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 is a constant, yet the eagerness to declare autumn trends while summer still lingers speaks to a particular cultural moment. This year’s premature embrace of fall, signaled by a single rainfall, highlights a collective desire for structure and grounding after periods of fluidity. While the article focuses on specific trends – moving away from skater boy staples towards a new hue – the underlying narrative is about a shift in mood. It’s a move away from the overtly playful and maximalist aesthetics that have dominated recent seasons, hinting at a return to something more considered and refined. We've seen a similar desire for timelessness reflected in recent shopping habits, as evidenced by the popularity of classic pieces like those highlighted in I Work in Fashion—29 Rich-Looking Nordstrom Sale Finds I Found Ahead of Labor Day Weekend. This isn't a rejection of individuality, but rather a channeling of it through a more curated lens.
The mentioned shift away from "skater boy staples" is particularly interesting. This aesthetic, with its emphasis on oversized silhouettes, graphic tees, and a generally casual vibe, has been pervasive for a few years. Its decline suggests a weariness with the relentless informality of recent trends and a yearning for something with a bit more polish. The introduction of a "hot new hue" – whatever that may be – offers a chance for reinvention, a fresh color palette to rebuild upon. The article's mention of color is significant; color trends are often a barometer of the broader cultural zeitgeist, reflecting our emotional state and aspirations. Furthermore, the wisdom of an older generation anticipating trends is a recurring theme, as explored in My 63-Year-Old Mom Knows What's Cool Before I Do—47 New Items She's Predicting Will Be It Buys, proving that classic style often holds the key to predicting future trends. The enduring appeal of foundational pieces, such as the perfect t-shirt, also underlines this desire for enduring style, as detailed in From Red to Black to Heather Gray, the Best T-Shirts In Every Key Color.
This isn’t simply about the clothes themselves; it’s about the narrative they tell. The move towards a more refined aesthetic aligns with a broader cultural conversation around quiet luxury and understated elegance. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking quality over quantity and investing in pieces that transcend fleeting trends. They are drawn to brands and styles that convey a sense of timelessness and effortless sophistication, rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. This shift is fueled, in part, by a growing awareness of sustainability and a desire to consume more responsibly. The "It-Girl" endorsement, while still relevant, is evolving. Today’s influencers are less about blatant promotion and more about embodying a lifestyle – a curated aesthetic that feels authentic and aspirational. The focus is on the feeling, the mood, the atmosphere created by the clothing, reflecting a move towards a more intentional and emotionally resonant approach to style.
Ultimately, the early declaration of autumn trends signifies more than just a change in wardrobe. It’s a reflection of a collective desire for grounding, refinement, and a return to a sense of timeless elegance. The question remains: will this shift be a fleeting moment, or does it signal a longer-term move away from the maximalism and informality that have defined recent fashion cycles? And, perhaps more importantly, how will this evolving definition of "It-Girl" impact the way brands communicate and connect with their audiences in the coming seasons?
While there may be whispers of yet another heatwave heading our way come September, the minute the heavens opened last week and our scorched gardens got their first taste of rain in what felt like a decade we made the call—autumn is officially on its way.
And, it turns out we weren't the only ones potentially prematurely packing away our summer stalwarts in August, because one quick scroll of Instagram has confirmed that some of our favourite It-girls have already been dipping into their new season wardrobes. Far from feeling devastated by summer's unexpectedly swift exit, however, we're more than ready to welcome the arrival of sweater weather (38°C in the middle of London during rush hour will do that to a girl) and indulge in some of these autumn trends.
Keen to get in on that early transitional season action and maximise your autumn buys? Keep scrolling to see which trends eight of the very best wardrobes are already championing for the season ahead.
8 It Girl-Approved Trends for Autumn 2026
1. Knitted Polo Shirts
Style notes: Rugby shirts have been big news over the last few months, but as we move into autumn a more elegant, more refined take on the look comes to the fore. Whether you've been invested in its bulkier, sportier iteration of late or are coming to the look with fresh eyes, this season's style is an undeniably easy way to elevate your knitwear game. Long sleeves keep things a bit more casual, while short t-shirt sleeves and a more fitted silhouette render it a great workwear or dinner option. Layered over a long-sleeve tee is a perfect way to relax the look for Sunday brunch.
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The black stripe and button-less collar make this a great officewear option.
We're all still obsessed with red, right?
It's giving grandpa goes to golf, but in the very chicest way.
The longer, boxy fit of this sleeve makes for a particularly cool layering piece.
Such a timeless take on the trend, and it looks great with winter whites.
2. Turned-Up Cuffs
Style notes: Sometimes the hottest new trends are stand-out statements, but sometimes they're much more subtle design details that feel a lot easier to incorporate into your wardrobe. This autumn's styling tweak comes in the form of a turned-up cuff, with everyone from The Frankie Shop and Max Mara through to Damson Madder and ASOS tapping into the flipped wrist. Crucially this is not just about rolling any old sleeve, but rather about the lining showing off a contrast colour, a fun print, or, ideally, both.
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This might be one of our favourite jackets of the season.
Kind of besotted with this neck tie.
A reversible coat automatically makes this contrast cuff viable.
Another reversible masterpiece. Just think of the cost per wear..
Super deep cuffs give a contemporary twist to this otherwise staple piece.
3. Layered Sarongs
Style notes: If you found yourself on a beach (or even just scrolling Instagram) at any point this summer, we'd hazard a guess that you came across at least one scarf-tied sarong. Possibly sixteen. So ubiquitous has the style been this season, it should come as no surprise that despite traditionally being a fair weather staple it is confidently nudging its way into our autumn wardrobes. Of course, it goes without saying that we're not just keeping on our bikinis and braving the breeze. Swapping the swimwear for, well, your regular autumn wardrobe; this is one of those gold dust trends that doesn't require anything of a style overhaul. Wear atop your favourite black trousers, your go-to jeans, or even your favourite midi dress for a fresh update.
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Fringe accents are a great way to soften the look.
An XL scarf with mixed prints adds unparalleled drama.
This long, delicate fringing makes it perfect for an evening wear update.
Blue, red and brown is such a beautiful yet rare colour combination.
Such a beautiful weight and drape.
4. Red Outerwear
Style notes: Here I am, banging that 'red trend!' drum once again. But bang I must, until this colour fades from our radar. As it is, red is still very much a top priority when it comes to go-to hues, and if there's anything we've not been buying over this heatwave-filled summer it's outerwear. So perhaps the incoming onslaught of red coats should come as no surprise, as they're perhaps the only thing in our wardrobes yet to get the rouge treatment. Technical jackets reign supreme, but trench coats and woollen styles with exaggerated shapes come in a very close second.
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The fluted sleeves and flared body give great movement.
It doesn't get much cooler.
A great option as we move deeper into autumn/winter.
A trending colour via a timeless silhouette.
If you feel as though you're seeing this coat everywhere this season, you'd be right.
5. Double Sleeves
Style notes: Remember when your little brother used to wear a bold graphic t-shirt over a white long-sleeve to ride his skateboard to the park with friends in the early 00s? Copy it. Maybe not the skateboard (or maybe? Lime Bikes add up, you know), but definitely the double-tee. A super simple styling hack for effortless outfit elevation, the Avril Lavigne Sk8er Boi era is officially back and it might just be our favourite casual trend of 2026. True to our current era, however, this time around it's more about minimalism than bold graphics, with interesting colourways and the occasional stripe adding that visual texture.
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This one is actually a triple threat.
We love a designer buy we can wear every week.
Clashing colours never looked so harmonious.
A great weekend throw-on.
A super soft staple.
6. Aubergine Basics
Style notes: If I'm being honest, purple hasn't been on my sartorial radar for very long. Often a tricky hue to get right, it can span from feeling too bold and aggressive to just a little washed out and 'blah', but even I can't deny that it's about to be the colour of the season. With every designer label from Celine and Loewe to Balenciaga, Valentino and Prada championing the shade, it looks like tomato red may be facing a serious threat of dethronement among the fashion crowd this autumn. But for those who are a little tentative, we recommend a gentler approach via a warm shade of aubergine; less vibrant than violet, it's a much easier introduction and looks great with every wash of denim.
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The shallow v-neck is going to be everywhere over the next few months.
The very definition of a timeless staple.
Your go-to denim's new best friend.
This knit looks so much more premium than its price tag.
A very gentle balloon sleeve elevates things no end.
7. Dressed-Down Party Skirts
Style notes: As we move away from summer and into autumn, the more impatient amongst us inevitably think straight ahead to party season. Sure Santa's deadline might not be for another few months, but with the arrival of knitwear comes that feeling of imminent celebrations—and there's little more sartorially celebratory than a seriously major party skirt. To make it feel more appropriate for the season (because, let's be honest, our social calendar isn't quite living up to December's chaos just yet) our favourite It girls have been swapping their camis for something a whole lot more casual, pairing their sheerest, sparkliest skirts with everything from bomber jackets and waterproofs to shirting and knitwear.
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Sequin and feathers... With a knit? Yes, yes, and yes again.
Is it bad that we want Christmas party season now?
The embellishment across this elongated sheer layer feels super contemporary.
Office to dinner with very little effort.
Pastel blue and olive is a winning colour combination this season.
8. Stand-Out Chartreuse
Style notes: It may sound more like a fancy word to call your platter of cheeses and cured meats, but chartreuse is actually a colour, and a very popular one at that right now. One of 2026's favourite shades, this acidic take on olive green has been referenced by every major designer from Saint Laurent to Prada, Erdem and Burberry, and with a summer of pastels almost behind us it's no surprise that the fashion set are kicking off the new season with this entirely more punchy pigment. Splashed across everything from dresses to trousers, knitwear to accessories, it's a guaranteed way to breathe new life into your look this autumn. Pair it with white denim during this early transitional period, before leaning into charcoals and browns, and of course colour-clash reds, once the leaves really start falling.
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Such a great shape.
The very softest cashmere.
Perfect for those lucky enough to have September holiday plans.
That sheen though.
An unbeatable early-autumn wedding guest option.
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