If the S/S 2026 trends were a lesson in playfulness, then A/W2026 takes a more grown-up approach, leaving the frothy tulle bubble skirts and cascades of fringing behind in favour of ladylike dressing and sartorial mastery. The same is true of a slew of Bond Street brands, from Gucci to Chanel, Ferragamo to Saint Laurent, where heritage checks, sheer layers and slim tailoring abound.
"There is a real sense of confidence, glamour and optimism running through A/W 26," notes Laia Farran Graves, fashion journalist and author of the bestselling luxury book series, which includes The Little Book of Prada and The Story of the Chanel Handbag. "After several seasons where minimalism has been so dominant, it is exciting to see fashion embracing structure, embellishment, beautiful craftsmanship and stronger silhouettes again," she added.
With power dressing making a comeback, expect a more refined twist on the 90s trend. Rather than evoking a rigid corporate look, today’s sharper lines appear in jackets with nipped-in waists and abstract cuts. Dior's Bar Jacket, £3,700, is a case in point, as is Alexander McQueen's Wool Pinstripe Cross Lapel jacket, £2,100.
Colour-wise, tonal dressing remains strong even if the colours are subtle. Think off-whites, soft greys, and rich neutrals for a more refined and opulent mood. With A/W 26 putting elegance and glamour front and centre, leather pencil skirts and blouses are also on point. Trust Victoria Beckham to revive a classic, feminine sense of style, while offering endless options for modern, updated styling. This season, the designer pairs a brown Kick Detail Leather Skirt, £1,590, with a Scarf Detail Blouse in ivory, £690, to ravishing effect.
Citing her favourite new season collections, Farran Graves added: " 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. Gucci was particularly glamorous this season, and Chanel’s timeless codes focused on elegant, feminine dressing."
The ultimate layering piece, the coat, also takes on a more tailored, sophisticated look, with bold shoulders, cinched waists, and striking proportions to elevate any outfit. Gucci's Textured Wool Coat, £3,100, for instance, is a standout, hitting all the right notes in terms of colour and fit.
A/W 26 also marks a demure mood in accessories. Top-handle bags from the likes of Jil Sander, Loewe, and Dior make the news. Bottega Veneta's Baby Barbara Tote, £3,390, is especially neat and compact. On the footwear front, designers including Prada are championing a more refined look such as these Brushed Leather Slingback Pumps, £880.
Finally, jewellery need not coordinate with your outfit this season; contrast can be striking. Pairing an organic or textured piece with sharp tailoring creates a thoughtful yet relaxed effect. Stacking bracelets and combining metals, floral themes and shapes feels more creative and personalised. The key is to allow room around the jewellery, so it integrates seamlessly into the overall silhouette instead of appearing as an afterthought.
Kiera Wraae Stewart, a jewellery consultant and founder of Edinburgh-based jewellery store Aetla, said: “There's a move away from fine, minimal jewellery towards pieces with more scale: oversized earrings, strong necklaces, sculptural metalwork, brooches. It isn't about wearing more overall; often it's a single bold piece balancing out a serious look."
Summing up the new season mood, she added: “Saint Laurent paired oversized earrings, heavy chains and brooches with precise tailoring and lace; the jewellery carried the weight so the clothing didn't have to. Louis Vuitton layered heavier necklaces into the silhouette. Gucci's long gold chains suited the collection's cleaner, body-conscious cut. Dior's medallion details sit between jewellery and accessory, which is really interesting."
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