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• PHOTOGRAPHY: JEREMY FRENCH

A truly momentous SS26 fashion month has drawn to a close, so now it’s time to take stock of all the learnings – both from the runways and the sidelines. We’ve kept a close eye on the street style outside the shows and collated our eight defining trends that can be used to inspire your new-season looks. The main takeaway? In fashion’s current landscape, rules are there to be broken.

Classically masculine silhouettes were everywhere outside the shows, but not as we know them. People have been repurposing and refreshing to make these structured shapes fit around them – not the other way around. A suede jacket and slouchy jeans is an effortlessly cool option for everywhere from the office to dinner date, while a tie easily elevates an otherwise casual everyday look.

Cinched, oversized, printed - just don’t be boring! This is the new guiding principle for knitwear, if the SS26 streets are anything to go by. This autumn, you don’t need to think of knitwear as simply a cosy essential – it can be utilised to push your style to new extremes.

Show attendees weren’t afraid to court attention with lace, pleats and artful layers. Although the first place these silhouettes naturally draw your mind to is summer, there’s no reason why they can’t be employed to add extra drama to autumn looks – just layer under a roomy jacket.

Fashion’s love affair with the suit is not going anywhere. The two-piece just keeps making its impression bolder, and its lines stronger. All you need to do is find the suit that works for you – personally, we’re leaning into the ‘80s revival and opting for the shortest mini skirt and tallest power shoulders we can find.

A further example of industry insiders no longer playing by its rules: partywear is now daywear. And, when you think about it, why not? The lines between casual and formal continue to blur when it comes to modern dressing, and now you’ll always be prepared when casual Saturday plans escalate into party territory.

A legend never dies; it evolves… as evidenced by fashion continuing to find inspiration in classic sportswear. In seasons past, we may have referred to these styles as athleisure, but this latest iteration is something much cooler. Think unexpected zips, voluminous fits and a hint of retro. If in doubt, just look to Miu Miu for inspiration.

The recent shows saw no shortage of patterns, both on the runways and the sidelines. But there was one clear favourite: the humble check. Be it in loud or subtle hues, on jackets or skirts, the check made its mark this season. What’s more, it’s a pattern that goes hand in hand with autumn.

This one’s for the Brits. The coat immortalised by Burberry – the trench – made more than a few appearances on the streets this season. Elegant, practical, timeless; it’s got no shortage of positive attributes. However, this season demonstrated the trench’s versatility. There’s no need to style it any one way: try it with a bow and slouchy bag for a romantic take on this classic silhouette.