From Skater Boy Staples to The Hot New Hue—8 Autumn 2026 Trends That Are Already It-Girl Approved
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion often feels predictable, a comfortable return to familiar silhouettes and color palettes. Yet, articles like "From Skater Boy Staples to The Hot New Hue—8 Autumn 2026 Trends That Are Already It-Girl Approved" suggest a fascinating shift, one that acknowledges the recent past while boldly stepping into a new aesthetic territory. The immediate relief after a particularly intense summer—a sentiment universally understood—seems to be reflected in the trends themselves, a move away from the overtly bright and towards a more grounded, subtly expressive style. It's interesting to see how the emphasis on effortless chic continues to resonate; as demonstrated by the recent article I’m Never Wearing Jeans and Trainers to the Airport Again After Seeing Alexa Chung in These It Girl Basics, a quiet confidence and understated elegance remain key drivers. The prediction of a move beyond purely utilitarian pieces, even as comfort remains a priority, signals a desire for refinement—a quiet aspiration.
What’s particularly noteworthy is the evolution of “it” trends themselves. The article's observation about moving beyond skater boy staples suggests a broader cultural shift. The influence of youth subcultures has always ebbed and flowed within the fashion landscape, but to see it specifically labeled as *past* highlights a move towards a more mature, considered aesthetic. This isn't to say youthfulness is being entirely abandoned, but rather that it's being reinterpreted through a lens of sophistication and intentionality. Consider, for example, the ongoing dialogue around footwear; the recent exploration of Out of all of the Elegant Boot Styles for Autumn, These 5 Pairs Look Best With Jeans perfectly illustrates this desire for elevated essentials, pieces that seamlessly blend practicality and polish. The focus on a "hot new hue" also suggests a move away from seasonal color saturation and towards more nuanced, thoughtfully curated palettes.
The broader significance of these trends speaks to a deeper desire for authenticity within the fashion space. After years of rapid-fire micro-trends and the constant pressure to keep up, there’s a growing appreciation for timelessness and personal expression. The "it-girl" aesthetic, once defined by fleeting fads, is now evolving to encompass a more enduring sense of style—one rooted in individual preferences rather than dictated by external forces. This is reflected in the shift away from overt displays of wealth and towards a quiet luxury, a confidence that stems from an understanding of quality and craftsmanship. The rise of brands like M&S, as noted in M&S Just Joined the London Fashion Week Line-Up—Here's Everything You Need to Know About Their Debut, further underscores this trend – a move towards accessible quality and a more democratic approach to fashion.
Ultimately, the predicted trends for Autumn 2026 paint a picture of a fashion landscape that is both familiar and evolving. It's a space where comfort and style coexist, where personal expression takes precedence over fleeting trends, and where quiet confidence reigns supreme. The move away from overtly youthful aesthetics and towards a more refined sensibility suggests a maturing of the fashion consumer, one who values longevity, quality, and a sense of self over the fleeting allure of the next “it” item. The question now becomes: will this shift towards quiet luxury and intentionality continue to dominate, or will a resurgence of bolder, more experimental trends disrupt the current trajectory?
It may not surprise you to hear this, but after what has felt like a lifetime's supply of heatwaves crammed into one summer, the arrival of lower temperatures and cool breezes has felt undeniably refreshing. And if there's one thing we're appreciating even more than not sweating off all our makeup before we've had so much as our first sip of coffee, it's revisiting our autumn wardrobes. Because little pleases a fashion girl more than playing with layers.
While we may have really missed the warmer half of our closets over the summer, there's always room for something of a refresh. A new accessory here, a different way to style our staples there, an infinitely popular seasonal trend that you know you shouldn't fall for but can't resist... Half the fun of a new season is the sartorial reinvention.
So, what are we eyeing up for the months ahead? Luckily some of our favourite It girls have been hard at work populating our mood boards (whether they knew it or not), and we've picked out our eight favourite autumn trends that officially havetheir approval. Keep scrolling to read up on the looks, and shop the hottest ways to wear them right now...
8 It-Girl Autumn 2026 Trends On Our Mood Board
1. Knitted Polo Shirts
Style notes: Nothing signals that summer-to-autumn transition quite like a knitted t-shirt. No longer warm enough for the summer wardrobe, and nowhere near cool enough to crack open our full knitwear repertoire, a thin, knitted polo is the perfect piece to navigate this tricky middle ground. Marilyn's Miu Miu iteration may be top of our wish list [pictured above], but the high street has got some beautiful takes right now, too. Paired with everything from loosely-tailored trousers to your favourite denim, they bring a sense of softness and refinement to just about any look.
Shop the Trend:
The ultimate grandad knit—and it couldn't be chicer.
A great layering piece thanks to the oversized sleeve.
An autumnal colour clash.
A total classic.
A great mid-season option.
2. Turn-Up Cuffs
Style notes: Sometimes new season trends require a full head-to-toe look.and often with very specific plans in the diary to suit said look, but sometimes they're mere details that give an outfit that subtle something extra. One of our favourites this season is the deep turn-up cuff, which is exactly as simple as it sounds. Just... turn up your cuff. The one stipulation is that the jacket's lining must contrast against its outer, which is why reversible coats work so well for this trend.
Shop the Trend:
Maybe our favourite jacket of the transitional season.
A classic with a turn-up twist.
A reversible coat lends itself to this trend perfectly.
This pop of lime is so good.
Your autumn walk wardrobe will thank you.
3. Layering Sarongs
Style notes: Unless you were going off-grid this summer, you will almost certainly have spotted at least one scarf tied around a waist. You likely saw several, in fact, whether that be on the beach, walking around the city or scrolling through your FYP. But while they were immensely popular all season, they weren't necessarily a surprise. After all, the perfect time to tie a scarf around your waist as if it were a sarong has to be summer, right? Which is exactly why we're so enthused by them appearing in some of our favourite fashion people's autumn wardrobes, layered atop everything from midi dresses to cropped trousers and slouchy jeans. Entirely less predictable and arguably a lot more chic.
Shop the Trend:
A particularly chic evening wear update.
The best way to zhuzh up a simple jean.
Fringing and autumn go hand in hand. We don't make the rules.
This one works so well over a loose column dress.
Perfect for those who are still slightly clinging onto summer.
4. Red Outerwear
Style notes: Hands up who's over the red trend? No, me neither. Sure, it's been big news for a couple of seasons now, but it seems the cheery cherry hue is by no means taking a break for autumn, and with every designer from Loewe and Celine to Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, and Valentino all backing the look, we'd be lying if we said we weren't struggling to tear ourselves away. But if there's one item our summer obsession with the colour hadn't already touched, it's outerwear. From technical jackets to trenches and woollen coats, updating your cosiest layers with a big whack of colour is a super effective way of making an outfit feel more elevated and considered.
Shop the Trend:
The asymmetric handkerchief hem to the back is particularly beautiful.
Technical wear goes high fashion.
One to save for colder days.
This fuss-free shape ensures the colour pulls focus.
If you feel like this coat is everywhere right now, you're not wrong.
5. Aubergine Basics
Style notes: If you're looking for a colour that isn't red to inject a bit more interest into your looks this autumn, there's no doubt that aubergine is having a moment. And while it works well for evening wear, it's particularly impactful when it comes to our staple basics. Elevating a look simply by its hue, it doesn't need any frills or amateur dramatics to steal focus, but rather requires a gentler touch in order to avoid veering into dated territory. We particularly love it as the base shade of a classic cosy knit.
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The perfect plum.
A wardrobe basic that feels anything but.
Great layered over a white long-sleeve.
Your favourite denim's best friend.
The balloon sleeves make this.
6. Double Sleeves
Style notes: Remember when your little brother used to head to the skate park with his friends in the 00s wearing a bold graphic t-shirt over a white-long sleeve? Well, now is the time to copy it. Layered tees have been having a real moment during recent early autumn days, and they won't be slowing down any time soon. Whether you approach things more tentatively with said white long-sleeve as your bottom layer, or really mix things up via stripes, clashing colours or buttoned cuffs, pairing the duo with a great pencil skirt or structured jean is a super effective way of giving the teenage boy staple a more elevated feel.
Shop the Trend:
Look closely and you'll see that this one is actually a triple threat.
The signature logo patch makes this. Naturally.
We love a clashing stripe.
The humble white t-shirt, but elevated.
Did you expect any less from Gigi Hadid's label?
7. Dressed-Down Party Skirts
Style notes: While we may still be a couple of months away from the start of the festive party season, there's no doubt that some of our favourite It girls are already getting their wardrobes prepped. And for those who've fallen for a super fun party skirt but don't have the patience to wait until December to get their first wear, pairing it with an oversized knit, casual technical jacket or dressed-down tee is a great way to make it work for a calendar that is very much more back-to-school than midweek cocktails right now.
Shop the Trend:
Such an intricate embellished overlay.
It doesn't get much more 'party skirt' than this.
A maxi skirt is a great way to lean into the sheer trend.
Just as great with a pointed pump as a knee-high boot.
Such a fun date night option.
8. Stand-Out Chartreuse
Style notes: If you're looking for another colour to change up your autumn looks, don't sleep on chartreuse. It may sound more like a platter of meats and cheeses than your next sartorial obsession, but trust us when we tell you it's about to be the hottest hue amongst the fashion set. Not quite acid green, but almost there, it is a super energetic shade that marries green and yellow with an almost golden metallic undertone. It works perfectly with blacks and warm browns, but packs a real punch when paired with (you guessed it) a pop of red or pink.
Shop the Trend:
How unexpectedly tempting is this full colour drench?
This dress works perfectly for autumn with a pair of knee-high boots and black blazer.
Well, if you are planning your New Year's Eve dinner look already...
Your go-to LBD will never feel boring again.
Great with a sandal. Better with a boot.
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