Prediction: 6 Trends the Best Dressed People in the Street Style Set Will Wear This Autumn
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion is undeniable, but the anticipation surrounding autumn’s stylistic shifts always holds a particular allure. This piece from Who What Wear, predicting the trends dominating the street style set this season, taps into that very feeling – a quiet excitement for the return of texture, proportion, and, crucially, outerwear. It’s a welcome departure from the lightness of summer, a chance to re-engage with a wardrobe that feels richer and more considered. We’ve certainly noticed a shift ourselves; our readers are increasingly seeking pieces that evoke a sense of understated elegance, which is why we’re particularly drawn to articles like I Want to Look Expensive This Autumn—These Reformation Cardigans Get My Stamp of Approval and I'm Building a Minimalist, The Row-Coded Autumn Wardrobe for Less—These 9 Buys Made the Cut which highlight the desire for quality and intentionality over fleeting trends. The street style set, as always, serves as a fascinating barometer for the broader fashion landscape, reflecting both established luxury houses and emerging independent designers.
The predicted trends themselves – while not entirely revolutionary – speak to a broader cultural mood. There's a move away from the hyper-saturated, maximalist aesthetics that have been prevalent in recent years, towards a more muted, sophisticated palette. The emphasis on tailored separates, elevated basics, and considered layering aligns perfectly with the "quiet luxury" ethos that has steadily gained traction. Interestingly, the piece also mentions a shift away from jeans towards more refined alternatives – a sentiment we echo, as evidenced by our own recent exploration of this very transition Everyone in Fashion Is Swapping Their Go-To Jeans for This Cooler Alternative. This isn't about abandoning denim entirely; rather, it’s about embracing alternatives that offer a more polished and versatile aesthetic – think wide-leg trousers, tailored skirts, and even refined knitwear. The focus is on pieces that can be dressed up or down, seamlessly integrated into a capsule wardrobe, and worn for years to come.
What's particularly noteworthy is the subtle but significant shift in how we define “fashionable.” It’s less about chasing the latest viral sensation and more about cultivating a personal style that feels authentic and enduring. This reflects a growing consumer awareness and a desire for more sustainable and ethical fashion choices. The street style set, while often perceived as trend-driven, is increasingly showcasing a more discerning eye – selecting pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also well-made, versatile, and aligned with their personal values. It’s a move away from disposable fashion and towards a more considered approach to dressing, one that prioritizes quality over quantity and timelessness over fleeting trends. This elevation of personal style fosters a sense of confidence and individuality, allowing individuals to express themselves through their clothing in a way that feels both authentic and empowering.
Ultimately, the trends highlighted in this article aren't just about what we'll be wearing this autumn; they're a reflection of a larger cultural shift towards a more refined, intentional, and emotionally intelligent approach to style. The emphasis on quiet luxury, timelessness, and personal expression speaks to a desire for substance over spectacle, and a recognition that true style isn’t about following trends, but about cultivating a wardrobe that reflects one's inner self. As we move forward, the question becomes: will this trend towards quiet confidence continue to shape the fashion landscape, or will we see a resurgence of bolder, more expressive aesthetics?
Summer might not be over yet, but there’s something about the arrival of autumn that makes getting dressed feel exciting again. After months of lightweight dresses, sandals and minimal layers, the new season brings with it the opportunity to experiment with texture, proportion and, perhaps most importantly, outerwear. With fashion month just around the corner thanks to a colourful start in Copenhagen, the streets themselves have become a runway of sorts, and fashion insiders, influencers and editors are putting their own spin on the trends showcased in the months before.
This autumn, you won't be surprised to find that the mood is a mix of polished tailoring, rich seasonal colours and clever styling details that signify the shift in season. Think oversized coats thrown over sheer layers, classic knitwear tied around waists and shoulders, and accessories doing the heavy lifting when it comes to making an outfit feel fresh.
And ,while there are plenty of new-season pieces tempting us to update our wardrobes (in fact, I have an edit of the very best here), the street-style looks that standout the most are often less about buying something new and more about how you put things together in your own way. For example, familiar blazers can feel completely different with the addition of a shoulder pad and the right handbag can pull together an otherwise simple outfit in seconds (but more on those later).
So, if you’re wondering what everyone will be wearing once the temperatures drop, these are the jackets, knits, colours and accessories already making their way onto the streets.
1. Return of the Black
Style Notes: If there’s one colour that never goes out of style, it’s black on black—and for autumn 2026, the head-to-toe look is feeling especially sleek. Rather than relying on bold pops of colour or statement prints, the fashion crowd is embracing the clichéd uniform, and reverting back to an all-black palette and letting silhouettes, textures and accessories do the talking. Think fluid satins, soft knits, leather accents and strappy sandals all worn together for a look that feels understated but far from boring. The best part? It’s one of the easiest trends to recreate, using pieces you probably already have in your wardrobe.
Shop Black Pieces:
This is going to be so popular as soon as the weather shifts.
Summers bloomer trend meets autumn's black evening cami.
The kind of boot you'll wear every autumn/winter for years to come.
2. The Bold Shoulder
Style Notes: Strong shoulders are back in a big way (pun intended) for autumn 2026, giving everything from blazers to coats a sharper, more directional feel. The key this season is to embrace the shape without making the look feel corporate—think oversized tailoring paired with pretty skirts or sculpted wool coats and jackets balanced with relaxed trousers. It’s an easy way to add instant polish to an outfit, and one that makes even the simplest autumn layers feel decidedly more fashion-forward.
Shop Bold Shoulders:
WARDROBE.NYC are experts in structured tailoring.
The satin finish makes this feel especially luxurious.
Selling fast, and for very good reason.
3. Feeling Boxy
Style Notes; Sorry slouchy totes, handbags are taking on a more structured shape next season with boxy silhouettes set to be one of the year's most polished accessories. From compact top-handle styles to softly square shoulder bags, the appeal lies in their clean lines and instantly elevated feel. They work particularly well with autumn’s oversized tailoring and all-black looks, so if you’re looking for an easy way to make your wardrobe feel more current, swap your XXL slouchy suede for a rigid, rectangle shape.
Shop Boxy Bags:
I think we can all agree—we all want a Blazy Chanel bag, right?
Sleek, simple but sophisticated.
I can't stop thinking about Tory Burch's Lee Radziwill and it's many colourways.
4. The Knit Factor
Style Notes: Hygge fans, rejoice! Once our linens are packed away, cosy knitwear is getting a playful update. Alongside the classic cashmere crewnecks and cardigans we return to every year, expect to see quirky patterns, unexpected colour combinations, and fluffy textures bringing a little more personality to everyday dressing. The beauty of the trend is that it doesn’t have to be statement-making—a bold knit with your favourite pair of jeans or a smart midi skirt bring plenty of autumnal charm.
Shop Fun Knits:
Imagine how good this would look tucked into high-waisted blue jeans.
Cute as a button!
Wear on it's own in autumn, and add a white roll neck underneath for the coldest days in winter.
5. Check, Please
Style Notes: Check skirts are stepping back into the spotlight for autumn 2026, bringing a nostalgic feel to the season’s wardrobes. From classic tartans to more subtle windowpane checks, the runways would suggest layering checks on checks for a print clash (is that a print match?), but on the streets knee-skirts and maxis were styled up with shirts and loafers and even cool-girl trainers. Whether you lean into the skirts punk heritage á la Chopova Lowena or keep it polished, checks are the key print of the latter half of 2026. Sorry, polka dots.
Shop Check Skirts:
Want to up the ante? Add a burgundy tall boot.
Great with sandals, even better with ballet flats and loafers.
An easy outfit to recreate.
6. Peep Show
Style Notes: If you thought peep-toe shoes were only for summer, think again. Not only is the formally "dated" style back with a vengeance in 2026, but fashion insiders and celebrities are continuing to champion the exposed toe in cooler weather too, making it a strong option for autumn. Think sleek peep-toe heels with ankle-grazing hems, toe-exposing flats worn with dark denim or tailored trousers and dressy kitten heels for all of your evening plans. This clever in-between shoe feels polished without being too buttoned-up—and, frankly we'll take any reason for our favourite sandals to stick around a little longer.
Shop Peep Toe Shoes:
These just look expensive.
JUDE are the very reason that everyone is suddenly wearing peep toes again.
Now this is a party-starting shoe.
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