Chani Ra is a Who What Wear UK Editor in Residence and a London-based fashion commentator at her social channel The Fashion Nap, which broadcasts show reports, trend commentary and both current and archive industry analysis on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. As well as interviewing industry leaders and experts on her platform, she also often speaks as an expert on panels.

For the last decade or two, it’s become completely uneventful for 20-something women to be on a religious Botox and filler schedule, and it seems the newest normal for celebrities approaching 30 is a facelift. But there’s change afoot. As clothes become more "undone" and filler gets dissolved, expressive and unique faces are re-emerging in the public eye.

Fashion brands are catching on to the boom of mature models. Case in point: Tom Ford recently dropped the sexiest campaign of the season, featuring 59-year-old former model and The Vampire's Wife co-founder Susie Cave. A particular video caught my eye, especially when the camera pans into her face, close enough to see the fine lines that sit gracefully around her pink-shadowed stare. It was a precursor to a very sultry show, in which creative director Haider Ackermann created restraint and tension with models of all ages.

Chanel’s latest breakout star is Stephanie Cavalli, who is 50. After opening Matthieu Blazy’s debut couture show, sauntering down the runway in a sheer suit, she was back again to open the most anticipated show á Paris: Chanel autumn/winter 2026. Cavalli’s hair has become instantly recognisable: a painfully chic curly, triangular bob streaked with grey, framing her adult face in all its glory.

Catching up with Who What Wear UK's own editor-in-chief, Jane McFarland, who braved the crowds at the Paris store's opening as the spring collection landed, it’s a reminder that Chanel’s clients are women of all ages. The new face of aspiration is rooted in reality, and the brands young women want to buy are those they can grow with. Women with real-life experience are our newly crowned It girls. Even my afternoon TikTok doomscroll is currently populated with women who worked at Calvin Klein in the '90s, emerging as the gatekeepers to "Carolyn Bessette Kennedy chic". The comment sections are flooded by Gen Z viewers begging for the ancient magic, and exclaiming that they "still look so good!"

49-year-old Stephanie Cavalli opens the Chanel A/W 26 show.

Looking back recent fashion months, London set the standard for age inclusion. Karoline Vitto, a London-based Brazilian designer, is known for catering to women of all sizes. This diversity also extends to age; Vitto doesn’t shy away from dressing a 40-year-old woman as she would a 25-year-old. "We dress the baddies!" Vitto exclaimed backstage. "That comes in any age and any shape. It’s all about an attitude and a presence you feel when you wear the clothes." Indeed, presence is a far more interesting currency than youth, and much harder to replicate.

Johanna Parv showed a collection called Intimacy of Distances for women who are actively living and moving through life with purpose. The show notes chronicled creative women travelling via different modes to different places, with the clothes providing a uniform for streamlined, no-frills success. "Most models are too young for my taste," commented Parv, whose show featured models of a range of ages.

Translating this taste to the runway was casting director Lisa Dymph Megens, who has made it her mission to cast the types of women brands are actually selling to, meaning "sending 20 teenagers down the runway" isn’t an option. "Johanna Parv’s show proved that you can present something human and still be very 'fashion'," she told me. "As casting directors, you’re waiting for a brief that allows you to show what you stand for, because you still have to do what the designer wants, and this is an industry that’s obsessed with youth. [This] is linked to young women seeming easier to control."

Megens raises an unignorable point. Just one look at the so-called "elite" men in the news with anchors in every industry—fashion included—makes the quest for eternal youth feel far more insidious. You have to ask: whose standards are we catering to? Once you ruminate on that, suddenly it feels like it’s time to visibly grow up.

In the spirit of rebellion, Lueder’s runway was walked by London nightlife icon (and the only royal I will be acknowledging this season), Princess Julia. Famous for allegedly going out every night since 1976, Princess Julia is a pillar of London’s queer community and a champion of emerging designers. Rose McGowan, 52, also walked for Lueder, in a rave-ready look comprising a bleached pixie cut, dark glasses, a red silk bomber jacket, black tights, leg warmers and trainers. In the Matieres Fecales A/W 26 show, Debra Shaw (49), Michèle Lamy (82) and Daphne Guinness (58) were the scene stealers.

Representation of women over 40 is particularly meaningful in the trans community, where so many aren’t allowed the opportunity to age. Dominique Jackson, 50, walked for Conner Ives this season, and Connie Fleming—whose modelling career started in the '80s—recently appeared in MAC campaigns. I had the pleasure of interviewing Fleming in 2024, and we discussed how often, when you represent a marginalised community, there isn't a roadmap to follow. Allowing these women to stand and inspire people to look forward in a world where we witness rights being stripped left and right is a testament to the impact fashion can have.

Ultimately, the hope is that the industry continues on an upward trajectory when it comes to age, and this isn’t a throwaway fad, as we've unfortunately witnessed with body diversity, or the lack thereof. We cannot reduce our bodies or our life experiences to play things for the trend cycle. As Diane Von Furstenberg once said, "Don’t ask, 'How old are you?' Ask, 'How many years have you lived?'"

With spring finally here, most of us are probably focusing on what to wear for the new season. However, in the capital of the UK, all eyes were on autumn/winter 2026 as London Fashion Week was the talk of the city. And whilst most of the talk over fashion month has been about what was trending on the runways (which you can hear our thoughts here), I couldn't help but notice all of the chic street style looks as well. And this, of course, includes the cool outfits I spotted on my fellow editors.

The Who What Wear UK editors made their way around London in stylish but practical outfits suited to navigate the numerous runway shows and presentations, as well as to celebrate our own 10-year anniversary party (thanks to the Kiyori Bar at Aki London). As ever, we travelled from show to show with our beloved Volvo Black Edition XC90 and our driver (shout out to Krys!), who was always on hand to take us from A to B, or take our much-needed outfit pics. From shows to presentations, coffee pick-ups and parties after-dark, whether we were heading west for the ultra-luxury brands or travelling to east of London to discover up-and-coming designers, or dodging the (very predictable) UK showers, Volvo got us around in style.

Naturally, once we were all back in the Who What Wear UK office, I had to ask them for their exact outfit breakdowns. So if you’re in need of some new-season outfit inspiration or are simply curious about what editors wear during fashion month, keep scrolling to see what Who What Wear UK editors wore to London Fashion Week in February 2026

What the Who What Wear UK Editors Wore to London Fashion Week

1. Faux-Fur Coat + Boots + Handbag

Style Notes: "When it comes to LFW outfit prep, my first thought is practicality. We all know London isn't known for its balmy, tropical weather, so the prospect of travelling from end to end of the city in thin layers is a no-go for me—enter the statement coat. A coat like this is the outfit (thank you, Karen Millen), and such an amazing print needed very little else to make it fashion week-ready. My staple kitten heel boots go with just about every outfit, and when I saw this incredible pink Prada Supernova bag at The Handbag Clinic, I knew it had to feature somewhere, and as it turns out, it made surprisingly good sense with a zebra print." - Remy Farrell, fashion editor

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2. Rain Jacket + Capri Leggings + Mules

Style Notes: "London was set for another day of drizzle, so a chic raincoat felt like an obvious option. Far from the dowdy styles I reach for when dashing out for a rainy walk to Sainsbury’s, Damson Madder’s checkered design brought a welcome sense of whimsy—perfectly suited to a day spent admiring London talent. I paired it with capri pants—another comfort-led choice—,but the cropped proportions added a touch of intrigue to the silhouette. From there, I kept the styling simple: oversized earrings, a tote roomy enough to stow my laptop for in-between-show writing, and a pair of understated black mules to finish." - Natalie Munroe, news writer

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3. Cape Jacket + Knee Skirt + Statement Boots

Style Notes: "It's important to note that Remy and I did not discuss our outfits ahead of getting dressed that morning, but were happy with the coincidence. The accessories are the MVPs in this outfit here—I love animal print, especially zebra right now, so the boots speak for themselves. The Chanel bag is one I sourced from eBay, it's from 2006 and one of the best secondhand purchases I've ever made. The wrap coat jacket and leather midi skirt are both from Massimo Dutti, I wanted something simple to wear so my accessories and footwear could shine. Then I topped the outfit off (quite literally) with a pillbox hat, which was inspired by my colleagues at Who What Wear US, who all seemed to be wearing one at New York Fashion Week." - Rebecca Rhys-Evans, deputy editor

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4. Denim Jacket + Jeans + Loafers

Style Notes: "Fashion week is a high-impact spectator sport. Those on the sidelines—well, front row in this case—aren’t just tasked with being passive observers, but are invited to get amongst the action and involved with the proceedings from the runway. This often entails even the most senior of editors sprinting to show, dashing across the city, and even madly dashing to find their seats à la Sofia Coppola at Chanel’s spring/summer 2026, should they be caught up in the minutia that is daily traffic. For this season, I almost wanted to lean into the energetic and fast-paced nature of the week even more by dressing with function in mind, whilst of course keeping things stylish.

Reaching for a double denim set from Australian brand With Jéan—I’m from Sydney after all, so it’s always special to style something homegrown and spotlight it on the international stage—I felt prepared for whatever the day brings in this effortlessly polished and practical uniform. A Canadian Tuxedo is actually the closest thing to a tastemaker’s uniform—just look at the personal style of Interview Magazine’s Mel Ottenberg—so wearing one out and about did really make me feel equipped for anything. To bring in some more individuality, I paired the look with a Mia Thermopolis-coded knitted hat from Asta Resort (peep the cute crochet rosette on the side!) and a blue suede tote bag from Manu Atelier." - Ava Gilchrist, SEO writer

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5. Bomber Jacket + Mini Skirt + Brogues

Style Notes: "As much as I admire the innate “Londonness” about the eclectic styling flocking the streets during London Fashion Week, I always try to keep my week's worth of fits as me as possible. And above all, comfort and warmth are key. Now, I know I say this in a mini-skirt funnel-neck ensemble, but trust me, there was method to my madness. With little time in the schedule, any seasoned Fashion Week goer knows the tube or walking is often the best way to get around. And, in the mayhem, it's rather easy to work up a sweat. So, any iteration of a skirt is a fail-safe way to keep cool. But then, you typically are waiting outside whilst waiting for the shows to start, and the weather in London, especially in February, can be a tad chilly. So, this is where my practical yet on-trend funnel-neck jacket comes into play. Not only did it keep me cosy, but it provided that cool-girl “London” edge the season is known for. Finishing with a derby, a shoe practical enough for the 10,000 steps you’re likely to achieve. Injected some visual interest through my longline Fuchsia Shaw plaid shirt to break up the muted contrast; it's an outfit I’ve worn on repeat since." - Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolakis, junior fashion editor

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6. Trench Coat + Shirt + Skirt-Trousers

Style Notes: "In classic London style, it was raining on day 2 of fashion week, so my outfit centred around practicality. I’ve had this raincoat for years and wanted to give it a preppy spin with a shirt and tie, paired with this grey pleated skirt/trouser hybrid to lean even further into the school uniform vibe. To finish it off, fashion week for me isn’t complete without a fun accessory, so I topped it off with a fun, fluffy hat." - Megan Storey, social media editor

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I have been quite outspoken over the past few years about the way in which I have witnessed the importance of fashion month dwindle and then rise again within the beauty industry. Over the past few seasons, I have started to see more beauty trends emerge from runways than from social media—and this, naturally, fills me with joy. We have started to return to a slower beauty trend cycle. But nothing has made me more sure that fashion month is set to start dictating our beauty trends even more than the autumn/winter 2026 runways.

Yes, the curtain on A/W 26 fashion month has officially fallen—and the impact it made was unprecedented. We saw Matthieu Blazy's Chanel dominate the zeitgeist, Jonathan Anderson's Dior make waves and clips of Demna's star-studded Gucci runway become inescapable on our feeds. And while the chatter has, up until this point, been focused on fashion, as a beauty director, I have had my eyes firmly on the beauty.

This is every major A/W26 beauty look you're going to want to reference next season—trust me.

PARIS

Inspired by metamorphosis and the lifecycle of the butterfly, Matthieu Blazy's Chanel was nothing short of a feat—and the high-shine, silvery beauty accents dotted throughout the show are sure to prove monumental next season.

Matte lips made a big return at Victoria Beckham, where makeup artist Lucia Pica created a matte-pink-lip focal point, using Victoria Beckham Beauty Posh Balm in Colette.

Christian Dior put fresh-faced Parisian chic firmly on the agenda. Created by Peter Philips, creative and image director for Dior Makeup, he explains the look by saying, “I created a natural, fresh, very contemporary look, with a luminous complexion and eyes subtly accentuated with touches of black kohl. Like traces of make-up, for the light, nonchalant effect, in ‘Parisian girl’ style.” It's the lips plumped with Dior Addict Lip Maximizer in 001 Pink that wins the whole thing for me.

We saw washes of brown eyeshadow at Rabanne. The hue was extended beyond the lid and smoked out around lower lashes to create an exceptionally well-polished take on an otherwise grungy makeup look.

Delicately gelled up-dos at Dries Van Noten were paired with sharp feathered brow accents.

High-glam led the way at Saint Laurent with a retro smokey eye, berry lips and masterfully slicked-back hair.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about the slightly blurred, messy, berry-chocolate lips at Carven since I first set eyes on them.

And speaking of dark, stained lips, the precise application of the deep plump-brown lipstick at Elie Saab is something I've definitely taken note of.

Chloé-girl hair is epitomised by long, flowing, bohemian waves, but for A/W 26 the house explored elements of folk, too. Anthony Turner, lead hair stylist, says, "We used the Dyson Supersonic r to mimic the effect of real wind: holding out the hair, shaking it gently, then using the concentrator attachment to blast air through. This creates that fluffy, flyaway effect—totally light, totally alive.”

Bend-It-Like-Beckham-style stretchy hair combs made a comeback at Miu Miu.

Grey smoked eyes and wet-look, slicked-back hair led the way at Givenchy. Makeup artist Lucia Pieroni, who created the look, says, “The idea was to convey strength through the eyes. These were framed in an almost diffused black so that it felt worn and personal, not harsh but luxurious.”

The subtly flushed cheeks at Louis Vuitton are sitting front and centre of my A/W vision board.

High-gloss, statement blush, dewy highlight and iridescent eye shadow—Balenciaga had it all.

The looks at Stella McCartney are always a masterclass in natural beauty. This season, models had nude but perfected nails with Kure Bazaar's Base Intensive Hyaluronique. Skin was prepped with skincare and left glowing. And on hair, Eugene Souleiman, hair director and Kevin Murphy pro ambassador, created a look that restored each model's hair to its healthiest, most natural state.

MILAN

Demna's Gucci really delivered night-time glam, and smokey eyes were the focal point.

The messy Prada girl is going nowhere for A/W, and this season's beauty masterpiece came via dishevelled ponytails and smudged liner.

Jil Sander was a masterclass in how to nail balmy skin and a statement lip.

Velvet waves and silky skin made for the ultimate beauty combination at Fendi.

Undone hair and imperfect partings proved commonplace on A/W runways, and this look at Giorgio Armani sums things up expertly.

Side-swept, '80s-esque volume in hair also made a major comeback. This Boss look is beautifully nostalgic.

Cold-girl blush and brushed brows define autumn/winter for Missoni.

LONDON

The beauty looks at Harris Reed are always major, and this season proved no exception. Created by global artistry director at Charlotte Tilbury, Sofia Tilbury, the graphic liner (created with Charlotte Tilbury Classic Eyeliner in Classic Black and Rock 'n' Kohl in Bedroom Black) made a bold impact. “Harris’ vision this season is bold, expressive and sculptural, so we wanted the makeup to feel equally powerful. The graphic liner creates structure and strength, while fresh, lit-from-within skin and softly enhanced lips bring balance. It’s about creating tension between the dramatic and refined, the bold and wearable,” she says.

Draped blusher and matte textures stood out at Simone Rocha. Makeup artist Thomas de Kluyver created the look with Byredo, using Stromboli and Reunion Matte Lipstick.

Emilia Wickstead is always very much about a fresh-faced glow, and we have not been let down for A/W 26. Eve Lom facials were given to models backstage using the Eve Lom exclusive London Fashion Week Skincare Bundle, while Bobbi Brown Cosmetics global pro artist, Amy Conway, amplified the skin with a sheer glow and brushed brows. "We introduced gentle structure to the eyes using Stone Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick. The result is a look that feels modern, confident and quietly powerful, while remaining true to the individuality of each model,” she says.

Sam McKnight MBE created the hair look as "an ode to the '30s, with natural textures and waves defined, tied low with an androgynous silhouette."

The main beauty event at Burberry? The sort of balmy glow I could only dream of come winter.

Joseph was all about that hair. Anna Cofone, global creative advocate for Authentic Beauty Concept and hair lead for the show, says, “The inspiration for the hair was a blend of ’70s freedom and ’80s power femininity. The ’80s power comes through in that pushed-back, slightly oblique shape—we didn’t want a sharp parting, it had to feel like she’d had her hair done three or four days ago. She’s someone with a high-flying job, she parties, she goes for long walks—there’s a realness to her." The look was achieved by heroing Authentic Beauty Concept Hydrate Spray Conditioner and Authentic Beauty Concept Airy Texture Spray.

Tilbury also took the lead on makeup at Julien Macdonald, where full glam once again reigned supreme. “This season, the Julien Macdonald woman is strong, confident and unapologetically glamorous. The collection reflects a beautiful fusion between softness and structure, femininity and strength—and we wanted the makeup to mirror that same duality," says Tilbury. The highlight for me is, well, that highlight—created with Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter.

Everything about the beauty look at Erdem was, in my opinion, perfection. Skin was prepped by renowned facialist Hadda Akrim with SkinCeuticals Express Glass Skin Sculpting Facials backstage, heroing the brand's cult P-Tiox serum."The intention is all about creating a strong, hydrated base. We use specific techniques to ensure the skin is plump and hydrated, focusing on products that offer immediate results without feeling heavy,” says Hadda.

Makeup came courtesy of Fara Homidi. "I really wanted them to be their own characters. Even though we're doing basically a similar look on everyone, it's just emphasising their own personal features," she says. For me, it's the wash of warming brown over lids that sold me on the Fara Homidi Essential Eye Compact in No. 20.

And as for the hair? Another Souleiman creation with Kevin Murphy. “It needed to feel real,” says Souleiman. “It didn't feel like it was styled in front of a mirror. It was like hair that women could do themselves; that's what we did." To achieve the look, hair was freshly washed and air-dried before a light misting of Kevin Murphy Anti Gravity Spray from a distance.

Both hair and skin glowed with unparalleled sheen and health at Toga.

Dishevelled glam led the way at Di Petsa with out-of-place hair and morning-after-the-night-before makeup.

At Tolu Coker, hair was preened to perfection by Efi Davies using Toni & Guy, while matte shadow also tapped into the overarching sense of nostalgia.

Electric blue lashes framed the upper lash line at Edeline Lee.

In true Richard Quinn fashion, Sam McKnight MBE created glossy chignons with form-fitting twists using his Superlift and Easy-Up Do volume and texturising sprays.

Hair at Chet Lo was nothing short of a work of art. Creative by Cofone with Authentic Beauty Concept, she explains, “The inspiration for the hair was a reflection of Southeast Asian identity, drawing from the iconic headdresses of Peking Opera. In opera, the feathers create these beautiful calligraphic lines that extend the performer’s movement. We wanted to reinterpret that in a simple, modern way. The glass-straight hair keeps everything disciplined and refined, and then the feathers or sculptural chignon details interrupt that precision. It’s about control and movement existing together. At the heart of every look was Authentic Beauty Concept Glow Spray Serum— the hero product backstage—delivering high-impact shine and that ultra-reflective, glass finish that feels modern and directional. I think we’re going to see glass-like, ultra-straight hair return after seasons of larger, more natural and textured styles."

Conner Ives showcased '90s beauty perfection with this look. Grey lids and pencil-thin brows shone, while hair, which was created by Claire Grech for Bumble and bumble, championed a high-shine side-part, created by warming a small amount of Bumble and bumble Sumo Gel between hands and glazing over the surface of the twist for added gloss.

NEW YORK

Beautifully bronzed skin proved their is always a place for winter glow at Ralph Lauren.

I am a sucker for a bare-face/red-lip combination, and the intentionally messy application of lipstick at Michael Kors is perfectly imperfect.

There's no doubt that winged liner is set for somewhat of a resurgence in A/W 26, and this look at Tory Burch makes a strong case for it.

Whatever the season, in my opinion, there is always room for a clumpy lash look, and this one at Proenza Schouler sets the standard.

Glowy skin dominated at Sandy Liang, but in a sleepy-girl sort of way. The dreamy plumpness was achieved with Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water, Revive Under Eye Patches and Dynasty Cream.

LaQuan Smith was all about mega volume in the hair and precisely framed eyes.

Over the past couple of years, I have become totally enamoured with Coach's approach to bed-head hair—and this season proved no different.

I have been predicting an almost-black lipstick movement for some time now, and this look at Khaite makes a very strong case for it.

A brand famed for its expert approach to prettiness, this pink-on-pink look at Carolina Herrera is nothing short of beautiful.

Slicked-back knots paired minimalism with intricate styling at Altuzarra.

Another side-parted, power hairstyle, the way Calvin Klein's slicked-back look remains soft and playful is divine.

COPENHAGEN

High-shine dolphin skin is looking set to make a major comeback as we venture into the second-half of the year, and Baum und Pferdgarten knows it.

Cofone preserved individuality in hair texture at Holzweiler. "Rather than changing the hair, we wanted to elevate how it already is, celebrating what makes each person unique. It has that two-day-old feeling: polished, but very lived-in. We focused on products that I use across the red carpet, runway and everyday. Authentic Beauty Concept’s Hydrate Spray Conditioner is one of my essentials for bringing moisture back into all hair textures without weighing the hair down," she says.

It's been a particularly busy fashion month, and whether reporting live from the front row at London Fashion Week or celeb-spotting in New York, one thing I always make time for, whatever the city, is to note the street-style trends. Designers may set the tone for what we're going to wear next season, but the crowds outside the shows are a strong indicator of what's resonating now. One standout this season? Just how much stylish Parisians love denim.

If you thought the typical French wardrobe was still bouclé jackets, cigarette trousers and ballet pumps, I can assure you that times have drastically changed. People in the French capital love experimenting with shape, colour and texture, and whilst the French will always be known for their appreciation of the classics, modern dressers are also incorporating playful pieces and fun accessories into their looks, refreshing what we consider to be the archetypal French "uniform".

This March, Paris was full of spring-ready outfits built around denim staples. Yes, there were jeans and blouses, jeans and tees, jeans and jackets, jeans and… well, just about anything, but there were also plenty of denim jackets and skirts, too. For too long, humble denim has been relegated to casual territory, but Parisians know how to style it up to its full potential.

Curious as to how you can make denim feel fresh in 2026? Keep scrolling to see the five denim trends that have been doing the rounds this PFW for some inspiration. After all, it's one of the fashion capitals of the world for very good reason.

1. Ultra-Distressed Jeans

Style Notes: Parisians might have a reputation for being polished, but that's not going to stop them from getting into a down-and-dirty denim trend like roughed-up, distressed jeans. If they look like they've been slept in, rolled around in and worn day in and day out for years, they get the cool-girl stamp of approval. We called it first, and the rise of the "messy girl" aesthetic is a rally against the quiet-luxury, clean-girl look that has dominated fashion for the past couple of years. This season, it pays to look like you haven't tried too hard, so don't.

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2. White Jeans

Style Notes: Yes, you can wear cream, ecru and white trousers outside of summer, and at Paris Fashion Week, attendees were wearing white washes of denim with warmer layers like funnel-neck jackets and mohair cardigans over tanks and tees. There's something surprisingly luxe about cream denim in looser, relaxed fits, but especially when accessorised with heels and chic mini bags.

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3. Quirky Details

Style Notes: With so many pairs of straight-legged indigo and true-blue jeans on the market, Parisians are looking for a point of difference that makes their denim stand out. Little touches like studs, embroidery, reworked waistbands, contrast stitching and raw hems help turn simple jeans into a talking point, and follow the lead of designers like Coperni, Acne and Diesel, who are rewriting the denim rulebook in the 2020s.

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4. Double Denim

Style Notes: Perhaps it's time to rebrand the "Texan tuxedo" as the "French fancy", because whilst Americans have moved away from double denim, Europeans are leaning into it. Unlike the original slim fit of the '80s and '90s, this time around, we're doing double denim supersized. Baggy jeans stuffed into boots, balloon jackets tucked into waistbands: the bigger the better for Parisians who are adopting this easy outfit combo for a dose of off-duty cool. Sorry, skinnies, this look is all about roomy denim that prioritises comfort.

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5. Long Denim Skirts

Style Notes: I would be remiss not to include skirts on a list of the best denim trends to come out of Paris this season. Often falling well below jeans, jackets and shorts in the best-denim rankings, the overlooked denim skirt is just as versatile as its cousins, but with a little more spring/summer appeal (if you ask this editor). On days when clingy jeans are just too much, long denim skirts strike the perfect balance between coverage and airy freedom, and the French prefer theirs in mid-blue washes that go with everything from blouses to bomber jackets.

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Anyone who knows me will know about my not-so-subtle penchant for French style. There’s just something about it: always elegant, always effortless, there's a reason Paris has long been regarded as the home of some of the chicest dressing in the world.

So when Paris Fashion Week rolls around and the city fills with some of the most stylish people on the planet, you know I won’t let the moment pass me by. Indulging in a little street style spotting, courtesy of the Parisian fashion set, I combed through the crowds to pinpoint the key trends gaining traction right now.

From the outerwear trend Parisians are actually wearing (hint: it’s not bouclé) to the new shoe silhouette overtaking ballet flats, below are the five street style trends from Paris Fashion Week March 2026 that are already taking off.

1. Red Jackets

Style Notes: Sorry, beige bouclé—fashion people in Paris are bundling up in red jackets instead. While red bomber and windbreaker styles made the biggest impact on the streets, I also spotted striking trench coats and tailored blazers in the shade throughout the week. Injecting a confident pop of colour into otherwise pared-back outfits, this bold outerwear choice added personality without compromising that enduring Parisian polish

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2. Archival Icons

Style Notes: I spotted countless fashion insiders carrying revived it bags, from the iconic Chloé Paddington Bag to the Celine Phantom Bag and Balenciaga Le City Bag. These once-beloved designs, many of which have been reissued in recent years, are clearly finding favour again.

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3. Bootcut Jeans

Style Notes: This season, the city’s most stylish dressers are swapping their straight-leg and baggy jeans for sleek bootcut silhouettes. Subtly flared through the calf, the shape elongates the leg while introducing a slightly bohemian, ‘70s-inspired feel.

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4. Lace-Trim

Style Notes: Delicate lace trims added a romantic flourish to many of the prettiest looks throughout the week. Spotted peeking out from skirts and slips, the detail brought a soft, feminine finish to outfits. Elegant and intricate, it also taps into the broader romantic aesthetic that continues to gain momentum this season.

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5. Square-Toe Heels

Style Notes: After seasons dominated by ballet flats and Mary Janes, heels are finally returning to the street style scene. But rather than delicate stilettos, the fashion set are stepping out in chunkier, more sculptural square-toe heels. Slightly more directional, and a little less traditionally “pretty”, this modern silhouette feels like a natural evolution, and one I suspect will soon make its way across the Channel, too.

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Milano—season after season, you seduce us with your enduring glamour and inimitable cool. As the home of Prada, Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Marni and more, the city thrums with creativity, and never more than during Milan Fashion Week. A high-shine confidence runs through its storied fashion houses. Unafraid of a little excess, Milan embraces sparkle, sequins and sheer with open arms, making other fashion capitals feel almost restrained in comparison.

Long considered a bellwether for the season ahead, especially when it comes to party moments, Milan Fashion Week’s autumn/winter 2026 collections delivered exactly what we hoped for: drama and decadence. After closely watching the runways and revisiting the standout shows, a handful of clear themes emerged—trends the city’s most influential houses seem unanimously aligned on.

Read on to discover the defining Milan Fashion Week autumn/winter 2026 runway trends to know now.

5 Runway Trends from Milan Fashion Week to Know Now

1. Royal Purple

Style Notes: If the past few seasons were defined by sumptuous burgundies and decadent browns, consider this their bolder successor. For A/W ’26, designers leaned towards a richer, punchier palette, with royal purple emerging as the standout shade. Long considered a tricky, even divisive hue, it has suddenly found favour among the industry’s most directional houses, including Gucci, Ferragamo and Sportmax. Whether worn in saturated, head-to-toe sweeps or tempered with inky black and dark chocolate brown—royal purple reigned.

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2. Colourful Cuffs

Style Notes: This season, designers punctuated looks with a flash of colour at the wrist. At Prada, Bottega Veneta and Ferragamo, sleeves were finished with vivid trims that peeked out beneath coats and knits. It’s a subtle styling trick, but one that feels primed for rapid adoption among the street style set.

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3. Frothy Collars

Style Notes: A romantic mood swept the runways, as ruffled, voluminous and deliciously frothy collars crowned dresses, blouses and outerwear. As Victorian influences continue to permeate pop culture—fanned by the recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights and the enduring pull of Bridgerton—fashion’s embrace of the trend feels right on time.

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4. Skirt Suits

Style Notes: Perhaps the most polished pairing of the week, the skirt suit found its feet in Milan. At Gucci, single-breasted, slim-fitting jackets were styled with knee-grazing pencil skirts for a sharp effect. Fendi offered a softer interpretation, presenting longer hemlines with slouchier, elongated blazers, while Jil Sander leaned into minimalism with marl-hued sets that gently skimmed the frame.

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5. Lace-Up Knee Boots

Style Notes: In place of prim Mary Janes, designers embraced sharper, more commanding lace-up knee boots. A progression of the knee-high styles that have dominated in recent years, these iterations come tightly bound, laced from ankle to calf in a subtle nod to Victorian dressing. Witchy and dramatic they tap into the same romantic undercurrent seen across the collections.

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Ciao! With fashion turning its attention to the Italian sartorial capital for Milan Fashion Week, the birthplace of Prada and the Negroni Sbagliato has become a hotbed for impeccable street style. Within its ringed walls, local haunts like the Via Monte Napoleone and Palazzo del Senato have been transformed into runways in their own right.

Whilst it’s not unusual for the city’s natives to deliver a masterclass in everyday elegance—this is the place that pioneered dressing archetypes like the well-heeled and glamorous “sciura”, after all—the convergence of star-studded guests and incredibly sophisticated denizens have certainly dialled things up a notch. In fact, you could say that the outfits are nothing short of molto benne.

But given this is the place that hosts collection presentations from the likes of Fiorucci and Diesel, the one category that has piqued our interest the most has certainly been the denim. From dark blue Gucci Giglio tote bags to the ivory Bermuda shorts, denim of all varieties has been saturating the city faster than you could order an Aperol Spritz.

With this category being one of the most useful in any well-edited wardrobe, we thought it best to spotlight the notable looks that are actually wearable now and chronicle the key denim street style trends taking over Milan Fashion Week. Though the autumn/winter 2026 shows might be far more stirring in terms of what’s shown, it would be remiss of us to not to devote a little time to discussing the looks that are already turning heads.

From new washes approved by editors to the silhouettes adored by off-duty supermodels, keep scrolling through for the key denim trends defining Milan Fashion Week.

1. Upturned Cuffs

Style Notes: Take it from the best in the business. When needing to add an element of visual contrast, simply take the cuff of your jeans and turn it up a few inches. If it’s good enough for Bella Hadid—who achieved a major career milestone this week by walking Prada’s show four times—it’s good enough for me.

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2. Ultra-Baggy Silhouettes

Style Notes: The off-duty wardrobes of models have always served as inspiration. However, for those who pay close attention, you’ll notice that these ensembles are always the least flamboyant. Featuring practical details like oversized tote bags, functional flats and baggy denim that’s easy to slip in and out of backstage, you can always rely on this set to leave the more ostentatious displays to the collections themselves.

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3. Stovepipe Shapes

Style Notes: The Carolyn Bessette Kennedy effect has hit Milan. Fashion people aren’t immune to the whims of popular culture, so it’s no surprise to see attendees taking a page out of the beloved fashion icon’s handbook and sauntering through the city in her preferred cut of jeans—stovepipe.

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4. Barrel Legs

Style Notes: If the 1990s had razor-sharp shapes, then the 2020s have barrel legs. Slouchy through the thigh and tapered around the ankle, this horseshoe-esque silhouette injects a sculptural touch to outfits crafted from well-edited basics.

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5. Split Hemlines

Style Notes: The beauty of fashion week is being on the pulse of what’s to come next. Before collections hit boutiques, the style that’s displayed indicates the ways we will be dressing for months to come. Consider, then, split hem jeans to be the next frontier of denim. Despite this being a design element mostly relegated to trousers or ponte leggings, it’s refreshing to see this sliced edge being applied to your favourite pair of baby blues.

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6. Indigo Washes

Style Notes: We might finally have an answer for Leonard Cohen, who asked over a decade ago whether we wanted it darker. According to the Milan Fashion Week street style set, we do, with the chicest denim styles boasting a deep indigo wash. Featured on Khaite’s recent runway and the colour of the world’s first-ever pair of jeans designed by Levi’s all the way back 1873, as the weather warms, expect the dyes we wear to only get cooler.

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Street style spotting is quite literally my job, and I approach it with the kind of rigour usually reserved for runway reviews. So as we ripple through Fashion Month and the industry decamps from city to city, my trends radar is on high alert. After several days spent analysing the Milanese style set, I noticed the same jacket silhouette kept reappearing on the shoulders of off-duty models.

Not a blazer, not even a trench. Instead, as spring slowly begins to find its footing, Milan’s best-dressed are reaching for leather bomber jackets.

Slung over white T-shirts, shirts and knits, the silhouette consistently topped the most compelling off-duty looks. Styling was low-key: straight-leg jeans and relaxed trousers created an effortless, unfussy feel.

Compared to the polish of a blazer or the primness of neater, cropped outerwear, the leather bomber introduces ease. Yet thanks to its glossy, supple finish, it never veers into scruffy territory.

Of course, this isn’t happening in a vacuum. The silhouette has already been building momentum on the runways. Any fashion person will readily cite Saint Laurent’s A/W 2025 collection as one of the most impactful of recent seasons, where leather bomber jackets emerged as a hero piece.

And whilst the look may feel particularly at home in Milan right now, the leather bomber is steadily permeating wardrobes far beyond. Brands such as H&M and Reiss have already delivered compelling iterations, while houses like Saint Laurent continue to offer elevated takes.

If Milan’s off-duty models are anything to go by, this is the jacket silhouette to know now. Read on to shop the chicest styles below.

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With Milan Fashion Week in full swing, the city’s streets are swelling with styling inspiration. Editors, buyers and insiders have descended on the Italian style capital to take in the latest collections from the likes of Miuccia Prada and Denma—and they’ve dressed accordingly.

Long considered a bellwether for the season ahead, Milan’s street style scene has a way of setting the tone for what we’ll all be wearing next. Between shows, I took a little extra time to observe the silhouettes and styling tricks making the strongest impression right now.

Set to filter into the rest of our wardrobes before long, these are the key looks to borrow from Milan’s best dressed this season.

4 Milan Street Style Trends Taking Off Right Now:

1. Funnel Neck Leather Jackets:

Style Notes: A sleek evolution of a perennial classic, funnel-neck leather jackets are breaking through as the outerwear hero of the week. Structured and slightly sculptural, styled with dark sunglasses, the slouchy leather brings an effortless, model-off-duty finish to casual looks. Pairing well with straight-leg jeans or sharper pencil skirts, the high-impact layer crafts a chic silhouette.

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2. Layers on Layers on Layers

Style Notes: This season, when it came to layering, more was certainly more. Shirts are doubled up, lightweight knits are shrugged over shoulders, and extra jumpers are tied at the waist, creating outfits rich in dimension and texture. Try wearing two crisp shirts at once or draping a fine knit over a blazer to recreate the look.

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3. High-Rise Stovepipe Jeans

Style Notes: Yes, it's true: low-rise, ultra-baggy denim is taking a back seat—at least in Milan. In its place, high-rise, slim-cut stovepipe jeans that elongate the leg are taking hold. This sleeker, more refined take on denim feels more in tune with the elevated styling the fashion week calls for. Worn with pointed-toe boots or classic loafers, these jeans offer one of the chicest ways to wear denim right now.

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4. Blue Bags

Style Notes: While black totes will always have their place, Milan’s fashion crowd is making a case for colour. Echoing the season’s broader shift towards brighter, more expressive hues, statement blue bags are injecting freshness into otherwise neutral looks. Whether styled against classic tailoring or pared-back denim, this punchy accessory feels like the easiest way to update your wardrobe for spring.

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The message for dressing next autumn? Good suiting should be the hallmark of your wardrobe. It’s only Day 3 at Milan Fashion Week, and by the looks of the influx both on-and-off the runway, sharp tailoring is already the overarching mood of the season—trends may come and go, but excellent suiting will never go out of style.

BOSS dipped into the archives to modernise old silhouettes. Late '80s, exaggerated shoulders were balanced with narrow waists, while double-breasted jackets were styled with single-pleat trousers (reader, there’s no corporate workwear here). Outerwear ran the gamut from louche, floor-grazing overcoats to cropped bombers. Materiality from nylon, particularly good in trench form, to leather and cashmere. Clothes to touch, and then some.

Printed silk and jacquard scarves—another trend du jour and easy styling hack—appeared as neckties, scarves and cummerbunds. If you are currently styling a fringed scarf around your attire, consider this your a/w '26 upgrade.

The well-heeled crowd and front row—including Cat Burns and David Beckham, dressed in a suit, shirt and tie respectively—added their own touches: the former wore a contrast blue tie with a grey suit, while the latter added a paisley print silk scarf to her black get-up.

Rendered in a palette of moody plums and grounding marls, the collection never wavered in its wearability. If anything, it sharpened BOSS’s position as the label for the modern 9-to-5er—though this season, they're just as considered after hours.

Discover the BOSS Autumn/Winter 2026 Collection:

And just like that, we’ve wrapped on another season of London Fashion Week. And as ever, this year provided many unmissable moments, trends, hero items and collaborations worth knowing about. From a surprise appearance from none other than King Charles III, who was sat on front row for Tolu Coker’s first runway show, to a surprise performance from Little Simz, as well as Burberry’s showcase that left us all feeling like London is well and truly back on the fashion map, this season brought much excitement.

Whilst one of the "Big Four" major fashion cities, London is seen more as a hub for emerging talent and cult designers, there were still some must-see collections from bigger brands. Erdem and Emilia Wickstead, forever legends on the London schedule, debuted another season of house signatures. For Erdem, the focus was texture, brocade and romance for its 20th anniversary, with Emilia Wickstead showcasing her usual refined elegance, with a few unexpected contemporary details.

Adding to the excitement, Joseph made a grand return to London, debuting its A/W 26 collection at the Tate Modern. A brand known for its minimalist sensibilities, it pushed its own house boundaries to present "quiet luxury 2.0". Whilst staying true to Joseph’s DNA, it provided all the components of a timeless capsule wardrobe, with some surprise details. Rhinestone-clad separates, beaded knitwear and molten gold statement jewellery felt fresh for the season ahead.

Post-show talks amongst the team brought up several mentions of dresses. For a few years now, it has seemed that fashion has favoured skirts, suits and separates in general, but this time, London welcomed back the one-piece. From classic gowns at Richard Quinn, Erdem and Emilia Wickstead, to some surprising styles seen at Simone Rocha and Conner Ives, I woke up that Tuesday morning to find the note "power dresses are back!" typed on my notes app. Go figure!

Of course, it would be remiss to talk about the big brands without mentioning Burberry, which closed London Fashion Week at Old Billingsgate Market. Focusing on the city’s rainy weather as a theme, the collection was all about its iconic trench coat, but this time, creative director Daniel Lee was offering versions we hadn’t seen before. Indeed, all the celebrity guests, from Skepta to Alexa Chung, Stella Starsgaard to Daisy Edgar-Jones and Kate Moss, were wearing a different iteration of the show’s star piece. Naturally, it had been raining in London for several days, so this collection felt like it could almost be see-now, buy-now.

But whilst London may not have as many of the bigger design houses on its roster, it is home to some of the most impressive young talent in fashion. Grace Wales Bonner, Martine Rose, Chopova Lowena and Conner Ives are just some of the designers who made their way through the London circuit, many of them coming from the British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN programme.

So here, when collating the eight trends I spotted on the ground whilst darting between shows, presentations and the occasional party (or three), I’ve compiled a list that encompasses not only the big hitters but the emerging talent you need to have on your radar for A/W 26.

8 Trends From London Fashion Week A/W 26 That You Need to Know

1. Military Precision

Style Notes: We've been predicting the return of the Napoleon jacket since mid-last year, but it seems it's next autumn when the runways will really explore this comeback. A jacket so tied to the "indie sleaze" era, and with the recent obsession with 2016, it's no surprise that Sinead Gorey and Keburia, two designers known for their ironic design codes and nostalgic aesthetics, would champion this. But, for this season, we saw so much more than just Napoleon jackets. From golden braided frog closures on a Conner Ives denim jacket, to Labrum's regal structured silhouettes and pins, there were sightings of military influences, even in the most subtle of ways.

2. Check Mate

Style Notes: Starting strong with Burberry, a brand known as much for its iconic Nova check as it is for its trench coat, there were a few subtle references to its famed plaid on show. However, creative director Daniel Lee didn't focus too heavily on this graphic. Whilst it came on the pictured grey trench, as well as a fur burgundy bomber jacket and scarf, it remained an elusive part of the collection. For Emilia Wickstead and Tolu Coker, however, checks were more prominent, featured across tailored two- or (three-) piece sets, and in vibrant palettes. Bora Aksu, a designer known for referencing styles of the past, looked to more traditional checks, like dogstooth, houndstooth and gingham.

3. Pinned Down

Style Notes: We reported on the prominence of brooches late last year, so it's safe to say this often overlooked accessory was well on our radar. However, for A/W 26, there was no question of this slipping through the net. Then, the styling of brooches felt fairly pared-back; this season, they're hard to miss. At Toga, one of the standout looks was a dress that had the bottom half adorned in different brooches with organic, almost molten, stones.

At Sinead Gorey, it wasn't brooches but pins, which perfectly suit the label's punk aesthetic. Pins were actually something we noticed a lot when observing street style (perhaps a progression of this trend, and one to look out for?). At Simone Rocha and Erdem, it was, as usual, all about hyper-femininity, created with jewelled pins as well as layered ribbons and rosettes (a house signature for Rocha).

4. Touchy-Feely

Style Notes: What is the autumn/winter season without texture, furs and general softness? It goes without saying that in London, the city where we can't help but talk about the weather, we expect to see some decent outerwear. Burberry, Joseph and Toga delivered this in abundance, with full-length faux-fur coats, shearling jackets and aviator bombers. But there were a few other, less anticipated hero pieces so irresistibly tactile, you can't help but want to touch them. From feathered tops and accessories at Mithridate to a faux-fur polo shirt at Fashion East's Goyagoma by designer Traiceline Pratt, as well as those furry flats at Erdem, A/W 26 is proving that being cosy needn't be boring.

5. The Rad Hatter

Style Notes: ICYMI, 2026 is all about the hat. From Kangol berets to bonnets and bucket hats, we're focused on headwear. But what about for A/W 26? According to Labrum and Argo, deer-stalker hats are on the menu. I also noticed several trapper styles, with Ouyang, Mithridate and Sinead Gorey presenting XXXL shearling-lined, shaggy and faux-fur versions, worn loose below the chin. No cold ears here!

6. Florals

Style Notes: We expect florals in spring, but in winter, it's less anticipated. Especially in London, where for the most part, the style is quite casual, grungy even. Designers like Patrick McDowell and Richard Quinn, known for their theatrical show-stopping gowns that celebrate "classic" femininity, delivered pretty floral motifs, presented on vintage silhouettes that still felt timeless. Quinn's mesmerising '80s-inspired cuts displayed florals not just as digitally-printed graphics, but with embellished beading, brooches and feathers.

Emilia Wickstead and Simone Rocha showcased a few of their own floral dresses that stayed true to their individual house codes: adorned with ribbons and rosettes for Rocha, and off-the-shoulder silhouettes for Wickstead. Cult designer Masha Papova, however, presented a floral-printed leather jacket with matching short-shorts and shoes, delivering a three-piece look we didn't see coming.

7. Victoriana

Style Notes: Victorian-inspired fashion was a major theme for S/S 26, either with gothic references to hair and corsetry at Dilara Findikoglu or with romantic references like lace and "Froth" at Simone Rocha and Bora Aksu. For A/W 26, Victorian influences feel less gothic and more whimsical. Aksu and Rocha delivered what they always do: highly detailed lace gowns, with layers and swathes of sheer fabric and frou-frou skirts. The tailoring also felt quite Victorian, with Erdem's rigid high collars under blazers, tweed three-piece suits with brogues at Bora Aksu, and even Conner Ives referencing Dandyism by way of the '80s, with cummerbunds and neckerchiefs.

8. Heavy Embellishments

Style Notes: There's no question that A/W 26 was one for maximalists. Even designers known for their pared-back approach, like Joseph, delivered looks with heavier luxe details like rhinestones and embellishments. A standout look from Joseph was a cream knitted midi skirt and jumper set, which was heavily adorned with long, almost spiked beads.

For Conner Ives, this was a black two-piece set adorned with large, coin-like circular sequins that appeared almost like scales in the light. Richard Quinn, as previously mentioned, presented multiple opulent gowns decorated with ornate embellishments. At Emilia Wickstead, a strapless gold sequin number will certainly be looked upon as a trophy piece come party season, displaying beaded fringing along the hem. Spectacular!

There’s a particular feeling that stirs in a Londoner’s chest when crossing one of the city’s bridges after dark. If the mood is right, the sight of the Thames unfurling beneath you—wide and inky, reflecting the glittering landmarks that flank your path—sparks a rush of elation and pride. Pride that, amid the sprawl and spectacle, you’ve carved out a place for yourself in one of the greatest cities on earth.

That same London mood framed Burberry’s autumn/winter 2026 show. Staged at Old Billingsgate, the former fish market perched on the banks of the River Thames, the setting felt perfectly metropolitan, complete with its own rendering of Tower Bridge, crowded by glossy latex “puddles.”

A constellation of A-list guests arrived, Barry Keoghan, Lila Moss, Pink Pantheress, Mia Regan, Daisy Edgar-Jones, and Devon Lee Carlson were amongst those swathed in the house signatures that cemented Burberry’s global renown. Alexa Chung was bundled into a tightly belted leather trench in a rich plum hue, while Kate Moss—London royalty in her own right—opted for a jet-black cotton trench cut neatly to the knee. Collapsing the traditional front row, actors, musicians, artists and athletes were dotted throughout the space. Moss, animated as ever, was spotted chewing the ear off Oscar-nominated Stellan Skarsgård.

For all the city’s perennial complaints—its weather chief among them—Londoners remain quietly proud. And, it seems, so does creative director Daniel Lee. Leaning into the romance of a deep London winter, the collection was anchored by outerwear: that most necessary of British wardrobe pillars. The trench coat, reworked in leather and plissé, emerged alongside cropped, fur-trimmed bombers and exaggerated pea coats. In doing so, the collection framed the essentials as the most exciting part of next season’s wardrobe.

The show’s central thesis—London at Night—explored a palette of moody decadence. Glossy leathers appeared as trenches, trousers, opera-length gloves and sharp-toed shoes. Ruffled collars and swathes of fur retained the Londoner’s throw-on insouciance—all rendered in rich plums, blacks, navies and burgundies. Later, partywear emerged: tasselled dresses, satin gowns, thigh-grazing skirts made for plans after-dark. The high-low styling—a bomber jacket thrown over a sequinned slip, for example—epitomises the It girl style and energy London is known for.

And then came the final procession of trench coats: the ultimate emblem of the capital. This year marks 170 years of Burberry. In celebrating the city’s rain-slicked romance, Burberry distilled the feeling of crossing that bridge, looking out over the Thames, and knowing exactly where you stand. As for Daniel Lee? He’s firmly at home.

Discover Burberry's Autumn/Winter 2026 Collection:

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If anyone actually understands what Londoners want to wear, it’s Alexa Chung. Arriving in central London for the hotly anticipated Simone Rocha show, the model and enduring style icon stepped out in a chic two-piece look I expect to see replicated across the capital come March.

Sidestepping the prim, sharply tailored pieces that have dominated for seasons, Chung opted for something altogether more relaxed. For her front-row appearance, she shrugged on a billowy, sport-inflected windbreaker from the forthcoming Simone Rocha x Adidas collaboration. With a retro cut and easy funnel neck, the jacket nodded to the enduring track-top revival without feeling overly styled.

Balancing the sporty top layer, Chung grounded the look with slinky satin shorts, trimmed delicately with lace. Finished with sleek pointed-toe heels from Miu Miu, the heels complemented the prettiness of the lace, elevating what might otherwise read casual into something altogether more considered.

Londoners have long had a penchant for sporty silhouettes, but styled with lace-trim shorts—another trend quietly gathering momentum—this pairing feels newly relevant. Expect to see that subtle interplay of athletic and romantic cropping up across London before long.

Ever inspired by Chung’s approach to dressing, scroll on to shop the best windbreakers and lace-trim shorts to try the look for yourself.

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I might be biased, but I’ve long believed London has some of the best street style in the world. Take a stroll through Central on a sunny day, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with some of the chicest off-duty looks around. And when that already-stylish city collides with fashion week? You're in for some real treats.

With a wave of new-season trends flooding the capital, I’ve been keeping a close eye on the outfits emerging on London's chicest streets to decipher exactly what the coolest dressers are backing right now. From a bold new animal print edging out its predecessor to the unexpected accessory suddenly everywhere, these are the London Fashion Week street style trends you need to know about now.

5 Street Style Trends Taking Off in London Right Now:

1. Zebra Print

Style Notes: Sorry, leopard—you had a great run. But spring 2026 is ushering in a new wild favourite. Zebra print has officially trotted onto the scene, and London’s style set has embraced it wholeheartedly. No silhouette was spared: I spotted zebra-striped tights peeking beneath hemlines, coats, bold bags and even graphic footwear earn their stripes this week.

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2. Sports Day

Style Notes: Londoners have always had a soft spot for a sporty twist, but this season it feels more prevalent than ever. As temperatures inch upwards, the style set is leaning into relaxed, athletic staples—think track pants, windbreakers and retro trainers—slightly nostalgic, this trend is set to gain even more momentum as the season unfolds.

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3. Brooch Maxxing

Style Notes: Last year, you couldn’t move through a fashion crowd without hearing the jangle of bag charms swinging. This season, that playful trend has dodged the spotlight. In their place? Brooches—layered, clustered and pinned with abandon. Adding texture, colour and personality in one easy step, don’t be surprised if it catches on fast.

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4. XL Aviators

Style Notes: The reign of micro '90s sunglasses is officially over. In their place, oversized aviators have swooped in. Bold, face-framing and just a little bit '80s, these shield-like silhouettes were perched on many of the most photographed faces in town.

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5. Military Moment

Style Notes: While leather jackets and blazers usually dominate these crowds, this season a sharper silhouette is breaking through. Military-inspired jackets—complete with structured shoulders, brass buttons and utilitarian detailing—were out in full force. Having made a strong showing on the September runways, the look is now finding its place in the fashion person's spring styling arsenal.

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Ask anyone what the cardinal tenets of attending London Fashion Week are, and they’ll tell you that wearing flat shoes is a prerequisite. You see, when you’re running from iconic show venues like the Tate Modern along the River Thames to Alexandra Palace deep in the city’s northern suburbs, six-inch slingbacks and heels bound to pinch at your toes just simply wont cut it.

So, it should come as no surprise to see the collections presented over the runways this past weekend were best with flats of all kinds. However, the most prevailing shoe trend, as spotted out by Who What Wear UK’s own editor-in-chief Jane McFarland, was of the fanciful variety. “The standout shows ran the gamut, from feathered flats to decorative brogues to satin sneakerinas!” McFarland mentioned, highlighting the accessories displayed at Erdem, Emilia Wickstead and Simone Rocha as among her favourites exhibited this season.

Of the latter, it was the Irish fashion designer’s collaboration with German sportswear giant Adidas that piqued the most interest. Staged alongside a collection of ethereal dresses and floaty three-stripe streetwear inspired by Celtic mythology, Perry Ogden’s seminal 1999 photobook Pony Kids and the ‘Weird Sisters’ of the Yeats family, Rocha debuted a series of romantic trainers strewn with her signature motifs, including satin bows and decorative sequin embellishments in lieu of technical elements.

However, Rocha wasn’t alone in this fascination with adding mystical elements to the mundane. Elsewhere, Erdem showcased a soft, low-profile flat that featured an explosion of pastel coloured feathers, from butter yellow to capri blue. Toga added structure to the lace-up category, unveiling flats that were both architectural and nostalgic.

Most notably, there was a definitive shift away from studier staples like trainers, boat shoes and loafers—two categories that have reigned supreme over the past few years—highlighting a renewed interest in slip-on styles that add texture, panache and personality to an ensemble, not just practicality. A clear extension of the joy of dressing up doctrine that was set back in September, uncover the key fanciful flats that dominated the autumn/winter 2026 runways of London Fashion Week, ahead.

5 Flat Shoe Trends that Dominated the London Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026

1. Fluffy Feathers

Style Notes: Plume is in bloom, with everyone from Matthieu Blazey at Chanel to Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta fixated on this featherweight accent. Extravagant by nature, this nouveau animal print flocked together at Erdem, with the eponymous designer celebrating his 20th anniversary through flats made for celebration, excess and opulence.

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2. Bejewelled Sneakerinas

Style Notes: Folklore is intrinsic to the creation process for Simone Rocha, with the fables and fantasy of her native Ireland often the starting point for the designer. Here, the award-winning designer put her own spin on the mythology depicted in Jack B. Yeats' 1936 oil painting In Tír na nÓg, in which the painter renders a paradisal realm of youth and beauty through verdant landscapes and a sleeping boy. Speaking to press after the show, Rocha explained that she "wanted to take this mythicism and cut it with realism", resulting in a functional pair of hybrid trainers that were equal parts charming and captivating.

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3. Delicate Satin

Style Notes: Quiet restraint is a signature of Emilia Wickstead's work. However, for the New Zealand-born, London-based demi-couture label, the austerity and androgyny of 'forgotten' female artists like the sapphic Swiss writer and photographer, Annemarie Schwarzenbach, or French sculptor and actress, Fano Messan, allowed this contrast to be more defined. Case in point: The array of satin flats that featured a razor-sharp point and structured shape, balancing both the delicacy of the feminine and the utility of the masculine.

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4. Lace-Up Ghillies

Style Notes: What's the craic, you ask? Just the sheer amount of ghillies proliferating over the London Fashion Week runways. The silhouette and name are derived from a traditional Irish dancing shoe. However, the style is becoming a hotbed for experimentation, with designers toying with the trademark lace-up pattern, like the rigid, derby-style version seen here at Toga.

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5. Structured Brogues

Style Notes: From Fred Astaire to Frank Sinatra, men's shoes from the Golden Age of Hollywood are increasingly becoming a more popular choice for women's wear, as seen in Michael Ryder's Oxford-inspired shoes for his first collection for Celine, to Daniel W. Fletcher's sophomore collection for Mithridate.

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Welcome back for the final day of London Fashion Week. Proceedings began on Thursday with buzzy shows from Tolu Coker—made all the more momentous by King Charles taking his place on the front row—and Harris Reed. By evening, the celebrations continued as Who What Wear UK marked its 10-year anniversary at Kiyori Bar at Aki London.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Sinead Gorey, Emilia Wickstead, Simone Rocha and Richard Quinn brought their collections to the capital’s creative core, whilst today, some of London's biggest names, including Connor Ives and Burberry will show. Long regarded as the most incubative of the “big four,” the city’s showcase thrives on fresh voices and perspectives. As the days unfold, we’ll be reporting live, delivering the standout shows, defining trends and key moments set to shape the season. Stay tuned for updates as they happen.

Tolu Coker opened the week with a surprise front-row appearance from Charles III. Seated alongside Stella McCartney, the King looked on as Tolu Coker unveiled a strong collection of reimagined layering, experimental proportions and a palpable energy, without footwear provided by Manolo Blahnik. With a sharp instinct for the silhouettes London women actually want to wear right now, Tolu Coker is quickly emerging as one of London's buzziest names.

Next up, Harris Reed unveiled his bridal debut. The team’s immediate reaction? Why hasn’t he done this sooner? The category feels tailor-made for Reed’s theatrical sensibility.

Vibrant veils set an irreverent tone, signalling looks far better suited to the cool bride than the traditionalist. With a tightly edited selection of gowns, the collection marked an exciting new realm for Reed to explore.

"Staged like something you'd see at Salone del Mobile, Fiorucci's took over Somerset House's Lancaster Room for its autumn/winter 2026 collection. Flanked by limestone walls, the Italian maison transported us to some mid-century apartment where pool was played, champagne was sipped and conversations were held on the polka-dot sunken couch. Dalmatian print was a real highlight of the collection, as were some feather masks—perhaps an ode to the cherubic wings in the brand's logo—worn by some models, which created a sense of mystery and masquerade. Because it wouldn't be Milan without sighting some animal print, right?" — Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer Who What Wear

Showcasing his signature floral motifs, Patrick McDowell’s collection was punctuated with punchy pops of royal purple—the very shade we’ve predicted will rise as the colour of the season in the months ahead. Alongside sweeping satin dresses, sheer black separates, and tailored peplum pieces, McDowell delivered a collection brimming with refined beauty.

“Beauty is something I think we need more of. Beauty for beauty’s sake,” he said in the show notes for his Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, The Gaze.

"If you needed any further proof that Polka dots are back on the agenda for 2026, Bora Aksu's layered dresses and sheer trousers were decidedly hot for the spot. Deep into the gothic romance of autumn/winter, tiered skirts and corsetry in gathered lace and puff sleeves were a standout, while vines crept up dresses and hosiery, and poppies bloomed on head-to-toe looks. Melancholy brides in gowns, velvet suiting and pearl headdresses feel like a sure sign that the Wuthering Heights era will reign supreme for the rest of the year. — Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor, Who What Wear

"If I could describe my dream front row set up, this would be it. Pint in hand, Pulp pumping out of the speakers and models propping up the bar.

Sinead Gorey cherrypicked the best of this year’s microtrends and made us want them all: argyle tights, military jackets, bug-eye sunglasses. Models walked the runway in morning-after glam (a.k.a. smudged lipsticks, panda eyes and bed head) wearing Y2k waistlines, low-slung studded belts and all over checks: it’s what indie sleaze wishes it was.

On a dreary London day amidst the velvet stools, beer taps and Brit pop soundtrack, Sinead Gorey actually made us proud to be British." — Megan Story, Social Media Editor, Who What Wear

"The Joseph woman is a cosmopolitan woman, a working woman and, as the brand decreed at the autumn/winter 2026 show, an artistic woman. However, instead of the Charlotte York-type of 'gallerina' you might expect from a brand that stages its first runway show in seven years in The Tanks at the Tate Modern—Think: WASP-y knits, airy cottons and loose pleated trousers—the ensembles were far more structured and sharp. If we were to compare to a fictional Manhattanite, I'd argue that it's Miranda Priestly's wardrobe that served as inspiration. Tailoring and separates served as a key part of this collection, with the tension between both the crux of the range. Slouchy knitwear rendered in creamy white hues were offset by suiting two-pieces in taupe hues. Black leather jackets and pencil skirts melted into chocolate brown fur coats and satin trousers. There were a few dresses, which felt quite bohemian and something that an adherent of the 'desert aunt aesthetic' would wear, given they were fitted out in python prints and pleated sheer fabric. Overall, the collection was a clear nod to the freedom of the '70s and the power suiting of the '80s. However, in 2026, these pieces find new meaning, especially when presented in a brutalist setting and with Berlin techno music." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer, Who What Wear

Staged on the banks of the Thames at London’s storied Tate Britain, Daniel Fletcher’s third show for Mithridate told a meditation on arrival—a figure exploring a new home. Flashes of fur lent drama to body-skimming dresses, while metal accents introduced grit and tension. Confident yet considered, the collection balanced polish with a sense of discovery.

"If Taylor Momsen's pretty reckless aesthetic was a runway show, it would've been Keburia's autumn/winter 2026 collection. Staged inside The Lighthouse Theatre, the venue was transformed into the brand's grungy universe from the moment guests stepped over the threshold—wines on arrival, virtual spiders crawling over the stage, a funeral bouquet displayed in the centre. As for the collection, it was a mix of brocade romanticism and military sleaze, with Napoleon jackets paired with low-rise trousers rendered in botanical prints. Lace bumsters, velour fabric rendered into robes, Elizabethan collars and furs designed to look like raccoon hair also stole the spotlight, which is the perfect tail end to Margot Robbie's Wuthering Heights press tour. Like if Catherine Earnshaw swapped the Yorkshire Moores for smoking cigarettes at some Brooklyn dive bar. Haunting, grimy and a rock'n'roll to a t—especially with the distressed guitars and bombastic drums that soundtracked the show." — Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer, Who What Wear

After a prolonged hum of moody jazz, Jemina Kiria swanned onto Completed Work's Nobu Hotel stage, draped in a swishing scarf and adorned with the label’s striking jewels. The performance, a faux cooking show, saw Kirk play a washed-up Texas housewife, flounce around with languid theatricality, barking orders at influencer Charriere. A decadent display of the brand’s celebrated jewels, Completed Works’s presentations remain one of London Fashion Week's most eagerly anticipated moments.

"Opening with a spoken word poem that repeated and ruminated on the words “This Is How We Survive”, designer Foday Dumbuya spoke of his Sierra Leone heritage for the Labrum AW26 show. The tailoring, as always, was sleek and sublime—with cinched trench coats, suits and military silhouettes, some in silk and adorned with printed postcard and stamp motifs. The collection’s story, aptly named Threads of Osmosis, centred on identity—celebrated many African cultures and their traditional textiles, and had a heavy focus on weaving. The beauty and accessories were also standout—with traditional African threading on hair and gold painting on the face, and cowrie shells decorating bags and a veiled headpiece." — Rebecca Rhy Evans, Deputy Editor, Who What Wear

Whilst staying true to its contemporary ‘minimalist with a twist’ aesthetic, but taking it up a notch, I’d summarise Toga Archives AW26 as “streamlined with added sequins.” Whilst we saw the usual Toga signatures—sleek tailoring, open shirting, sumptuous silk as well as leather and denim separates, there was also an array of fun textures, prints and accessories that will spark joy in a grey winter. The faux fur, shearling and stone-like organic molten brooches were a particular highlight. — Rebecca Rhys Evan, Deputy Editor, Who What Wear

"Chopova Lowena's A/W '26 collection is still a maximalist celebration of femininity, but this time around the references are little more tongue in cheek. Cindy Lou whimsical blouses are paired with embellished leggings and frilly knickers. Marie Antoinette-esque corsetry with indigo denim and furry knee high boots. Sequined slogan tops and the ubiquitous hardware belts. These are looks designed to turn heads and make a statement, and this season the message is playful escapism. If this eclectic collection of cropped jackets, full skirts and Peter Pan collars is anything to go by, we'll all be layering up our dresses and stacking bevelled accessories over our hoodies by the end of the year." — Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor, Who What Wear

“If you want to romanticise all aspects of your life next season, particularly private bedroom rituals including your dreams and nightmares, consider Masha Popova your first port of call. Nighties, pyjamas, bumster-low jeans, even a dressing gown were slashed or hitched forward to reveal skin and, pretty often, tailored knickers at the back. The A/W '26 collection was titled Intimate Hours, and the overarching sense of decay was loosely drawn from Jim Jarmusch’s gothic romance film Only Lovers Left Alive (2013), with bed head hair and dramatic hair flicks rooted in the ‘70s. As Bree Runway, girl group FLO and fellow London It girls watched on decked out in previous collections, models sauntered around almost as if they’d been awoken by a fire alarm and grabbed their favourite bomber or aviator jacket as they escaped in a hurry. Other details that caught my eye were the mini corset dress (Eat your heart out Wuthering Heights), the psychedelic florals, the oversized crystal jewellery, the bubblegum pink knee-high tights, and the vampire teeth motif printed on jersey tops. It was very cheeky in the best way!” — Felicia Pennant, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor Branded Content, Who What Wear

"Slinky, slung-low drapery is back at Karoline Vitto, and a flurry of curve models brought the gauzy trend to life. Flocking the runways, a clear 90s and noughts mood ran true. Draped in almost seductive sculptural shapes models wore cleavage baring tops paired with ruffled micro minis, hip baring maxi’s sashaying in the wind and my favourite thong grazing backless dress. A little skin never hurt anyone and this playful display of femininity reminded us that fashion is for all, irrespective of social norms." — Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki, Junior Fashion Editor, Who What Wear

“Johanna Parv’s A/W ’26 show had guests reconsidering the way they move through their cities, eventually arriving at the same conclusion: every commute would feel chicer in the power-pieces walking past. Four large screens traced the journeys of the designer’s muses en route to the show—by bike, on foot and via public transport—whilst a seating installation crafted from recycled bicycle saddles, created in collaboration with Selle Royal, underscored the brand’s interest in conscious mobility.

No one does minimalistic multi-functionality better, but there was a newfound intimacy with women’s bodies and a hyperawareness of how they really need their clothes to adapt and transform on the move every day. Forget athleisure sets and track pants (even sneakers) because the tighter-than-usual elongated layers were fluid enough. Many looks had 3D back pockets, or were framed with velcro leather belts that had cut-outs to hold keys. From woollen base layers, turtlenecks, and hood scarves, to the signature Velocity blazer and high-waisted Velocity trousers, to double slit skirts, capris that were actually trousers tucked into tights, and a highlight evening track jacket and maxi skirt outfit with swinging drawstring loops. The colour platter of black, brown, burgundy, dark purple and traffic light red, only doubled down on the wealth-whispering versatility.” — Felicia Pennant, Senior Fashion and Beauty Editor Branded Content, Who What Wear

"Opening a quiet Sunday on the top floor of the opulent Peninsula, Edeline Lee's presentation doubled up as a surprise book launch, a celebration of 15 years of the brand. Thanking her collaborators past and present, Lee's AW26 collection also feels like commemoration of the brands legacy thus far. Always an expert in effortless elegance, you wont find any gimmicks, slogans or novelties in her collections as the focus is always on wearable pieces that will last a lifetime. Soft tailoring, flattering pleats, full skirts and a considered palette are all her signature calling cards (this season burnt orange, deep blues and cream are the heroes), but there were also party pieces like the glittering gold gown I predict we'll see a lot of during awards season, and a caged skirt reminiscent of spring/summer's Circus silhouette. Here's to another 15 years of Edeline's elevated take on female dressing." — Remy Farrell, Fashion Editor, Who What Wear

"The who's who of Britain's literary and arts scene turned out to celebrate Erdem's 20th anniversary show on Day 4 of London Fashion Week. Glenn Close, Helen Mirren, Ben Whishaw, Russell Tovey, Ruth Wilson, Lily James and Keira Knightley—all long-time devotees of the British-based designer—perched front row in London's Tate Britain. The collection, entitled The Imaginary Conversation, was "dedicated to everyone in my [Erdem's] studio."

As well as the Victorian-inspired details the designer is beloved for (high collars, crinoline skirts, lace, embroidery are among his signatures), there was plenty of newness too. A new collaboration with Barbour, featuring heavily embellished capes and outerwear, had its runway debut and did a low-rise pair of wide-leg jeans. Erdem doing the '90s wasn't on our fashion week bingo card, but we're here for it. Another note? Feathers are going nowhere, from feathery-strewn flats, to marabou-trimmed two-pieces." — Jane McFarland, Editor-in-Chief, Who What Wear

For ladies who lunch and get shit done. Emilia Wickstead has long perfected the art of refined, chic wardrobing; for A/W '26, her woman also has places to be. Prim and polished looks came with a twist: knee length kilts were reworked with thigh-high slits; a traditional tweed shift dress was styled over an undone denim shirt. All looks were styled with knee length socks and heavy-duty brogues. No stranger to a knock-out frock, Wickstead's line-up of evening wear leant into volume and colour, from liquid metal brocade to a voluminous train. — Jane McFarland, Editor-in-Chief, Who What Wear

Sportcore is back. (Or did it ever go away?). Simone Rocha used her A/W '26 runway show to hard launch her forthcoming collaboration with Adidas—think cropped bomber jackets, embellished sneakerinas, high-waist pants and more. The front row girlies including Alexa Chung and Paloma Elsesser got to roadtest the collection; the former wore a jacket over a lace slip dress, while the latter teamed her bomber with a black pencil skirt. Elsewhere, Rocha proved that romance isn't dead with her signature brand of subverted femininity: think glorious ribbons, bows, drop-waist gowns and rosettes styled with masculine accents, from embroidered brogues to a thick overcoat.

"3 words: Big Dress Energy. That’s the theme of today. From Simone Rocha’s ribbon-weave satin number this afternoon, to Richard Quinn’s thrilling closing show this evening that offered one perfect gown after another, it’s official: after seasons of skirts and separates being high priority, the not-so humble one-piece is making its return. Of course for Quinn, dresses never left. Embellished, beaded gowns are his signature. Tonight he delivered as he always does, but with added punch. Floral prints, silk draping and pops of colour (the ultraviolet purple was most electrifying) were aplenty. There were also subtle nods to the ‘80s in his collection: drop waistlines, opera gloves, velvet off the shoulder silhouettes and Depeche Mode’s Enjoy the Silence. What more could you want!"—Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Deputy Editor

When a show boasts a guest list that includes the likes of Kim Cattrall and Lila Moss, you know it’s going to be in excess of glamour. But opulence and elegance didn’t just ooze from Conner Ives’ A/W '26 collection, it permeated everything from the grand Claridge’s room the panoply was presented in to moving, to the string-heavy soundtrack that opened with a sample of Sadé. Emulating American traditions of grand balls, the range riffed on motifs of black tie dressing, from velvet crushed gowns that Truman Capote’s swans would’ve scrimmaged over to wear to lunch first, to tuxedo cummerbunds and scarves. Everything was dialled up; floor-length butter yellow coats embroidered with chinoiserie elements, satin shirts worn in reverse to create the illusion of a mock neck, and Hermés-esque scarves wrapped around the waist as a belt. The most breathtaking moment came in the form of the final closing all-white look. Was she a bride or a debutant? Either way, haunting in the serenity and self-assurance she possessed as she sauntered down the runway. In the immortal words of Samantha Jones: F****** fabulous. — Ava Gilchrist, SEO Writer, Who What Wear

Rounding out London Fashion Week, Burberry is set to close the schedule with a star-studded front row. With names like Alexa Chung and Kate Moss in attendance, expectations are in place for a strong finish to the week.

New York Fashion Week is well underway, and the city feels even glossier than usual. While the runways are delivering a preview of next season’s inevitable It buys, it’s outside on the streets where the most immediate trends are taking shape. And after closely observing the style set between shows, one thing has become abundantly clear: New York’s chicest dressers are rethinking colour for spring 2026.

Rather than leaning into the soft, sorbet shades that typically dominate spring, fashion week attendees are embracing something far punchier. This season, it’s all about bold, high-impact colour blocking.

As showgoers gathered outside the autumn/winter 2026 runway at Tory Burch, the trend was out in full force. Tessa Thompson styled a sunshine-yellow jacket with a cool slate-grey skirt and finished with emerald-green heels. Elsewhere, guests doubled down on even brighter hues, offsetting electric tones with grounding neutrals for contrast.

What makes this iteration of colour blocking feel modern is its commitment to saturation. Think royal purple, chartreuse green and cobalt blue, woven together into directional, high-impact looks.

Exuberant and mood-lifting, this feels like a timely antidote to the minimalist aesthetic that has held fashion in its quiet luxury grip for seasons now. If New York is anything to go by, maximal colour is officially back on the agenda.

Scroll on to discover and shop the colour-blocking trend below.

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Since returning from the whirlwind that was Copenhagen Fashion Week, I've been ruminating on all the wonderful things I saw, not only on the runways, but on the streets, too. The city has become a real hotbed for emerging trends and cutting-edge designers (hello, Anne Sofie Madsen, Nicklas Skovgaard and OpéraSport!), and being in the thick of it all was not only exciting but exceedingly eye-opening.

Sitting in the front row at the shows gives me unrivalled access to the runway trends in real time, but stepping outside and racing to the next event is also a real visual treat. Copenhagen is full of style mavericks, people pushing fashion boundaries and many an early adopter. And with those same people attending the shows, it's like art imitating life.

As an eagle-eyed stylist and savvy shopper, I've come away with a real hit list of hacks, styling ideas and clever ways to wear clothes and accessories now, which I'm banking on using for my own looks. And because I don't gatekeep, I thought it best to share them with you, too, dear reader. From doubling down on simple accessories to combining delicate and tough fabrics, monochromatic dressing and playing up pop colours, I've gathered seven genius styling hacks I spotted on both the runways and streets of Copenhagen.

Scroll on to share in the styling inspo, and shop out the looks below.

The 7 Styling Hacks To Know From Copenhagen Fashion Week

1. Combine Leather and Lace

Style Notes: This pretty trend is set to dominate this spring, and the chicest dressers in Copenhagen have already caught on. Lace is the fabric and finish in question, but more interestingly, I saw it combined with glossy leather for a look equal parts soft and tough. Models walking for The Garment show wore classic tailored trousers, leather bomber jackets and sweet lace foulards tied around their shoulders, whilst at OpéraSport, I spotted a look consisting of a chocolate leather blazer, a white, lace-trimmed dress and bow-embellished pumps—just the kind of look I want to emulate this spring.

On the chilly streets, the best dressers mixed classic black leather outerwear, such as funnel-neck jackets and nipped-in blazers, with hints of bright white lace peeking out from underneath, or delicate stoles wrapped around their shoulders. This charming trend is easy to master: a trusty leather jacket combined with a delicately trimmed skirt, dress or scolloped scarf is the way to do it for spring.

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2. Double Your Belts

Style Notes: I thought I was seeing double, and, as it turns out, I was. I couldn't help noticing this styling hack on both the runways and the bitter streets of the city, and not only is it elegant, but it's pretty practical too. Belts worn in pairs cinch knitwear, trousers, miniskirts and flowing gowns, giving a waisted fit and feel.

At Anne Sofie Madsen, two chunky brown leather belts nipped in a black, flowing, sleeveless gown, finished with a cosy fringe scarf and shearling Ugg boots. Over at Paolina Russo, school-uniform-like attire was subverted with low-slung waist belts in contrasting fabrics and colours, for a pop-punk look once pioneered by Avril Lavigne. Street-style stars took things up a notch, threading their double belts through winter-white denim and over the top of colour-pop cardis. Opt for belts in similar hues and cross them over or even double-tuck the ends, or, if you're feeling spicy, choose contrasting colours or textures.

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3. Wear All Your White at Once

Style Notes: If you're a coffee drinker, scroll on now, as this vibe won't bode well for you. Copenhagen was giving serious blizzard at the start of the fashion week proceedings, and designers and street-style stars alike took note of the snowy hue that cascaded over the city. I spotted head-to-toe white looks outside every show, with fashion people matching their pillbox hats, capes, fur coats, trousers, skirts, tights, handbags and shoes in the tone Pantone is calling Cloud Dancer for 2026.

On the runways, Holzweiler and The Garment also provided palette cleansers, with frothy and ethereal layered looks all in similarly fresh and chalky hues. This styling technique is simple to imitate: pick all your items in the same colourless hue. Not only does it look extremely opulent, but it takes the mental gymnastics out of getting dressed in the morning.

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4. Top It Off With a Chic Hat

Style Notes: I, for one, am already head over heels for this fashion hack, as it just adds a knowingly stylish finish to any look, and my love affair with a certain leopard-print number is already well documented. Trust me: topping your look with a chic hat, may that be a pillbox style, a shearling fisherman shape or a beret, will take your ensemble from zero to 100 in a heartbeat.

The streets of CPH were inundated with both minimalist and maximalist dressers alike, donning weird and wonderful headwear, significantly influenced by the sub-zero temperatures and the bitter winds that take over the Danish capital this time of year. Inside, away from the treacherous weather, designers such as OpéraSport, Rave Review, The Garment and Henrik Vibskov topped runway looks with artful felted hats, shearling designs, nylon beanies, aviator hats and fuzzy trappers, suitably equipped for the autumn/winter 2026 season. However, you can pinch this look now for the very present cold snap.

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5. Clash Your Gloves

Style Notes: We've seen an uptick in all things hats, scarves and hosiery for several months, and so the next It item to undergo a style revival is the humble glove. The spring/summer 2026 shows were awash with them in bright colours, satin styles and elongated shapes, and this trend continues to ring true for autumn/winter on the streets and in the designer collections of Copenhagen. To level things up, however, the showgoers in CPH weren't going about their gauntlets gracefully. Instead, they opted for eye-popping colours and clashed them with other accessories to stunning effect.

Nicklas Skovgaard's paper-doll-like models wore pairs in kalidoscopic hues, with each model donning pop-colour, ruched leather gloves that were purposefully at odds with the pastel-toned, satin Hoff trainers. The Garment used cobalt-toned, long leather gloves in an ensemble which also featured zebra-print heeled pumps, for a striking evening look. On the cobbled streets, the sharpest of dressers picked opposing tones on the colour wheel for their gloves and corresponding accessories, favouring cool blues, teals, vibrant violets and royal purples to mix and match their accoutrements. The more clashing, the better!

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6. Finish It All With a Statement Earring

Style Notes: Jewellery is always a fabulous finishing touch to a look, and can add a decadent shine to even the simplest of outfits. Good job, then, that I spotted an assortment of great earrings in Copenhagen, a city full of fine jewellery connoisseurs. Predominantly, I noticed silver as the hardware of choice, which gave an elegant, grown-up finish to both runway and street-style looks, possessing a minimalist mood. I spotted attendees adorned in tassel-drop earrings, as well as vintage-feeling square shapes, pairing exquisitely with pillbox hats and statement outerwear.

The designer collections also delivered the goods, tapping jewellery specialists to collaborate on adorning the models for their runways. Most notably, MKDT Studio worked with local jewellers Kinraden to create wearable works of art, such as molten drop earrings, single hoops and dome-like pendants, which swung singularly on the ear.

Herskind collaborated with New York-based jewellery brand Agmes on organic-shaped earrings, mariner link pieces, oversized singular hoop structures and petal-like forms, worn with silver cuffs and pendant necklaces. Take note: silver is the precious metal du jour, but keep it pared-back, simple and chic so as to not overpower it.

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7. Toss Your Scarf Backwards

Style Notes: Sometimes, the most effortless of styling hacks is using something totally innocuous and wearing it in an entirely fresh way. Take the scarf. I have seen a steep rise in oversized styles, which are being thrown over shoulders backwards to resemble capes, adding serious drama points to a look.

Both on the icy streets and in the hallowed halls of showspaces, models and influencers alike wore XXL scarves over floor-skimming outerwear and jackets, not only protecting them from the elements, but adding serious swish factor. Plaid checks, fringed football scarves, shearling stoles and even sultry lengths of glossy leather were the fabrics of choice for the autumn/winter 2026 season, and what’s more, the styling options are limitless. Take any scarf, old or new, and have fun with it. Over the shoulder smoulder, optional.

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There's just something about Copenhagen at this time of year. Maybe it's the snow, the waft of freshly baked cardamom pastries, the all-round hygge vibes or the historic, colourful canal-side buildings. It may also be the progressive fashion scene, full of emerging labels that are firmly placing the Danish capital on the global style map, and this year, it celebrates 20 years of hosting its twice-yearly fashion week.

Wanting to check out the latter for myself, I took a trip to the city to see what all the fuss is about. London, Paris, Milan and New York are all synonymous with the fashion month sphere, but Copenhagen is demanding a seat at the table too, and home-grown brands such as Baum und Pferdgarten, Anne Sofie Madsen, and OpéraSport are showing us why. Forgoing the pomp, polish and pretentiousness that the traditional fashion circuit can sometimes possess, the labels of CPH are far more experimental, unconventional and just plain fun. There's also a real wearability to the clothes, shoes and accessories coming off the runways here, as well as a sense of joy, craft and forward-thinking, low-impact design.

Observing the shows in person is always a true pleasure, but what I indulge in the most is digesting all the runway snaps and deciphering which key styles, pieces and trends I believe will come to the fore next season. And, my oh my, did Copenhagen deliver. Read on for my style notes on the six hottest trends I observed on the runways of CPH, along with some curated shopping picks so you can get ahead of the curve now.

A special mention to Ugg for facilitating my Copenhagen experience. Mange tak!

1. All the Fur Trimmings

Style Notes: This tactile, decadent finish has been rising in the style stakes for some time, due to its luxe-looking appeal and the cosy warmth it brings. It has, without a doubt, dominated street-style trends, mostly in the way of coats and jackets, but for next winter, CPH designers are backing it in a much more detail-oriented and pared-back way. It is, of course, fur, and I took note of designers using it in faux and soft-shearling fabrications all over the runways for the autumn/ winter 2026 season. Yes, it was on outerwear, but most remarkably on trims and accessories, and, notably too, on attire destined for evening and after-dark rendezvous.

At Baum und Pferdgarten, plush brown fur stoles tied with black ribbon were worn off-kilter on the shoulders, adding a fuzzy finish to double denim and all-out leather looks, as well as floor-length velvet gowns. Over at OpéraSport, sultry off-the-shoulder evening tops were trimmed at the decollatage with matching black faux fur, and some outfits were topped with fur pillbox hats in corresponding tones.

At the immersive cocktail party runway of Gestuz, fur was everywhere, but most notably on scarves, capes, snoods, and even on the trims of leather pencil skirts (chic!). Studio Constance is famed for its shearling and leather pieces, so I was not surprised to see oversized collars and cuffs adorned with curly fur edging, as well as skirts and even kitten-heeled shoes. Proving its versatility, fur, and all of its fluffy iterations, showed just how expertly it pairs with denim, leather, velvet and tailoring, adding that soft, fluffy feel that we all gravitate towards, adding a wealth-whispering undertone to late-night ensembles.

Brands to remember: Baum und Pferdgarten; OpéraSport; Gestuz; Studio Constance.

Key takeaways: Fuzzy collars and cuffs, shearling trims, faux-fur scarves and shearling stoles.

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2. Off-Kilter Knitwear

Style Notes: Checkered cardigans, layered polo shirts, knitted dresses, oversized V-neck sweaters, asymmetric jumpers: you name it, I saw it in Copenhagen. Some of CPH Fashion Week's most subversive brands toyed with wool and knitted garments, giving them a girlish, sporty or artful spin for A/W 26. The technicolour heroine at Paolina Russo reached for bodycon or ultra-cropped cardis with an intarsia Battenberg-cake pattern, or argyle sweater vests emblazoned with Girl Scout badges.

At the Sson presentation, fine-knit V-neck sweaters were bunched up and layered with pastel-toned polos, or worn at the waist to resemble skirts. For OpéraSport, merino ribbed cardigans followed the form of the wearer, utilising wavy hem lines and lace sectioning in the hottest shades of now (hello, chartreuse, royal purple and powder pink!).

Holzweiler, the Oslo-based brand known for down jackets, ski and snow gear, as well as knitwear, doubled down on tactile knits this season, with oversized fuzzy mohair jumpers, XXL skinny knitted scarves in pop colours, layered polos in primary hues, and, my favourite, a double chenille extravanganza, made up of not one, but two softly blurred and striped polo shirts to form an almost dress-like look, which was finished with a matching skinny scarf. Whatever you do with your knitwear next season, make sure it's weird, wonderful and a little bit off-kilter.

Brands to remember: Paolina Russo; Sson; OpéraSport; Holzweiler.

Key takeaways: Checkerboard cardis, bodycon merino, double chenille.

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3. Gardening Core

Style Notes: Next season, the most discerning labels of Copenhagen are encouraging us to touch grass, or even get a little bit green-fingered. I denoted a swathe of looks which looked primed and ready for pruning prize-winning rose bushes, and with street-style maverick Jennifer Lawrence often spotted in a rubber slip-on gardening shoe for her off-duty looks, I can't help but think this trend is the new evergreen mood.

Skall Studio looked to Danish novelist Karen Blixen, inspired by both her poetry and knack for floristry, cultivating looks with real-flower corsages, knitted gloves, gum boots, heavy-duty denim, lace-trimmed prairie blouses and woven baskets for collecting cuttings. At Anne Sofie Madsen, outdoor-friendly Ugg boots and sandals were aplenty, with fringed flannel dresses resembling picnic blankets, plus heavy-duty duffle coats, shearling jackets and a recurring rose motif digging out the horticulturist in all of us.

Back at Baum und Pferdgarten, the most charming looks featured leather head scarves, apt for keeping wafts of hair at bay when busy weeding, plus a flurry of floral prints and plaid checks, ripstop two-pieces and a violet-hued barn jacket. Lastly, Aiayu drew its colour palette from the soft, organic hues found in nature, such as washed rose, undyed ecru, earthy khaki and even a rich French blue, using them across recycled silks, fine wools, and relaxed knitwear for a look which would give Monty Don a run for his money. Don't let this trend lead you down the garden path: the botanical-buff look is here to stay, and may just be perennial.

Brands to remember: Anne Sofie Madsen, Baum und Pferdgarten, Skall Studio, Aiayu.

Key takeaway: Soft hues found in nature, heavy-duty outerwear, flannel and roses.

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4. Tights Appeal

Style Notes: Hosiery has been having an outright renaissance lately, and this movement was solidified on the runways of Copenhagen Fashion Week for the A/W 26 season. I saw a flurry of legs cloaked in classic tights, plus knee-highs and over-the-knee stockings, all the way from demi-sheer to opaque colours, polka dots, lace and even stirrup styles.

Most interestingly, the tights and hosiery were not a second thought in these looks; moreover, they complemented or made them entirely. Take Caro Editions, where each model looked like they had taken a nose-dive into an '80s dressing-up box, and come up wearing acres of lace, bows, shoulder pads, silky body suits, and yes, tights in various shades of chocolate brown, white and black with all-over micro polka dots.

Paolina Russo's girl gang favourite footless tights, lacy leggings, pastel ankle warmers and knee-high, pattered tights, teaming them with mini, swishy and knitted skirts for a layered, tactile effect. The grown-up evening looks at Forza used block-colour tights for an expected note, with hues such as cool, icy blue and even pillar-box red tinting the legs of models in billowing gowns and skirts. Lastly, at Baum und Pferdgarten, purple-toned tights finished a similarly toned look for a head-to-toe Violet Beauregarde-approved ensemble.

Brands to remember: Caro Editions, Paolina Russo, Forza, Baum und Pferdgarten.

Key takeaways: Polka dots, block colours, demi-sheer and knee-high hosiery.

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5. Curtain Call

Style Notes: Here at Who What Wear UK, we have been craving all things lace, tasseled and pendant-emblazoned lately, and believe these finishing touches can take an otherwise simple outfit and make it look exceedingly expensive. Next up on our antique-feeling agenda, as verified by the most decadent of designers, is something that pulls from the world of interiors. I took note of the hottest CPH brands using curtain-like fabrics, OTT lace and ornate tapestry across dresses, skirts and outerwear, where it was gathered, tied and draped, just like the most lavish of soft home furnishings, for outfits suitable for both day and night.

At Rave Review, drop-waist skirts were the centre of attention, with granny-ish florals, fringed trims and velvety finishes. At the Taus salon show, home textiles were at the bedrock of the collection, and I spotted a handful of carpet bags, brocade corset tops, a funnel-neck, velvety two-piece and skirt-like garments made from baroque cloths. The Caro Editions finale bridal look upcycled heaps of transparent lace and silk ribbon, for a modern (and joyful!) interpretation of Miss Havisham.

Over at OpéraSport, a key look that has left an indelible mark on my mind consisted of a pair of black devoré velvet trousers and a white, pleated, cross-over poplin shirt, finished with a neutral shearling cape bordered with knotted fringing, draped over the model's shoulders, which, to me, looked like a really fab rug. Obsessed!

Brands to remember: Rave Review, Taus, Caro Editions, OpéraSport.

Key takeaways: Curtain-like fabrics, rich tapestries, lace, tasseled and bow finishes.

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6. Sheer Sensations

Style Notes: Moving on from the heavy, curtain-like fabrics of the previous trend, I identified several designers and key outfits, which indulged in something much lighter, fluid and diaphanous for the A/W 26 season. Sheer fabrics, such as gossamer, silk, organza, tulle and chiffon, were layered to create dynamic looks, evening attire and unexpected combinations, all the way from the sporty to the sultry.

The standout look from Anne Sofie Madsen consisted of a lavender-toned, ghost-like gown, transparent enough to see the layers, padding and undergarments of the model, with the skirt sailing in the wind as they strutted down the runway. MKDT used white, black and burgundy organza across minimalist blouses, tops and dresses, for an undone, but thoroughly modern, effect.

Holzweiler's sheer dresses, skirts and shirts were layered playfully, and came in colour-pop hues for a breathable, light and polished look, with semi-transparent glass handbags amplifying the sheer effect. Last but not least, Paolina Russo's models wore demi-sheer sports jerseys, worn with her pastel knitwear and hosiery for a dynamic and multifaceted finish. Sheer genius!

Brands to remember: Anne Sofie Madsen, MKDT, Holzweiler, Paolina Russo.

Key takeaways: Organza and tulle, sheer on sheer, unexpected layering.

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Fresh from the whirlwind of couture week, the fashion crowd has descended on Copenhagen—and with their arrival, some of the chicest street style looks I've spotted this season. While Paris and Milan bring the drama fashion month is known for, it’s Copenhagen Fashion Week that consistently offers outfits that feel directional yet genuinely doable.

A touch eccentric but never overworked, there’s an ease to the Copenhagen style set that makes their looks particularly compelling. So, unwilling to let a Scandi street style moment pass me by, I’ve been deep in analysis mode—scrolling, saving and scrutinising—to distil the chicest trends emerging from the city right now. From clever styling tricks to emerging trends, keep scrolling for the street style trends taking off in Copenhagen as we speak.

Discover the Street Style Trends Taking Off in Copenhagen Now

1. Tucked Trousers

Style Notes: I love when a street style scroll offers up a fresh styling idea rather than a shopping list, and this season Copenhagen delivered exactly that. Instead of letting hems pool over boots, the Scandi set are tucking their trousers and jeans straight in, creating a slightly disruptive silhouette that feels intentional and fresh—expect fashion people to be adopting this one immediately.

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2. Heritage Headwear

Style Notes: Dotted all across the city, classic baker boy caps proved to be a street style staple. Practical enough to battle the elements yet chic enough to add intrigue to an outfit, these cosy classics added a relaxed, lived-in edge to otherwise opulent outfits.

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3. Fancy Fringing

Style Notes: Fringing swept through Copenhagen en masse this season. From swishy hems to statement trims, fringe brought texture and movement in the easiest way possible. It may have found its footing on the streets of Copenhagen, but I can already see it rippling across all the fashion capitals very soon.

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4. Pops of Fur

Style Notes: Stepping away from the familiar pop-of-colour formula, Copenhagen’s fashion crowd embraced texture instead. Fuzzy hats, plush scarves and tactile bags introduced subtle hits of fur, adding depth and interest without overwhelming an outfit. Consider this the cosier cousin to colour blocking.

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5. Check Mate

Style Notes: Giving animal print a brief rest, checks emerged as the print of choice among the Scandi style set. Muted in tone and refreshingly unfussy, these classic patterns injected a rich, winter-ready feel while remaining totally wearable.

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"Why would I wanna be anywhere else?", sings Lily Allen about the city of London in her 2006 hit "LDN", and she’s right. North, south, east and west, no other melting-pot city can compare when totting up the history, the arts, the food, the style, and the sport that’s jam-packed into our boroughs. Admittedly, I’m slightly biased as a born-and-bred Londoner, but as much as we locals whinge about transport delays and temperamental weather, it takes a lot to leave when you're used to having everything on your doorstep.

From cultural institutions and buzzy restaurants to multiple shopping destinations and landmark stadiums (Come on, England!), it’s so much fun playing tourist in a city like London, regardless of how near or far you’ve travelled. It’s sprawling, with so much to do, see, taste and buy, so where you’re based matters for multiple reasons. A hotel is arguably the most convenient accommodation choice because you can come and go as you please, knowing that your room will be cleaned, your luggage is safe and refreshments are readily available.

Personally, impressive interiors definitely lift my mood, and great service is truly priceless. Your room is also your home-away-from-home haven when you need to chill, get ready or escape the rain, and as a general rule of thumb, the more central you are, the more walkable the capital will be.

London has plenty of outstanding hotels, but the trick is to find a well-located option to maximise your time there, which just so happens to be one of the Who What Wear UK editorial team’s fortes. Besides being clued up on the newest openings and coolest hangouts, we’ve collectively crisscrossed the capital, making full use of incredible hotel facilities. I can recall delicious dinners at acclaimed restaurants, relaxing spa afternoons with friends, London Fashion Week shows and afterparties and enjoying drinks whilst looking out on stunning panoramic views from different rooftops.

With all of this in mind, it wasn’t easy whittling down a definitive list of the best stylish London hotels in 2026. Certain well-known and more secretive names kept coming up, as well as the eagerly anticipated openings we can’t wait to book. Whilst I had to be brutal, I couldn’t leave any of these exceptional hotels out.

11 of the Best Hotels in London, According to a Fashion Editor

1. The Chancery Rosewood

Location: Mayfair
Vibe: Intimate, assured, sophisticated
Stars: Five.

As thoughtfully and meticulously designed as The Chancery Rosewood is (it was the former US Embassy, designed first by modernist Eero Saarinen in 1960, before lauded architect Sir David Chipperfield and lead interior designer Joseph Dirand transformed the building into an ultra-polished luxury hotel), the food might be the biggest draw. All the main offerings are New York City imports, from in-demand Italian Carbone to Jacqueline tearoom (named after former FLOTUS, Jackie Kennedy Onassis) and Tobi Masa for high-end Japanese and Serra’s Mediterranean dishes. Non-guests flock to these restaurants near the city centre’s shopping strip and Hyde Park.

One of the best London hotels for a deeply personal experience, butlers fulfil every whim whilst you stay here. The attention to detail is breathtaking; dramatic chandeliers, sumptuous tactile neutrals and gold accents flow through the sensual interiors and 144 generous suites. Oh, and there’s a discreet lift granting direct access to the Asaya spa and fitness area, just to give you an idea of the clientele.

2. One Hundred Shoreditch

Location: Shoreditch
Vibe: Artistic, retreat, rooftop
Stars: Four.

One Hundred Shoreditch had a tough act to follow. Many creatives (myself included) have fond memories partying in the basement nightclub at Ace Hotel London, the nostalgic haunt previously situated on the site. But Lore Group creative director Jacu Strauss’ bold revamp of the interiors paid off, creating a grown-up and inviting oasis at the heart of London’s progressive cultural and tech scenes.

One of the best (independent) hotels in London for anyone happy dipping in and out at their own pace, it’s a great base when sightseeing and touring East London, whenever you venture out beyond the hotel’s assorted restaurants and bars, multipurpose event spaces and guest-only gym. Reducing waste by incorporating materials from the old hotel setup, the vibrant, custom artworks, wooden walls and pink tiles of the communal spaces transition into largely neutral and calming bedrooms furnished with "floating" beds and offering great city views.

3. Six Senses London

Location: Bayswater
Vibe: Wellness, escapist, relaxed
Stars: Five.

What really gets people excited, especially when dispelling the "stressy Londoner" stereotype, is a cutting-edge luxury spa hotel. Cue Six Senses London, which opens soon inside The Whiteley, a Grade II-listed former department store near Notting Hill, and embodies West London’s vibrant yet slower rhythm. Many of the serene bedrooms have private terraces and overlook the courtyard, whilst Whiteley’s Kitchen, Bar and Café serves spirited British cuisine powered by experimental seasonal flavours.

It’s definitely on track to become one of London’s best hotels, not least because AvroKO and EPR Architects have holistically designed an elegant modern sanctuary and private club unlike anywhere else, and, frankly, the restorative amenities and extraordinary facilities sound amazing. The only hotel in London with a magnesium pool, there’s an "alchemy bar" and a longevity medical clinic offering pioneering treatments (think cryotherapy and floatation), movement studio sessions, personalised programmes and more to ensure guests leave feeling balanced and restored.

4. The London EDITION

Location: Fitzrovia
Vibe: Eclectic, playful, social
Stars: Five.

During LFW in February and September, the fashion crowd usually end up at The London EDITION. Whether it’s an exclusive afterparty hosted in the basement, a brand launch over a delicious English breakfast at the Berners Tavern (against a statement backdrop of gilt-framed portraits), or a nightcap with friends sipping the Punch Room bar’s award-winning Milk Punch cocktail, you're sure to find it full of stylish people. Moments away from Soho, the hotel’s status as one of the capital’s coolest event venues is further enhanced by the entertaining design features that define owner and Studio 54 co-founder Ian Schager’s luxury Edition hotel brand.

Full of character, the Edwardian facade contrasts with mid-century undertones and neoclassical ephemera inside, whilst the 173 yacht-cabin-like bedrooms by design studio Yabu Pushelberg are clean and pragmatic. Thrill-seeking guests keen to sample what London has to offer at night can also sync their schedules to the hotel’s fascinating cultural programming lineup.

5. Claridge’s

Location: Mayfair
Vibe: Grand, comfortable, iconic
Stars: Five.

A "best" London hotel list would be incomplete without Claridge’s—the quintessentially British hotel is the blueprint. Renowned for its A-list clientele, it opened in its own right in 1856, and the lively public spaces have retained decorative details and furniture from this time, from the famous 1929 lobby designed by architect Oswald Milne to the iconic Foyer & Reading Room. After an ambitious renovation added a basement spa in 2022, the Claridge’s Bakery will open this month with acclaimed chef Richard Hart at the helm.

The geometric patterns and glass elements of the signature bedrooms and marble bathrooms, complete with Dyson hair dryers, mirror the timeless Art Deco aesthetic. What sets this historic institution apart amongst London’s best hotels is the excellent staff, who, by all accounts, genuinely care. They remember your name and make it their mission to anticipate exactly what you need before you ask: a coffee, steamed clothes, even a small birthday celebration.

Who What Wear's managing editor Poppy Nash says, "With its impeccable service, old-school glamour and sense of occasion, Claridge’s is the kind of once-in-a-lifetime stay that lives up to the hype. Trust me!"

6. The Londoner

Location: Leicester Square
Vibe: Effortless, chic, popular
Stars: Five.

Built on the site of a former Odeon cinema at the south-west corner of one of London’s most famous squares, The Londoner's location can’t be beaten. West End theatreland, The National Gallery, Chinatown and Covent Garden are all within walking distance, making impromptu stop-offs and resets during the day super easy, and there are multiple tube stations minutes away for adventures further afield.

The hustle and bustle of the capital is quickly forgotten when you’re settled at one of London’s best so-called "iceberg" hotels and looked after by attentive uniformed staff. Six basement levels boast a stunning ballroom, an urban resort-inspired spa and more, whilst above ground, The Residence takes pride of place along with beautifully refined bedrooms, a champagne bar called The Stage and a traditional pub, Joshua’s Tavern. The guest-only trio of parlour rooms span a cosy Drawing Room lounge, the aptly shaped Y Bar and the speakeasy-style Whisky Room.

7. The Zetter Bloomsbury

Location: Bloomsbury
Vibe: Boutique, warm, quirky
Stars: Four.

If you want to cosy up in an attractive hotel that feels like an extended stay at a well-travelled friend’s tasteful home, look no further than The Zetter Bloomsbury. Opening in March and designed by James Thurstan Waterworth, it is housed inside a row of six striking Georgian townhouses, and the colourful interiors are brimming with collected antiques that honour past residents and channel Bloomsbury’s enduring intellectual spirit.

Like many of London’s best hotels, this one has a gym, and it’s very well-placed for lovely days spent museum-hopping and wandering around London’s parks. Find British favourites and delicacies on the menu at The Parlour dining room and The Orangery (found next to the garden) for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, washed down with carefully chosen drinks and cocktails. Then, when it comes to the bedrooms, details like king-size, four-poster beds, claw-foot bathtubs and clashed textile furnishings add even more personality.

8. The Standard, London

Location: King’s Cross
Vibe: Retro, accessible, cool
Stars: Five.

Before The Standard, London arrived at the Brutalist building opposite the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel (where the Spice Girls filmed their Wannabe video) in 2019, the rejuvenated King’s Cross area was best known as a busy intersection where you could study at the British Library or Central Saint Martins, and jump on the Eurostar to Paris. But now, anyone throwing a party they want to go viral does so at this scene-y ’70s-inspired hotel, where guests are shuttled up to the delightful Sweeties bar and rooftop terrace in the red pill-shaped exterior lift until the early hours.

Note how the spacious rooms downstairs have bay windows and (often) a bathtub. It’s also a hidden gem for business trips, peppered with quiet corners to work in and take meetings, or you could pop to nearby Coal Drops Yard for an excellent range of restaurants.

9. The July London Victoria

Location: Victoria
Vibe: Personal, tasteful, unexpected
Stars: Four.

Don’t let the waves of commuters fool you, because The July London Victoria’s proximity to one of London’s busiest train and coach stations actually pretty much guarantees the smoothest transfers, and the prime postcode delivers luxury many miss when staying in this area. This well-designed aparthotel blends the desirable perks of London’s best hotels (a gym, spa and another original spin on Art Deco courtesy of design firm Fettle) with the freedom of renting your own studio flat at a fraction of the cost.

Buckingham Palace visits and a ticket to Wicked on the stage are highly likely, but the real selling point is the unprecedented flexibility. There's no limit to the length of your reservation, and every guest gets a king-size bed in apartments that peak at 950 sq ft with three bedrooms. You can choose whether to make a home-cooked meal in your fully equipped kitchen and dining area, or eat out at hotel restaurant The Idler (Mediterranean-British), before hitting the Arabescato-marble bar for drinks.

More Stylish London Hotels to Book:

The Twenty Two
Location: Mayfair
Vibe: Distinguished, jovial, timeless
Stars: Five.

Templeton Garden
Location: Kensington
Vibe: Charming, prestigious, considered
Stars: Four.

The Laslett
Location: Notting Hill
Vibe: Creative, elaborate, discreet
Stars: Five.

The Savoy
Location: The Strand
Vibe: Traditional, decadent, flawless
Stars: Five.

Sea Containers
Location: South Bank
Vibe: Inspired, graceful, riverside
Stars: Five.

Whilst fashion has always been a hotbed for discord, it certainly feels like one segment of the industry is stoking the ire of the internet more so than any others; the 2026 colour fashion trends.

Colours have always been at the centre of the most outdated style rules. (No mixing of navy and blue! White is best suited for the summer! Neon colours should be left in the '80s!) Yet, the leading colours set to define the year ahead have been marred in more controversy than ever before.

From Pantone dubbing a "billowy, airy, and serene off-white" as the 2026 colour of the year from Pinterest predicting lurid tones like "wasabi green" and "plum noir" as the shades that will dominate the next 12 months, the latter of which are closely similar to the tones foretold by New York-based fashion analyst, trend forecaster and content creator Mandy Lee, it's safe to say a lot of confusion surrounds what colour trends will actually come to fruition in 2026.

We here at Who What Wear UK thrive in this kind of uncertainty. Instead of being dictated by data, statistical insights, consumer shopping habits or any sort of digital material, we've always found that the trends that make the biggest impact are the ones determined in real life and exhibited by real people. We pride ourselves on paying close attention to what those living in fashion capitals and international tastemakers wear on a daily basis, whether it be whilst visiting a local café or stepping out on a press tour.

So, when we've already begun to notice a few of these so-called 2026 colour trends begin to crop up in the wild, you can rest assured that we took good notice. Of course, we can't do this alone, as, with most things in the industry, the runways are always a good barometer of what's to come, too. After all, what we see in new-season designer collections will ultimately be the designs worn by style luminaries in a few months' time.

For the uninitiated, the spring/summer 2026 shows were a hotbed of inspiration, and brought with them a new wave of palettes, hues and finishes which will no doubt permeate our desires in a mere few months. Poppy red and expensive aubergine are both part of the new cohort of colours on the rise, but there are also a few others that I just have to tell you about now, before they hit the mainstream.

I've been taking a deep dive into fashion's biggest players, including Alaïa, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta and Stella McCartney, to explore which tones they're favouring for 2025, so consider this your sneak peek at what the year has to bring in terms of colour. From head-turning tones like vibrant chartreuse, canary yellow, vibrant purple, candy pink and rich teal, to the palette-cleansing hue of "cloud-dancer" white, this scheme of shades will be sure to add a saturated appeal to your Monday-to-Friday looks, and your off-duty 'fits, too.

Scroll on to get the lowdown on the biggest colour trends that 2026 has to offer, plus a little bit of shopping inspiration to help you get ahead of the curve.

The 7 Biggest Colour Trends of 2026

1. Icy Blue

Style Notes: Feeling blue? Don't let the year's frosty beginnings and depressive winter weather keep you from dressing up, with the runways and red carpets indicating a penchant for this specific shade of icy blue. Perhaps an indication of where we are as a culture, this polar shade might have you channelling your inner Snow Queen as a response to the precarious times we're living in. Consider this shade like a form of sartorial resistance, because there is truly nothing more intimidating than walking around dressed cold-heartedly.

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2. Chartreuse Green

Style Notes: It might've been a quarter of a century since pop diva Kylie Minogue brought chartreuse to the mainstream with her bit part as the Green Fairy in 2001's Moulin Rouge!, but as they say, good things come to those who wait. A tone that's as polarising as it is inescapable, the chartreuse reign feels like a natural successor to the Brat green tone pioneered by Charli XCX in 2024, but with a slightly more yellow undertone. Some consider it ghastly, some don't consider it at all. But irrespective of where you stand, there is no denying it's quite hypnotic. Plus, in a world that's constantly threatened by the intersection of man and machine, the hyper-virtual undertow of this shade feels like the perfect shade to represent the glitch-in-the-matrix sensation of now.

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3. Vibrant Purple

Style Notes: I profiled the rise of expensive aubergine this year, and for the new season, this shade is getting a bit of a facelift. I'm seeing a much richer, vintage-inspired, decadent hue push it from the top spot, which I'm calling it vibrant purple. A little bit '80s with a splash of royal, aristocratic flavour, it's a shade which feels both luxurious and fun. It dominated some of the most headline-grabbing shows, including Balenciaga, Burberry, Valentino and Chloé, and worked beautifully in head-to-toe looks or with the odd floral thrown in. It's already making the waves amongst the street style set, too, with both Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence incorporating the colour into their winter accessories. To dial it back, it pairs exquisitely with sand, taupe and beige, but if you're adventurous, canary yellow complements it delightfully.

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4. "Cloud-Dancer" White

Style Notes: Cloud Dancer has been named Pantone's Colour of the Year for 2026. This light and bright-white hue leans slightly into natural putty territory, and it's your sign to start 2026 as a clean break. This really couldn't be more apt, as we all desire to go into the new season with a fresh perspective and a clear palette. Cloud Dancer is a chance to unshackle from the grey days of winter and enter the year ahead with an open mind and little visual distraction. Do you have a minimalist personal style? Look to Bottega, Pauline Dujancourt, Dior and Noon By Noor, who all embraced this pillowy-soft tone on the runways, across dresses, suits and accessories.

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5. Canary Yellow

Style Notes: Butter yellow had us all salivating over the summer. For 2026, enter its natural upgrade, which I'm calling canary yellow. This eye-catching tone is brilliant, full contrast and intense, and some of fashion's biggest labels gave it serious airtime on the runways. Bottega, McQueen, Loewe and Tove all dipped their toes in, with all other colours paling in comparison. If you're ready to let the canary sing, pair it with beige, or even citrusy orange for your spring/summer ensembles.

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6. Candy Pink

Style Notes: Powder pink reigned supreme in 2025, but for 2026, its not-too-distant cousin is entering the chat. Candy pink, a more strikingly sweet and drool-worthy shade, is what I took note of on the runways for spring. Fresh and undoubtedly pretty, it packs a stronger punch than its predecessor, popping down the catwalks of Stella McCartney, Patou, N°21 and Blumarine, on dresses, suits and shoes. It can be toughened up with charcoal grey, chrome and patent black. It's the chicest way to do pink.

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7. Rich Teal

Style Notes: Not blue and not green, this mysterious mix of both raced down some of the biggest runways this season, predominantly on coats, jackets and suiting. Rich teal permeated the collections of Alaïa, Saint Laurent, Acne Studios and Loewe; labels that pride themselves on the bold use of colour season after season. It's the sort of hue that just reads expensive. I see this tone working well in monochromatic looks, but it also complements black, chocolate brown and, if you're feeling extra peacock-y, pillar-box red.

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Welcome to day three of Paris Fashion Week. The city’s glamorous week began with Anthony Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent spring/summer 2026 show, staged beneath the glittering Eiffel Tower. Against this cinematic backdrop, a cast of 2025’s It girls gathered to take in Vaccarello’s sleek, ‘80s-imbued vision. Since then, we've seen Louis Vuitton indulged in regency romance, followed by Stella McCartney's signature brand of polish.

From today, the week accelerates into a series of hotly anticipated debuts: Jonathan Anderson presents his first women's ready-to-wear collection at Dior, Glenn Martens showcases his ready-to-wear vision for Maison Margiela following his kick-off with couture in July, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez take the reins at Loewe, Pierpaolo Piccioli reveals his vision for Balenciaga; and Matthieu Blazy unveils his first Chanel collection. Alongside, the industry’s most established names will continue to raise the stakes.

Across the weekend, we’ll be reporting live on everything you need to know, from standout shows and defining trends to the key pieces and unmissable moments destined to shape the S/S 26 season. Stay tuned.

On the Saint Laurent runway, the ‘80s reigned supreme. Sharp, oversized shoulders, glossy leathers and precise pencil skirts set the tone, before billowing, hyper-voluminous dresses brought the show to a close. In the front row, fashion’s most-watched names—Kate and Lila Moss, Zoë Kravitz, Hailey Bieber, Charli XCX, Alexa Chung and more—were out in force. Their collective look spelt out the defining trend of the night: big top, tight skirt. Lace designs and fluid satin pencil skirts were paired with statement bombers and exaggerated blouses, creating an ‘80s silhouette that felt distinctly modern.

More major celebrities have descended on Paris to witness Nicolas Ghesquière's Louis Vuitton spring/summer 2026 collection. On the runway, a romantic sensibility permeated the designs, with silhouettes that nodded to the house’s founding year of 1858—think dramatic collars and flowing dresses—appeared throughout the collection. Meanwhile, contemporary touches, such as scarves styled in place of belts and heavily fringed dresses, featured throughout.

If you were to ask anyone on our team which Paris Fashion Week runway show they were most excited about, the answer would be unanimous: Jonathan Anderson’s Dior ready-to-wear debut. Stepping into the role at the storied French fashion house, Anderson presents his first womenswear collection following his menswear debut as Dior’s creative director earlier this summer. With Paris buzzing and a star-studded guest list in attendance, we’ve rounded up some of the most stylish celebrities spotted at the show.

“Genuinely breathtaking!” was how Who What Wear’s SEO writer, Ava Gilchrist, summed up the Dior runway show as it drew to a close this afternoon. She wasn’t alone in her admiration—the collection unveiled a parade of delicate, sculptural silhouettes, dramatic headpieces, and darling gowns, all tied together by an undercurrent of ethereal femininity.

Attending the Issey Miyake show in Paris on Thursday, Who What Wear’s Fashion Editor Sophie Watson noted: “Plenty of classic plissé alongside flashes of neon and tropical plant prints. Holes in the fabric seemed to dictate hand placement, while witchy silhouettes floated past in head-to-toe looks finished with Camper shoes. The opening pieces featured exaggerated, crumpled shoulders, before giving way to palm prints, feathers and robe-like shapes in taupe and acid tones.”

New York Fashion Week is known for its celebrity sightings, and London for its experimental dressing, but when it comes to sleek street style inspiration that will put you ahead of the upcoming seasonal trends, then Milan will always be my first port of call.

While most of the talk will inevitably be focused on what's on the spring/summer 2026 runways (which we'll share our thoughts on soon), I spent the weekend browsing through all the sleek outfits that were spotted on the streets as well, in hopes to pick out the trends that I’ll be adding to my wardrobe for the autumn/winter season.

With the perfect blend of fashion-forward chicness and timeless elegance, I know that I can always rely on Italian street style to provide me with outfit ideas that effortlessly combine form and function. This year in particular, I spotted seven key trends that I'll be wearing from now on and well into the winter season.

From bright pops of colour to boost your mood to bold silhouettes that will add a touch of refinement to your outfits, keep scrolling to discover the seven street style trends I spotted at Milan’s spring/summer 2026 fashion week.

7 Street-Style Trends That Dominated Milan Fashion Week

1. Animal Print

Style Notes: It seems like animal print is always trending these days, but the truth is that fashion people just can’t get enough of it. There’s just something about it that looks so stylish, and it all lies in the fact that the pattern is interesting enough to elevate an outfit, whilst the monochrome hues will still allow it to be paired with everything you own.

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2. Check

Style Notes: If you’ve already started your autumn shopping, you’ve most likely noticed that checks are everywhere this season. And the streets of Milan are no different. I spotted this ‘dark academia’-inspired print on loads of chic dressers in the form of everything from houndstooth trousers to plaid flannel shirts.

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3. Exaggerated Shoulder Pads

Style Notes: I first spotted these dramatic silhouettes on last year’s runways when looking for autumn coat inspirations, and the Milan fashion set is taking it to a new level for autumn 2025 with even more exaggerated shoulder styles. Whether you opt for a blazer, shirt, or dress, this ‘80s power dressing’ aesthetic is sure to make you look put-together and intentional.

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4. Pinstripe

Style Notes: Pinstripes are not a new trend in any way; however, 2025 has seen a revival of the print in the form of styles that go way beyond your typical work blazer. I’m particularly interested in investing in a midi skirt in this elegant print, much like the Miu Miu iteration below.

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5. Chocolate Suede

Style Notes: It should be clear by now that chocolate brown suede has the hearts of fashion people and celebrities alike. However, this fashion week, I also spotted the luxe fabrication in the form of trousers and trenches, as well as your classic boots, loafers, and handbags. I’ll personally be investing in real suede for the season, but the high street also has plenty of expensive-looking vegan options depending on your preference.

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6. Tomato Red

Style Notes: It's probably not a surprise to fashion lovers that red is trending yet again this season. In fact, it’s been “trending” for so long that you may as well just count it as a neutral these days. For autumn 2025, stylish dressers are turning to even brighter, more coral-toned tomato reds that are sure to make a statement.

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7. Minimalist Leather

Style Notes: The more pared-back dressers among us will be pleased to know that minimalist leather separates were spotted all over the streets of Milan this weekend. Avoiding more dramatic patent finishes and instead opting for more matte fabrications in simple silhouettes, the Milan fashion proved that less is always more.

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As much as I love dissecting runway looks straight off the catwalk, for me, nothing quite compares to the joys of street style. Truthfully, I find that the pavements outside the shows often deliver as much inspiration as the collections themselves. With well-honed eyes styling emerging trends, I find that Fashion Week street style offers the perfect barometer for what’s actually resonating with people right now.

With London Fashion Week freshly wrapped and a new wave of street style imagery flooding in, it didn’t take long for a few standout trends to rise to the surface. From the chic shoe styling tricks everyone’s experimenting with, to the autumn jacket choices stylists are wearing themselves, these are the five street style trends Londoners are backing this September.

5 Street-Style Trends Taking Off in London Right Now

1. Frothy Frocks

Style Notes: With designers like Simone Rocha and Susan Fang on the schedule this past week, it’s hardly surprising that the love affair with frills and froth spilt onto the streets. Voluminous skirts, lace-trimmed dresses and ruffles galore added a romantic flourish to the pavements of London.

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2. Suede Bomber Jackets

Style Notes: This season, the bomber jacket gets a luxe update in soft suede—and fashion people have readily embraced it. In shades of brown, caramel and khaki, it taps into an autumnal palette without feeling heavy. Spotted across the weekend, layered over crisp shirting or worn with lived-in denim, the throw-on piece instantly makes an outfit feel much cooler.

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3. Socks + Heels

Style Notes: Instead of stepping out in a brand-new shoe trend, London’s style set tapped a chic styling trick: pairing heels with socks. Playful and preppy, the calf-grazing socks add character to basic heels, making them the kind of fashion week update that can entirely enhance an outfit.

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4. Decked in Checks

Style Notes: Checks have long been an autumn favourite, but this season they dominated the street style scene with new energy. From tartan dresses and heritage-inspired skirts to oversized shirts and accessories. Worn head-to-toe or as a standout accent, checks added a grounding note to otherwise trend-led looks.

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5. Cap Sleeves

Style Notes: Understated and refined, cap sleeves emerged as one of the most elegant trends of the week. Often paired with high necklines, this silhouette makes a look feel considered, and judging by how often it appeared across the shows, it’s set to be a quiet but powerful staple this season.

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While the rest of the UK is turning its attention to what to wear for the autumn season, the fashion world has all eyes on spring/summer 2026, with London Fashion Week taking centre stage. And although most of the talk since fashion month started has been about what's on the S/S 2026 catwalks (which we'll be sharing our thoughts on soon), I just couldn't help but notice all of the stylish looks that were spotted on attendees, and this, of course, includes the outfits my fellow editors wore.

Staying in the centre of the city at the beautiful One Hundred Shoreditch hotel, the Who What Wear UK editors made their way around London in outfits to suit the unpredictable UK weather as well as help them comfortably navigate countless shows, presentations, and events they attended. Whether heading to venues in the east of the city to discover niche up-and-coming designers, walking the streets of the west for the ultra-luxury brands, or dodging the rain in style (we were very lucky to once again be chauffeured by Volvo), our editors picked outfits that were chic and practical in equal measure.

So naturally, once they were back at their desks this morning, I asked them for their exact outfit breakdowns. If you’re also curious, keep scrolling to see what Who What Wear UK editors wore to London’s S/S 2026 Fashion Week in September 2025.

What the Who What Wear UK Editors Wore to London Fashion Week

1. Striped Jumper + Pleated Skirt + Suede Boots

Style Notes: You can always rely on editor-in-chief Hannah Almassi to put together a look that's chic and practical in equal measure.

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