FLANNELS 3-WAYS: BACK TO...

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PHOTOGRAPHY: Joseph Ironmonger

STYLING: Barbora Kasparova

Summer was the perfect vacay from real life. Road trips under endless blue skies. Lying by the lake for hours. Warm nights under the stars. But as much as we might want it to, nothing can last forever. Autumn’s swept in, and it’s time to get back to reality. It’s time to put away your shorts and pool sliders and embrace layered looks and heavier fabrics.

But don’t let this latest seasonal refresh get you down. If anything, it’s the perfect opportunity to recalibrate what you wear, and how you wear it. Think bomber jackets you’ll anchor your look around. Pieces you can reach for when the temperatures dip unexpectedly. The finishing touches that pull the look together. The transition is the ideal time to invest in your hero pieces and the staples that will see you through the season.

Welcome back to FLANNELS 3-Ways, your styling best friend, where we break down three ways to get dressed for three different occasions.

This time? We’re getting to grips with how to dress for autumn ’26.

Whether you’re heading back to an inbox full of priority emails, putting your season ticket to good use, or recommitting to the gym, this is how to nail the new season, the FLANNELS way.

All good things start with Prada. Case in point: their leather and shearling bomber jacket. It might not be the showiest piece in your wardrobe, but it will get you noticed. The rich, dark brown is the shade of the moment,* and that vintage treatment channels the worn-in look that has defined the last few seasons. Best of all? That shearling collar brings the cosy mood that is so crucial when the weather starts to turn.

Underneath, go for the classics. Our pick? A striped shirt from Saint Laurent. It hits a little longer in the thigh, stopping it from feeling restrictive and overly formal. And the neutral colours mean it’ll work across your wardrobe, so you’ll be reaching for it again and again. And the hero detail? The embroidered tonal Cassandre monogram. It doesn’t shout, but it’s still a power move for those 9am meetings.

Pleated trousers might seem stiff and overly formal, but don’t overlook them. Autumn ‘26’s twist? Wide knife pleats. Enter Balmain. Their wool twill pair does away with rigid straight lines in favour of something more flowing. They look the part without feeling restrictive, ideal for that first week back at your desk. And the high waistline? It’s the kind of fit that you’ll get noticed for something other than your work.

Circle back to Saint Laurent for the shoes. We’re big fans of their loafers, and none more so than their Le Supple Penny Loafers. Easy to slip into. Hand-stitched moc toes with gathered details that soften the overall look. And that red-brown colour? It works with the bomber. Keep the finishing touches elevated. Prada sunglasses and a Jacquemus cap for those unseasonably bright days. A Gucci tie tied loose at the neck and an Our Legacy leather belt to pull everything together.

Lead with Miu Miu. Their Napa Leather Jacket caught our eye this season. And can you blame us? The striking sea blue colour feels like a new way to do leather. And that faded treatment might channel the vintage mood, but it reads now. And then there are the little touches that stop it from becoming too stiff and formal. The slouchy fit. The elasticated waist. The logo in relief on the chest. Consider us obsessed.

Leave it open to reveal what’s underneath. Especially when you’re wearing Gucci. The Italian house turned our heads with their pre-Fall ’26 collection. Our favourite piece? The silk jacquard shirt that paid homage to 90s Gucci under Tom Ford while channelling the label’s signature equestrian energy. But while it has one foot in the past, the other is firmly planted in the present. Demna’s all over this one, especially with the repeated logos and Interlocking G motifs. Loop back to Miu Miu for a second and layer over a ribbed tank in navy to bring the top half full circle.

Down below, a pencil skirt is the boss move. Between the clean lines and the easy movement, there’s something undeniably chic about them. The trick for autumn is to bring something new to the (meeting room) table. We rate Prada’s Re-Nylon mini skirt. It’s not easy to take a technical fabric and make it look luxurious, but they make it look effortless. The drawstring waist is a welcome touch, as is the zipped pocket across the back. And the enamelled logo? A quiet flex that’ll make you the talk of the office.

For the shoes, slingbacks are always a classic. Magda Butrym’s dark brown leather pumps work whether you’re on your commute, glued to the photocopier or heading to lunch with a client. And the croc-effect detailing? It’ll match the label’s Brigitte handbag. Draped from the shoulder or carried in the crook of your arm, it just works. And the final detail? Tom Ford sunglasses. Perfection.

There’s no getting around it: it was far too hot to work out this summer. Thanks to the heatwaves and the humidity, even the lightest jog felt punishing. If you’re anything like us, getting back into a fitness routine will seem daunting. Fortunately, a cooler autumn gives us the ideal chance to recalibrate and ease ourselves back into our workouts.

It also gives us the perfect opportunity to update our gym looks. It feels appropriate that our favourite designers have spent the past couple of seasons referencing sports and activewear. We noticed it in the tops inspired by football shirts, the slimmer low-tops that paid homage to retro sports shoes and the pieces made from technical materials.

The brief this autumn looks a little different, though. Sportswear is still firmly in the conversation, just with a streetwear-inspired twist. And the fabrics are changing, too. Think looks that can shrug off unpredictable weather and cooler temperatures without leaving you too warm. And there’s utility. Choose pieces that work just as well for your workout as they do on recovery days and beyond.

Consider this Back to the Gym Style 101.

Represent 247 got the memo. Their Avenged Sevenfold Tank is the perfect midpoint between streetwear and sportswear. It’s made from breathable, moisture-wicking jersey, coated with an anti-bacterial finish to keep you fresh. The oversized fit and distressed graphic on the front are lifted straight out the streetwear playbook. And the luxe twist? Each piece is individually dyed, so every one feels unique. We’ll take six, please.

Stick with the brand for the shorts. The Team 247 Fused Shorts get our vote. They’re designed to move with you, keep your valuables close by, and quickly dry after you put them through their paces. They might be training shorts, but you’ll find yourself reaching for them on rest days when you need something relaxed for laid-back weekends.

Autumn’s famous for its changing weather. So you’ll need something that can handle sudden showers and unexpected gusts. Look to Satisfy. The Parisian label has been on our radar for a while now. Their MothTech™** Hoodie might look as though it’s seen better days, but it’s intentional. Those holes? Laser-cut and hand-opened to create airflow when you need it. Throw it on over the tank when the temperatures dip so you don’t have to shiver your way through your workout.

On your feet, Asics have you covered. The Japanese house is a favourite at Flannels HQ, especially their GEL-Kayano 12.1 Trainers in edamame green and silver. The uppers might be inspired by medieval armour, but they nail the streetwear-meets-sportswear brief. Plus, there’s rear and forefoot cushioning to absorb impacts, perfect for the treadmill, and extra tech in the midsoles keeps things smooth underfoot.

Don’t ignore the details either. Oakley sunglasses are a must if you’re taking your workout outdoors. Y2K is still an important reference for labels, and the American label’s Radar EV Path wraparounds are your best bet. Put your look over the finish line with a pair of Represent 247 Trainer socks to keep your feet fresh, and Common Lines jewellery for extra attitude.

Up top, let Lululemon handle everything. You’ll need a jacket that can keep up through squats and lunges, so opt for the label’s Define Cropped Jacket. It’s got four-way stretch so you won’t be fighting against it, thumbholes to keep unexpected chills at bay, and has enough room to stash your phone so you won’t need to worry about leaving it on the equipment. And if you’re grabbing a protein bagel or salad with friends afterwards, it’ll pull double duty. Underneath, you’ll need the Focuser Sports Bra. It’s perfect for low-impact workouts and comes with removable cups if you prefer more coverage. Colourwise, go for the dark brown to match this season’s colour story.

No collaboration catches our attention quicker than adidas Originals by Wales Bonner. Reinterpreting adidas’ signature sportswear with a luxury lens, the English design always nails the ‘streetwear-as-sportswear’ assignment. For their latest collection, look to the Firebird Track Pants. The iconic Three Stripes and trefoil, both in white, sit cleanly against the purple-brown colourway. The high-rise waist lengthens the leg. But it’s the wide cut through the legs that really catches our eye. It’s a subtle detail, but one that will see you bringing them into your regular rotation.

When it comes to footwear, it’s all about Asics. Their GEL-NYC 2.0 trainers are the ones to know. They’re based on archival early ‘00s designs, but those synthetic leather overlays ground them firmly in 2026.  Inside, stability tech stops the shoe from twisting excessively during your workout. And there’s plenty of lightweight cushioning to keep you comfortable and to absorb unexpected shocks. And those deep plum accents? They’ll tie the whole ensemble together.

And finally, do away with the bulky gym bag entirely. You don’t need it. Not if 4th and Reckless  have anything to do with it. The Avenley Tote has plenty of space for your towel and water bottle. And in a calming neutral colour, it’ll transition to your after-gym plans. What’s not to love?

It’s been a minute since we felt the euphoria that comes with watching a football match. Okay, fair enough, Summer ’26 was defined by the World Cup. But there’s a big difference between watching matches on the TV and being on the terraces. It’s a whole different atmosphere and we’ve missed it.

Thankfully, football season has come back around. We’re ready to put our season tickets to good use. There’s nothing like pre-match anticipation on the walk to the stadium. The mid-match chanting Dissecting every pass, tackle, foul and goal with friends post-match.

And while it might be tempting to throw on your team’s home (or away) kit on match day, autumn ’26 calls for doing things differently. With sport and luxury becoming increasingly intertwined, there are plenty of reasons to stand out on the terraces. Just make sure to use football as the jumping-off point.

This is how to put your matchday look into the back of the net…

Y-3, the collab between Yohji Yamamoto and adidas, knows a thing or two about football culture. Back in the mid ‘00s, they launched the world’s first ‘designer football boot’. And more recently, they’ve designed collections for Real Madrid and the Japanese national team. So the label is the perfect starting point. The Gradient Three Stripes Track Top is the move. The loose fit keeps things roomy, and adidas’ most famous symbol is given a faded makeover and pared back to one sleeve. Beneath, keep things understated. A ribbed tank from Casablanca is an easy pick. Think sporty, but refined.

Have fun with the shorts. Camouflage is a pattern that never really goes away. You just need to find new ways to wear it. Opt for a more stylised approach with A Bathing Ape. Its take on the evergreen style draws on the titular mascot and feels more fashion than army fatigue. And that’s without even mentioning the Shark mascot printed on the front. Bold. Playful. Attention-grabbing. Just like your favourite player.

Pass the ball back to Y-3 for footwear. This season, we’re mad about their Field Shoes, especially in that slick black and off-white colourway. The references to vintage football boots are clear. The slim, low-top profile and foldover tongue puts us in mind of 1966. And the cleat-inspired soles will have you feeling like you’re about to stride out on to the pitch at Wembley. Team with a pair of white socks for contrast.

And the final touch? Represent’s Owners Club baseball cap. Simple and effective.

If there’s one thing that watching the WAGs have taught us, it’s how to dress with impact. So for the new football season, start with Acne Studios. We can’t get enough of the Stockholm-based label and their ‘96’ logo tee feels on-brand for the terraces. The number might nod to when the house was founded, but here it reads like a player’s shirt number. Bellingham might claim ‘10’ when he plays for England, but ‘96’ is all Acne Studios. The look is lifted with the little details like contrast stitching and distressed edges that read sporty in an off-beat way.

Underneath, stay Scandinavian. Anine Bing’s Essie shirt keeps the mood blue, but the lighter shade gives your ensemble welcome depth.

For autumn ’26, we trust no more than Balenciaga when it comes to landing the hero piece. Just look at the Godet Maxi Skirt. A classic, flowing shape that in anybody else’s hands might look dated. But do it in denim and it’s effortlessly fresh. And that faded blue wash makes it feel worn-in. It’s the perfect low-effort, high-impact touch that will lift the whole ensemble.

On your feet, head back to Scandinavia. We’ve raved about Ganni for the past few seasons and our love affair shows no signs of going anywhere. Their Mid Shaft Biker Boots are an autumn essential for us. The block heel keeps things comfortable, the square toe brings a welcome edge, and the buckle strap detailing feels punkish in the best way.

And speaking of punk: the bag.  Disrupt all the blue with a vivid blush of pink. Our choice? Vivienne Westwood’s Hazel Treasure Bag. The house’s new Fraser tartan pops in mohair and there’s ample space inside for your phone (for the mid-match selfies) and make-up (for the half-time touch-ups). Carry it underarm to the stadium and keep it close during the match. That is, until your team scores. Then it’s up in the air with you.