Get ready for Autumn / Winter 2026-27 fashion
What’s on trend and what should you be looking for?
Trend Headlines
In readiness for the forthcoming autumn and winter months, this blog is my seasonal update on the latest fashion trends you can expect to see emerging here in the U.K.
The overall feel for fashion is a more romantic yet slightly eccentric look.
Think vibrant colours and Bambi (animal print) patterns alongside chunky statement jewellery.
Voluminous silhouettes and staples with expressive detailing.
Read on for an overview by garment type, including tips relating to body shapes and height. Plus a summary on patterns, fabrics, shoes and accessories that you will find trending, so you can plan ahead.
Just remember my golden rule, which is to only invest in styles which complement your unique body shape and scale.
If you’ve already signed up to My Secret Stylist, you’ll have access to the styles that you know will always by a hit (and not a miss) for you. What’s more I help match them to your ‘style personality’ too.
I hope you enjoy my summary.
I wish you all the best for the season ahead. In styles that make you look and feel fabulous!
” Lace patterns are in for the season and romantic as ever. Look out for florals, checks and animal prints. For best effect, match your height with the appropriate pattern size. “
Tops
Peplum tops return with defined waist and flared hem, creating a feminine silhouette.
These especially complement column, lean column and inverted triangle shapes.
Lace, transparent fabrics and delicate tops layered over or under other pieces, with ribbons, bows, delicate fabrics and feminine detailing.
Sleeves continue to be a focal point with plenty of fuller sleeves, elongated cuffs and sculptural proportioned sleeves that create volume at the hip line, which is ideal for lean column and inverted triangle body shapes.
Shirts & Blouses
This season will delight the Romantic style personality type. With plenty of lace trims, voluminous sleeves with historical and feminine details.
Remember, your top half garments should be in colour tones which best complement your skin tone. As these bring out your natural healthy glow – even at your palest.
Expect to see elongated white/blue shirts, oversized cuffs, often worn untucked.
Collars are moving upwards and becoming a focal point. Think Elizabethan or Victorian inspired collars, designed to frame the face.
Bambi print blouses with both small and large prints. These make for easy outfitting with tailored trousers for work or with a midi skirt for that weekend look.
Cardigans
The collared cardigan is being positioned as a polished alternative to a jumper and works particularly well with tailored trousers or denim.
Embellished cardigans are big this season. These are a great layer over simple basic tops. Ideal for an hourglass, pear and lean column shape.
Short-sleeved cardigans, with a long sleeved top underneath create a super casual, street look or alternatively, a preppy office look with a crisp white shirt underneath.
Striped cardigans will draw attention to your top half so great for pear, hourglass and lean column shapes.
Soft oversized textured cardigans are great for comfort at home and work best for those with an inverted triangle shape, or if you are average to tall in height.
Jumpers
Cable knit is back. The key thing here is to make sure you choose the right size cable according to your height. However, if you have a larger bust these styles are best to avoid altogether.
V-necks are great as they open up your neckline and suit all body shapes.
However, if you do have a longer neck then it’s better to go for the high or funnel neck designs which are also in for this season.
Another useful counter-trend to oversized knitwear, is a cropped jumper option which works particularly well over a longline shirt or blouse, exposing the shirt hem and creating layering which is great for the taller lady.
However, do check out your proportions to get this right as those with long torsos will know this is not a look that will complement them.
Blazers
AW26 encourages a more waisted, sculpted and intentional silhouette for blazers. Balanced with the season’s heritage checks, military details and stronger, more standout colours in general.
Fitted blazers are perfect for the hourglass, pear, lean column and column shapes as they show off your waist.
Checked / tweed blazers are warm and versatile as you can bring colours together and create multiple outfits. Especially if you choose complementing colours within the patterns of the blazer.
Black tuxedo / velvet evening blazers create a romantic and sophisticated appearance.
Pair with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt which a classic contemporary style personality will adore. Or pair with barrel jeans for a smart casual look for date night and a ‘city girls day out’ look.
Jackets
Bomber + suede + military + funnel neck + waist shaping are the key directions, with heritage checks and rich autumnal colours to choose from.
Oversized suede, shirt-jacket shapes and high-neck / bomber silhouettes are particularly current, with fringes for added interest.
Funnel-neck jackets will keep you warm, however if you have a short neck open them up and pair with a colourful scarf instead.
Leather bombers are great wind breakers and look great for a smart casual look with jeans.
Heritage checked shackets are a great alternative to cardigans.
Waisted / peplum jackets look elegant with a maxi pencil skirt or with smart jeans for going out. Great for all body shapes apart from an apple shape.
Coats
Expect to see long woollen coats with checked, belted or sheared details. The fashion-forward direction is fluffy textures, strong colours, with ornate fabrics and statement proportion.
Long oversized woollen coats with generous shoulders are great for the average to tall height lady.
Shaggy / faux-fur coats for a casual / warm feel are also ideal if you are on the average to tall side too.
Checked heritage coats are a great staple for a ‘smart casual’ look, especially with jeans or smart trousers in leather or satin.
Belted / wrap coats work for all body shapes and a must have for the autumn months ahead. Just make sure to choose the correct length for your height.
Fancy / embellished trench coats with ruffles, floral panels, embroidery, interesting buttons and unusual fabrics create focus for the eye. So, choose the styles with details that help balance and accentuate your body shape.
Dresses
The power dress is one of the clearest trends for the season. Think strong shoulders, defined waists rather than soft, floaty dresses.
Long-sleeve maxi dresses are great for all heights and those with added lace hems really make for a beautiful ‘going out’ dress.
You will see plenty of lace-detail dresses with a more romantic and sophisticated feel rather than the overtly sexy transparency of recent seasons. These styles are great for layering over slips, fine knits or shirts.
The shirt dress is being upgraded with oversized collars, long cuffs, Waist belts, pin-stripes and interesting buttons.
Jeans
The ‘straight leg’ remains one of the safest options and most popular styles for 2026.
It’s becoming a wardrobe staple rather than a fleeting trend, particularly in dark blue and the high-waisted versions.
Popular because ‘straight leg’ is ideal for every body shape. So, I’m especially pleased to see this remains on trend for the season.
Wide-leg / palazzo are great if you are tall or average in height, however petite ladies beware – these can swamp you so adding a high heel is a must – to provide that extra height to carry them off.
Slim-straight / cigarette styles are a great alternative to the skinny, as they are slightly looser in fit, yet not as full as a straight leg. Once again, these are suitable for most shapes. However, if you have wider thighs and calves, simply stick with the straight leg for comfort.
Embellished statement jeans are a great way to create interest where it helps balance your body shape so, make sure you know your shape before choosing the design.
It’s worth noting that only 3 in 10 women accurately know their own primary shape (there are only six) and this is precisely where My Secret Stylist helps. You find out in seconds by adding just 4 key measurements.
Trousers
Incoming for this season are ‘straight leg’ tailored trousers. These make for a beautiful classic staple and are suitable for all body shapes.
High-waisted wide-leg tailored trousers are perfect for those of you with a long torso.
Especially for a taller lady who is an Inverted Triangle, a Lean Column or a Column shape.
The same goes for the checked / pinstripe wide-leg trouser style.
Skirts
The knee-length pencil skirt is back on trend and is the main silhouette update.
Maxis, pleats and high-waisted midis stay relevant.
In preparation for the cooler temperatures ahead you will find added lace, leather, embellishment and bold printed statement skirts in thicker fabrics like wool, velvet and denim and in satin for occasion wear.
Make sure to follow the rules for your body shape in terms of skirt style choices, but know this – the straight skirt is suitable for all shapes.
Wrap skirts also return, in silks and more fluid fabrics. These styles work really well to create waist definition so, ideal for Hourglass, Lean Column, Column, Pear & Inverted Triangle shapes
Patterns
Look out for heritage checks like tartan, Prince of Wales and window pane designs.
These are ideal for the more rectangular body shapes like column and lean column & Inverted Triangle.
You will find expressive floral prints that are larger and more dramatic. Just remember your scale, which means petite ladies should ideally avoid this option as large prints will swamp you.
Animal prints like zebra, leopard, deer, Bambi and snake are back. As are oversized dots and tiny dots. Irregular dots on blouses, dresses and skirts follow on from previous seasons.
My top tip regarding patterns is to always choose a pattern size that complements your height. So, small patterns for petite frames and large patterns if you are tall.
To put this into practise, for Petite (5’3” and below) that’s a ‘dot’ of one inch and below. For an Average height (5’3” to 5’7”), that’s a pattern that’s 1 to 2.5 inches in size. Finally, for a Taller lady (over 5’7”) choose patterns that are sized 2.5 inches and above.
The benefit is you create balance for your scale. It’s subtle but you’ll really notice it in photos and be glad you did.
For best effect, follow all my rules on choosing patterns which best complement your body shape. Details of which you can find here:
Best Patterns for Your Body Shape blog
Fabrics
The core fabrics are wool, tweed, suede, leather and textured knitwear. For the more evening inspired fabrics you will find velvet, brocade, jacquard, lace and embellished/satin surfaces.
Additionally, soft brushed, melton (which is a smooth but tense fabric, ideal for petite ladies), boiled wool and wool flannel.
Tweed like boucle, herringbone, check and softer, lightweight.
Expect to find suede options appearing in jackets, skirts, trousers, dresses and accessories.
Accessories
Look out for statement brooches. Personally, I love a brooch as it portrays confidence and a finishing touch to a thoughtfully chosen outfit.
Just remember placement is important. For example, on a shoulder is perfect for a Pear shape. Or on the collar for drawing attention to your neckline. Adding a brooch to your hip is ideal for an Inverted Triangle. Or on the hemline for an Apple shape as it will look amazing!
Structured top-handle bags work really well for the more angular body shapes (e.g. column, lean column and inverted triangle).
Oversized slouchy bags are great for the curvier shapes (e.g. hourglass, pear and apple) but best to avoid if you are petite.
Stacked jewellery is a great way to create interest around your neckline.
Pearls are back and adds elegance to your outfit. If you own real pearl now is the time to wear them with a smart or casual outfit. Oh and did you know, real pearls need to be worn so that they stay sparkly.
I hope the above helps you to look sparkly yourself this forthcoming season!
Footwear
Knee-high riding-style boots are a ‘must have’ staple and perfect for both smart and casual outfits.
You will see plenty of Mary Jane shoes and loafers – which are both ideal with full length trousers and jeans, for a tidy, yet casual look.
A top tip is to think carefully about the colour choice of your shoes and key accessories.
For example, brown bags with brown boots. I always recommend you stick with your best light and dark neutrals as this way you make more great looking outfit options without busting the bank.
Colour trends?
I have a blog for this too.
See which colour tones will dominate the shops this season and if you’ve had your colours analysed, you can also see which tones are actually best for you, with my seasonal palettes guide.
Fashion’s Colour Trends for Autumn / Winter 2026
And don’t worry. If all of this is a bit overwhelming I offer consultations in person and online to help.
What I do is designed to give you more time to do the things you love. While always looking and feeling great in what you wear.
Check out My Services page for more information and My Blogs pages for more free content and tips.
Your Style Personality
If you’re new to my blogs, you might be intrigued by my mention of style personalities?
There are six and most of us are normally a mix of two (with one that dominates).
Here’s my blog that explains:
What’s your Style Personality? blog
Now, if you like the idea of being able to shop by your style personality…
I recommend you become a member and sign up to My Secret Stylist, my new clothes shopping app and as my clients now call it, ‘the UK’s best kept clothes shopping secret‘.
It’s the only website where you can filter by your style personality. Across all the popular UK brands. All in one place, so it saves you lots of time and it’s easy to compare.
There’s no commission involved, so it’s completely unbiased help.
Where every style is scored and ranked in order of how best it complements your own unique shape.
It’s like having a stylist on hand 24/7.
A clothes shopping website that’s literally all about you!
For details, here’s the link:
The annual membership is fantastic value – equivalent to less than a cost of coffee each month.
Cristina Holm
Cristina Holm is one of the UK’s leading personal stylists. Cristina is based and operates from her studio in Warfield, Berkshire (United Kingdom). She serves clients locally and internationally.
Cristina is also the founder of My Secret Stylist, the UK’s best kept clothes shopping secret. For only £35.99 per year, you can find and ‘see in seconds’ clothes which complement your body shape across all the popular brands. For more information, go to www.mysecretstylist.co.uk