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Autumn/Winter 2026 Fashion Trends: Your Guide to This Season's Key Looks

Woman Wearing Burgundy Spot Hanky Hem Lace Trim Dress

There's something rather lovely about the shift from summer to autumn dressing. The colours deepen, the fabrics get cosier, and there's a chance to play with texture and detail - and this year is no exception!

Whatever your style and whatever you have planned this season, we’re giving you all the pieces you'll actually want to wear. Consider it everything you need to build a wardrobe of effortless outfits you can put together without a second thought.

Whether you're after a new coat or dress, or just a few small updates to refresh what you already own, here's your practical, no-nonsense guide to the colours, textures and styles shaping Autumn/Winter 2026.

The AW26 Colour Palette

This season's palette is rich, warm and endlessly easy to wear. Think dusky pinks, soft mauves, earthy rusts, and rich browns. They’re the kind of shades that flatter every skin tone and slot seamlessly into every wardrobe.

 

The beauty of this palette is its versatility. Rust and brown bring an autumnal warmth that pairs beautifully with denim and tan accessories, while dusky pink and mauve soften any look and layer brilliantly under navy knits and coats.

 

When you begin building your autumn wardrobe, start by picking one or two new pieces in these tones. You'll find that they mix and match with a good chunk of what’s already in your wardrobe, so you won’t necessarily need a complete style overhaul.

Woman wearing burgundy short button front jacket
Woman wearing Julipa faux fur gilet

Style Autumn 2026 in Lovely Lace

Lace is back in the spotlight this season. But rather than build an entire outfit around it, consider it a delicate detail that lifts a look without any extra effort. For example, a lace trim on a blouse adds a soft, romantic touch that turns an everyday staple into a feminine statement style.

 

For an easy way to bring it into your wardrobe, look for a polka dot dress finished with a lace hem. It's a wonderful way to combine two of this season's biggest trends in one ready-to-wear piece.

Woman wearing a JD Williams dress
Woman wearing a black silk blouse and black trousers
Woman wearing a red jumper and demin jeans
Woman wearing a JD Williams dress

Spotted for AW26: Polka Dots Going Strong

Good news if you love a polka dot piece - the trend isn't going anywhere this autumn! It has had a refresh though, with new colourways and fabrics that feel a little more modern.

 

Look for spots on chiffon, satin and silk, and even sheer blouses: these fabrics drape beautifully, adding a touch of occasionwear glamour to everyday dressing.

 

If bold prints aren't your thing, don't worry. There's also a move towards more subtle designs, with smaller polka dots in softer colour contrasts, so you can wear the trend in a way that feels comfortable and true to you.

Woman wearing spotted burgundy dress
Woman wearing spotted blouse and jeans
Woman wearing spotted skirt and beige blouse
Woman wearing spotted burgundy dress

AW26 is All About Texture

If there's one thing to take from this season, it's texture. Autumn/Winter 2026 is about layering in small details that add interest and depth to your look.

A Softer Take on Faux Fur

Faux fur is back, but in a much more toned-down way than seasons past. Instead of full-blown faux fur coats, look for it as a trim on jackets, cardigans, and more. Just a nod to the trend is enough to look current without it feeling too flashy.

 

Gilets are another brilliant way to bring in the texture, and they’re perfect for in-between days when you need an extra layer but not a full coat. Just pop one over a knit or under a coat for effortless transitional dressing.

Julipa Cable Zip Through Fur Collar Cardigan
Woman wearing Julipa Fairisle Faux Fur Collar Cardigan
Julipa Cable Zip Through Fur Collar Cardigan

The Corduroy Comeback

Corduroy is a genuine autumn classic, and this year it's everywhere, from dresses in warm, seasonal colours to classic cord trousers and skirts. A wonderfully practical fabric, it’s soft, warm, and incredibly versatile.

 

Try pairing a cord dress or midi skirt with your favourite boots for a put-together look that takes minimal effort.

Woman wearing Julipa Embroidered Cord Midi Dress
Woman wearing Julipa Cord Midi Skirt
Woman wearing Julipa Embroidered Cord Top
Woman wearing Julipa Embroidered Cord Midi Dress

Fresh, Fun Knits

Knitwear gets a playful update this season, with Argyle prints, Fair Isle patterns and stripes that bring personality back to your wardrobe.

 

Keep an eye out for mixed-colour knits and ones with fun designs like animals, florals and contrast stitching. These are a fabulous way to add a bit of joy to your everyday look, especially in the cold and dull winter months.

 

A great knit works as hard as your favourite jeans in the cooler seasons, but it’s versatile too, pairing easily with tailored trousers for the office or skirts for the weekend.

Woman wearing a Julipa Colour Block Cardigan
Julipa Embroidered Knitted Bomber Cardigan
Woman wearing Julipa Cable Argyle Jumper
Woman wearing a Julipa Colour Block Cardigan
Fair Isle Crew Neck Cardigan

Ready to Build Your AW26 Wardrobe?

This season really is about the details - a lace trim here, a faux fur cuff there... You don't need to overhaul your entire wardrobe to feel current; a few thoughtful additions in autumn’s colours and textures will take you a long way.

At JD Williams, we’re all about doing fashion on your terms, whatever your age, size or style. So have fun with this season’s trends - mix a polka dot blouse with cord trousers, layer a gilet over your favourite knit, or simply lean into this season's warm, wearable colour palette.

Ready to update your wardrobe for autumn? Explore the full AW26 collection at JD Williams to find the pieces that make you feel confident, comfortable and completely you.

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