Need to Know: The Autumn/Winter 2026 Fashion Edit

The A/W 26 season spotlights architectural tailoring, intricate embellishments, and oversized jewellery for a fresh take on elegant, feminine dressing.

While Spring/Summer 2026 channelled whimsy, Autumn/Winter 2026 shifts toward sophisticated elegance, trading playful tulle and bubble hems for refined, feminine tailoring. Leading luxury houses, including Gucci, Chanel, Ferragamo, and Saint Laurent, embrace this mood, showcasing heritage plaids, sheer fabrics, and sleek, contoured fits.

To offer a unique perspective on the new season, Brighton-based fashion journalist and author of the bestselling luxury book series, which includes The Little Book of Prada and The Story of the Chanel Handbag, joins our editor Lucie Muir for an exclusive Q&A. Together, they explore the season’s defining trends, standout designers, and the key pieces to invest in now.

LM. What are the most notable womenswear trends for A/W 26?

LFG. A real sense of confidence and glamour runs through A/W 26. Structure is particularly important, with strong shoulders, defined waists and more architectural silhouettes giving tailoring a powerful, polished feel. I also love the return of embellishment – intricate beading and handiwork are bringing a sense of occasion back to ready-to-wear, while the use of bare skin makes the glamour feel modern rather than overly formal.

Tonal dressing is another key direction. We are seeing beautiful, understated palettes, particularly off-whites, creams, taupes and deeper neutrals, which give the clothes a very sophisticated, luxurious feel. And alongside this, power dressing is definitely back – but it feels more elegant and considered than the traditional corporate interpretation. It is about strong silhouettes and confidence rather than simply looking ‘suited’.

Which luxury brands have made a real impact this season and why?

Dior really stood out to me for its creativity, particularly the use of pattern, deconstructed shapes and unexpected proportions. There is a wonderful tension between the house's heritage and a more modern, directional approach. Louis Vuitton, as usual, offered something for everybody, but I particularly loved the emphasis on everyday outerwear. There was a real sense that these are clothes you can actually live in, while still having that unmistakable luxury and fashion impact. Gucci was particularly glamorous this season, and Chanel’s timeless codes focused on elegant, feminine dressing.

What’s the biggest news in accessories?

Accessories are becoming much more expressive. One thing I’m particularly excited about is the move toward bold, sculptural jewellery and floral motifs. Oversized floral jewellery feels almost like wearable art, and it brings a wonderful sense of drama to a simpler outfit. Stacking is also a big trend, but it feels less uniform and more personal. Mixing metals, textures, proportions and different pieces gives jewellery a more individual, collected feel. It is about building a look rather than wearing one perfect set.

What are the defining silhouettes for coats and trousers this season?

Power dressing is definitely influencing both. Coats feel more structured and elegant, with strong shoulders, defined waists and beautiful proportions. Outerwear feels like the hero of the outfit, rather than something you casually throw on.

Would you agree that the skirt suit and shift dress headline many a new season collection?

Absolutely. Elegance and glamour are key themes for A/W 26, and we have seen that reflected across the red carpet and beyond. The skirt suit and shift dress feel particularly relevant because they bring back a very feminine, polished idea of dressing, but they can be styled in a much more contemporary way.

How are print, colour, and texture being used to shape this season's aesthetic?

Tonal dressing is one of the strongest looks. Rather than relying on lots of contrasting colour, there is something incredibly chic about building an entire look around different shades of the same colour. Off-white, cream, camel, chocolate and deeper neutrals feel particularly luxurious. Texture is also important, especially in outerwear.

In your view, what defines A/W 2026 overall, and which trends excite you most?

For me, A/W 26 is really about confidence, elegance and glamour. After several seasons where minimalism has been so dominant, it is exciting to see fashion embracing structure, embellishment, beautiful craftsmanship and stronger silhouettes again. Outerwear was particularly strong on the catwalk, and that is probably what excites me most. The coat is becoming such an important part of the overall look – something beautifully cut and considered that can completely transform an outfit.

Ultimately, I think the season feels very optimistic. There is a desire to dress up again, but in a way that still feels practical. That combination of glamour and wearability makes the season so exciting.