The Weekend Read✨The Trend Hangover: How to Wear AW25/26 Colours & Styles Now

Hello!

By the time autumn rolls into winter, something interesting always happens. The catwalk shows are over, the headlines have moved on and the trend reports have been bookmarked, screenshotted and quietly forgotten.

By the time the buzz of AW25/26’s big fashion reveals starts to quieten down, we’re left with that post-trend hangover — the slow realisation that trends don’t always translate easily into our day-to-day wardrobes.

So, what's left of the AW25/26 trends now that the spotlight’s moved on? How can we take these 'fresh' styles and make them feel like part of our already-established wardrobes? The good news is that these trends were always built with real life in mind, meaning they’re easier to wear than you might think. You may already have some of them hanging in your wardrobe, and if not, it’s easy enough to incorporate them with a few simple swaps.

Let’s talk about how to wear AW25/26’s key colours and silhouettes now, and keep your style fresh through winter without needing a complete overhaul.

The Colour Story: Subtle, Grounded and Surprisingly Tonal

If AW25/26 had a personality, it would be calm, grounded and quietly confident. This season’s colours are all about subtlety with a tonal influence. No more overpowering neon or overly bold shades. Instead, the palette feels easy to integrate into your wardrobe without needing a major investment in new pieces.

The New Neutrals

Gone are the days of relying on stark contrasts between black and white. Instead, AW25/26 leans into gentler neutrals that can be mixed and matched effortlessly.

• Chocolate, Dark Brown and Burgundy are the go-to deep shades.
• Mushroom, Camel and Stone replace greys.
• Navy takes over and replaces the harshness of black. Remember, everyone can wear navy.

These tonal hues don’t scream for attention, they just work together. The key here is using texture and layering, making your outfit look more dynamic without the need for dramatic colour contrast.

How to wear it

Layering is your best friend. For warm skin tones, pair a chocolate knit with beige or camel trousers, or for cooler skin tones try a soft burgundy knit with a cool navy base. If you’ve been wearing black jeans all autumn, try switching them out for something in a darker navy denim or burgundy or brown depending on your colour palette. The beauty of these shades is their versatility; they can work for the office, weekends or an evening out.

Accent Colours That Don’t Shout

The accent colours for AW25/26 are quiet and subdued but full of depth. You’ll find shades like:

• Muted, deeper greens - think pine, forest green, moss and dark olive.
• Deep Reds - think cherry, carmine, brick and damson.

These aren’t colours you need to build an entire outfit around. Instead, they’re easy to incorporate through accessories, outerwear and statement pieces.

How to wear it

If you already own a moss-green scarf or a deep red handbag, now is the time to use them. Whether it’s a coat in one of these shades or simply a pair of boots, these colours elevate your outfit without requiring too much effort. If you don’t have them yet, it’s worth picking up a key piece in one of these hues as they’ll easily pair with your existing wardrobe and inject some tonal depth into the colder months.

Texture is the Key to Elevated Casual

Texture is one of the easiest ways to take a simple outfit and make it feel more complete without any extra fuss. AW25/26 has definitely leaned into layering textures, rather than just stacking colours.

Think:

• Chunky knit sweaters worn over sleek leather skirts or trousers.
• Ribbed wool paired with soft cotton or velvet.
• Bouclé, fleece and shearling adding warmth and depth.

If your wardrobe feels a little flat, textures are your ticket to adding dimension to what might otherwise be a simple outfit. A sweater in a chunky knit instantly adds interest, while a smooth leather jacket creates a chic contrast against a soft wool dress.

How to wear it

It’s as simple as wearing a cosy cashmere sweater over a silky slip dress, or pairing a textured coat (think boucle or wool) with a pair of sleek leather trousers. Try mixing your knitted pieces with smoother fabrics as this softens the look and prevents it from feeling too heavy.

Silhouettes That Are Relaxed and Reassuring

Gone are the days when you needed to have everything perfectly fitted. AW25/26 is all about silhouettes that are easy, relaxed and comfortable, whilst still looking stylish.

Tailoring, But Softened

Yes, tailored pieces are still very much part of this season, but the sharp lines are being replaced with more fluid cuts. Think looser, longer blazers and trousers that don’t cling to your body but instead skim comfortably.

Why not try:

• Blazers worn open over knits rather than buttoned up.
• Trousers with a slightly wider leg that aren't too tight.
• Subtle waist definition that feels more like a gentle suggestion than a strict rule.

How to wear it

Wear your oversized blazer with a chunky knit and your favourite pair of jeans. It’s a great way to tap into the trend without feeling like you need to wear a full suit. The relaxed fit is more comfortable and adaptable for everyday life.

Dresses, But Not Too Fussy

Dresses have made a return this season, but they’re not the ultra-formal, rigid designs you may remember from past winters. Instead, we’re seeing relaxed, longer-length dresses, often made from thicker fabrics like wool, corduroy or velvet for warmth.

Why they work

These dresses are designed for comfort. They can be worn under a coat, paired with boots and layered to your heart’s content. They don’t have to be a standalone piece. They’re a blank canvas for winter layering.

How to wear it

Layer a long, knitted dress with a textured or smooth gilet for extra warmth, or throw on a belted wool coat for structure without sacrificing warmth. With the rise of cosy, non-fussy dresses, this is the perfect opportunity to break out your winter-ready styles and wear them the way you want to.

The Styling Shift: Intentional Ease

One of the biggest changes we’re seeing this season is a shift in styling. Forget the super-polished, perfectly coordinated looks of past seasons. AW25/26 is about intentional ease, the idea that you can look effortlessly chic without overthinking it.

Think about wearing these with your outfit:

• Scarves loosely draped around the neck.
• Coats worn open instead of fastened.
• Slouchy, suede boots for extra comfort.

The more relaxed, undone approach is refreshing. If the key pieces are there, the styling can be as simple as a bit of layering and a few small adjustments.

How to wear it

Take your oversized, wool coat and wear it open, leaving the lapels to fall naturally. Pair it with a slouchy knit and wide-leg trousers. Add a wool scarf casually draped around your neck with no need for perfect knots. The idea is less about looking polished and more about real style that works for your day-to-day life.

How to Refresh Your Wardrobe Without Buying New

The best part about AW25/26 is that it doesn’t demand that you completely overhaul your wardrobe. Instead, it’s about noticing the pieces you already own and figuring out how to incorporate them into the season’s key trends.

Ask yourself:

• Can I mix textures into my current outfits?
• Can I tone down the contrast by swapping black for brown or burgundy?
• Can I layer differently to make the most of my current wardrobe?

You’ll be surprised by how much your existing pieces can feel new with a few minor tweaks. For example, your favourite winter coat might look completely different when worn open instead of buttoned, or a pair of velvet trousers can add texture without needing a full wardrobe change.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Trend Hangover Fool You

AW25/26 isn’t about chasing the new, it’s about finding what works for you. The trends have already been set, but now they need to be filtered through your own style lens. The colours are easier to wear, the silhouettes are forgiving, and the textures are simple yet luxurious. So, take a breath, and let your wardrobe catch up.

Trends don’t expire, they settle down. And right now, AW25/26 is all about being comfortable, grounded and effortlessly stylish.

Next week in The Weekend Read we are talking about patterns, their scale, shape and how to wear them.

Best wishes,

Jenny & Judi xx

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Jenny Goldsmith

Celebrator of Individuality

Curator of Confidence

Tel: 07986 062460

e: jenny.goldsmith@houseofcolour.co.uk

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