A Celebrity Stylist Talks AW26 Trends, Go-To Brands & More
Simplicity is key for autumn/winter – think beautifully cut trousers from TOTEME, pencil skirts from Róhe and Massimo Dutti, Ducie leather bomber jackets and great blazers from H&M Studio. Then, balance these timeless pieces with more playful elements, such as elongated pointed shoes from Nelson Made, patterned tights by Heist and Art Deco-inspired jewellery from Julietta and Juju Vera. It’s all about clean, simple outfits with unexpected points of interest. That’s what makes something feel elevated, considered – and effortless.
A long, ankle length black coat with a strong shoulder is a must-have this season. It instantly elevates a daytime look but you can also throw it over eveningwear and suddenly you’re the chicest woman in the room. It’s one of those pieces that does all the work for you.
My go-to capsule wardrobe brands rarely change. Róhe is brilliant because everything feels timeless but there’s usually one elevated detail that makes it special. It might be something as simple as a shoulder pad in a classic grey cardigan – suddenly an everyday piece feels far more considered. A.W.A.K.E. Mode also does classics with an unexpected twist: pieces that still feel interesting but will stand the test of time. DISSH is a new favourite for oversized shirts, great vest tops and those simple building block pieces that every capsule wardrobe needs.
There are so many emerging designers that deserve attention right now. Dala has really nailed that balance between classic and modern denim but with enough of a twist to make it feel interesting. Hagelstam makes the perfect everyday shoe – I love the elongated pointed toe with a kitten heel and you can actually wear them from morning until night. Boutashkova is a recent graduate making shoes that almost look like sculpture. They feel incredibly fresh and exciting. Fforme is a New York brand that sits brilliantly alongside the likes of TOTEME and Róhe. Super chic, beautifully timeless cuts, but always with a modern twist.
Julie Kegels recently won the LVMH Prize. I love the way she takes something basic like a t-shirt or wool jumper and completely changes its attitude with an unexpected detail, like a leather belt around the hem. So simple but so cool. Also, Carelli’s animal print pieces are a standout this season; they’ve absolutely nailed the trend. I love how the structured silhouettes feel polished while still making a bold statement.
The best way to create a polished look at this time of year is with cashmere. It’s one of my favourite shortcuts to looking polished. A cashmere jumper with a pencil or mini-skirt immediately feels elevated; put the same jumper with jeans and suddenly that looks chic and considered too. You don’t need to spend a lot of money either. M&S and Uniqlo both do brilliant cashmere staples that can look expensive when they’re styled well.
The one trend that’s going to be everywhere for AW26 is animal print. I like it most when it appears somewhere slightly unexpected. Take a pair of zebra tights, for example – I love the idea of wearing them with an otherwise incredibly simple look. It’s such an easy way to make your winter wardrobe feel fashion forward and interesting with minimal effort.
On that note, everyone should invest in a good pair of tights. They allow you to carry so much of your spring/summer wardrobe into autumn. Heist has such a brilliant array of styles and the quality is exceptional. They’re also brilliant for partywear – yes, I’m already thinking about that! Rather than buying a completely new outfit, an interesting pair of tights can totally transform something you already own. It’s probably one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make your wardrobe feel new again.
If you’re a leggings fan, I’d take it one step further and try a stirrup style this season. There’s something about the line of the stirrup that instantly makes leggings feel more polished and intentional, particularly with a heel. They're incredibly easy to wear during the day but add a great shoe and they work brilliantly for the evening too.
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