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

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

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

Classic Pieces to Buy This Autumn 2026

1. Outerwear

2. Knitwear

3. Bottoms

4. Shoes

5. Dresses

6. Bags

7. Tops

Once upon a time, in a fashion world that existed not too long ago, the Margiela Tabi was considered the most outlandish style of shoe a person could wear. Fast-forward to today, when even Kylie Jenner wears them on a date via Citibike, it takes more than a split toe to scare off non-fashion folk. We have jelly shoes fit for Polly Pocket, orthopaedic sports sneakers with velcro straps, neoprene and a high arch for support, "toe cleavage" and complete exposure therapy courtesy of Saint Laurent’s men’s PVC brogues and Chanel’s "sole-less" sandals. Fashion commentator Mandy Lee said it best when she declared us in a "freaky shoe era". No style, shape or hybrid is out of bounds, because fashion’s latest fetish doesn’t discriminate; it democratises.

Whilst we may be heading into autumn, let’s begin by paying summer’s most eccentric syles theirs dues. A while ago I waxed lyrical on the rise of "princess shoes", footwear that panders to our inner child who wanted to dress up in Cinderella’s glass slippers or Marie Antoinette’s mules. Jelly shoes might have made their return in 2025, but Chloe’s Chemena Kamali pushed the boundaries of shoe design fit for our seven-year-old selves by dropping her PVC jelly mules. Pastel and peep-toed, they echo the sentiment of Aqua’s lyrics of pure poetry: “Life in plastic, it’s fantastic".

But if plastic isn’t your thing, fear not, Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel Cruise collection has a sandal for you. Designed in black leather with long laces to be tied around the ankle, they look relatively traditional until you realise they have no sole. Half the shoe, but not half the price.

Back in June, when the menswear spring/summer 2027 shows were presented, it was clear they too got the message. Lace-up ballet flats at Dries van Noten, derby jazz shoes and barely there sandals at Celine and—wait for it—transparent pointed PVC brogues and boots at Saint Laurent. Woof! Some of these styles aren't yet available, but they still set the tone for the season ahead. And as we all declared an end to quiet luxury and the rebirth of maximalism, our tippy-toes got the bedazzled treatment. A harem of toe rings, charm anklets and embellished flip-flops filled our Instagram feeds, and this was just the beginning. 2026 has been declared the year of whimsy more than once, and what's more whimsical than Chanel’s haute couture show being inspired by fairytales such as Jack and the Beanstalk? With golden eggs, ornate butterflies and decorated legumes for heels, the collection made JW Anderson’s frog clogs of 2023 or BHIVE’s duck flippers feel like child’s play.

Princess mules or butterfly-and-beanstalk heels; what’s clear is that "freaky" no longer simply equates to "ugly". In fact, autumn/winter 2026's most outlandish styles are prettier than ever. There are Tory Burch's embellished pumps, Dior’s waterlily sandals and Prada’s feathered and beaded lime green lace-up boots, and the level of intricacy and craftsmanship proves that there’s method in the madness.

Dior’s director of footwear design, Nina Christen, is responsible for the house’s brilliantly bold designs under Anderson’s leadership. If one were speaking in musical terms, the autumn/winter couture 2026 footwear collection was a seminal album with a no-skip tracklist. Bows, beads, feathers and florals upon taffeta silks and pastel mesh: every inch of shoe was a smorgasbord of fabulously fun, feminine decoration.

But what else can we expect from shoes in A/W 26? Another Mandy Lee prediction that came to fruition (because honestly, when does she miss?) was the presence of hair. Simone Rocha, Dries van Noten, Erdem, Marni and Miu Miu are offering everything from ballet flats to boots with shearling exteriors and long-haired toes that give zero f**ks whether it rains or pours, because they’re not made with practicality in mind.

Looking at the runways, if you were thinking some styles felt somewhat familiar, you’d be correct. The Valentino Garavani Rockstud returns with a new 'do courtesy of Alessandro Michele, and Gucci’s monogrammed foldable-heel courts might just be tempting us with the return of logomania (yes, it's due a comeback, but you heard it here first). Others are reminiscent of a bygone era much further back than the 2000s or 2010s, however. We all know this time of year is the season of the witch, and with Practical Magic 2’s release, it couldn’t be a more welcome time for Victorian footwear to come to the fore. Lace-up boots might have been trending since last winter, but it’s the elasticated Khaite courts with their turned-up toe that have a distinctly spooky feel.

As such, whether you’re looking for shoes fit for a princess, a witch or to allude to the fairytale-loving inner child within us all, I think Nile Rogers said it best: "Le freak, c’est chic"!

Shop Freaky Footwear for Autumn/Winter 2026

Before we get started, know that my friend is a flats girl forever—she never wears heels. So, as her fashion-editor friend, I wasn't surprised when she messaged me looking for stylish fall shoe ideas. I should also mention that she prefers to buy her shoes from Zappos and didn't want to spend more than $175 on a pair, so I told her I'd scroll through the new arrivals to find my favorite shopping director-approved picks.

Keep scrolling to shop trend-forward fall 2026 flat shoe options. The first five on the list are the silhouettes I sent to my friend, and then I rounded up even more styles to inspire your fall wardrobe. You'll notice everything from chic ballet flats to cool slides to polished loafers.

If you’re reading this, I would hazard a guess that you might class yourself as a shoe aficionado. Colour-wise, the range of boots, trainers and loafers in your rotation might go well beyond the minimalist range of black, white and grey. And I’d wager that you’re mere days away from making a few fashion-forward purchases, ready to update your capsule wardrobe staples with a carefully thought out dose of trend-led colour.

If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place, as the autumn shoe colour trends we’re about to dive into are nothing short of a feast for the eyes. Falling in line with the maximalist mood shaping the autumn/winter 2026 runways, the shades you’re about to see in this edit are nothing short of eclectic. Be it rich, sophisticated shades of oxblood that lend a playful yet regal air of quiet luxury, to dopamine-inducing pops of neon that don’t simply wait for attention but demand it—this season's footwear colour palette is anything but boring.

Consider this your guide, if you will, to the colours worth knowing. Below we dive into not only what's trending in the world of shoes, but also how to style these shades to make them work their utmost hardest.

So, whether you’re ready to embrace colour-drenched, head-to-look or simply searching for a way to make aqua work long after summer, I’ve got the answers for you. Scroll on to see the five biggest shoe colour trends of autumn 2026.

The 5 Biggest Shoe Colour Trends of Autumn 2026

1. Brilliant Bordeaux

Style Notes: Whether you call it wine, maroon or burgundy, bordeaux will be one of the biggest autumn shoe colour trends to know. Although the rich beverage makes an excellent mulled wine (yes, festive season is on the brain), this deep oxblood shade is equally suited to shoes, inherently warm, quietly regal and heavy on the understated elegance. That may well be why it was everywhere on the A/W '26 runways.

Whether fashioned into androgynous, knee-high boots at Vivienne Westwood or embossed in a croc-effect minimal loafer à la Luisa Spagnoli, the luxurious shade makes less of a statement than its punchy, tomato coloured sister (more on that later), but it is a treat to behold nonetheless .

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2. Banking on Blue

Style Notes: Whilst it's true that this summer was defined by aquamarine, as we look at the colour trends capturing the hearts of fashion people this autumn, it's clear that varying shades of water-inspired blue are exactly what we’ll be wearing on our feet too. Although autumn might not be all about the beach, shades of blue have taken on a decidedly more polished persona, and look just as good with socks and tights.

At Jonathon Anderson’s Dior, confident, cobalt, floral pumps marched the runway, the sculptural blooms adding a soft femininity to the bare leg. Over at Moschino, electric teal T-bar heels added a punchy pop to red tights, and then there was Prada, where an icy blue feathered boot was the perfect frothy backdrop for a flash of electric-yellow lace. You see, this autumn, there’s no right or wrong way to wear blue; this playful hue is ready to work hard all on its own.

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3. Nought-y Neon

Style Notes: Once considered a dated relic of the 80's and in turn, acid-indie Y2K, neon has been given a decidedly cooler revival thanks in part to fashion’s current maximalist mood. Be it neon pink, aquamarine blue, or citron yellow, each shade has cropped up on the runway, paired with clashing colours to full dopamine-inducing effect, and this autumn, the trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Black leather trousers can be styled up with chartreuse pumps a là Vaquera, or toe-flashing hot pink boots caused a stir when shown with an icy silver overcoat at Julie Kegels—this season the message couldn’t be clearer: neon is no longer reserved for summer, festivals or noughties tribute looks; it's here and ready to give a surprisingly chic feel to your autumn rotation.

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4. Reliable Red

Style Notes: The gift that keeps on giving, this round-up would be incomplete without at least one mention of the bold red trend that has taken over 2026. What began as a micro-trend in 2020 has, over the past few years, evolved into a bona fide wardrobe staple, with the vibrant hue infiltrating every fashion person’s wardrobe. From tomato-red bags to bright knits, it has been quite literally everywhere, but it’s on our feet that this brilliant colour really shines.

With vivid colour combinations and colour-drenching firmly at the forefront of the conversation, red shoes were frequently styled as part of a much bolder, more saturated look. At Blumarine, vinyl red shoes were paired with near-sheer red tights, creating a head-to-toe effect that felt unabashedly seductive. Whilst at Bottega Veneta, a fluffy, fur-trimmed iteration was styled alongside a statement-making fringe skirt, proving that this season’s red shoe is anything but demure.

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6. Go For Gold

Style Notes: Now, it’s true that gold shoes (particularly heels) are somewhat of a timeless classic and an elevated neutral in their own right, but since finding a home in the wardrobes of Jennifer Lopez and Alexa Chung this year, it feels almost impossible to make it through autumn without them.

So, whether you’re embracing the once considered "date" gold ankle boot, or looking for something perfect for party seasonal, there’s an iteration of the trend to suit every style. From softened metallics that feel surprisingly understated to statement silhouettes that demand attention, gold is proving that it can be both timeless and thoroughly of-the-moment.

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If you thought the seasonal switch from summer to autumn meant relegating colour to the back of your wardrobe, think again. Amongst the sleek sea of neutrals ready to take off, purple is set to become autumn's most important colour trend—and shoes are proving to be the chicest way to wear it.

Affirming my prediction, I spotted model Elsa Hosk swapping her usual black slingbacks for a deep-purple pair, rendered in glossy leather. In a rich plum shade, the shoes retain all the opulence you'd expect from a winter-ready palette whilst bringing a fresh energy to her look.

A breakthrough trend from the autumn/winter 2026 runways, I'm hardly surprised that those with their fingers on the pulse have already begun weaving the shade into their rotations. Whilst Elsa gave the trend a particularly wearable spin by pairing her purple slingbacks with blue straight-leg jeans and a supple suede funnel-neck jacket in a chic khaki shade, there's no reason to reserve the colour for daytime. I'd be just as tempted to style a pair with an evening-ready look—think a long-line red dress for a particularly cool colour clash.

An easy way to inject some new-season energy into your current rotation, purple heels are about to be everywhere. Read on to shop my edit of the chicest pairs to buy now.

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From Jane Birkin to Charlotte Gainsbourg, every French woman knows that an impeccable pair of jeans is a must in any well-edited wardrobe. But when it comes to pinpointing the exact style of French jeans worn by the chicest dressers from Biarritz to Marseille, they're imbued with this sort of je ne sais quoi that makes them so covetable.

Not quite a stovepipe jean, not quite a skinny jean, French jeans are this hybrid style that falls straight down the thigh, tapers at the ankle, but looks as straight and as a Vogue Slim cigarette. Still, if there is one thing that we're all in agreement on, it's the chic shoes to wear with French jeans.

You could say that it's possible to wear any shoe with a pair of French jeans. Whilst that's technically true, I find not every footwear style is a perfect match. Though it's sometimes difficult to put into words why a certain pair of shoes doesn't work well with a certain pair of denim, you can intuitively feel that something is off.

As an American hailing from the land of Levi's 501s, I know my way around a good pair of jeans and how to wear them. That said, I'm obsessed with the French girl jeans outfits, which never fail to elevate denim in a way that's so sophisticated it makes me wonder how jeans were ever considered a casual staple in the first place.

As torchbearers of creating excellent European outfits with jeans and a very specific and ultra-popular denim style, French women are helpful teachers in finding the right shoe pairing for them. As previously mentioned, these jeans are form-fitting throughout the leg and usually have less volume than a standard straight-leg jean. They're chic and, as these tastemakers have proven, they're timeless when you have concrete shoe pairings in the back of your mind.

As for the shoes? There's nothing here that'll shock you, but what's revelatory is just how inimitable and reliable a classic pairing is. From loafers to leather boots to ballet flats, the key is often a sleek profile that doesn't interfere with the crisp cut of the jeans. So let's immerse ourselves in the best jeans and shoe outfit pairings that French women have defined and worn best throughout 2026 (and will certainly do so into next year).

5 Best Shoes to Wear with French Jeans in 2026

1. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: As ballet flats have made their way back into the sartorial narrative, French women were quick to show us how to wear them in a way that felt less dated and more timeless. (No 2010s cosplay here!) Though we might attribute their return to Miu Miu's autumn/winter 2022 show, ballet flats have been worn by French women for decades, from Chanel's first pair in 1984 to the Repetto pumps that Parisians are constantly wearing on repeat in 2026. This combination is classic, with the softness of the dance-inspired shoe adding a gentle touch to the otherwise utilitarian and workwear staple that is denim

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2. Loafers

Style Notes: No transitional capsule wardrobe is complete without jeans or loafers, and French denim looks specifically superb when pairing them together. Loafers are always sophisticated, whether you love gathered loafers or a classic black pair. With such a stylish yet minimal combination, you can introduce a statement element for a little more personality. Animal print jackets, flowy peasant blouses, striped tops and skinny scarves are all excellent options.

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3. Trainers

Style Notes: Trainers and jeans are always a lovely match, but with straight and skinny styles of jeans, not every sneaker is best. Opt for a low-profile trainer, endlessly adored by French women, which won't fight for attention or look too bulky alongside straight-leg jeans. With a slouchy jumper and woven bag, you have all your essentials for the chicest transitional uniform.

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4. Boots

Style Notes: Another one of the best shoes to wear with French jeans is boots. Cold weather days always demand a pair of boots; I'd be remiss not to mention this exceptional pairing. When you have a sleek pair of jeans and boots, I always appreciate adding a bit more volume with my top and outerwear, which Paris-based creative director Anne-Laure Mais has done here. With a cool leather jacket, you get a simple outfit for your rotation that feels anything but.

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5. Kitten Heels

Style Notes: For a more sophisticated take on denim, chic kitten heels are an excellent pairing. The low heel and open top (and any thin straps) don't get in the way of the hem and frame your foot in the most elevated way—which contrasts superbly against the laid-back look of jeans. Kitten heels have been a long-running shoe rack staple for fashionable French women for decades, and it's clear to see why.

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Gen Z Says is a bimonthly column chronicling the latest trends in the fashion-and-beauty space through the lens of Who What Wear's own Gen Z editors. Expect a download on the upcoming class of tastemakers, emerging designers, and shopping and style choices straight from the generation setting the trends.

For the last few seasons, sneaker trends have been operating under a "more is more" mentality. Retro runners got brighter, soles got slimmer, and suede became the unofficial fabric of the fashion set—preferably in some hyperspecific shade of burgundy, chocolate brown, or butter yellow. But lately, I've noticed under-30 fashion people going in the complete opposite direction. Their sneakers aren't getting more niche and complicated. In fact, they're getting decidedly more plain.

Enter humble canvas sneakers.

Canvas Sneakers on the Runway

Canvas Sneakers on a Gen Z Celebrity

Think classic Converse Chuck Taylors, Keds, Vans Old Skools, and the uncomplicated lace-up sneakers you probably wore into the ground at some point between middle school and your first year of college. They're simple, slightly nostalgic, and—after years of sneakers that practically require a trend report to understand—refreshingly easy. The appeal feels less like discovering something new and more like remembering something we'd forgotten was good in the first place.

Of course, Gen Z's current infatuation with all things 2010s certainly helps. Canvas sneakers have that perfectly unfussy, pre-Instagram quality to them: a little indie sleaze, a little Tumblr-era Alexa Chung, and a little "I just threw these on" energy. But the way they're being styled now feels decidedly 2026. Instead of skinny jeans and a band tee, I'm seeing them paired with lace-trim skirts, loose trousers, basketball shorts, baggy denim, and polished fall layers. Even the most basic black-and-white pair looks intentional.

Canvas Sneakers on the Style Set

Maybe that's exactly why the trend feels so right for fall. After seasons of chasing increasingly specific It sneakers, there's something genuinely cool about going back to basics. No rare colorway, complicated silhouette, or four-figure price tag required—just a pair of sneakers that looks better the more you actually wear them.

Sometimes, the boring option ends up being the coolest one in the room.

Below, shop the best Gen Z–approved canvas sneakers ahead of fall.

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

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

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

Shop Designer Shoes for Autumn 2026

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

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

The 5 Biggest Autumn Boots Trends of 2026

1. Knees Up

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

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2. Bringing Back Boho

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

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

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3. Witchy Wonders

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

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4. Pretty in Print

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

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5. In the Ring

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

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Despite all signs indicating the contrary, it’s actually quite a difficult time to be a trainer. As a category, trainers have been mutilated beyond recognition. These days, everything from a pair of satin ballet flats fixed with a pair of laces to technical-inspired loafers with meshed netting could be considered a trainer, leading to the style being wholly overlooked thanks to these half-baked iterations. But as the autumn trainer trends of 2026 indicate, the tides are slowly but surely turning.

Though we’re nowhere near going back to the days when wearing trainers was only fit for exercising and running errands, trainers have recently lost some of the qualities that made them a go-to for easy styling and casual wear. Now, with so many options available, trainers have been kept to the sidelines in favour of more classic options, be it a pair of ballet flats or flip-flops.

The appeal of this latter style also comes down to their subversive nature, especially when styled with typically athletic pieces. Indeed, when paired with a windbreaker and track shorts, a pair of heeled flip-flops feels thoughtful instead of athletic. Or, a pair of jeans and an oversized T-shirt feel far more in-the-know when styled with suede sandals.

But as the weather begins to shift, dictating a need for shoes that not only protect us from the elements but also ensure stylish attire, there are several autumn trainer trends waiting in the wings to fill this gap. Striking the perfect balance between sensible and chic, these are pieces that you can happily trot around in without feeling like you’re wearing a one-season wonder.

From the return of shades that haven’t made an appearance since the noughties to silhouettes your teenage skater boyfriend would’ve worn, albeit in an incredibly cool way, keep scrolling through for the key trainer trends that will dominate autumn wardrobes this year.

The 6 Major Trainer Trends for Autumn 2026

1. Snap, Bubble, Pop

Style Notes: Don’t let the talk of inflation get you down. In fashion sectors, designers are responding to this economic term with humour and lightness, instead focusing on a more literal take by reviving silhouettes like the 1980s-approved bubble skirt and 1650-coded balloon shorts. This has even begun trickling into trainers, with Miu Miu sending a slew of bubble sole styles down its autumn/winter 2026 runway.

This style, which is already almost sold out, features sequin embroidery and suede trims, and is inspired by an archival design from the early 2000s. However, there are equally intriguing options from the likes of Keen, a lesser-known trainer brand that specialises in specialised terrain usage and orthopaedic protection, to consider.

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2. Old School Suede

Style Notes: Once upon a time, wearing a suede jacket would have people believing that you were on your way to a '70s-themed costume party. Now, after a high-fashion makeover from brands including Nour Hammour and Saint Laurent, suede has become mainstream again. Over the past few years, we’ve even seen suede crop up in trainer format, from the viral Puma Speedcat to the incredibly enviable offering from Dries Van Noten.

This autumn, suede continues to reign, but in a more delicate format. Designers are being intentional about their use of suede, rather than covering the entire shoe in the napped fabric. The result is styles that almost rival track shoes from the decade, but are far more suited for city living. Think: low-profiles, refined trims and nylon upper. A word to the wise: start searching for vintage models of the Adidas Apollo on resale sites for the most authentic version of this trend.

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3. Heavy Metal Hues

Style Notes: They say that coming second is the first to lose, but if the rate at which silver trainers are beginning to crop up, we’d contend that it’s gilded colours who are the runner-up. Sleek, futuristic and polished, silver trainers will forever be associated with the techno-optimism that defined Y2K-era dressing. And honestly, not much has changed in the way they’re being styled since then, anyway. From baggy, three-quarter capris to high-octane T-shirts, slip into these to fulfil your Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century fantasy.

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4. Highly Strung

Style Notes: Michelle Obama once said, when they go low, we go high. Surely then, the former First Lady of the United States must have been talking about the return of the high-top fashion trend. After a period of slim-line and low-rise shapes, the tops of trainers are slowly creeping up the ankle again. From the basketball-inspired Chuck Taylor Converse to the boxing-approved Adidas, these shoes offer an alternative to the leather boots that usually command winter ensembles.

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5. Slip-On Sleaze

Style Notes: If this summer was all about dressing like an extra from Blue Crush—think: hacienda prints, surf shorts and shell necklaces—then autumn will be about dressing like you’re straight out of the pages of Thrasher Magazine—read: two-layered shirts, baggy jeans and, most importantly, slip-on shoes. The latter is obviously synonymous with Vans, which is enjoying quite the renaissance thanks to the likes of Zoë Kravitz and Jennifer Lawrence spearheading their revival.

Still, the slip-on trainer always feels inherently sleazy, like you’ve just stepped out of a Brooklyn club in the 2010s. Pair it with lace-trim slip dresses for a look that embraces both the masculine qualities of the skater shoe and the French-esque, feminine sensibilities of this boudoir essential.

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6. Ready, Preppy, Go!

Style Notes: The preppy subculture will always be a perennial source for fashion to mine. This autumn, designers like Michael Ryder at Celine are leading the rise of a more urbanite style that takes the trend off the campus and into the city. Nowhere is this more apparent than in footwear. Still underscored by a country club ease, these functional preppy trainers feel slightly more poised than performance-ready. After all, these are styles intended for leisure activities as opposed to endurance sports.

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Long before the first leaf changes colour, designer brands start to slowly release their new autumn pieces, much to the delight of the members of the fashion crowd who have been anxiously awaiting them since they made their initial debuts on the runways and in lookbooks. It goes without saying that one of the most highly anticipated first of the autumn drops is The Row—the cult brand's bags and shoes, in particular.

Much to my delight, I just discovered that The Row has begun to quietly release new pieces, and I think we all know that every one of them is going to sell out. We live in a Row-obsessed world, so if you're in the market for a new investment piece from the brand, I highly suggest you place your order (or preorder) now, and I highly suggest it be for any one of the bags and shoes below. You can thank me later for bringing this to your attention.

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The coolest shoes to wear with jeans right now? Ask Alexa Chung, and she'll point you towards an unlikely pairing: denim heels. Beginning her latest look with a pair of pale straight-leg jeans, as so many of Alexa's best outfits do, the model and presenter skipped the ballet flats and jelly shoes she's been reaching for this season, instead styling her denim with a pair of bow-embellished denim mules from Dior.

An unlikely shoe trend, denim shoes have been creeping into new-in sections over the past few seasons. And whilst they might not be the most obvious choice to wear with jeans, I've found that the denim shoes add interest without disrupting the streamlined feel of the jeans, making them one of the coolest shoes to wear with your denim collection right now.

Whilst I'll be taking my cues from Alexa and pairing my denim shoes with jeans, the trend also makes for a lighter alternative to heavier leather and suede styles. Try wearing them with floaty cotton dresses or linen pieces for an equally chic summer look.

Taking your styling cues from Alexa like me? Read on to shop the denim shoes I'm recommending below.

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As a stylist, I'm often asked where I shop for a particular category, and no matter the item in question, recently, my answer is always the same: Marks and Spencer. Because, as we've all noticed—and it's impossible not to with the brand's runway shows in Ibiza, Silverstone and soon, London Fashion Week—the high-street hero has had a real glow-up.

Once considered slightly "dated", the womenswear section now effortlessly ticks off all key seasonal trends, but I'm most interested in the new-season shoes right now. It'll soon be time to pack away my beloved flip-flops (sob), so I'm pre-empting the cooler weather and starting to consider what to wear on my feet. As expected, M&S already has autumn footwear covered, and expertly so. Whether it's sleek loafers, luxe suede flats, comfy clogs or low-heel boots that'll see you all the way through to winter, these are the five autumn shoe trends at M&S that'll sell out so fast, it's best to get them now.

1. Suede Flats

2. Clogs

3. Retro Sneakers

4. Demi-Heel Boots

5. Luxe Loafers

Whilst I'm usually one to steer clear of sandals and flip-flops in the city—the dust-strewn pavements are off-putting enough—this summer's unrelenting heatwaves have made me give in more times than I'd have liked. In an attempt not to overheat, my near-bare feet have been far closer to the pavement than I would ever have preferred. But now, just as summer draws to a close, I've come across a breathable shoe trend that I'll be opting for instead. Thanks to Karlie Kloss, I'm officially in the market for a pair of peep-toe flats.

How this shoe trend didn't come into my orbit sooner, I couldn't say, particularly as I've been such a fan of peep-toe heels for several seasons now. Offering the same slim cut-out that has always felt so sophisticated to me, these flat styles bring that elegant finish to an altogether more wearable silhouette, making them perfect for elevating everyday outfits.

Whilst Karlie wore hers with a slim-fitting midi dress, the trend would look just as polished with jeans or even shorts whilst we wait out the final weeks of summer.

Now that it's on my radar, I don't think I'll be able to go without a pair. If you're thinking the same, read on to shop the peep-toe flats I'm recommending below.

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