want high-functioning versatility that works for their day-to-day lives, which means finding a low-maintenance style that suits their personal taste. "It's less about creating a perfect blowout and more about creating a beautiful shape that enhances how their hair naturally moves," Koken adds. "That's where, I think, fringe is heading this autumn: more customised, more effortless, and designed to work with the person instead of against them."

Soft Swoops and Side Bangs

Whilst millennials may style whisper fringe like curtain bangs, Gen Zers are taking things a step further by swooping their wispy bangs over to one side—paying homage to the early aughts. (Millennials aren't quite ready to revisit them yet.) "I think the move to the side is long overdue," muses Mohapi. "Playing with bangs, no matter how slight, is a great way to start reframing the face." They can be as whisker thin as Kravitz's romantic tendrils and still make an impact.

If you crave a more voluminous look, take a page out of Abdalla's book. The Off Campus star wore her thick curtain bangs pulled and pinned to the side in a messy-chic updo fashioned by celebrity hair and makeup artist Ruby Neves, and I've never saved anything to my autumn hair board faster. Mohapi, for one, is all for the voluminous-bangs movement.

"As soon as the bangs come into focus, you can start flipping the top over and giving yourself more volume without changing the overall look," says Mohapi. Think round-brushing the opposite way for extra volume or pinning them where necessary, like Abdalla. "Once autumn takes hold, we'll start to see more side sweeping and flipping, but bangs will continue to be worked into the look," he adds.

Koken thinks that there are simpler, more personal reasons driving this trend: People want styling options that will give them their time back in the morning. "Some people are growing out a heavier fringe and naturally transitioning into something softer. Others want the versatility of still having a fringe without committing to a full, blunt bang," she explains. "The thinner, piecier fringe gives you options. You can wear it parted in the middle, sweep it to the side or tuck it away depending on your mood." In short, people want styles that feel easily adaptable rather than a high-maintenance cut that requires daily blow-dries, rollers, and hair spray.

Shop Products to Style Whisper Fringe

Maybe it’s because we spent the summer being spoilt with many above-30°C days here in the UK, but I’ve really been feeling the chill in the air lately. So of course, as someone who works in beauty, this has me thinking of the makeup trends that will dominate the upcoming autumn season. Very soon, the days of using only lightweight concealers and lip balms will come to an end, but in their place lies an opportunity to experiment with a myriad of bolder makeup looks that allow me to explore my creativity. Now, of course, it feels wrong to wish the UK summer away, so in lieu of jumping the gun too quickly, I decided to have a chat with my fellow Who What Wear editors about the transitional makeup trends that perfectly bridge the gap between summer and autumn.

After all, it’s probably a tad too soon to reach for the beauty equivalents of my cashmere jumper and wool scarf at the moment. So instead, I’ve decided now is the perfect time to make subtle swaps that nod towards the upcoming season without completely abandoning the fresh, glowy makeup I’ve been wearing all summer. And if the current trends that I’ve spotted on the Instagram accounts of my favourite celebrity makeup artists are anything to go by, there’s plenty of scope to do just that.

So if you, like me, are in the mood for some fresh makeup tips to make the transition from summer to autumn that little bit more seamless, keep scrolling to discover the five trends that our editors are planning to try this transitional season.

5 Transitional Makeup Trends to Try in 2026

1. Pausing: Dewy Makeup

Trying: Satin-Finish Makeup

As someone with very dry skin and eczema, if there’s one trend I fully commit to every summer, it’s dewy makeup. There’s something about that healthy-looking, glass-skin finish that just makes sense when the weather is warm, so I’ve spent the past few months happily layering on my hydrating skin tints, liquid highlighters and dewy setting sprays to achieve that "sun-soaked getaway" sheen. However, as we move towards autumn, I’m planning to press pause on the glow and try something a little different—enter satin-finish makeup. Sitting somewhere between the dewy looks we see in summer and a fully matte look that’s way too drying for my skin type, a satin finish still allows the skin to look fresh and alive, but with a softer effect that feels particularly well-suited to the transitional season.

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2. Pausing: Lip Glosses

Trying: Bitten Lips

I’m not quite ready to fully commit to the matte lip look, but after months of reaching for a lip oil or gloss almost exclusively, I’m in the mood for something in between matte and glossy, and I know a bitten lip tint will deliver. These products create a softly diffused effect without the dryness of a traditional lipstick. There’s something about a slightly lived-in lip that feels much more appealing to me than an overly precise lip liner and gloss combo as we head into autumn.

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3. Pausing: No Eyeshadow

Trying: Subtle Smokey Eye

When it’s hot outside, the last thing I want to be doing is carefully blending multiple shades of eyeshadow, only for everything to inevitably melt off my eyelids by lunchtime. So, for the majority of summer, I’ve been embracing the joy of doing absolutely nothing with my eye makeup. But now that autumn is approaching, I’m in the mood for something a little more dramatic, without too much effort. The subtle smokey eye that I’ve spotted several celebrity makeup artists create is exactly the kind of look I can see myself wearing for more formal events this season. Think washes of dark chocolate or soft charcoal, blended around the lash line without any harsh or overly precise edges.

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4. Pausing: Bold Blush

Trying: Watercolour Blush

From bold reddish-brown "blonzers" to pretty fuchsia pink blushers, this summer has very much been the season of bold blush for me. And while I’m not quite ready to give up this cheek product altogether, I’m ready to make the finish a little more subtle for the season ahead. The solution? Watercolour blush that gives my cheeks a sheer, translucent wash of colour. For my deeper skin tone, I’m leaning towards softer brown, muted burgundy and terracotta hues that give me the blurred, ethereal quality I want to emulate this season. But the power of this trend lies in the fact that it can be tweaked to suit every skin tone and desired look.

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5. Pausing: Overly Tamed Brows

Trying: "Undone" Eyebrows

After years of brow mapping, threading and waxing, and just generally trying to make every single hair on my eyebrows behave, there’s something quite liberating about the idea of doing less and just letting them be a little more… well, themselves. Yes, this season I'm taking tips from the makeup artists that are embracing a slightly "undone" look. Think brushed-up hair (the best eyebrow gels will definitely come in handy) and natural texture with just enough definition to enhance the shape that’s already there. It’s a small change, but one that will save me a lot of time in the mornings.

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With autumn less than a month away, it’s time to start thinking about the new clothing I’ll be adding to my seasonal capsule wardrobe. We can all probably agree that choosing the right colour can make or break an outfit. And even though darker neutrals typically dominate the autumn season, for 2026 specifically I’m determined to find elegant, easy-to-wear shades that are different from my typical black and brown wardrobe. My first port of call for inspiration? The runway, of course.

Designers across the globe, from London to New York, showcased a number of sophisticated but effortless colour trends on the autumn/winter 2026 runways, and it was clear that the shades we opt for will very much do the heavy lifting when it comes to taking an outfit from simple to elevated this season. So after hours spent scrolling through ready-to-wear lookbooks, as well as plucking the brains of my fellow editors who attended the shows earlier this year, I was able to narrow my attention down to five key colour trends set to dominate autumn 2026. And you'll be pleased to know that from refined carbon greys to bold plum hues, there’s something to suit both minimalists and maximalists alike.

So if you, like me, have been feeling that urge for a new-season colour palette refresh, keep scrolling to discover the five easy but elegant colour trends that are set to be everywhere in autumn 2026.

5 Elegant But Easy-to-Wear Colour Trends That Will Dominate Autumn 2026

1. Midnight

Style Notes: Arguably the closest shade to black, midnight hues dominated the autumn/winter 2026 runways. Effortlessly elegant, expensive-looking. any price point and just as versatile as any neutral, it's the perfect colour for minimalists like me to invest in this season. And don’t just take it from me: the likes of Ferragamo, Gucci, Burberry and Victorita Bekcham are all backing this shade for the new season.

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2. Plum

Style Notes: Whilst the deep burgundy hues that dominated last autumn were undoubtedly sophisticated, for 2026, I’m looking for something that feels just a tad more elevated. And the bold plum ensembles that were showcased on the runway from brands such as Miu Miu and Hermès feel like the perfect fit for my personal style. It feels equally as grown-up as it is fun, and also surprisingly versatile, pairing well with creams, black and even chocolate brown. To me, it adds just the right amount of colour to my minimalist wardrobe without feeling overbearing.

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3. Carbon

Style Notes: Versatile, grown-up, and effortlessly cool, carbon grey has long been a part of my capsule colour palette. And luckily for me, designers are also placing this colour at the forefront for autumn 2026, with brands such as Prada, Bottega Veneta and Sportmax showing head-to-toe looks in this chic hue. From outerwear to heels, I’m very ready to embrace the “groutfit” this season.

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4. Moss

Style Notes: Green has been trending on and off for a few years now, but instead of the warmer, olive-y iterations we saw last year, muted moss green is at the forefront of designers’ minds for the new year. But never fear, as it’s proving to be no less versatile. Seen on the runway on the likes of Fendi and Emporio Armani, moss green will pair effortlessly with black, white, and brown alike, proving its easy-styling ability. Me personally? I’d wear this elegant hue head-to-toe with pops of cream to break it up.

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5. Scarlet

Style Notes: Practically a neutral in the wardrobes of fashion people, it should come as no surprise that scarlet red is back for yet another season. From Chanel to Chloé, it seemed like luxury fashion houses couldn't get enough of this eye-catching shade. And the best part? It’s a foolproof way to earn you compliments no matter the price point you decide to invest in.

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With the end of one season and the start of the next, what we're going to wear is front of mind as a fashion editor, and right now, I'm focused on Boots. Whilst summer favours lighter fabrics and barely-there silhouettes, the seasonal shift means planning for styles better suited for the cooler weather. Be it a low-lift loafer or a timeless boat shoe, "freeing the foot" is best left to a heatwave. And, personally, I’ve always found that an elegant boot is the most practical option.

Not the heavy, weather-beaten boots you dragged through February, or the shearling-lined pair that saw you through last December. The boot trends cropping up on the autumn/winter 2026 runways feel fresher, cooler and decidedly more considered than ever before. Not only are they an easy way to extend the lifespan of your warm-weather wardrobe, but they also offer that elusive combination of practicality and style. One which will make dressing for autumn all the more enticing. Whether you're interested in flat boots that go the distance or are looking for something fun to wear for party season, below I've charted the six boot trends that matter most for 2026. Trust me: these styles will still feel relevant for a good few autumns to come.

The 5 Biggest Autumn Boots Trends of 2026

1. Knees Up

Style Notes: Knee-high boots might not be new, but this season they're stretching well above the knee and up to thigh-high proportions. Pairing just as well with miniskirts as they do slim-fit jeans, this versatile silhouette is equally at home mooching around shops (well, maybe a flat-soled version) as it is embracing your inner Sienna Miller on a trip to Paris. So whether you opt for a cosy, lined pair à la Chloe or a grittier, dominatrix-esque boot c/o Isabel Marant, ultra-tall boots are head and shoulders above the rest in 2026. Sorry, ankle boots.

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2. Bringing Back Boho

Style Notes: After Chemena Kamali made her runway debut as creative director for Chloé during the autumn/winter 2024 collection, modern bohemia was officially back on the agenda. How does that translate to the boot trends I hear you ask? Well, what could feel more boho than a slouchy boot? Softened silhouettes with relaxed proportions are so laid-back they're horizontal, and this elegant style is set to be everywhere this autumn.

A little bit Vivienne Westwood with a dash of Captain Hook, Sinead Gorey paired suede boots with playful argyle-print tights, giving the bohemian style noughties energy, whilst Chloé, meanwhile, kept it romantic with pretty pink princess skirts. The standout boot of the season, though, had to be Masha Popova's unique shade of moody blue: a statement all on its own.

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3. Witchy Wonders

Style Notes: If you’re after a boot with a little more pizazz, might I direct you to the wonderfully witchy boot? Less Sabrina the Teenage Witch and more Practical Magic and Hocus Pocus, this style first emerged as a microtrend during the autumn/winter 2025 shows thanks to McQueen and Ann Demeulemeester. The Victoriana-coded style featured heavily on the 2026 runways; see Prada's fanciful feathered pair for one example. Their exaggerated pointed toe, lace-(or button) up detail and corset structure make these boots decidedly spellbinding.

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4. Pretty in Print

Style Notes: Leopard, deer, python or croc: animal prints aren't going anywhere. But now, as we move into autumn 2026, the way we wear them is changing. Once synonymous with maximalism and glamorous Italian women, this season's animal print is entering its demure era. At Isabel Marant, snake, leopard and cheetah print boots were tempered with distressed red jeans and micro-shorts, giving the traditionally wild motif a deliberately undone edge. Situationist took an altogether more sculptural approach, pairing zebra-print pointed-toe boots with a sweeping black leather maxi skirt. And I’ve seen plenty of It girls (Dua Lipa) style these motifs with light-blue jeans and lightweight dresses too.

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5. In the Ring

Style Notes: If, at first glance, these flat calf boots remind you of the boxer boots worn by Michael B. Jordan in Creed, you’d be correct. A year after Alex Consani stepped out in an all-white iteration of the style at Stella McCartney, we were convinced—the once strictly functional silhouette had plenty of fashion credentials. For autumn 2026, it seems the boxing boot has officially entered the ring. Onitsuka Tiger showed a myriad of mid-leg styles in luxe snake print, whilst Lueders leaned into a more utilitarian mood with khaki-green iterations. And, always one step ahead of the curve, Miu Miu reimagined its gymnasium-inspired style with a gorgeous knee-high pair—equally suited to the gym and the streets.

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As we approach the end of summer, I'm getting that all familiar seasonal itch to switch up my hair colour. Whilst I'm excited to try some autumn hair colour trends (I'm currently tempted by a deep, icy espresso brunette hue), I'm not ready to commit to a drastic hair colour transformation quite yet. So, I've been scrolling my feeds and saving some summer-to-autumn transitional hair colour trends for my next salon visit, ready to tie me over until we get into the full swing of autumn.

Between summer and autumn, I always favour a subtle transformation over a whole hair colour makeover. You see, if you're anything like me, your hair may be feeling dry or frazzled from the sun or days spent at the beach, or perhaps your colour may be looking a little dull or brassy. So, at this time of the year, I step up my hair care routine with nourishing hair masks and hair glosses to revive my current colour, and often experiment with a colour-depositing hair mask to dip a toe in a hair colour without the commitment of permanent colour. In the salon, some ribbon highlights or soft balayage can be a great way to revive your hair colour, or semi-permanent glosses can rejuvenate your hair colour whilst delivering a glossy shine.

In need of some inspo? Scroll ahead for a peek inside my inspo folder of the hair colours that are perfect for transitioning your hair from summer to autumn.

1. Malted Brunette

If you're currently a light brunette, then opting for a shade or two deeper in a cooler tone is a great way to welcome in autumn without feeling too dark. Take Zendaya's glossy malted brunette shade that she's been wearing at the Spider-Man and The Odyssey this summer. It's a cool, mid-toned brunette that looks so glossy and expensive. This can easily be achieved with a semi-permanent gloss in the salon, or a colour-depositing hair mask if you want to test out the new shade at home first.

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2. Suede Blonde

Just look at this stunning hair colour. Gigi's suede blonde is the perfect shade for blondes wanting to transition their hair colour from summer to autumn. Note the carefully placed blonde balayage that melts in smoothly from her dark blonde base. It feels multi-dimensional and suitably autumnal whilst making your hair look like you've just returned from a late-summer holiday. I've never been more tempted to go blonde.

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3. Ribbon Brunette

If you, too, have been watching The Shards, you may also have been swooning over Kaia Gerber's hair colour this summer. Her warm chestnut brunette hair colour is given dimension with ribbon-like swirls of caramel highlights that only add more gloss to that multi-dimensional shine. This is a great choice to go for if you want a warm brunette hair colour that works between seasons. I'll be taking this photo to show my hair colourist at my next salon appointment.

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4. Sandy Blonde

Bella Hadid's sandy hair colour may just be the coolest late-summer blonde shade going. The dark brown root smudge melts into golden, sandy tones that feel perfect for blondes at this time of the year. It's not so bright that it looks too summery, but won't look out of place come the start of autumn either. It looks great paired with some surfer-inspired, beachy S-waves like Bella's.

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5. Teddy Bear Brunette

Aside from her stunning lob haircut, Hailey Bieber's hair colour has a very natural and healthy-looking glow, which has both subtle cool and warmer tones that make it look plush and velvet-like. A tinted hair gloss or hair mask is a great way to subtly tweak your hair colour, whilst a few lighter face-framing pieces can help to add further dimension.

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6. Burnt Umber

The burnt umber hair colour trend has already been gaining momentum over the summer, and it just so happens to make a great summer-to-autumn hair colour. Consider it strawberry blonde's autumnal sister. The warm yet muted copper tones make a great change from the dark reds we've typically seen over the past few years.

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As a fashion editor, I find late summer to be one of the most exciting times for getting dressed. While some see it as an awkward in-between stage, I see it as the best of both worlds. Granted, I'm more of an autumn girl at heart, but my favourite part of summer dressing is being free from the restraints of practicality. To me, late summer feels like being able to take full advantage of that freedom, but with a broader selection of pieces to play with.

The cooler temperatures allow you to bring the lighter elements of your autumn wardrobe back into play, like long sleeve t-shirts, trench coats and denim. By pairing them with summer fabrics and accessories you can create looks unique to this time of year, then build on them for next season.

It's also a great opportunity to rediscover the potential of your own wardrobe. If you're planning a wardrobe sort-out any time soon I highly recommend experimenting with new outfit combinations before you pack any summer pieces away. Try a dress or skirt over jeans and linen with tailoring to give those summer favourites longevity.

So whether you're like me and are excited to find new ways to experiment with your summer staples, or you're simply looking for ideas that make transitional dressing easier, I've found five outfit formulas that will tick every box. Read on to find out more.

5 Late-Summer 2026 Outfit Ideas

1. Trench Coat + Capri Pants + Ballet Flats

Style Notes: Capri pants are already a great transitional piece of kit. Longer than shorts with a slimmer fit, they are the stylish answer to fluctuating temperatures. The proportion play of adding a trench coat elongates the overall look, while the cropped-hem keeps the outfit from feeling to heavy.

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2. Linen Shirt + Column Skirt + Oversized Sunglasses

Style Notes: Don't put all your linen away just yet. Hold on to pieces in darker neutrals such as black, brown, khaki and navy as these pair effortlessly with tailored items like blazers, trousers and skirts. Keep the look tonal or monochromatic and you'll have an outfit that's timeless and adaptable to the fickle changing of temperatures.

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3. Denim Shirt + Straight Leg Jeans + Thong Sandals

Style Notes: Start bringing denim back into your outfit rotation with lighter pieces such as loose denim shirts and straight-leg jeans. Together they make for a statement combo that requires little else to feel stylish, while the shirt alone can add depth to lace maxi skirts and basics like white t-shirts and tank tops.

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4. Cardigan + Overlay Trousers + Top-Handle Bag

Style Notes: The cardigan is perhaps the perfect late-summer piece, which can be worn on its own now and layered later or on cooler evenings. Use it to create a textural contrast with more fluid items like satin or linen trousers, and in a bold shade like red or cobalt blue will make an impact with minimal effort.

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5. Midi Dress + Cardigan + Loafers

Style Notes: Give your dresses an end of season upgrade by simply adding loafers, socks and a cardigan. This is a great time to explore how cardigans can be used as an accessory, following on from the scarf belt trend. Simply tie around your waist or throw over your shoulders to give the illusion of layering without the added bulk.

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If you're anything like us, you've solved all manner of unsubstantiated 'I've got nothing to wear!' melodramas over the years by reverting to your favourite pair of jeans. The most reliable hero of just about any wardrobe, they're one of the very few staples that truly transcend seasons and occasions. Styled well, they can be worn from everything from a day in the office to your best friend's engagement dinner, a walk on the beach or Sunday morning brunch.

But how, then, do we keep things interesting season after season? While other wardrobe items may come and go with trend cycles, for one piece to continue to get us excited about getting dressed means that we need to dig a little deeper by way of sartorial inspiration. Luckily, for anyone feeling somewhat unimaginative right now, our favourite Parisian It girls have done a lot of the moodboarding for us.

Serving up endless style inspo, you'd be forgiven for thinking that these ultra chic wardrobes are reserved for, well, the ultra chic. But few cities see better every-day street style than Paris. And what's more every-day than denim?

Keep scrolling to discover the 7 ways our favourite French fashion girls will be wearing their jeans this autumn, and shop our edit of the best pairing pieces.

7 Ways French Girls are Updating Their Jeans Outfits for Autumn:

1. Tuckable Boots

Style notes: If you thought the 'French tuck' was all about your shirt, then welcome to 2026. Sure waistbands can still host that little half-tuck if you so wish, but according to the very coolest Parisian wardrobes this autumn's tucking is all about your jeans and your boots. Crucially this is no skinny-jean-in-your-Ugg-boot situation, but rather a much looser-fit boyfriend style jean smushed (technical term) super casually into a pair of slouchy, typically heeled, boots. Effortless casual is the new elevated polish, so says the French capital.

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2. Red Accents

Style notes: I know, I know, I'll stop harping on about the red trend soon, I promise. But until then it's very much still happening, and there are few cooler ways to wear it than as a pairing piece. Worn as the main event (think red dresses, two-piece sets, high-waisted trousers etc.) they can feel a bit obvious and overthought, but casually worn via accessories or smaller outfit details they appear a lot more relaxed and authentic. And outfits don't get much more relaxed than when centred around your favourite jeans. Whether you go for a tomato splash across your shoes and bag or a soft cashmere knit, it's a great way to modernise and breathe new life into your seasonless, staple denim.

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3. Oversized Knits

Style notes: Oversized knitwear is no new phenomenon, but for Parisians (who have long favoured a more streamlined silhouette), the trend will be making particular waves come autumn. Generally pared back in palette, the French fashion set are tending to lean towards oatmeal beiges and charcoal greys for theirs, but we have spotted a small number of pastel hues punctuating the sea of neutrals, too. They're being worn most typically with straight leg, light-wash denim and ballet flats, and if that isn't the perfect transitional look then we challenge you to find better.

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4. Sporty Zip Ups

Style notes: Track jackets, technical-wear, 'gorpcore', bombers... Whatever you call them, the sport-inspired zip-up has been picking up fans in the fashion world at breakneck speed over recent months. Of course, with seven hundred heatwaves under our belt so far this summer, synthetic polyesters and nylons have served only to dampen collective enthusiasm for the look. As we approach autumn though, those who've been desperate to jump on the trend will do so with gusto. In order to avoid looking as though you're really slacking on your Sunday morning run, make like the Parisians and skip the double athleisure look in favour of pairing it with your go-to denim.

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5. Rugby Shirts

Style notes: Rugby shirts are everywhere in the UK right now, but it seems we're not the only nation obsessed with the look. And while we may be on entirely the wrong side of the calendar to chalk it up to Six Nations spirit, the Parisian street style set apparently need no excuse to jump on the aesthetic. Striped iterations are undoubtedly the most ubiquitous, while monochrome styles are a little more understated and elevated. Both pair perfectly with jeans, and it looks as though ballet flats or loafers are the French-girl-approved go-to shoe to complete the aesthetic.

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6. Logo Sweatshirts

Style notes: This one was an interesting one to spot, as our favourite French wardrobes typically steer clear of overt designer logos. Once seen as a bit flashy, Parisian It girls have long-favoured a more subtle approach to designer dressing, with instantly recognisable silhouettes and popular high-end staples filling their feeds over their closets. Now, perhaps with a touch of irony, it seems that these bold logo-emblazoned pieces are more in-demand than ever. Dressed down, crucially, they're worn in a super relaxed way, splashed across oversized sweatshirts and paired with relaxed denim, as if to suggest that high-end fashion is merely an every-day throw on (and hasn't just cost them over £1,000).

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7. Elevated Eveningwear

Style notes: If you thought jeans were a casual staple, you were wrong. Well, you weren't wrong, but you weren't giving them as much credit as they deserve. After all, while they look great paired with your favourite sweatshirt and worn-in Birkenstock Bostons, they can look particularly great when paired with more formal, elevated accessories. From cropped silk blazers to bold, gold jewellery and heeled pumps, keeping the rest of your look monochrome via rich, textural fabrics and statement hardware will really elevate your go-to denim in an entirely new way.

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