Looks you can try today and shoppable pieces for an instant style update.
At the start of October when Paris joined New York, London, Copenhagen and Milan for Fashion Month, some key runway themes crystallised. The loudest statements often came from boundary-pushing houses, but the ones that will translate to daily dressing are those with a foot in both utility and expression. Here are a few of our favourite ready-to-wear trends that really are just that – ready to be worn.
Sheer layering
On the runway:
Across Fashion Month, designers (particularly in Paris) showed sheer dresses, mesh shirts and organza layering over solid pieces, making this an incredibly wearable trend. Off the runway but still teaming with the theme, we saw Kendall Jenner giving the look a Y2K slant, wearing a sheer knee-length skirt over trousers for the Saint Laurent show at Place du Trocadéro.
In real life:
If a statement bra worn underneath a sheer shirt is your vibe then by all means, that’s a perfect look. However, if you want to try this trend while still keeping things a bit more demure, a mesh or organza top worn over a camisole or even a T-shirt offers up a similar feeling, since this trend is all about the balance of sheer and solid.
For skirts, choose a lined version for a bit more coverage, or pair a sheer midi over slim pants a la Kendall. As a general “rule”, stick to one sheer piece per outfit and add in some structure with something like a blazer or tailored trousers to show intentionality, rather than vulnerability.
SHOP:
Camilla and Marc Zora Midi Skirt, $420
Twenty-seven Names Reflections Dress, $580
Polka dots, checks and stripes
On the runway:
Polkadots reigned supreme at shows including Khaite, Altuzarra, Private Policy and Bach Mai, but stripes and checks were also noted on both the runway and in street style. The sweet, girly sentiment of these prints and patterns was highlighted also by the prevalence of ballerina pink, which marks yet another example of the shift away from quiet luxury, towards a more playful aesthetic.
In real life:
Chances are you already have something spotted, checked or striped in your wardrobe, so dig those out before splashing cash on something new, and use them to create interesting outfits with both colourful and neutral pieces. If you’re cautious of prints and patterns, start with smaller scale microdots or tonal checks and move towards bolder designs as your confidence grows.
Work with a single statement piece – for example, a polka dot skirt or dress, or a striped top – and keep accessories neutral. If you want to get a bit more directional, echo your chosen motif with a secondary element (a scrunchie, silk scarf, sock) or mix scale (a tiny dot + large dot combo), sticking to a simple colour palette to avoid overwhelm.
SHOP:
Wynn Hamlyn Woven Mini Dress, $595
Harris Tapper Eileen Top, $599
Claudia Li Small Bow Shirt, $780
Tailored shapes and sculpted silhouettes
On the runway:
‘Fitted and cinched’ has been highlighted as one of the core trends for SS26, signalling a return of structured lines, fluid tailoring and relaxed suiting. While once the oversized blazer was a wardrobe hero, there has been a shift back to silhouettes that accentuate the waist and naturally play with proportion while still feeling chill and relaxed. At New York Fashion Week, Cos leaned into this clean, minimal aesthetic with crisp pieces that felt anything but stuffy.
In real life:
With summer incoming, suiting doesn’t feel like the most natural approach to dressing, but if you think about it in terms of clean lines and a hint of structure, the trend works for any season. While the weather is still changeable, embrace a well-cut blazer with a slightly strong shoulder and wear over a slip dress or super casual outfit to take it up a notch.
Structured tops (perhaps even a peplum) worn with softer bottoms such as wide leg linen or lightweight cotton pants are a simple way to play with contrasting shapes and textures. If you’re looking to make a workwear investment, trousers with a sharp crease are foundational to this trend.
SHOP:
Dominique Healy Pippa Pant, $320
Karen Walker Perfect Day Jacket, $695
Belts, sashes and waist accents
On the runway:
Playing again with the idea of structure and silhouette, skinny belts were a standout accessory at many Fashion Month shows, worn over coats, dresses, tunics and shirts to both shape and break lines. Coin purse necklaces and belt-like accents (scarves as belts were a prime example) were also prevalent, highlighting a trend towards thoughtful accessorising, not just for functionality but also for decoration.
How to wear it:
Anything you can use to cinch or create shape will be an asset here – whether that’s a leather belt, silk scarf, beaded phone chain or long necklace worn across the body. For something a bit different, try a double wrap belt worn over an oversized T-shirt, or change the shape of a dress or shirt by bringing it in with a sash.
Scour ops shops for belts with statement buckles or vintage scarves that can be worn in myriad ways. Even the most simple outfit can become a headturner with an accessory styled in a unique way, so don’t be afraid to play around. This is a low stakes trend that anyone can make their own.
SHOP:
Karen Walker Runaway Pearls Sash Scarf, $115
Caitlin Crisp Narrow Leather Belt, $145
Cantermelon Hilma Phone Chain, $150
