Winter can be a tricky season to dress for. As temperatures drop, we have a lot to contend with when we want to look chic in the middle of winter. That was exactly what my best friend thought when she messaged me asking for help building an expensive-looking winter wardrobe that was cosy and chic in equal measure. Lucky for her, I spend hours every day searching for expensive-looking high street buys, and with H&M's winter collection being the strongest to date, I immediately sent her these picks straight back.

Building a refined winter wardrobe on a budget can be easy if you know where to look. Personally, I headed straight to H&M, whose current collection covers all the classic basics that will mix and match for various elegant outfits this season and beyond. Starting off strong in the outerwear department, I sent over a sleek coat for the coldest days, as well as a refined blazer which will instantly make her workwear looks that much more polished.

As we're moving into layering season, I've pulled together a selection of classic pieces that can be worn together or separately, depending on the temperature shift. For the coolest days, throw on a cotton top with the brushed cashmere-blend jumper, which brings a tactile edge to your winter looks, and complete with trending barrel-leg jeans for a very 2026 finish. As ever, H&M offers up a series of sleek tailored buys, including trousers which will transfer from work to play with ease. Naturally, I had to add a few sleek accessories as the selection is just so strong. Find leather-look gloves which will become an everyday essential, designer-looking bags for a refined finishing touch and a selection of footwear that will make even your relaxed jeans look considered. Now, we know the best H&M pieces tend to move fast, so scroll on to explore the 9 chicest H&M winter buys right now, as well as more elegant H&M buys.

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At Who What Wear UK, one of our favourite things is discovering an independent label. Of course, I'll always have time for a great high-street find or a designer piece I've been saving up for, but there's something particularly lovely about finding a smaller brand that you might not have come across otherwise. Especially when it's female-founded and homegrown, too. Just this week, in fact, a new one landed on my radar and instantly caught my attention: Arteof.

Launched in September 2026 by Harri Rands and Lucy Bevan, the duo formerly behind creative direction at Mint Velvet, Arteof is a new British womenswear brand built around a rather simple idea: our wardrobes should work around our lives, not the other way around. Since launching, the brand has already released two drops, each bringing together elevated athleisure, chic base layers, lovely knitwear and the sort of jackets you'll find yourself reaching for on repeat. It's essentially a collection of easy, but genuinely stylish, pieces that make getting dressed that little bit simpler.

And with autumn/winter dressing on my mind (something I'm famously not the biggest fan of), I'm particularly on the lookout for pieces that feel comfortable but still look put-together. So, I've had a browse through the latest capsule and picked out the Arteof pieces that I'd genuinely consider adding to my own wardrobe. Scroll on to see my picks.

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Thanks to the rise in colour analysis—the slightly mortifying act of having swatches of different fabrics swathed over you to see what shades suit you best—discussions about colour theory are finding their way out of the art class and into casual conversations. These days, you don’t have to be Michelangelo to know how to play with light and shade in making a silhouette appear visually intriguing. And as we enter winter, a period marked by perennial grey skies and cindering smog, it’s only appropriate that the most tasteful dressers amongst us choose to combat these depressing tones by embracing the colourful knitwear trend.

A considered antidote to combating the winter blues, vibrant shades of tomato red, royal purple and even raspberry pink are now being offered as supple and moorish parcels of comfort amid frigid temperatures and blistering winds. Given that knitwear is a prerequisite for the months on the horizon, it should come as no surprise to see it used as a vessel to induce serotonin by rendering it in mood-boosting hues. And after months of vivid colour dominating the trend cycle, donning a punchy jumper or cardigan feels like the most considered thing one can do.

Indeed, this year has been a considerable one for colour. After an anticlimactic reveal that Cloud Dancer, an airy and vanilla-toned white, would be Pantone’s Colour of the Year, the sartorial forces at play did the most to dispel any thought that this “whisper of tranquillity and peace” would actually come to fruition.

Right off the bat, cobalt blue came swinging as a formidable opponent, packing an electrifying punch as it appeared in Chanel’s 2026 Métiers d’art collection or on Jessie Buckley as she, dressed in Dior, accepted her Golden Globe. A favourite of Yves Klein and Phoebe Philo alike, the moody and sophisticated shade marked a strong demand for evocative colours that commanded attention.

Then came the rise of chartreuse. Unsavoury to some but nonetheless impactful, the hybrid shade served as an antidote to quiet luxury and months of sad beige supremacy. We could, of course, list every colour that rose to prominence this year, be it coral orange after the New York Knicks’ history-making championship win or the Daphne Blake-inspired plum tones spotted everywhere from Prada’s autumn/winter 2026 runway to around Zoë Kravitz’s neck, to Saint Laurent's gold reign. But that would deviate from our sole purpose: proving how robust the colourful knitwear trend actually is.

Still, as the temperatures continue to drop and new storms threaten to batten down the hatches, these bright and sumptuous pieces provide a quiet consolation. Without little effort, these sprightly knits inject an element of optimism on bleak days. They don’t call it the winter blues for nothing, right? And, of course, for those who don’t mind the feeling of embracing their inner Dutch Master, it's a chance to experiment across the colour spectrum in a way that feels intentional, deliberate and only just a little bit pretentious.

7 Knitwear Colours Trending for Winter 2026:

1. Red

2. Purple

3. Pink

4. Blue

5. Yellow

6. Orange

7. Green

After months in crinkly linen and breezy cotton, trying to adapt to an eternal heatwave, the temperature has finally dropped here in the UK. And the only thing I have on my mind is my jeans—more specifically, the slightly more polished denim trends that I’ll be adding into my winter capsule wardrobe to make it feel slightly fresher for 2026.

Easy to throw on, versatile and, most importantly, comfortable, jeans are the go-to staple I know I can rely on when I don’t know what to wear. And recently, I’ve spotted chic dressers in a trend that merges the ease of denim with a polished touch, making it perfect for a wide range of occasions. Enter the pintuck jeans trend.

Often also referred to as “front seam” jeans, pintuck denim features a vertical dart down the front of the legs, perfectly bridging the gap between casual straight-leg jeans and formal tailored trousers. Not only do they have a flattering, leg-lengthening effect that everyone, particularly petite dressers, will appreciate, but the tailored edge to this denim style makes it ideal for those more formal occasions. This is especially true if you opt for a pair in a darker wash such as indigo or black.

I can personally see myself styling a pair of pintuck jeans with a classic crew neck knit and loafers for the office, and a satin blouse and kitten heels for an evening out with friends. But this denim trend can also be dressed down with a simple long-sleeve tee and minimal trainers for more casual days. The styling possibilities are truly endless.

And whilst it feels very fresh for the new season, like the majority of jeans trends, there’s a timeless appeal to this style, meaning you’ll reach for them for many years to come.

So if you too are looking for a polished denim style to add to your winter capsule, keep scrolling to see and shop the best pintuck jeans to add to your wardrobe this season.

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Now that a crisp breeze has returned, our wardrobes are about to begin the winter balancing act. The cooler days demand that we bundle up, but many of us still want to look refined and chic while doing so. That's where COS comes in. The high street brand has become a staple in so many great wardrobes, focusing on luxurious silhouettes, high-quality compositions and timeless detailing which create the illusion of luxury purchases even if you're working with a tighter budget. Now, the new collection has arrived, and it's full of expensive-looking staples to make this winter the chicest to date.

Each time that my wardrobe needs an elegant infusion, I turn to COS. Knowing that my investment in even a single piece will be worthwhile in cost-per-wear as the styles aren't tied to trend cycles. We see it in the return of cult buys, from the crew neck jumpers and staple denim that chic people turn to over and over again.

If sumptuous cashmere knits, timeless maxi coats and exquisite tailoring are what you rely on in the cooler months, then you'll want to explore COS's new collection. As ever, the brand is a reliable spot for minimalist designs that exude luxury, whether that's in the best-selling knitwear or the beloved denim. Now that winter is here, the brand comes into its own, putting composition front and centre and offering a series of anti-trend styles that will bring instant polish to your looks and be dependable, elegant additions every single year. Now, if you're looking to build your winter capsule wardrobe, you'll want to scroll on to explore COS's winter collection.

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To anyone looking in from the outside, fashion's more important moments might seem to be all high-glamour—occasions such as The Met Gala, Fashion Month, and The Oscars certainly perpetuate that stereotype. But for those of us who actually work in fashion, the arrival of Lyst's Quarterly Index is just as important as any of the above.

Released today, the Q3 2026 Index ranks fashion's hottest brands and products, drawing on data from 160 million annual shoppers on the Lyst platform, alongside signals from social media, search, editorial and emerging AI discovery channels, offering a valuable insight into the products capturing the industry's attention—and, more importantly, the buys that are translating that interest into action.

So, naturally, our team was quick to take a look at this season's latest rankings. Among some of the more predictable entries, including Balenciaga's Rodeo bag and Chanel's ballet flats, I spotted a retro trainer trend that stood out as a particularly interesting contender for a comeback.

Securing a coveted fourth place among the top 10 hottest products, Vans' Premium Authentic trainers are proof that fashion's appetite for understated, low-profile footwear shows no signs of slowing. Sitting on the list alongside Celine x Reebok's Freestyle Lo trainers, the classic canvas design taps into the pared-back trainer styles that defined so much of the 2010s—and are now finding their way back into fashion's favour.

According to Lyst, interest in Vans is up 29% year on year, fuelled in part by a renewed appetite for 2010s fashion nostalgia. But there's more to the resurgence than sentimentality. The Authentic's unfussy silhouette also speaks to the wider shift towards versatile footwear that's been gaining momentum across the year.

And, of course, there's the wearability—these trainers look just as good with this season's favourite stovepipe jeans as they do with smarter tailoring and trousers. Familiar, easy to style and uncomplicated—their return feels especially well timed.

With Lyst's seal of approval, the Vans Authentic's resurgence looks set to continue. Better still, if you held onto your original pair, you might not need to buy into the trend at all. For everyone else, I've rounded up the best Vans Authentic trainers to shop below.

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If there’s one thing I’ve witnessed firsthand as a shopping editor, it’s that the Olsen effect is very real. The Row has perfected the understated handbag: beautiful leather, minimal branding and deceptively simple silhouettes that somehow make everything you wear look infinitely more expensive. The only small catch? That elusive brand of quiet luxury often comes with a four-figure price tag.

Luckily, a large part of my job involves finding pieces that capture the same luxurious feel for considerably less. Enter Mansur Gavriel’s Cabas. With its supple leather, pared-back silhouette and capacious proportions, the Cabas has all the makings of an exceptionally chic everyday bag. There’s no flashy logo or statement hardware; instead, its softly structured shape does all the talking. Roomy enough for everyday essentials yet polished enough for the office, it’s exactly the kind of bag I’d carry with an oversized wool coat, cashmere knit and jeans all winter.

Consider it my latest discovery for anyone who loves The Row's aesthetic but isn't as keen on the price tag. Keep scrolling to shop the Mansur Gavriel Cabas bag.

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Cast your eyes over the streets of Paris, from the flying buttresses of the Île de la Cité to the grey slanted rooftops of Montmartre, and you’ll immediately notice how much of a priority chic footwear is in traversing the city. Whether strolling through the rocky pathways of the Tuileries Garden or hitting the cobblestone streets flanking the vintage boutiques of Le Marais, functionality is always a priority when getting dressed. But this need not come at the cost of style, as the key winter 2026 shoe trends prove.

Many might assume a French woman’s shoe collection begins and ends with a pair of beloved ballet flats, be it the two-toned Chanel slippers or a more contemporary take from Repetto. But upon asking the most stylish person in my orbit, a French friend of mine who has lived in the City of Lights for years, she reminded me that Parisians are far more used to change than they let on.

As she told me, as the seasons change, these delicate flats can no longer contend with grey skies, brisk downpours, and the flirtation of a snowstorm every now and then. Of course, should you stick by these loyal companions, you will not only find yourself utterly freezing, but risk channelling Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City series finale when she trips and falls headfirst into Dior’s Avenue Montaigne flagship boutique.

Investing in tasteful cold-weather essentials, although prudent, shouldn’t require a lot of effort. That is especially true if you take the lead of the discerning French women who are already adopting these key winter shoe trends. Always one step ahead, this cohort is offering sleek alternatives to gathered loafers, wearing more considered boot trends and demonstrating that a pair of trainers doesn’t need to be your default shoe. So, elevate your wardrobe for the cooler months ahead and adopt the key French winter shoe trends that are prevailing this season.

6 French-Girl Winter 2026 Shoe Trends to Try

1. Pointed-Toe Flats

Style Notes: Bid adieu to your soft round-toe ballet flats. This season, the harsh temperatures can only be matched by equally severe shoe shapes. Whilst razor-sharp boots are often the dominant trend during winter, the same chiselled front is now being applied to flats for a more austere effect. Inject a graceful element into the look with suede trench coats and sumptuous knitwear.

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2. Moccasins

Style Notes: Much of this year has signalled the rise of the urban prep: a pseudo bourgeois aesthetic defined by smart tailoring and casually artistic sensibilities. Michael Rider’s Celine has become the poster child for this kind of dressing, which is only doubled down on by the brand’s soaring popularity and cult status. (Jazz shoes! The New Luggage bag! Logo belts!) Now, in a move that will make you feel like a completely snotty yuppie, French women are parking their gathered loafers and gravitating towards the ultimate collegiate staple: moccasins. Far more lived-in than a loafer, this trend also embraces bohemian codes through the fringe-front and tasselled finish.

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3. Heeled Ballet Pumps

Style Notes: It’s been quite the year for the casual pump. And now, the elevated motif is being applied to a Parisian’s perennial shoe choice: ballet flats. With block heels and a ruched front, this style brings an understated elegance to more robust winter attire, softening essentials like stovepipe jeans and leather jackets. Check the forecast before you wear these, though; the last thing you want is to be caught out in a flash storm with the top of your foot exposed to the elements.

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4. Slouch Boots

Style Notes: Slouch boots have had quite the overhaul over the last year. No longer exclusively synonymous with an early 2000s Kate Moss strolling through Primrose Hill in her Vivienne Westwood pirate boots, the scrunched effect has become quite the defining feature for dressers looking for more intrigue from their footwear. Whether styled with jeans tucked into the top or on their own with opera coats, this shoe trend certainly makes a statement.

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5. Wedge Boots

Style Notes: On the topic of impactful boots, wedge heels are one such trend that’s carried over season after season. Though this look might resemble the Isabel Marant wedge trainers that reigned supreme in the indie sleaze era, they’ve since been co-signed by some seriously sophisticated brands, including Khaite, Le Monde Beryl and Dear Frances.

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6. Polka-Dot Prints

Style Notes: A cornerstone of gamine Parisian dressing since Audrey Hepburn, polka dots remain a timeless essential, despite their obvious connotations with blissful summers spent on the Côte d'Azur. For winter, however, they’re being relegated to a more intentional purpose as polka-dot flats and polka-dot slingbacks reign supreme. Currently available at the likes of Jacquemus, Valentino and Manolo Blahnik, this shoe trend is serotonin-boosting, joy-evoking bliss.

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The biggest shopping moment of the year, Black Friday, is on the horizon. The official deals day is 27 November, but I have great news for those who don’t like to wait. On 1 November, Rise & Fall is launching its 20%-off Black Friday sale, but even better, our readers get early access to the deals ahead of time. Right now, our readers can get 20% off site-wide with the code WHOWHATWEAR20, and these are the pieces I’d personally recommend snapping up before they sell out.

Rise & Fall has fast become a beloved brand for fashion people, editors and basically anyone who likes high-quality pieces at more affordable prices. The pieces are refined, minimalist and elevated, creating an instantly chic capsule wardrobe and infusing a little luxury into outfits across the globe. From the best-selling suede trench coat to the beloved wool knit that has become a cult staple, the brand has a series of standout pieces created to hold their place in your wardrobe for years to come, and now our readers can access the 20-off Black Friday sale early.

When it comes to shopping the sales, it’s important to consider wearability, fabrics and longevity of a piece in your wardrobe. Thankfully, Rise & Fall’s designs focus on all these features. The silhouettes are anti-trend, set to be favourites year after year, with sumptuous suede, wool and merino infusions. From cosy knitwear to elegant outerwear and a series of soft accessories, this is one of the Black Friday sales I count down to every single year. And if you’re a type A like me, you might even want to snap up a few gifts (the cashmere merino bandanas are always crowd-pleasers) to get ahead of gifting season.

From today onwards, our readers can use code WHOWHATWEAR20 to access the Black Friday 20%-off sale before it officially launches on Sunday. Now, scroll on to explore the best-sellers on my wish list.

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If you're not one for a full wardrobe overhaul at the change of season but still want to bring your everyday looks up to date with a few new-in buys, I have one accessory trend for you: tiger-print bags. An easy way to give your outfits a fresh-season feel, this low-effort, high-impact print works particularly well with denim and leather, bringing a little extra interest to the winter staples you already own.

Less ubiquitous than the leopard-print designs that dominated for seasons on end, yet less micro-trendy than the deer-print bags that gained traction towards the end of summer, tiger print bag hit that sweet spot between interesting and understated.

If, like me, you're not particularly drawn to high-octane colour or flashy designs but are feeling a little uninspired by the black, brown and burgundy bags that tend to dominate winter wardrobes, tiger print offers an interesting alternative without feeling overly complicated. Energetic enough to make an outfit feel different, but easy enough to wear on repeat—which, for me, is exactly what makes a bag worth buying.

Read on to shop the tiger-print bags I recommend below.

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As a shopping editor, I spend an excessive amount of time scrolling through Zara’s new-in section. And whilst not every piece makes it onto my wish list, when Zara gets it right, it really gets it right. Case in point: its winter 2026 collection. With temperatures firmly dropping, the brand has turned its attention to the pieces we’ll actually want to wear for the next few months. There are beautifully cut wool coats that could easily pass for designer, sumptuous-looking knits in rich winter shades and excellent tailoring, alongside the elevated everyday basics Zara does so well.

Naturally, there’s a lot to sift through, so I’ve done the scrolling for you. From exceptional outerwear to polished winter staples, keep reading for my edit of the best Zara winter buys of 2026.

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For those of us who love a trouser look, it can be all too tempting to fall into something of a blue-jean rut once temperatures begin to cool. Sure, they're classics for a reason and a style that we will likely return to until the end of time, but if we want our winter wardrobes to look as considered as possible, we need to think about the alternatives that are just as adaptable to cold-weather styling. Thankfully, winter 2026's emerging trouser trends are up to the challenge.

If you're looking to inject a fresh energy into your looks this season, a particularly impactful styling trick is to play with texture. After all, one of the few benefits of the weather's brutal turn is that you no longer need to prioritise breathable practicality in your outfit. Layers of leather? Cosy cashmeres? Soft suedes and classic corduroys? Yes, yes and yes again. Maybe even all at once.

Winter is also a great time to experiment with prints, as deeper tonal hues come to the fore once again. Whether you're enjoying animal print or are up for experimenting with a little paisley or contemporary check, this season's biggest trends prove that wearing the trousers really is the ultimate power move.

Keep scrolling to read up on winter 2026's most noteworthy trouser trends, and shop the very best pairs.

8 Trouser Trends to Try for Winter 2026

1. '70s Suede

Style Notes: Some fabrics are inherently sophisticated, and suede is one of them. Whether you're leaning into the fabric with a tote bag, a pointed boot or, yes, a trouser, suede somehow defies price points and always looks infinitely premium. This season's preferred suede trouser silhouette is a looser straight-leg, but there are a smattering of super-slouchy styles and form-fitting cropped iterations around that also wouldn't look out of place in some of the very coolest wardrobes.

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2. Winter Whites

Style Notes: Is there anything more effortlessly cool than wearing white in winter? It screams "I know the pavements are wet and filthy, but I'm in control and I have no fear". Now consider that and add a chaotic toddler who loves nothing more than introducing his balance bike to the muddiest puddles he can find, and you won't be surprised to hear that the idea of white denim is a pipe dream for me right now. But you better believe that on nursery days or nights out when the babysitter (granny) has been booked, I'm diving in. The Victoria Beckham and Louis Vuitton autumn/winter 2026 runways told me to.

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3. Lessons in Leather

Style Notes: Leather is another fabric that returns to our radar once the leaves begin to fall, and whilst leather jackets have often been the poster child, leather trousers more than deserve a look-in this season. Championed by the likes of Burberry, Miu Miu, Gabriela Hearst, Mugler, Chloé and Isabel Marant on the A/W 26 runways, I'm urging you to give them a go. Play with the tough texture by pairing them with slim cuts, sheer fabrics and ultra-cosy knits.

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4. Paisley Perfect

Style Notes: If there's one trend I didn't have on my bingo card for 2026, it's paisley, but as someone who leaned heavily into her boho era in the '00s, I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a pleasant surprise. Championed on the runway by everyone from Etro to Celine and Dries Van Noten, there are already some great pieces on the high street. And whilst the print can look great in a jacket, it can also feel a little fussy and heavy sitting so close to the face, which is why so many designers have looked towards trousers when incorporating the print in their collections. Perfect with boots and a fuss-free knit, they're the outfit in and of themselves, so they require very little styling.

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5. Stay Grey

Style Notes: Having mutually rediscovered our love for relaxed tailored trousers in recent years, it was only a matter of time before we all branched out from standard black iterations. And whilst some stylish dressers are being a little more adventurous, there's something to be said for keeping the classic look… well, classic, which is why grey works so well. Whether dove grey or charcoal, woollen or lightweight, grey trousers are super useful because they're so versatile. From a tucked-in button-down to a slim-fit cardigan, chunky knit, white T-shirt or even your favourite sports sweatshirt, there's very little that wouldn't look great.

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6. Split-Hem Statements

Style Notes: Split-hem trousers are one of the more contentious trouser trends around right now, but if you saw Jennifer Lawrence wearing hers a couple of weeks ago with satin pumps, you've surely been considering them for your own wardrobe. Sure, there are some excellent relaxed split-hem styles on the market that work perfectly with flats, but the more fitted iterations lend themselves beautifully to a kitten heel. Wear them for your festive-season cocktail parties.

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7. Chocolate Tones

Style Notes: If you're a bit cautious about experimenting too heavily, can I at least tempt you to consider brown denim? Not a million miles from everyone's favourite charcoal jeans, swapping your go-tos for a brown pair immediately gives your looks a more contemporary feel and softens the overall aesthetic. Brown tones effortlessly elevate your camel trench or wool coat, making them super easy to style, and they always welcome a pop of colour, à la Monikh's green knit (pictured above).

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8. Check Mate

Style Notes: An undeniable classic, checked prints have long been a staple in autumn/winter wardrobes, and with everyone from Dior and Chloé to Acne and Dries Van Noten backing the look, it seems this just might be the season to invest. Opt for classic, tonal colourways for a more low-key take, or take a risk with bolder shades in more unexpected combinations for a little edge.

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If the clocks going back wasn't enough of a signifier, the moody grey skies and pitter-patter of rain should tell you that winter is around the corner, and with it comes boot season. If, for some reason, you still haven't shelved the sandals and soft ballet flats you wore throughout the summer, now is the time (that is, unless you like having wet toes). If the feet of the fashion set are anything to go by, Captain Hook-coded buckle boots are back as a key shoe trend for winter 2026, and it's a look as practical as it is punchy.

Slimmer than your run-of-the-mill biker boot but just as heavily adorned, the new buckle boot is proof that the best trends (especially shoe trends) are reinvented relics. In fact, when these boots came storming down Miu Miu's 1940s-inspired autumn/winter 2025 runway alongside joyous plaid midi skirts, XXL wool coats and sumptuous faux-fur shawls, there was something about the silhouette that felt eerily familiar. And for us Brits, perhaps a little indie sleaze-y.

For those who may be slightly too young to remember, the contemporary style started gaining traction in the 1980s. Debuting during Vivienne Westwood’s first (and now iconic) autumn/winter 1981 collection, named "Pirate", the specific boots that were showcased are now arguably some of the most infamous to exist. Not only did the collection shatter every rigid tailoring rule in the book and kick-start the New Romantic era, but it birthed the buckle boot.

Think back to Kate Moss' iconic parka-and-boot pairing at the turn of the millennium, or Sienna Miller walking her dog in a peacoat and skinny jeans. Noughties It girls practically lived in the trend, anchoring buckle boots as part of the Y2K fashion canon. Fast-forward two decades and the aesthetic loop has officially closed.

Last year, HAIM paid homage to the 2001 paparazzi shot of a buckle-boot-wearing Kate leaning against a car and basking in the sun for the cover of their 2025 single “Everybody’s trying to figure me out”, in which Danielle Haim wears the same pair of Westwood boots. Meanwhile, on the autumn/winter 2026 runways, slouchy, hardware-heavy boots dominated. But this time around, from Dior to Dries Van Noten, Ann Demeulemeester and Auralee, the new buckle boots felt almost Victorian-inspired, more "ladylike" than grounded in biker grit.

Playful, fun and a less-than-subtle nod to nostalgia, buckle boots are certainly making a compelling case for breaking up the sleek, minimalist footwear options in your rotation this winter, whether worn over straight-leg jeans or on full display with a miniskirt. Scroll to shop the best pairs on the market.

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There's always a slight disconnect between the runway and real life. A model might spend 60 seconds walking a show, but the shoe trends they're wearing have to make an impression in that fleeting moment. Fashion, after all, has a habit of favouring the dramatic. Proportions are exaggerated, familiar silhouettes are reimagined, and sometimes a shoe is designed to be looked at rather than lived in. Which is all well and good when you're watching a collection unfold, but translating those looks into something that feels right for an everyday capsule wardrobe is another matter entirely.

Boots, in particular, have a little more to contend with. Whilst a pair of statement heels might only need to work for a few hours on a night out, boots are often the shoes we're asking to see us through the coldest, wettest months of the year. They need to work with the clothes we already own, feel comfortable enough to wear on repeat and, ideally, stand up to the rather less glamorous realities of winter dressing. There's a reason we tend to return to the same trusted pairs when the temperature drops.

Which is what makes the winter 2026 boot trends so interesting. Rather than asking us to choose between fashion and function, the runways have delivered a selection of styles that feel genuinely wearable without sacrificing the details that make a trend worth paying attention to. Rest assured, there's plenty of personality here, from glossy crocodile-effect finishes to oversized buckles and rodeo-inspired silhouettes, but the interest often lies in the subtleties: an unexpected colour, a considered texture or a small detail that makes a familiar shape feel new again.

And, perhaps most importantly, there's a real sense of longevity to many of these styles. Some lean into familiar fashion favourites, whilst others offer a fresh take on the boots we've been wearing for years. Either way, the emphasis is on footwear that can earn its place in your winter rotation. These are the six winter 2026 boot trends I'm most interested in and would actually consider wearing.

6 Boot Trends Every Fashion Person Will Wear in Winter 2026

1. Glossed Croc

Style Notes: There's a reason crocodile-effect leather has such enduring appeal. Historically, exotic skins have been associated with luxury and exclusivity, and whilst the fashion industry has rightly moved towards more ethical alternatives, that visual storytelling of high luxury persists. Mock croc offers a way to tap into that heritage, with a glossy finish that can make even a relatively simple boot feel elevated.

At Gucci and Calvin Klein, croc textures take on different personalities, from more dramatic, Eighties-inspired glamour to sleeker, minimalist styling. Black and navy offer classic options, but burgundy is particularly compelling: the combination of a rich shade and a reflective finish feels especially luxurious. Wear yours with a trench coat for a polished everyday look, or take a more directional approach with a knee-length skirt. Handily, the texture does most of the work, so the rest of your outfit can be surprisingly simple.

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2. Shearling-Lined

Style Notes: If there's one thing winter dressing demands, it's a little warmth. Thankfully, shearling-lined boots are making a convincing case for cosiness without compromising on style. At Paloma, olive-green ankle boots with a subtle wedge heel have an almost Aspen-chic appeal, whilst Isabel Marant takes a more rugged approach with tan suede lace-up styles. The latter look particularly good with jeans tucked into the shaft: an easy styling trick worth borrowing.

Chloé, meanwhile, goes all out with slouchy, shearling-lined over-the-knee boots in shades ranging from cobalt blue to rusty red. Styled with blazers featuring pronounced power shoulders, they lean into a '70s sensibility that feels playful rather than purely practical. Whether you prefer a discreet trim or a more statement-making silhouette, these boots offer something genuinely useful for the colder months. Warm feet with a fabulous finish? I'll take it.

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3. Stretched-Out

Style Notes: After seasons of chunky biker boots and substantial soles, the return of the sock boot feels like a welcome change of pace. At Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier and Altuzarra, close-fitting shafts and heeled silhouettes create a sleek line that follows the leg rather than adding volume. There's an unmistakable Eighties glamour to the look, but the effect feels modern rather than costume-like.

Sock boots are also surprisingly useful when it comes to proportions. They sit neatly beneath trousers, work beautifully with skirts and dresses, and offer a more streamlined alternative to wider boot shafts. Wear them with relaxed denim and a knit for everyday dressing, or let a heeled pair bring a sharper finish to tailoring. If chunky footwear has dominated your wardrobe for the past few winters, this is an easy way to change things up.

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4. Buckle Up

Style Notes: Sometimes, all a practical boot needs is a little hardware. This season, designers are using buckles and straps to give flatter silhouettes and low block heels a more directional feel. At Dries Van Noten, oversized brass buckles across the instep make a statement, whilst Dior's logo-emblazoned, snaffle-inspired straps nod to the equestrian aesthetic. The warm cognac-brown leather of Dior's boots only reinforces that polished, riding-inspired mood.

Tod's takes a more intricate approach, with multiple straps around the ankle. Across the collections, it's the combination of rich leather and golden hardware that stands out: think chestnut, cognac and burgundy rather than the black leather and silver studs traditionally associated with biker boots. It's a subtle distinction, but one that makes these styles feel particularly elevated. If you're looking to update your everyday boots without abandoning practicality, this is a good place to start.

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5. Soft Serve

Style Notes: White boots can sound daunting when the forecast is decidedly British, but the autumn/winter 2026 runways make a convincing case for lighter footwear. At Chanel, Celine and Burberry, cream and white tones bring a softer quality to winter dressing, with buttery leathers and understated silhouettes allowing the colour to take centre stage.

The beauty of these shades is how easily they work with a neutral wardrobe. Paired with camel coats, beige tailoring or tonal knitwear, a cream boot can make an outfit feel polished without adding anything particularly complicated. The caveat, of course, is maintenance: lighter leather will show scuffs more readily, so it's worth cleaning marks promptly and using products suited to the material. A little upkeep goes a long way, but the payoff is a boot that feels fresh, considered and quietly luxurious.

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6. Rodeo Stars

Style Notes: Cowboy boots are hardly a new proposition, but their prevalence across the autumn/winter 2026 collections is notable. Rather than being confined to the spring/summer shows, Western-inspired footwear has made a convincing appearance in winter dressing, with designers exploring everything from pared-back leather to more playful colour combinations.

At Rabanne, dark-brown boots are enlivened with pastel-pink and pistachio-green accents, whilst Chloé offers a more restrained interpretation in warm cognac tones with distinctive Western-style edging. Gabriela Hearst takes a bolder approach, using bright outlines in green, yellow and pink, whilst Marni explores cow-print motifs. For something more understated, black cowboy ankle boots are an easy entry point: they bring just enough Western character to a denim outfit without requiring a full rodeo-inspired look. Cowboy boots might cycle in and out of fashion's spotlight, but this season's range of interpretations makes a strong case for finding a pair that suits your own style.

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