Few things breed impatience quite like watching a movie trailer for a film releasing in three months’ time, a holiday booked a year in advance, or runway trends and styling tricks set to hit the stores next season. I have a solution to the latter, though: simply wear the trends you love now. I’m not talking about whipping out thigh-high skirts and sandals in the middle of October (although it is unseasonably warm). But I do encourage you to cherry-pick the pieces that can actually work year-round—and there are many to be found across the Spring/Summer 27 runways.

The plethora of trench coats spied at Gabriela Hearst, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès and more are possibly the most obvious Spring/Summer 27 runway sighting suited to autumn. Shortly followed by double-layered knitwear—yes, cardigans over jumpers, or even just contrasting neck knits, to be that bit cosier. Plus, Prada has confirmed it’s the year, not just the season, of the office-friendly skirt (extra points for pleats, to add a touch of prep.)

And where would we be in the colder months without a scarf? A statement silk or fine wool style is the way to go if you believe Miu Miu and Saint Laurent, and we definitely do.

As the seasons stretch ever longer and the prescribed rules of fashion only seem to keep fading, I encourage you to keep ripping up the fashion rulebook. If you love something, wear it without waiting. For now, we’ve got six styling tips and trends to get you started.

6 Spring/Summer 27 Trends to Wear Now

Satin Shoes

Granted, leather may feel like the more practical pick for shoes, but for those who dare to walk a little on the wild side (pun fully intended), it’s time to start considering satin. Personally, I’d go bold with the colour choice, per Prada, but the fabric adds extra dimension to classic black.

Lilac Hues

If purple was the key colour on the Autumn/Winter 26 runways, lilac is the shade for Spring/Summer 27, and, as a plus-point, the two pair perfectly together. Indeed, looking to the runways of Bottega Veneta, Erdem and Conner Ives, you might be surprised to see just how versatile the colour can be. Beige, green, red and green all feel expertly matched.

Layered Knits

Some styling tips feel intrinsically better suited to autumn than the do summer. Case in point: the layered knit look—and it’s happily foolproof to recreate. Simply take one jumper you love, layer a cardigan, deep V-neck jumper, or chunky snood over the top, and your cosy yet striking outfit is complete.

Office-Friendly Skirts

We’ve heard the term corpcore (aka corporate-core) bandied around for many seasons now, but Spring/Summer 27 has seen the office-friendly trend go full-force. The hero piece? Work-ready skirts, heavily endorsed by Miuccia Prada. Blazers, shirts, knitted vests and roll-necks are all for the taking.

Trench Coats

There is only a small handful of items I’d personally consider a must: a great pair of jeans, a go-to pair of ankle boots, a soft knit and a trench coat. Luckily, designers from Litkovska, Akris and household names Valentino, Chloé, Hermès all agree, sending them down the Spring/Summer 27 runways in delightfully designed droves.

Statement Scarves

Yes, scarves for autumn/winter are a bit of a no-brainer, but with temperatures milder than we are used to, the question is: how to evoke that wintry fashion feel without overheating? Lightweight statement scarves. Whether you prefer boldly patterned silk, striking shades of thin-knit wool, or Tory Burch’s boa, the Spring/Summer 27 runways were awash with options.

Hands up if your wardrobe took a hit when Matches Fashion closed its doors. Keep that hand up if your workwear has felt all the flatter since the in-house brand Raey closed alongside it. If you're sitting with ten fingers in the air, we have good news: Raey intriguingly has "relaunching 2026" in its Instagram bio—meaning the office-friendly label should be back up and running any week now. Watch this space.

Though Raey is, of course, far from the only label the best-dressed women in any office are reaching for—the brands below deliver equally polished-with-an-edge workwear and are the foundation of every stylish woman's working wardrobe.

With Nothing Underneath remains a shirting favourite among the chicest women we know, with an ever-expanding range of shirts, trousers, blazers and other office-friendly pieces. Róhe's fashion-forward staples add an unexpected spin to everyday wardrobe essentials, whether through a bold colour or an interesting cut. Totême's minimalist tops and blazers are a long-loved fashion fan staple. And you'd be hard-pushed to find a fashion editor whose wardrobe doesn't feature a sizeable chunk of Cos. The high street retailer is famed for merging on-trend design with classic workwear pieces for results that feel a touch more of the moment than timeless.

Plus, when looking at lesser-known brands, Nili Lotan, House of Dagmar (where ex-Raey design director Rachel Proud has ventured to) and LouLou de Saison certainly deserve more than a moment of your attention.

Below, a deeper look at why each brand deserves a place in your workwear wardrobe and our edit of what to buy from each. There's far more fun to be had with office dressing than black trousers and a white shirt, after all.

10 Workwear Brands the Best-Dressed Woman in Your Office Swears By

Jigsaw

Jigsaw probably needs little introduction. A UK high street staple since 1970, the brand has long provided every element of our wardrobes: bags, shoes, dresses, coats, the list goes on. And yet, when it comes to workwear, there's a modern flair that sets the label apart—leather midi skirts and all.

House of Dagmar

As Rachel Proud settles into her new role at Stockholm-based House of Dagmar, we're expecting her sleek approach to colour and cut to seep through into the brand's Scandi sensibility. Until her first collection, Spring/Summer 27, the label's signature skirts, jackets and shirts sit alongside some more playful focal pieces.

Nili Lotan

The Nili Lotan philosophy is that clothes should be clean, sophisticated and functional, manifesting in everyday pieces that are versatile enough to pair with a good proportion of your wardrobe. This season sees a slightly Western theme: medallion belts, corduroy and rich suede fabrics, included.

Me + Em

Flattering, functional, fashion and fair are the four F's forming the foundation of ME + EM, the high street stalwart focused on making professional-feeling pieces that go far beyond the classic trouser and shirt. Weaving trending colour palettes and prints with timeless designs, each collection feels effortlessly suited to the office.

With Nothing Underneath

London-based label With Nothing Underneath started with shirting and quickly worked its way into the wardrobes of the coolest dressers in the city and beyond. It has since expanded into dresses, trousers, jackets and knits, but it's the shirts that remain the workwear must-haves.

Loulou De Saison

Chloé Harrouche, founder of Loulou De Saison, created the brand with simplistic Parisian styling in mind. Its clean cuts, luxury fabrics and pared-back colour palettes all effortlessly lean into office-friendly style.

Róhe

Róhe has carved out a niche as a minimalist label with flair. Think everyday officewear staples that are slightly more striking in design, whether through a bold colour, an eye-catching print or a voluminous shape that's more interesting than your standard workwear finds. It's those small design tweaks that make it a fixture in many a well-dressed woman's wardrobe.

Tôteme

There are a handful of Totême pieces that have earned their place in the fashion hall of fame: the blazer, the shearling jacket and the knit tank top, all of which appear in tenfold while scrolling through any fashion fan's social media feed. Timeless staples are where the Stockholm-based brand excels, spanning tops, bottoms, dresses and jackets.

Cos

You'd be hard-pushed to find a fashion editor whose wardrobe doesn't feature a hefty chunk of Cos. Merging trend with timeless design, the high street label excels at building a workwear wardrobe that's far from boring yet entirely office-appropriate. Spanning dresses, shirting, suiting and accessories, it's something of a one-stop shop for every office-friendly outfit.

TWP

TWP, standing for founder and creative director Trish Wescoat Pound, was originally created as an answer to classic American sportswear, but has since gone on to span all elements of our wardrobes—workwear, included. "The wardrobe is luxurious, but not precious, it is a reflection of how women want to dress," is the key quote from the label, highlighting how each piece, although beautiful, will always be functional first.

Summer, it's been fun but it finally—finally!—feels like colder temperatures have arrived. And if you're feeling a bit thrown for a loop after an unseasonably warm September, there's one hot-weather outfit formula that you can quickly Autumn-ify. All you need to do is substitute the "nice top" for a trophy jacket in the famous "jeans and a nice top" outfit formula.

In Paris, jeans became the "casual" vehicle by which to wear really quite fancy jackets during the day. Céline Dion kickstarted the "jeans and a trophy jacket" formula to greet the paparazzi stationed outside her hotel—and, since then, we've seen every hot jacket (tweed jackets; military jackets; leather jackets) coupled with jeans. The final ingredient in many cases is a nostalgic court heel (imagine!), making this a trifecta—jacket + jeans + heels—that you almost certainly have in your wardrobe. The trio is very '90s red carpet when celebrities didn't coordinate every look with a stylist but, instead, wore a mix of their own clothes and gifts from favourite brands, delivering less polish but way more personality.

Céline Dion

Céline Dion's tour looks have been a collection of jaw-dropping gowns (not an overstatement!), but her on-the-street outfits have been just as captivating, particularly this peplum-waisted jacket paired with straight-legged jeans (Givenchy by Sarah Burton). A peplum waist might trigger alarm bells, understandably, but it's actually a very sensible partner for straight-up-and-down denim, providing not just contrast but sculptural interest.

Daisy Edgar-Jones

Daisy Edgar-Jones has engaged in some on-point period dressing while promoting Sense and Sensibility. And while the corseted gowns and archival pendant necklaces were ravishing, it, again, was a jeans-and-jacket combination that captured our attention (her take on a modern-day Elinor). It felt like a particularly good way to wear a military jacket, which can feel slightly on-the-nose paired with tailoring. Instead, low-rise jeans with a very slight flare (perhaps even too slight to be called "boot-leg") were the perfect foil.

Sarah Pidgeon

Sarah Pidgeon put a trophy spin on everyone's favourite jacket. Her take on leather wasn't an oversized biker or a minimal blazer (very CBK) but, instead, a cinch-waisted, bell-sleeved style that had as much romance (and softness) as one can eke out of leather (bravo, Balenciaga!). The split-hem jeans, with frayed edges trailing under the spike of a court-heel stiletto, added a counterbalance of grunge.

Wind, rain, sunshine and a temperature that's too cold for bare arms one minute but too hot for a coat the next? Even if we couldn't see the calendar, we'd know it was autumn — unofficially dubbed one of the most difficult seasons to dress for, especially in 2026, as we continue to experience temperatures in excess of 23 degrees. But there is an easy solution courtesy of best-dressed women worldwide: long-sleeve T-shirts.

This often-overlooked staple is far from groundbreaking, granted. But it does offer endless versatility, allowing us to wear all the same outfits as we would with a regular T-shirt, vest top or shirt, while also adding that extra layer of warmth.

Take Marilyn's striped tee and denim midi skirt look as one example. Fashion stylist Lauren Eggerston contrasting an acid yellow satin pencil skirt as another. Or Anouk Yve's easy trouser and loafers combo, as additional proof of just how easily the long-sleeve tee can slot into any wardrobe. And right now, any and every colour you can think of is right now up for grabs.

"I currently have three long sleeve tops in my Zara basket one is bright yellow, one is turquoise and one is yellow ," says Fashion Director Lily Russo-Bah, the last of which you'll find below in our long-sleeve T-shirt shopping edit. While neutral shades of white, cream, brown and black serve as everyday staples, bolder colours and stripes make for more of a statement.

And, if you want to add an even further dimension to your look, consider styling your long-sleeve top as a layering piece, either under a colour-contrasting T-shirt or beneath a button-down shirt. Just scroll on for our edit of the best long-sleeve tees to shop now.

Shop Long-Sleeve T-Shirts

Yes, stereotypes aren't always accurate, but one week in Milan proved one thing for certain: Italian women have truly mastered the art of timeless style. And one item in particular was behind countless sleek outfits of the street style set: the simple shift dress, in every variation.

The shift dress's appeal to Italian women comes as little surprise, considering Miuccia Prada is one of its biggest backers, regularly putting the style on both the Prada and Miu Miu runways. But since its 1920's inception—thanks, many say, to Coco Chanel—surprisingly little has changed.

The straight-up-and-down shape remains the key silhouette, while hem lengths vary from the thigh-high short to the mid-calf, for something more modest. And you'll find every variation of neckline from an extra-low scoop to a T-shirt like design, which means there's a shift dress to suit every personal style. For which the women at Milan Fashion Week offer plenty of inspiration.

For a more evening-ready look, leave your shift dress as the sole focal point, worn with only layered jewellery and a simple pair of pumps or over-the-knee boots. For an office-friendly outfit, look to layer a long-sleeve tee or shirt beneath your shift dress and finish with a loafer. And for something even cosier once the cooler weather rolls around, consider a jumper and a thick pair of tights. Essentially, it makes for a great layering piece that easily adapts with the seasons.

Fans of the shift dress aren't exclusive to Italy, with stylish women around the world returning to this classic shape for a polished look year-round. American content creator Blair Eadie was recently spotted in an easy transitional outfit, layering a barn jacket over a shift dress while the balmy weather hangs on just a little longer.

That said, the choice of which shift to choose comes down to you, and whether a classic black cotton, autumn-ready corduroy, or a more focal-point pattern best suits your style and wardrobe. Keep in mind that this one dress can go on to create an impressive number of outfits.

Below, the shift dresses worth a scroll.

Shop Shift Dresses

It’s officially autumn. The weather has (finally) cooled down enough for jackets, lightweight layers and even a fine knit or two. But for me, the best thing about the turn of the season has to be shopping for the best trend-led wardrobe updates.

As a shopping editor, it’s second nature for me to scour every retailer’s new-in page as soon as a new season hits, and I’m particularly impressed with the latest drops. The AW26 trends are a beautiful balance of eye-catching design and surprising versatility. I can see myself wearing every single one (which for me is pretty much unheard of).

From country dressing to clever layering, you might have elements of each trend in your wardrobe already. If not, they probably fill a gap you didn't know you had. So if you prefer to stick to wearable, timeless pieces, there are plenty to choose from.

Over my years as an editor, I've discovered that committing fully to a new trend can feel daunting, so I’ve found a workaround. Every piece you see below is an easy update to your wardrobe—no big statement pieces, but rather, effortless accents to add to the outfits you already love. Think wearable prints, trend-led pops of colour and plays on silhouette and texture.

I’m a strong believer that shopping the trends doesn’t have to mean paying a fortune, so I’ve only selected pieces that are currently on sale—with a mixture of high street and high end items. Oh, and I’ve added in relevant links to Marie Claire’s exclusive discount codes to get you even better prices on every selection you see below. You can thank me later.

For the full lowdown on the best trends of the season, see our Fashion Director’s in-depth AW26 trend report and to discover the effortless and affordable pieces that will incorporate said trends into your wardrobe, read on.

18 Trend-led Wardrobe Updates for Autumn

1. Velvet

2. Red

3. Modern suiting

4. Leopard print

5. Polished folk

6. Drop waist designs

7. Layer up

8. Very demure

9. Check print

10. Country dressing

As the cold weather inches ever closer, it’s tempting to switch out your entire summer wardrobe for a brand new autumnal one. But while incorporating a few new autumn/winter trends is always fun, nailing your autumn basics can be just as satisfying. Those that will see you through many years to come—no matter the trends.

The midseason sales are in full swing, so there are plenty of chic autumn basics on sale right now—but where to start? As a shopping editor, I always approach sales with a conscious mindset. It’s easy to be blinded by an impressive discount on a big-name brand, but there are a few important questions to consider before buying.

Can you style it with multiple outfits you already own? Does it use materials that'll stand the test of time? And can you see yourself still wearing it in three years? Ultimately, staying true to what works for your body, personal preference and lifestyle is key to building a wardrobe that lasts. The fact that it’s on sale should simply be an added bonus.

If you still find sale shopping a little daunting, you’re in luck, as I’ve done the research for you. You’ll find a carefully curated shopping guide below—pieces that offer the best of both worlds in terms of longevity and value. Think classic trench coats, light knitwear and timeless prints to cut through the neutral-toned softness.

And if you’re keen to make your money stretch even more, Marie Claire UK’s exclusive discount codes will get you further reductions on all the prices you see below. Simply click through the link under the products to find the best vouchers for each retailer.

So keep scrolling to shop the most timeless on-sale autumn basics.

17 Autumn Basics on Sale Right Now:

Granted, the words timeless, investment piece and capsule wardrobe are often overused by fashion editors, but there are a handful of pieces for when these terms truly do ring true: a sharply tailored black blazer, the perfect pair of jeans and, you guessed it, a classic pair of black boots. So if there's a boot-shaped hole in your shoe collection right now, allow me to break down exactly why it might be the addition you're sorely missing in your everyday rotation.

Just like an LBD (little black dress) a great LBB (little or long black boot) should act as the solution to many a footwear dilemma. After a shoe that's both warm and work-appropriate? A black knee-high boot will pair with almost any bottom. Searching for a shoe that leaves no gap between your favourite midi, maxi and even knee-length dresses? An over-the-knee sock is the easy-to-style staple covering all skirt lengths. Wondering what shoe will always work with a great pair of jeans? The pared-back black cowboy, in ankle length for ultimate versatility.

The black boot was, essentially, built to be a genuine wear-anywhere-style, and there are five key designs to consider. The knee-high, in either leather or suede. The over-the-knee, for those more fond of dresses and skirts than trousers. The simplistic cowboy, for something slightly more casual and cool without veering into festival fashion territory. And the city take on the classic riding boot, perfect for both tucking trousers into and wearing skirts outside of. Plus, let's not forget the polished kitten heel ankle boot, perhaps the most versatile of the lot and one I personally reach for almost every day come Autumn.

Which style you choose comes down to personal preference and the pieces that make up the majority of your wardrobe already. But make the investment, care for them properly—the occasional clean and wipe-down with leather or suede protector will do—and re-sole once every few seasons, and you'll have a boot that stays with you for years to come.

Below is our definitive guide to the best styles to shop now, because when it comes to black boots, the sheer amount of choice is somewhat overwhelming.

Shop the Best Black Boots

1. Day-to-Night Knee-Highs

'Do it all' items are often the secret to a true timeless wardrobe. Their appeal lies in the true vastness of where, when and how we can wear them and few shoes fit the bill better come Autumn/Winter than a classic black knee-high.

For the office? Pair them with a classic pencil skirt, wide-leg trouser of any length or a knee-to-maxi length dress for an instant, easy pairing. For the evening? Anything goes. And come the weekend you might even favour the mid-noughties jean tuck, allowing the boots to take full focus. Invest wisely and never will you run our of ways to wear them.

2. Over-The-Knee Sock Boots 

You most likely know the feeling: you've found the perfect dress and have a great pair of boots to go with it, only to realise there's a one in gap between the two once you're halfway out the door. The solution? An over-the-knee sock boot that really can pair with anything, be it a full-length trouser, culotte or even an above-the-knee skirt that's always tricky to style sans tights come winter. Plus, they add an extra layer of warmth.

While a leather pair feels especially timeless, and pairs perfectly with velvet, denim, cotton and silk, fabric styles offer a slightly softer alternative, working beautifully with leather and suede skirts and jackets without going full-on cow.

3. Polished Western Ankle Boots

Cowboy boots have consistently stuck around as a year-round shoe staple, but Autumn/Winter sees festival-ready brown suedes swapped for more pared-back black and shrunken-down ankle lengths that are all the more practical.

Jeans and black trousers are where they make the most sense styling-wise, whether peeking out of longer-length wide-leg styles, with the pointed toe elongating the leg, or tucked in skinny and straight-leg cuts, placing more emphasis on the boot. Fringing, suede and leather will only accentuate the Western feel.

4. Flat Riding Boots

Thanks to Stella McCartney, stirrup leggings are back in the limelight and few shoes style better than a classic flat riding boot, truly leaning into the equestrian aesthetic. Plus, invest wisely and they'll become one of the most comfortable boots in any collection.

For those not too tempted to step back into a stirrup legging, jeans (especially straight leg styles) and knee-length skirts also make for a perfect pairing, particularly when embracing the countryside chic look: thick knits, trench coats and checked capes, included.

5. Black Kitten Heel Boots

Fashion Director Lily Russo-Bah says "black kitten heel boots never go out of style and work with every trouser type and even long dresses and skirts," and I have to agree. Not only does the lower heel make them comfortable enough for everyday wear, but it also adds that extra polish to any look that you can't always find from a flat.

For a more casual take, style your jeans or trousers inside of the ankle boot—a balloon trouser or straight-leg jean works especially well. Otherwise, take your trousers, skirts and dresses outside of the boot for a more formal finish.

We don't really have an equivalent fashion rule to "no white after Labor Day", but one that you probably observe without realising it is, "no straw bags after September 1st". The Princess of Wales actually got a head start on this particular edict at Wimbledon, choosing not to carry a basket but a neat leather top-handle from DeMellier. Dua Lipa might have been on a perma-holiday after her wedding earlier this summer but she, too, has transitioned with help from Chanel, who, coincidentally made her wedding dress as well as her favourite black handbag du jour. After deep-diving into the subject, these are the celebrity handbags to bookmark this autumn (because, whisper it, it's time to face the music and shelve the raffia until next summer).

The 9 Best Celebrity-Approved Everyday Handbags

Kaia Gerber's Gucci Bag

Unlike many celebrities, Kaia Gerber really plays favourites with her bags, carrying one over (and over and over) with outfits that span day, night and everything in between. Gucci's Jackie 1961, in simple, elegant black, is one of her long-term favourites and, with its archival pedigree that stretches back into last century, it's not hard to see why.

Poppy Delevigne's Aspinal of London Bag

There’s a reason why the Aspinal of London Bella Hobo bag is gaining popularity in the "everyday" genre. It’s roomy enough to cover all eventualities, but has a relaxed softness that means it can easily shift gear from day-to-night, as well as from the office to weekend outings.

Zoë Kravitz's Saint Laurent Bag

As a general rule, Zoë Kravitz only carries handbags from two designer brands: The Row and Saint Laurent. The latter's Le 5 À 7 is designed to help its wearer "carry the day", with a slouchily capacious interior that means you can easily cart your laptop around.

Kate Middleton's DeMellier Bag

The Princess of Wales knows a thing or two about top-handle bags—smart, neat and utterly failsafe if you want to make a good first impression. DeMellier's Nano Montreal is the perfect choice if you're challenging yourself to go as hands-free as possible.

Dua Lipa's Chanel Handbag

Chanel has just had a blockbuster summer, in part courtesy of newlywed Dua Lipa. Not only did the singer choose the brand for this year's biggest wedding dress (besides Taylor!), she's also been carrying its new range of handbags on repeat—including this quilted, and triangular, beauty, the 25 Small Handbag.

Alexa Chung's Lands' End Bag

If you're looking for a canvas tote bag that can sit neatly on top of your suitcase, but double up on the beach, Alexa Chung recommends the customisable (and pleasingly sturdy) tote from Lands' End.

Irina Shayk's Ferragamo Bag

Irina Shayk has blazed a very well-dressed trail through this year's Venice Film Festival, including the simple but effective formula of a bodycon dress teamed with nothing more nothing less than an impeccable shoulder bag, in this case a brand new design by Ferragamo.

Rihanna's Dior Bag

Dior's Milly-La-Forêt Bag isn't your average shoulder bag, which is probably why it's become a favourite companion of Rihanna's. On the catwalk it was styled with floating lace dresses and nip-waist tweed jackets. Rihanna, however, prefers a baseball cap and grey-marl hoodie, proving that a good handbag contains multitudes.

Zendaya's Louis Vuitton

Zendaya's smash-hit summer has also included off-duty moments that are inspiring in their simplicity, like this tank-and-jeans combo (complete with one very important accessory: Louis Vuitton's City Steamer).

As Marie Claire's Fashion Director, it's my job to stay on top of the latest Autumn/Winter 2026 trends, but more importantly, to keep you in the know about which designers to have on your radar, which pieces are dropping when and, most crucially, which are worth the investment.

Mytheresa continues to be my go-to shopping destination when I'm looking to add to my forever wardrobe. From hero designers such as Phoebe Philo and Prada to contemporary labels such as Rohé and Toteme, if you're a regular on its New In page, you'll know that when looking for the most sought-after pieces from each collection, Mytheresa delivers.

Knowing which pieces to buy can feel overwhelming, which is why I've done the scrolling, so you don't have to. A great coat is a priority on my autumn/winter shopping list, and Mytheresa always has The Frankie Shop's latest colourways and styles. When it comes to timeless tailoring to take me from desk to dinner, Magda Butrym and Stella McCartney are my first ports of call. And then, of course, as anyone who knows me well knows, colour and print are the cornerstones of my wardrobe — something Mytheresa does very well, buying into designers such as Dries Van Noten, Dôen and La DoubleJ. Intrigued? Below, I've selected 13 of Mytheresa's latest arrivals that will bring new-season energy to your everyday wardrobe, whilst also proving to be pieces you will love and wear for seasons to come.

Shop My Edit of 13 New-In Autumn Buys from Mytheresa

There’s something about September that always makes me want to rethink my work wardrobe. After the lighter, more relaxed dressing of summer, the return to the office feels like the perfect opportunity for a sartorial reset—and this season, I’m starting with trousers.

For me, the right pair of trousers can completely transform how you feel in your clothes. They can sharpen a blazer, make a simple shirt feel considered and, perhaps most importantly, set the tone for how you want to show up at work.

This Autumn, I’m embracing three silhouettes: the barrel leg, the wide leg and the flare. Each has a very different personality, but all three have one thing in common: they make a statement without sacrificing sophistication.

The Barrel Leg

The barrel leg is probably the silhouette that feels most fashion of the three—and that’s exactly why I love it. I'm not going to lie, when I first saw it, I had my reservations, but when you try them on, they are incredibly flattering.

With its distinctive curved shape, the barrel trouser creates volume through the leg before tapering towards the ankle. Rather than clinging to the body, the silhouette creates space around it, which can actually make the waist appear more defined. There’s something very chic about that contrast between a defined waist and the softly curved leg.

It’s also a great way to make your existing work wardrobe feel new again. Take the same white shirt and blazer you might normally wear with a straight trouser and swap in a barrel leg—suddenly, the entire outfit feels more directional.

I tend to balance the volume with something more fitted or tucked in on top. A slim knit, crisp shirt or structured blazer works beautifully, particularly when the waist is clearly defined.

For me, this is the trouser to choose when you want your colleagues to think “she really knows fashion” rather than simply “she’s wearing another suit.”

My rule: let the trouser do the talking. Keep the rest of the look clean and considered.

The Wide Leg

If I had to choose one trouser shape that best represents my approach to workwear, it would probably be the wide leg.

There is simply something about a beautifully tailored wide-leg trouser that makes you stand a little taller. Perhaps that’s why the silhouette has become such an important part of modern power dressing. It has presence without being rigid, and confidence without feeling overtly masculine.

When I have an important meeting or a day packed with senior-level conversations, this is often the silhouette I reach for. This is power dressing without needing to rely on the traditional sharp, restrictive suit.

For September, I’d style a high-waisted wide leg with a fitted shirt or fine-gauge knit, adding a belt to define the waist. A tonal blazer makes the look feel particularly polished, while a point-toe shoe underneath helps emphasise that elongated line.

My rule: embrace the volume and commit to the proportion. A wide leg looks best when it feels intentional.

The Flared Leg

The flare is the trouser shape I reach for when I want something that feels feminine, sophisticated and effortlessly elongating.

The beauty of a flare is its ability to create the illusion of longer legs. Fitted through the waist and thigh before subtly widening from the knee, it draws the eye downwards and creates a beautifully elegant line.

It also has a softer quality than some of the more architectural trouser shapes. Worn with a blazer, silk shirt or fine knit, a flare feels polished enough for the office but still distinctly feminine.

For work, I particularly love a tailored flare in a dark neutral—black, navy, charcoal or chocolate brown. Add a pointed pump or slim ankle boot and the effect is incredibly flattering.

There’s also something timeless about this silhouette. Unlike some of the more fleeting trouser trends, a well-cut flare has a longevity that makes it worth investing in.

My rule: choose the longest length you can comfortably wear with your shoes. The closer the hem is to the floor, the more leg-elongating the effect.

I walked outside this morning wearing a pair of very naked sandals, a thin spaghetti of rubber forming a “T” over my foot. I knew this was it, you see: the end of sandals and the start of more autumnal, more appropriate footwear. I wanted to go out on a high. And, having achieved my goal of walking to and from a coffee shop without my bare skin getting rained on, I’m ready to embrace the shoe-themed delights of Autumn/Winter 2026. There’s plenty to make you forget the ease of slipping on flip-flops, from the new leather finish (that once made a shoe-obsessed main character squeal on TV!) to the hottest shape for your toe. If you’re feeling a little lost or uninspired when transitioning away from summer outfits, these five Autumn/Winter shoe trends will give last autumn’s outfits an injection of new-season energy. Bookmark them now.

Lace-Up Details

Prada knows how to create a cult shoe. For AW26, lace-up court shoes with contrasting laces in purple and bottle green are at the top of every fashion insider’s wishlist. At Marni, Meryl Rogge made us fall in love with the brand all over again, notably with the lace-up kitten heels, which are as statement-making as they are practical. Jimmy Choo introduced the Scarlett pumps a few seasons ago, but has added lace and tweed to this season’s offering.

Square Toes

It might not possess the knife-sharpness of a point, but a square toe still has plenty of edge. At Miu Miu, a square-toed, block-heeled pump heralded the shoe shape of the season. From sandals to loafers and classic court shoes you can wear to work, add a pair to your existing outfits for instant kudos.

Ruched Details

The ruched loafer surely needs no introduction, thanks to the likes of The Row and Saint Laurent. It’s a style that remains on top for AW26—but a more elegant take, seen at Gucci, is particularly worthy of note. Ruching (or scrunching) has found its way onto heeled courts, slingbacks and ballet flats alike, creating a glove-like silhouette.

Patent

Is there anything more delicious in the world of shoes than patent leather? Carrie Bradshaw very nearly lost her mind—at Vogue!—over a pair of patent-leather Manolo Blahnik Mary-Janes, after all. For AW26, glossed-leather mules appeared at Chanel—a sure-fire way to reinterpret the brand's famous toe cap for the next generation. Elsewhere you can find patent ballet pumps, which will quite literally put a shine on whatever you're wearing, court heels and the lesser-spotted T-bar—enjoy!

Heeled Loafers

A heeled loafer might be the most perfect shoe ever created because it gives height but, crucially, doesn't sacrifice on comfort. Hermès even managed to make it a tantalising proposition for AW26, elongating the vamp but lowering the silhouette from mid-foot to heel to flash triangles of skin that suited very sheer tights.

As I'm sat here in woollen socks, shorts and a jumper, my outfit as much proof as our weather apps—or, of course, actually venturing outside—that the seasons are starting to shift. And so, as we say a collective hello to autumn, however sad we are to see summer slowly slip away, we also usher in a handful of true autumn wardrobe staples: the trench coat, jeans, ankle boots, and, of course, jackets. The latter of which have taken an especially fun direction, with the return of statement jackets, if taking inspiration from the autumn/winter 26 runways

Take the military jacket, reviving for another moment since its 2000s heyday. If Cheryl Cole was your style muse back then, you're sure to be more than familiar. The peplum also has a place. Yes, we're really looking back into the archives. And for the cool and casual, I bring to you the pared-back leather jacket. Plus, the track jacket stands in place of the well-loved shell styles currently sitting in our wardrobes.

Add to that a further focus on fur and blazers that are truly timeless and you'll find the autumn/winter 26 runways offer jacket inspiration for every kind of personal style and occasion. Something to suit everyone is what we like to see. Just scroll to see which could fill a spot in your wardrobe and make you fall in love with your existing wardrobe all over again.

6 Autumn/Winter 26 Jacket Trends to Know for Autumn

Military Moment

Attention! Must be paid to the military-like designs that cropped up across the Autumn/Winter 26 runways with Khaite and Isabel Marant leading the charge. Cast your minds back to the 2000's Indie Sleaze trend and you're sure to have no shortage of styling inspiration. Though super straight jeans—a key denim trend for this season—and black boots are truly timeless.

Clean Leather

Leather jackets are an autumn/winter wardrobe staple, yet tiny tweaks in design shift them with each season. Where ruched shoulders and gold-tone hardware took centre stage this time last year, it's pared-back minimalism leading the charge this time around. Invisible buttons, no zips, no frills. Just take a look at Victoria Beckham.

Fur Finish

Fashion's love affair with furis officially entering its third season, having taken over the Autumn/Winter 2025 runways in February last year. Until the colder weather truly takes hold, turn to fur trims over full-on coverage. Whilst the debate around good and bad materials rumbles on, for me, shearling—particularly when it's a by-product of the food industry—is the way to go. Although, if faux fur takes your fancy, it's wise to invest in higher-quality fabrics, lest your jacket become matted after one wear.

To The Track

If retro shell jackets were the trending style of spring, autumn is taking the trend back to the track. Stella McCartney silenced any doubters who thought this particular jacket couldn’t be worn beyond the gym. Comfortable, polished and endlessly practical, it’s a casual jacket trend that needs little convincing to come on board with, even when we aren’t wearing gym kit.

Double Down

Look to Saint Laurent and you'll, of course, see the sharply tailored smoking jacket. Look to Chanel and you'll see black blazers in tweed. Look to Celine and you'll find slight tweaks to the classic black blazer, with shoulders sharper, waists more defined and sleeve lengths perfectly tailored to the length of an arm. All of which prove the appeal of a sharply tailored black jacket still stands strong. Though investing wisely and taking it to a tailor to create the perfect fit is what makes this piece a true staple.

Precision Peplums

The 2010s peplum trend has been slowly clawing its way towards a comeback for quite some time now, and it seems Dior, Stella McCartney, CFCL and Tolu Coker are all big champions of the silhouette-enhancing shape this autumn. Be it blazers, denim jackets, parkas or knits, be prepared to see precision tailoring with waist-enhancing qualities dominate this winter.

A sure-fire way to determine whether someone is older or younger than 30 is to ask them a simple question: would you wear knee-high boots in summer. If the answer is "yes", they're almost certainly Gen Z—and wore the shoe in question to All Points East. If it's a resounding "no", you're more likely a Millennial, one who wouldn't dream of covering their calves in leather during a national heatwave.

Wherever you land on knee-high boots during summer, however, this week's cooler temperatures (plus the advent of a new season) mean that you might be considering shelving your strappy little sandals for something a little sturdier, especially as they've just been endorsed by Jodie Comer.

On the promo trail for The Death of Robin Hood, the actor wore a full look from Givenchy by Sarah Burton—an oversized white shirt that hit the upper thigh and the brand's famous boots, the so-called "Shark Pinch".

The Shark Pinch, which are available in a thigh-high version as well as the knee, have a very distinctive silhouette courtesy of a double-shank construction that embraces "the tension between structure, sensuality and female empowerment". Decorated with hardware in the form of a metallic band that follows the leg's curvature (a similar detail can be found on one of the maison's handbags, also called the "Pinch"), these boots have attitude.

Comer paired the Shark Pinch which dropped online today in six different colours, with the same mini hemline that girlies here, there and everywhere have been advocating for this summer. Her oversized shirt, which is also from Givenchy by Sarah Burton, was styled like a dress, leaving a stretch of bare thigh (and knee cap) on show—perhaps to acknowledge the fact that summer isn't over for another few weeks.

It's a formula that is guaranteed to be a winner, especially while temperatures are lingering somewhere between mild and cool—and you can incorporate some coverage but also breeze in your look. Gen Z or Millennial, Jodie Comer says it's knee-high boot season, which means, dig yours out and ignore the nagging voice telling you it's not yet autumn once and for all.

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Shop Black Knee-High Boots

When Kaia Gerber sat in the stands of the US Open, she wasn't wearing a baseball cap or sneakers or anything you might categorise as "casual". Instead, the actor—whose looks have been especially of note as she spent this summer promoting The Shards—chose one of autumn's most coveted dresses for the occasion.

Gerber's dress is by Yana Matkivski which is in fact a bodysuit with integrated pencil skirt, which is what gives the "dress" its second-skin fit. Clever, no? You can't tell from the above photograph but it's got a scoop back that's inspired by the silhouette of vintage bathing suits.

This kind of no-frills dress that goes on like a glove and manages to semaphore a low-effort, high-glam mood appeared in several collections for Autumn/Winter 26, with designers interpreting its allure for a new season. This is the kind of dress that does all the hard work for its wearer. At Gucci, that meant fine straps, a scoop neck, a knee-length hemline and what appeared to be a stretch-jersey fabrication.

Calvin Klein configured its version of the '90s silhouette with an elongated square neckline, choosing a stiffer material to give its dress a hint of sculpture instead of a skin-tight fit.

Whatever you choose—and there are plenty of versions hitting shop floors as we speak—the even better news about this dress is that you can (almost) sit back when it comes to accessories. I say "almost" because you'll find that a pair of heels—not as stratospheric as Gerber's, but significant enough in the height department—makes the perfect finishing touch. Apart from a stiletto—although, really, it doesn't have to be anywhere near as high or tapered as that word suggests—you can take a pleasingly minimal approach to your add-ons: subtle earrings or a wrist watch, wrap-around sunglasses and another hero of the '90s: a shoulder bag (Gerber's preference is for a tiger-printed, Fendi Baguette).

The Best Black '90s Dresses

Midi skirts might form the backbone of many a wardrobe, but they don't get as much air-time as the more extreme hemlines—blink-and-you'll-miss-it minis or supersized maxis. Ahead of autumn, however, in this strange in-between period when you're subconsciously gearing up for autumn, in-between is actually bang on, with knee-length skirts emerging as the "new" length of interest.

The Autumn/Winter 26 catwalks had plenty of knee-length skirts that had "back-to-work" energy without feeling remotely schoolgirlish. Marni's skirts fell to just above the knee cap across the board, with a straight-up-and-down cut that complemented the zippered leather and sequin-embellished fabrications. With a lower-rise waist, the proportions were fresh and unexpected—an upside of choosing a tricker length instead of sticking to a safer calf-length midi.

Jil Sander's knee-length skirt was more A-line in silhouette, with a delicious suede version, paired with ecru tights and patent court pumps, that is guaranteed to make you feel slightly more positive about the end of summer. Chanel also endorsed the knee-length skirt for Autumn/Winter 26 (Paloma Elsesser got first dibs on the collection's gorgeously textured style, embellished with scale-like layers of paillettes, to attend the label's show at Haute Couture Week).

Marni's knee-length skirt was also paired with a heel, a slightly lower slingback or criss-cross sandal worn over socks. I mentioned shoes because the choice becomes crucial with a knee-length skirt. Flats aren't completely forbidden, FYI, but it's probably a good idea to ensure your skirt hits on or above the knee to avoid a rather shortening effect. Otherwise, a midi heel pairs brilliantly with on-the-knee skirts, giving lift and a touch of the ladylike mood that inflected many catwalks for Autumn/Winter 26 (Elsesser's toe-capped, gloved pump is a case in point).

You're looking for a pump with a heel (the height can vary), a slingback or a totally-closed silhouette. A square toe will add a point of interest (COS has a great loafer-style pair with a chisel heel). A heeled ballet pump is another easy option because you can go modest with the height (Massimo Dutti's suede ballerina measures 3.5cm). As dinky (or perhaps dinkier still) is this bow-tied, kitten-heeled mule from M&S, which would look on-point with grey ribbed tights or a scrunched knee-length sock. You also can't go wrong with a gloved pump like Aeyde's, which has an hourglass-shaped heel measuring a higher 6.5cm.

As well as considering what's going on south of your skirt's hemline, it will pay to consider what to wear on top (and whether or not you need to tuck it in). Marilyn Nwawulor-Kazemaks recently posted a perfectly-composed outfit: a knee-length skirt, lipstick red and leather, paired with a tucked-in white T-shirt, a chunky beaded necklace and patent burgundy pumps.

It's the kind of look—hinging on the in-between length of the skirt—that will give you a boost as you head back into the office after a few weeks of sun-lounging (or, more likely, chasing your kids around the pool with a bottle of suncream).

Shop Our Favourite Knee-Length Skirt And Shoe Combinations