How to Shop Now Ready for Autumn 2026

In the world of fashion, things are always happening a few seasons ahead of time. While our personal approaches to wardrobe updates aren’t always quite so structured into clean-cut collections, it can still be nice to think about how we’re going to prepare for the year ahead. 

If you’re already thinking about how you’ll update your outfits for autumn 2026, then you’ve come to the right place. Below, we outline a few top tips, from analysing what you’re working with already to getting the right footwear. 

Start with what you have

Before you open 28 tabs on your computer or head to the shops, take a look at what you already have.

You might find that you have an immense surplus of cosy trousers, or that you have way too many blue items that need some complementary colours. 

Either way, inventorise what you’re working with, clear some of the items out that you really aren’t going to wear ever again, and then get shopping for the season ahead.

Oversized outerwear

Coats, capes and large jackets have been in for a while, and they don’t just look good. 

There’s nothing quite like pulling on an oversized piece of outerwear from Screen Textiles to make yourself feel cosy on a cold morning, the impact being just as important psychologically as it is physiologically. 

Look in the high street stores of big brands, of course, but it’s also worth taking a look in charity shops. If you start your search in spring or summer, you’ll likely be able to get your hands on some impressive garments that people are clearing out to make some space for their summer fits. 

Layer for cold mornings, warm days

During the transitional seasons, it can be quite difficult to get a single outfit that works throughout the whole day. 

Ultimately, you’ll have to go for a layered look, so that you can adapt throughout the day as the conditions change. 

Wear something cool and comfortable underneath, a medium-warm midlayer (but only if it’s really chilly) and a bigger overcoat. Buy these now, so that you’re all ready to go when autumn comes around.

Wet weather footwear

It’s easy to just think about jackets when we think about autumn fits, and totally neglect to update our approach to footwear. 

Autumn can reach a moment when suddenly, it seems to be raining quite literally every single day, and you want to make sure that you’re prepared. 

Whether you feel like wearing Gore-Tex trainers or full-on wellies, get something that won’t hold you back from walks in damp grass or running for the bus in the pouring rain.

Shopping ahead of time for a new season should always be a fun experience, so make sure that’s what drives your approach. Don’t go shopping – in person or online – if you’re not feeling it, or you’ll likely end up frustrated and with the wrong items. Wait until you’re in the mood, and you should be able to get the perfect items for the colder months ahead.

Images by Ioana Motoc and Vlada Karpovich via pexels.com