Praise the weather gods, because we’ve officially arrived at that deeply satisfying, crisp transitional window where we can finally turn our attention to our autumn 2026 wardrobe.
I’ve already started making a few carefully considered additions to my basket - swapping summer linens for rich, touchable fabrics like suede and butter-soft leather.
This season, the fashion rulebook is being rewritten - starting with colour. While previous years were dominated by predictable beige, stylist and founder of @StyleSauceHQ Gemma Breger notes that "quiet luxury" neutrals are taking a back seat: "Colour will come front and centre... bright cobalt blues, butter yellow, and deep wine will be sprinkled with slightly more subtle base tones like chocolate brown, mossy khaki, and charcoal grey to create deep autumnal shades with sharp, unexpected contrasts."
© SpotlightFashion stylist Ellis Ranson agrees, spotlighting rich chocolate brown and burgundy as the absolute stars of the season. Her top styling advice is to embrace tonal dressing and elevated basics: "Think beautifully cut wardrobe staples, styled in one colour palette from head to toe - it’s an easy way to look instantly polished and modern without feeling like you’re trying too hard."
© Getty ImagesEllis also points to suede trousers, statement belts and dalmatian prints as the ultimate updates for your 2026 trend pieces.
© Getty ImagesWhen it comes to aesthetic inspiration, brand consultant Jodie Gwilliams highlights the unstoppable power of the "Claudia effect" (inspired by TV host Claudia Winkleman's iconic wardrobe on The Traitors). "Heritage style has been gaining momentum, but this autumn I expect checks, heritage prints, chunky knitwear, easy-to-wear midi skirts, and classic tailoring to be everywhere," Jodie shares.
© BBC"It’s a reminder that women over 40 can absolutely shape the fashion conversation and drive trends." The magic lies in the high-low mix - pairing a heavy knit with a fluid midi skirt, or dark denim with a ruffled blouse - and picking pieces from high-street favourites like FatFace, Joe Browns, or supermarket ranges that flatter your individual body shape.
Finally, no outfit is complete without those outfit-defining finishing touches. Personal stylist Natalie Carlisle urges us to embrace maximalist accessories: "Go bold with your jewellery this season - giant earrings and long necklaces, more is definitely more! And don’t be afraid to mix your metals."
© SpotlightWhen it comes to arm candy, Natalie’s rule is simple: "Go suede or go home!"
© Getty ImagesWhether you’re looking to refresh your workwear, elevate your everyday denim, or invest in outerwear that does all the heavy lifting, these key trends will bridge the gap between late summer and autumn effortlessly. Trust me - these are the high-impact autumn buys I’m adding to my own basket to instantly update my look for 2026.
1. A knitted polo top
The knitted polo top is the ultimate smart-casual multitasker for autumn 2026. Striking the perfect balance between a relaxed long-sleeved tee and crisp tailoring, it offers structured collared styling with all the softness of fine-gauge knitwear. To give fine knits an extra architectural lift, keep Ellis Ranson’s top tip in mind: "Shoulder pads are a great way to elevate your knitwear and make the look feel more styled."
Editor's pick
M&S Collared Knitted Polo Jumper
© M&SEditor's Note:
This jumper is super cosy and feels nice to the touch. I'll be styling this with my jeans this season and it's also handy to wear now as you can tie around your shoulders.
2. Burgundy colour-pop shoes
If there’s one shoe style commanding the fashion set this season, it’s the burgundy Mary Jane. Richer and far more interesting than standard black, the deep wine hue act as a neutral while providing a sophisticated pop of colour. Opt for a pair of flats - they look exceptionally chic peeking out beneath straight-leg denim or with a barrel trouser.
Editor's pick
Morgan Classic Flat Mary Jane Shoes
© JD WilliamsEditor's Note:
The HELLO! team recently paid a trip to JD Williams HQ to see the new season additions and these shoes immediately jumped out at me. So chic.
3. Deer print
Autumn is ushering in deer print - along with graphic dalmatian spots - as fashion’s most subtle, intriguing pattern choices. Featuring soft fawn tones and delicate dappled spots, a deer-print pop adds an unexpected element to classic neutral knitwear.
Editor's pick
NEXT Deer Print Long Sleeve Crew Neck T-Shirt
© NEXTEditor's Note:
I was a little sceptical about deer print, but this Next top is an easy intro piece.
4. Straight leg jeans
While denim trends shift, the classic straight-leg jean remains the ultimate silhouette for women over 40. Offering structure without feeling restrictive, a high-waisted, dark-to-mid wash straight leg creates a long, elegant line that flatters every body shape. They serve as the ideal foundation for autumn dressing - seamlessly pairing with ankle boots, flats, heels or trainers.
Editor's pick
With Nothing Underneath Crawford Jeans
© WNUEditor's Note:
I am in love with these jeans. I recently tried them on in store and they fit so well - definitely true to size. They feel very stylish on. I'll be wearing with a crisp white shirt.
5. Tweed check
Tweed check is the ultimate symbol of British heritage dressing, making a powerful comeback for autumn 2026 with a fresh, contemporary edge. Far from feeling overly formal or stuffy, this season’s tweed is all about tailoring and rich, tactile texture - think structured blazers, sleek A-line skirts, and smart wide-leg trousers flecked with warm autumn tones like espresso, moss green, and rust.
Holland Cooper Knightsbridge Blazer Chatsworth Tweed
© Holland CooperEditor's Note:
Simply throw a tweed check blazer over dark straight-leg denim and a fine-knit polo to master that coveted, high-low heritage look with complete ease.
6. Argyll knits
Heritage prints are having a major moment, and traditional Argyle knits are leading the charge with a modern, elevated spin. Forget outdated golf-club tropes; this season’s diamond motifs come slightly oversized, rendered in soft cashmeres and rich autumnal colourways like olive, plum, pink, and cream. Pair a boxy Argyle cardigan with sleek suede trousers - another key piece Ellis Ranson spotlights for 2026 - or a pair of jeans for effortless weekend style.
Editor's pick
Joe Browns Amazing Argyle Cardigan
© Joe BrownsEditor's Note:
Perfect print and perfect fit. This cardigan will be such a hit as we move into the colder months.
7. Plaid shirts
Plaid shirts are undergoing a sophisticated reinvention for autumn 2026, tapping effortlessly into the season's obsession with heritage style. Pair an oversized plaid shirt over a fitted ribbed tee with dark straight-leg denim, or tuck a tailored version into high-waisted trousers to channel that enviable, "Claudia effect" with minimal effort.
Editor's pick
ASOS Design Plaid Shirt
© ASOSEditor's Note:
I'm so happy the plaid shirt is trending this season because I have a fair few over the years. This is a timeless trend that usually comes back around.
8. A barn jacket (this trend isn't going anywhere)
The humble barn jacket has officially made the leap from countryside walks to high-fashion staple. Characterised by functional canvas or waxed cotton, soft corduroy collars, and roomy utility pockets, it’s the quintessential practical-chic hero layer. Celebrity stylist Sinead McKeefry - the mastermind behind some Claudia's iconic layered looks — believes the secret lies in tactical layering, tactile textures, and fearless colour choices. "Engage in mixing fabrics," Sinead advises, encouraging us to blend herringbone patterns and flecked knits with folky prints that all share a timeless, heritage feel. For unpredictable British weather, she suggests building an outfit using multiple removable layers—starting with a shirt and tank top, adding a jumper or gilet, and finishing with a waxed jacket or parka—so you can tie a piece around your waist while maintaining a chic balance of textures.
Editor's pick
Fat Face Kent Green Check Barn Jacket
© Fat FaceEditor's Note:
I'm still all for the barn jacket - they're just so easy to throw on and you usually don't need to wear a bag. If this one gets the Sinead McKeefry seal of approval, it's a winner for me.
9. Red jewellery
Accessories are taking a surprisingly bright turn this season, with red cord jewellery emerging as the subtle detail everyone is talking about.
Editor's pick
Vixii 'Sibling' Red Bracelet
© VixiiEditor's Note:
VIXII is one of my favourite jewellery brands right now - it's just unique and all the pieces look incredible. I think this will be one of those bracelets you rarely take off.
10. Stripes over polka dots
Last season it was all about the polka dot funnel neck jackets, and this autumn, the graphic pattern taking centre stage is the sharp, striped funnel-neck jacket. Style it fully zipped over high-waisted straight-leg denim for a sleek, architectural silhouette.
Editor's pick
Simply Be Chocolate Stripe Full Zip Funnel Neck Top
© Simply BeEditor's Note:
After a visit to the Simply Be show room, I couldn't not put in this jacket - it's stylish, it's comfortable and there are matching co-ordinating trousers if you wanted to go for the full look.
11. But polka dots will never go out of style
While large dots can sometimes feel a bit retro, micro polka dots are more subtle, especially on fluid midi dresses. If you occasionally struggle with building outfits, Gemma Breger reminds us that "trends can be helpful for giving you a nudge in the right direction to help you feel more confident." A long-sleeved micro-dot midi dress in navy or black-and-cream is an effortless one-and-done outfit option.
Editor's pick
RIXO x Bay Garnett Polka Dot Dress
© RixoEditor's Note:
The fashion press are super excited about the Bay Garnett collection for Rixo and it's easy to see why. The standout piece, for me, is this dress. So easy to dress up or down.
12. The drummer boy look
Bringing a touch of tailored drama, the "drummer boy" blouse features structured military-inspired details. It taps perfectly into Jodie Gwilliams' advice on looking effortless: "Pairing hardworking dark-wash jeans with a delicate ruffled or detailed blouse feels stylish and considered without looking like you’re chasing trends."
Editor's pick
River Island White Satin Lace Trim Drummer Boy Blouse
© River IslandEditor's Note:
Be warned: This blouse WILL sell out. Isn't it just gorgeous?
13. Cobalt blue
While rich earth tones dominate the autumn palette, cobalt blue stands out as the ultimate confidence-boosting bright. As Gemma Breger highlights, vivid jewel shades bring "sharp, unexpected contrasts" to classic charcoal grey, navy, or chocolate brown. Inject a jolt of energy into your look with a cobalt wool knit, a sleek midi skirt, or a striking tailored coat layered over simple neutrals.
Editor's pick
Karen Millen Cobalt Blue Coat
© Karen MillenEditor's Note:
This coat has been styled by Georgia Louise, one of my favourite fashion influencers on Instagram. Just look at how stunning this coat is and it'll be hanging in your wardrobe for years to come.
14. Chunky jewellery
When it comes to high-impact accessories this season, statement hands are having a major moment with the return of the chunky ring. Moving away from delicate, stackable bands, we're now after bold, sculptural pieces in molten gold, brushed silver, or rich resin settings. Perfect for peeking out beneath an oversized knit cuff!
Editor's pick
Heavenly London The Gold Wolf Ring
© Heavenly LondonEditor's Note:
I've never really gotten on the chunky ring bandwagon, but this Heavenly London ring could definitely sway me.
15. The tote bag - but make it fashion
Swap out cumbersome carry-alls for the refined charm of a small top-handle tote bag. Holding just enough for your everyday essentials without weighing you down, this mini-structured style brings a neat, polished finish to any ensemble.
Editor's pick
Luella Grey Paige Black Small Whipstitch Tote
© Luella GreyEditor's Note:
You can choose from black or black cherry in this bag, and I love it so much I may need to purchase both.
16. The dramatic coat
If you’re looking for an outerwear hero that delivers maximum warmth alongside high-octane style, a faux shearling coat is the ultimate seasonal hero piece. Swapping classic cream or black for deep wine tones is the secret to making it feel super on trend.
Editor's pick
Nadine Merabi 'Kara' Coat
© Nadine MerabiEditor's Note:
I've felt this jacket and all I can say is 'wow'. You'll feel so cosy and warm in this piece and I think it'll really elevate your party wear wardrobe in December.
17. The triangle scarf
Nothing says British autumn quite like a classic heritage check, and the triangle scarf is the most effortless way to wear it. Channelling the timeless, countryside-inspired aesthetic praised by Jodie Gwilliams, a tartan or check triangle scarf adds instantaneous flair without the bulk of a heavy winter muffler. It’s light, warm, and perfect for breezy transitional days.
Editor's pick
Barbour Kirklees Tartan Triangular Scarf
© BarbourEditor's Note:
As approved by Sienna Miller - need I say more?
18. Elevated sweats
Off-duty dressing gets a luxury upgrade with autumn's obsession with elevated loungewear. Gone are sloppy tracksuits; this season’s relaxed pieces are tailored to drape beautifully, keeping you cosy while looking put-together for travel, coffee runs, or working from home.
Editor's pick
Mint Velvet Grey Cotton Blend Zip Detail Sweatshirt
© Mint VelvetEditor's Note:
Ever since I watched the Victoria Beckham documentary on Netflix, I've been after a light great sweatshirt. Her VB one was a tad out of my budget, but this is a great affordable option.
19. A pop of red
If you only adopt one high-impact accent this season, make it a single "pop of red." Whether it’s bright red socks peeking out above loafers, a bold lipstick, or a cosy knit, a single flash of crimson transforms an outfit.
Editor's pick
Boden 'Lydia' Tie Neck Knitted Jumper
© BodenEditor's Note:
The perfect pop of red doesn't exi...
