The defining top 5 trends of the F/W 26 shows, and how to make them your own.
Each fashion month carries a unique energy and allure, yet the F/W 26 fashion season was unmistakably elevated. This shift may be indicated by a new fashion era – where creative directors have placed craftsmanship at the forefront, as the runways of New York, London, Milan, and Paris presented a remarkably consistent narrative. Overall the debut collections felt polished, expressive and, above all, wearable.
Royal purple
After seasons of beige and grey, colour came back with conviction, and royal purple led the jewel tones that dominated the runways. It appeared as a ruffled blouse and balloon trouser at Chloé, a textured mini at Loewe and a sharply tailored look at Mugler, while Celine sent out a purple leather trench.
How to wear it: Start with a single punch of purple, such as a knit, a silk blouse or a bag, against black, grey or chocolate. For a more confident take, wear several tones of the same colour together, the season’s favourite way to approach monochrome.
The coat that leaves a statement
Outerwear reclaimed its place at the top of the wardrobe hierarchy. At Saint Laurent, Max Mara, and Stella McCartney, coats were strong enough to carry an entire look: swept wide, buttoned high or cut in plush faux fur in warm spice tones. At Bottega Veneta, Louise Trotter showed peacoats in matte croc leather, mohair and velvet-like knit, along with a sweeping navy leather cape coat.
How to wear it: When the coat is the statement, keep the rest pared back. A fine-knit rollneck, tailored trousers, a great bag and clean footwear are all you need. For extra polish, wear it draped over the shoulders, one of the season’s chicest styling gestures.
Heritage checks
Tartan, check and gingham ran through countless collections, a sure sign of a check-forward season once the temperature drops. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali filled her runway with checks and tartan prints (from blazers to skirts and eye-catching cape coats), while a more considered pairing was seen at Celine.
How to wear it: Choose one checked piece, perhaps a coat, a skirt or a scarf, and pull a single colour from its weave for the rest of your look. A tartan skirt with a cashmere knit in a matching shade and a polished loafer is the season’s easiest outfit.
Gothic Romance
Gothic glamour swept through the collections, and the reference point was clear – think ruffles tucked beneath peplums and sumptuous, draped velvet, often finished with a high, ruffled neckline.
How to wear it: Choose one romantic element and modernise it. A ruffled high-neck blouse works beautifully under sharp tailoring, and a velvet blazer is just as good with jeans. Finish with a dark lip and polished boots.
Baggy Boots
This season’s boots are bigger, bolder and climbing ever higher. Slouchy, over-the-knee and generously cut, they dominated the runways and quickly found their way onto the streets. Some designers let them replace trousers altogether: at Mugler and Stella McCartney, they rose almost to the hip, anchoring pared-back, single-colour looks. Others used them to add texture: Max Mara’s came in different variations of brown suede, a natural partner for its camel coats, while Chloé teamed hers with slim trousers and romantic, free-spirited dresses. For a more refined proportion, Gucci’s versions were neater and cut a little closer to the leg.
How to wear it: Let the boot lead. Wear a slouchy suede pair with a short knit dress or an oversized jumper as a mini, tonal from top to toe. For everyday ease, tuck slim trousers into a chocolate-brown pair and finish with a camel coat.
