If you thought autumn and winter meant resigning your style to dense layers and moody colour palettes, prepare to be delightfully surprised. Cath Kidston – the iconic London-born brand synonymous with charming floral patterns, pastel colour schemes and quintessentially British design – is subverting traditional design codes.
The high-street favourite is charting a fresh and fun late season this year with the launch of its AW26 fashion and homeware collections. Think pastel tones, feminine motifs, soft trims and rich embroidery, all working together to prove beyond doubt that romantic details belong squarely in autumn styling.
Across the fashion collection, ditsy floral prints decorate floaty dresses, tailored pyjamas and weather-ready outerwear, while embroidery on Cath Kidston’s coveted bag designs leans into the brand's nature-inspired theme of the season.
You can bring that same charming energy indoors with the interiors collection, which blends classic cottage-core nostalgia with contemporary pastel palettes. Each piece is poised to make your interiors the talk of your friendship group whenever you host over the coming months.
If you’re feeling inspired to embark on a complete autumnal refresh, we’ve selected our favourite picks from Cath Kidston’s AW26 range…
Tan Brown Embroidered Trench Coat
Editor's note
A statement coat can be bright and light in autumn, and this stone trench proves it. I’m crushing on the contrasting colours and textures: dainty embroidered roses, tonal corduroy collar and blue pinstripe turned-up cuffs. It’s a design that screams Cath Kidston, and is ideal for cold-weather layering.
Pink Crest Printed Cushion
Editor's note
One hill I’ll die on is that swapping out soft furnishings is the best (and most affordable) way to make room for transitional prints in your home. This crest-print cushion combines a ruffled edge with a timeless print, making it perfect for layering on any sofa or armchair.
Black Ditsy Floral Puff Sleeve Dress
Editor's note
I’ll be reaching for this sheer midi dress whenever I want to give late-season florals a dark-romance twist – and when I want to feel like the coolest dressed person in the room. The puff sleeves and butterfly-botanical print bring a dreamy contrast to the moody black backdrop, making it a must-have for dark evenings. Dinner parties, here I come.
Pink & Cream Floral Print EasyFit Light Shade
Editor's note
To instantly warm up a space for autumn, I look to soft, ambient lighting. This pleated pink lampshade, with its delicate frilled trim and subtle floral print, does that in the most feminine way possible. It casts a gorgeous, cosy glow that makes a perfect focal point for a simple living room or bedroom.
Blue Dog Joy Knitted Tank Top
Editor's note
Quirky knitwear is a must-have in my autumn rotation, and this powder blue tank with a dog motif hits all the right notes. I’ll be layering it over a crisp collared white shirt or under my trusty oversized grey blazer to weave its pastel hues into my workwear wardrobe.
Pink & Cream Footed Bowl
Editor's note
I love adding a playful pop of pastel to my dining table with hand-painted ceramics. This cream footed bowl with pink piping brings an artisanal touch that I know will brighten up even the gloomiest of winter evenings.
Blue Stripe Climbing Rose Pyjamas Set
Editor's note
Nightwear is just as important as daywear through the cold weather season. And Cath Kidston is giving it a romantic update with crisp blue tailoring and trailing floral embroidery. I love how this classic striped design blends traditional masculinity with delicate soft-craft details.
Grey Cardigan
Editor's note
This fuzzy grey cardigan will be my secret weapon for vamping up standard autumnal layering. The sweet heart-shaped buttons and pop-of-red elbow patch are playful, and the design goes with all manner of bottoms: wide-leg trousers, jeans, floaty skirts, maxi dresses, and so on.
Pink Stripe Floral Denim Dress
Editor's note
I love how this structured denim mini dress soft-launches pastels into autumn with pale pink stripes and dainty sprigs. It’s the perfect transition piece – just swap leather flats for sheer tights and knee-high boots as the temperature dips.
Embroidered Rose Large Market Tote Bag
Editor's note
When swapping leather bags for something more relaxed in autumn and winter, this sturdy tan canvas tote is my top pick. The embroidered pink roses and pop-of-fuchsia lining is seasonal dopamine dressing at its best.
Shop Cath Kidston AW26 fashion and interiors in-store at Next or online at next.co.uk.
