Style

Autumn Winter 2026

Words by Jo Elvin

In all my years of editing fashion magazines, this is still my favourite moment: I think of it as that ‘between seasons’ pause. Can you sense it too? It’s subtle, but palpable. We’re not quite reaching for the cosy knits just yet, but even so, there’s still a lovely crispness creeping into the air. That delicious moment isn’t the new season itself but the anticipation of it. It’s that anticipation that lures me, on repeat, back to centre:mk. I’m never looking for ‘the one’ perfect piece. I’m soaking up a mood that I never quite know when will strike; maybe spying a vibrant splash of red in a shop window, or feeling a brush of soft leather. As I wander through centre:mk’s choice of 150 stores, I love wondering what undiscovered fashion gems are waiting inside to find me.

Words by Jo Elvin, Former Editor in Chief of Glamour and You Magazine and Lorraine Fashion Presenter.

AW26 A Little More

COLOUR MATCHING

The season’s colour palettes might take you a minute - the hottest combos are challenging clashes but bold and beautiful with it. Try chocolate brown and rose pink, or even butter-yellow with a sky blue. A strong olive green suit will pop with a knit in rich plum. John Lewis & Partners is heroing the colour trend across its own-label collections. down to exquisite jewellery and functional bags.

Embrace the drama of colour layering. Bold chartreuses from Mint Velvet really zing against a burgundy Jigsaw coat. Earn extra chic points by colour-matching accessories. For a petite frame, keep pieces fitted. Curvier shapes can work a loose-skimming coat for an elongating line.

PRINTS

From plaids, to florals, to the entire kingdom of animal print, this season celebrates pattern-clashing confidence. Look to M&S for the vibe of mixing tiger and deer print. John Lewis & Partners has stepped up tartan’s game in skirts and coats and they look surprisingly brilliant with florals - H&M’s have a dark wintery twist. My tip: you can clash any two patterns if they have matching colours.

To layer prints, settle on a hero colour. Argyle pairs with a busy tartan as long as you can see a solid ‘starring colour’ in each, to bring them together. River Island makes experimenting effortless. Smart details like statement belts bring the final polish.

TAILORING

Autumn tailoring is a tale of two exaggerations. There’s ladylike - buttons fastened, pussybows tied and waists nipped. Try Mango for the look and match with a pretty H&M blouse. Or go fluid and relaxed in loose, borderline baggy blazers from M&S. Both look sleek and office-ready. In men’s tailoring, classic outfitters like Charles Tyrwhitt and Moss are delivering timeless flair in the season’s muted greys and browns.

Be you 25 or 75, fluid tailoring is the undeniably ageless route to chic and my go to is always Reiss. That office trouser suit also works at weekends when you swap loafers for trainers. Dress it up with a crisp shirt, dress it down with a knit. A truly timeless investment.

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