Basics Need Not Apply—This Is What Fashion People Are Really Wearing in Autumn 2026
We all have a grey knit and camel trench coat in our wardrobes, but if you're wondering what's getting fashion insiders excited this season, keep scrolling for the six cult pieces about to dominate your feed.
September is usually when I "check back in" with my seasonal wardrobe. This year, after a summer of relentless heatwaves, I have to admit that I got bored with loose layers and flip-flops, day in, day out. But then the new month arrived, and suddenly I’m dialled back in. Perhaps it's the cooler mornings or the "new school year" feeling, or maybe it's the fresh fashion month schedule that has put me in the mood—either way, the itch to get dressed has officially been reignited.
But my craving isn't for any old rotation of basics. No, whilst the best wardrobes are built on a foundation of classic staples, true fashion people don’t stop there. They know that the secret to making these staples feel fresh is all in the update: a seasonal addition here, an on-trend colour there or perhaps an unexpected silhouette. A good roster of classics helps make getting dressed easier, but to truly push your style from good to great requires a little extra zhuzh.
I looked through the trends shaping fashion for autumn/winter 2026 and did a deep dive into the Instagram feeds of some of my favourite influencers to unearth the items that even the most elusive members of the style set will be wearing on repeat this autumn. From antique-inspired opera coats to the waist-cinching accessory that's about to become the season’s most flattering finishing touch, these are the pieces, details and styling tricks I’m predicting will be everywhere over the coming months. This is your insider guide to what the fashion crowd will be wearing before everyone else catches on.
The 6 Pieces in Every Fashion Person's Wardrobe This Autumn
1. Duster Coats
Style Notes: Equal parts dramatic and effortlessly cool, whether velvet, fur-trimmed or opulent silk, the duster coat is the sweeping layer that has a way of making even the simplest outfit feel instantly more curated. And thanks to newer, boho-inspired iterations, these eye-catching coats give extra depth to everything from classic black to jewel tones. Style it with a simple T-shirt and jeans or make a statement with a knee-length skirt and a sleek pair of black heels—either way, it'll make getting dressed feel a touch more glam in the colder months.
Shop the Duster Coats:
Rixo's vintage-inspired coats are always a hit.
This is already Insta-famous.
Classic yet stylish.
2. Napoleon Jackets
Style Notes: At the start of the year, Who What Wear UK predicted the return of the Napoleon jacket, and eight months later, the style has officially hit the mainstream. But forget Cheryl Cole; this time around it's all about grunge, grit and a healthy dose of 2003 Alexander McQueen energy. Lean into a full-blown noughties throwback with skinny jeans and a baker-boy hat, or go braless and unbuttoned for evening like Sarah Lysander (pictured above).
Shop Napoleon Jackets:
Zara has so many good military jackets in store right now.
This is exactly how I plan on dressing this autumn.
The tweed lends this style an even more polished finish.
3. Racerbacks
Style Notes: From athleisure functionality to luxury design detail, racerback silhouettes are how cool girls are showing skin this season. Side-boob-baring tank tops and slinky dresses were big in summer, and we don't think they'll be going anywhere for autumn evening looks. Whilst the front is plain and simple, the back is the entire outfit.
Shop Racerbacks:
Add a metal brooch to finish the look.
Layer over a white tee.
Style with loose jeans and loafers this autumn.
4. Cummerbunds
Style Notes: Fashion girls love a good accessory, and this season, the IYKYK piece is, surprisingly, the cummerbund. No longer the reserve of formal men's eveningwear, it’s had a very modern makeover (thanks in part to Michael Ryder's Celine spring/summer 2026 runway show). Want to add polish to jeans and a white tee? Add a cummerbund. Heading out for drinks with the girls? It'll be a very chic talking point. In fact, it's almost impossible to think of an outfit that this clever accessory wouldn’t make instantly better.
Shop Cummerbunds:
This whole look is perfection.
Style with an all-black look.
I can see this with a fitted pencil skirt and a loose shirt.
5. Tactile Touches
Style Notes: This season, supersized brooches, earrings and bags have become what toe rings, headscarves and flip-flops were to summer: low-effort, high-impact finishing touches that instantly elevate your look. Take tips from Carrie Bradshaw and Emily from Emily in Paris by adding attention-grabbing visual cues like corsages, clips and fluffy finds to make even the simplest outfits feel highly styled—and fun!
Shop Finishing Touches:
Style with a monochromatic look.
If I were an autumn bag, I'd be this one.
These remind me of Alexa Chung's most recent Met Gala look.
6. Paisley-Print Trousers
Style Notes: Whilst we happily embraced maximalism this summer through kitschy accessories, kaleidoscopic patterns and vibrant colours, for autumn, all that energy is moving south, quite literally. It's our jeans and trousers getting the patterned treatment now, specifically via paisley. Vintage flocked wallpaper and '70s carpets aside, this is not your average denim moment. Swirling in rich autumn hues and making a statement in itself, paisley is giving our bottom halves a much-needed dose of personality that the likes of Ralph Lauren and Coach are already backing.
Shop Paisley Bottoms:
These jeans have been top of my wish list for quite some time.
I love how these look styled with a raglan top and suede trainers.
Style with a loose shirt and sandals on cooler autumn days.
