It Girls Agree: These Pants, Skirts and Shoes Are the Secret to an Elegant Autumn Capsule Wardrobe
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion often feels relentless, a constant churn of fleeting trends. Yet, the current resurgence of a quietly elegant aesthetic, championed by figures like Kendall Jenner and echoed across the fashion landscape, feels different. It’s not about chasing the newest micro-trend, but rather cultivating a timeless capsule wardrobe built on foundational pieces. Jenner’s recent Venetian sojourn, documented with the usual fanfare, served as a potent visual reminder of this shift. Her styling choices – vintage Armani, understated silhouettes – spoke volumes about a move away from maximalism towards a more considered, and arguably more sophisticated, approach to dressing. This aligns perfectly with the broader trends we’ve been observing; consider the understated elegance championed in [8 Fall Shoe Micro-Trends the Cool Girls Are Already Wearing] or the subtle sophistication of [Collars! Cuffs! Colours! The 9 Autumn Trends That Are Coming For Your Top Drawer]. It's a deliberate curation, a focus on quality over quantity, and a rejection of the frantic pursuit of “what’s new.”
The appeal of this “elegant autumn capsule” lies in its inherent accessibility. It’s not about owning a closet overflowing with designer pieces; it’s about selecting a few key items – perfectly tailored trousers, a beautifully cut skirt, a pair of exquisitely crafted shoes – and building an entire wardrobe around them. This approach resonates deeply with a consumer base increasingly wary of fast fashion and its environmental impact. There's a growing desire for pieces that are not only stylish but also durable, versatile, and ethically produced. The focus on foundational elements also allows for individual expression within a framework of refinement. While the specific pieces may vary, the underlying principle remains the same: invest in quality, prioritize timelessness, and build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style, not fleeting trends. This echoes the sentiment of finding elevated pieces that still feel grounded, a key tenet of our brand’s philosophy. Even a touch of Y2K nostalgia, as explored in [The Y2K Edit: Chic Fall Pieces That Get The Early Aughts Trend Exactly Right], can be integrated thoughtfully, avoiding the pitfalls of outright replication and instead offering a subtle nod to the past.
The influence of "It Girls" like Jenner shouldn't be underestimated. While their choices are often driven by collaborations and brand partnerships, their personal style choices—the way they *wear* those pieces—hold significant sway. They embody a certain aspirational lifestyle, but crucially, this lifestyle feels attainable, not unattainable. It’s not about flaunting wealth, but about cultivating a sense of understated confidence and effortless style. This resonates with a generation that values authenticity and self-expression over ostentation. The shift toward capsule wardrobes and classic pieces also reflects a broader cultural movement towards mindfulness and intentionality. Consumers are increasingly seeking experiences and possessions that align with their values, and a carefully curated wardrobe is a tangible manifestation of that desire. It’s a conscious choice to prioritize quality, sustainability, and personal style over fleeting trends and impulse purchases.
Looking ahead, it will be fascinating to see how this emphasis on quiet elegance evolves. Will it remain a dominant trend, or will it eventually give way to a new aesthetic? More importantly, will brands continue to cater to this demand for timeless, high-quality pieces, or will the pressure to constantly innovate and release new collections prove too strong? The key, perhaps, lies in striking a balance: embracing new ideas and trends while remaining true to the principles of quality, sustainability, and enduring style. One can only wonder if this move towards refined minimalism signals a long-term shift in consumer values, or a temporary reaction against the excesses of recent years, and what the implications will be for the future of the fashion industry.
And just like that, Kendall Jenner has said arrivederci to her time in Italy. For the uninitiated, the supermodel spent the better part of this week gallivanting around Venice, leaving a trail of enviable fashion moments in her wake.
Be it attending the premiere of Martin McDonagh’s new film Wild Horse Nine whilst wearing vintage Giorgio Armani from 1995 or simply cruising around the Grand Canal by speedboat, 30-year-old did it all with a covetable wardrobe that simply demands closer inspection.
Despite only descending on the floating city for a few days, she managed to cram quite a few sophisticated ensembles into her itinerary. There was, of course, the cream travel outfit and sumptuous Chanel suede bag that she wore when arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport.
Then came a sheer Vivienne Westwood black dress that slightly harkened back to the angelic Givenchy-by-Alexander-McQueen gown that she wore to a Met Gala after-party a few years ago. To round it all up, she ended her cinematic holiday with another notable travel look, including an Olsen Twin-approved devore shawl and witchy sculptural sunglasses that were made in collaboration with art collector Peggy Guggenheim back in 1994.
The latter was just one of many art references, with Jenner also donning a pair of earrings made by sculptor Alexander Calder in 1955. And that’s not even including her nod to Jane Birkin, too, with a wicker basket bag similar to the ones that have been causing a stir over in Nantucket, proving to be an indispensable part of her capsule wardrobe for this trip. Still, Jenner’s style has always possessed a replicable sensibility, with the pieces she’s worn set to become some of the key trends of the season.
Rooted in a la dolce vita ease, keep scrolling through to unpack all the chic outfits Kendall Jenner wore whilst attending the 2026 Venice Film Festival.
4 Autumn Fashion Trends Kendall Jenner Wore Whilst in Venice
1. Basket Bags
Style Notes: Venice is often colloquially called La Serenissima, which translates to the most serene. We can’t help but think that’s exactly the essence Jenner was trying to evoke when she stepped out in this ensemble. The sheer dress brought an ethereal quality to her outfit, seeming as lightweight and fluid as the light that dances on the top of the city’s watery lagoons. The pièce de résistance, however, was her wicker basket bag. Whether it’s a nod to the French girl's signature accessory or her bid to make the summer staple a year-round piece, this sculptural top-handle certainly brought a vintage quality to her look.
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This domed shape will bring an intriguing dimension to any ensemble.
Ditch wicker and raffia for chic beads.
However, if you want something more timeless, opt for this woven leather style.
2. Floral Dresses
Style Notes: There’s no need to alert Miranda Priestly, but florals are seemingly becoming an autumnal staple. From Saint Laurent’s brocade skirts to Chanel’s iridescent rosette dresses, it appears that fashion is fully in bloom this season. Given her high fashion pedigree, it should come as no surprise that Jenner received this message too, as she took to the streets around San Marco in a floral maxi dress. (An Old Céline find from the spring/summer 2017 collection, no less.) The print itself is reminiscent of the watercolour botanicals painted by Claude Monet in his oeuvre. We said it once, and we’ll say it again: don’t underestimate her artistic knowledge.
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Phoebe Philo would approve.
A very Mondrian-esque colour palette with all the primary tones.
Romantic, sophisticated and still slightly sexy. This Réalisation Par dress ticks every box.
3. Embellished Skirts
Style Notes: As so aptly put by Who What Wear UK editor-in-residence Chani Ra, the party skirt is currently having a comeback. A staple that’s beloved by the likes of Miuccia Prada and Alexa Chung, embellished skirts bring a chintzy touch that can elevate any basic they’re paired with, as Kendall Jenner has proven here by styling her sequined number with a simple white tank top. Just call it sartorial arithmetic.
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Silver sequins à la Prada’s spring/summer 1999 collection are still such a cult micro trend.
But of course, nothing comes close to the original.
Subtle yet sleek.
4. Brocade Blouses
Style Notes: Jenner is a known disciple of the school of Mary Kate and Ashley-inspired dressing. As one of The Row’s major celebrity proponents, let alone a fixture at their biannual Paris Fashion Week runway shows, it should come as no surprise that she also looks to their personal approaches to style for inspiration. (Stars, they’re just like us!) A cardinal piece of their autumn wardrobe is an oversized shawl, which is something she picked up on when departing for the airport. Opting for a shawl made of brocade devore material, she punctuated her signature blue jeans and ballet flats with an ornate touch. With the rose sticking out of her black bag and witchy sunglasses, however, the look does lean more esoteric than quiet luxury. Given she is a Scorpio, we wouldn’t be surprised to learn that she packed a deck of tarot cards for the plane ride back to Beverly Hills.
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Could Kendall be the one to finally revive the poncho?
Velvet devoré fabric feels both whimsical and gothic.
Navy and black is such an underrated
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