A/W 25/26: A Maximalist Moment in Accessories

The Autumn/Winter 2025–26 season marks a triumphant return of maximalism. After seasons of quiet luxury, fashion accessories are bold, decorative and expressive—celebrating personality, craftsmanship, and playfulness. 

(Intro image and above – London streetstyle by JoJo Iles)

1. Bags: Roomy, Tactile & Loaded with Charms

• Oversized, tactile shoppers: Expect roomy tote bags with padded fabrics, velvety textures, or chunky fur finishes. WGSN and UK street style roundups confirm that large and mid-sized shoppers remain dominant, often featuring plush or quilted detailing.
• Charm mania: Bag charms, carabiners, and chains—once novelty accents—are now essential bag companions. Vogue Business highlights their presence at major houses like Louis Vuitton and Dior Men, while street reports describe them dangling from mainstream totes and backpacks from brands such as Manhattan Portage.
• Alternative materials: Look out for experimental bags in printed plastics with structural flair—alongside knitted and fur textures.

(London streetstyle image JoJo Iles)

2. Footwear: Statement Boots, Mary Janes & Furry Finishes

• Metallic, jewellery-like detail: Footwear incorporates jewellery elements—ankle cuffs, rings, crystal embellishments. Pumps and boots are adorned with gold rings or bangle motifs.
• Mary Janes: Reinvented with ribbons, studs, socks, or paired with lacy tights for scholarly, romantic appeal .
• Fur‑trimmed warmth: Faux‑fur liners, fuzzy trims, and full-on fuzzy boots echo runway emphasis on textures that soothe, warm, and visually package comfort .
• Gorpcore meets luxe: Technical, outdoor-inspired footwear merges with runway polish: think weather‑ready boots with luxe finishes, versatile for both urban and wilderness settings.
• Statement silhouettes & patterns: Knee-length “pirate” boots, dual-tone cap-toes, animal prints—especially zebra and dalmatian—and bold 80s-inspired shapes bring drama to AW wardrobes.

(London streetstyle by JoJo Iles)

3. Headwear & Scarves: Plush Bonnets to Bold Hats

• Fur hats & trapper-style bonnets: The faux-fur stole and boho trapper hats are a clear highlight, with Miu Miu, Prada, Marni and Chloé leading the charge.
• Beanies, cloche & knitted bonnets: Knitted hoods, bonnets, and scarf sweaters are utility-led yet stylish, rising sharply this season.
• Silk scarves & bows: Luxurious headscarves in bandana or bow knots pay homage to boho roots while riffing off catwalk choices.
• Sculptural hats: From couture boater silhouettes to silk caps and crop hat variations with jewelled embellishments, headgear is elevated into art.

(London streetstyle by Deborah Iona courtesy of the BFC)

4. Jewellery & Metal Accents: Loud, Layered & Rich

• Chunky metals meet pearls: Bold sculptural earrings, stacked cuffs, statement rings, layered necklaces and mixed metals define the jewellery moment—heavy on gold, silver, pearls and crystals.
• Statement cuffs & over-sleeve bangles: Big metal cuff bracelets and bangle arm jewellery are seen across runways and street captures.
• Single statement pieces: Jewellers are favouring stand-out items over layered chains—minimalist yet impactful.
• Quiet luxury undercut: Despite surface loudness, the materials remain premium, echoing the “quiet luxury” ethos—clean lines, refined craftsmanship.

(London streetstyle by Deborah Iona courtesy of the BFC)

5. Brooches, Belts & Jewellery-on-Clothing

• Brooches & embellishments: Dresses, belts, lapels and coats are decorated with brooches—both ornamental and thematic. Statement belts, often layered multiple times, cinch tops and outerwear .
• Functional belts turned fashion: Extended belt loops on tops and dresses with multiple buckles serve both structure and style.

(London streetstyle by JoJo Iles)

6. Sensory & Modular Accessories

• Tactile simplicity: AW trends balance maximalism with sensory-rich minimalism—modular scarves, adjustable belts and bags, transformable collars, and removable neck‑warmers.
• Tech‑aware pieces: Accessories offering more than aesthetic value—like Faraday cage bags that block digital tracking—are appearing, catering to privacy-conscious consumers .

The UK Perspective: Trending Street Style & Personalisation

London setting a prime stage, street style during LFW AW25 echoed these global patterns:

• Customised & personalised accessories: Chains, charms, novelty pendants and patchwork details bring individuality to everyday bags and footwear.
• Layered, bold jewellery worn boldly: Oversized metals—silver, gold—and stacking rings, cuffs and earrings are seen across outfit edits .
• Retro styles reworked: Vintage-style footwear (Mary Janes, brogues, platform loafers), paired with socks or tights, harken back to boho and scholarly themes.

Accessorising for Personality in A/W 25/26

Accessories in Autumn/Winter 25/26 are not just accents—they are storytelling tools that communicate individuality, craftsmanship and mood. Here’s how to embrace the trend responsibly in the UK context:

1. Layer and personalise: Mix charms, chains, brooches and chains to craft custom expressions.
2. Balance texture and statement: Offset bold jewellery with practical, tactile footwear or plush fur elements.
3. Mind your mood: Select from maximalist hats or minimalist modular scarves—choose what speaks to you.
4. Think multifunctional: Bags and scarves that adapt to weather or personal tech needs reflect both function and fashion.
5. Invest thoughtfully: Luxury materials—pearls, mixed metals, faux fur, vintage scarves—elevate the ensemble while staying timeless.

The upcoming AW season invites creative styling through accessories—a bold departure from last season’s muted elegance. Whether it’s a bangle bag, statement boot, or dramatic headpiece, this winter is all about being seen—and making it uniquely yours.

Sources:

UK Fashion Network

WGSN

Glamour UK

Vogue Business

British Vogue

Fashion United

Who What Wear