Royal Purple, High Collars, and Heritage Tailoring: The Biggest London Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026 Trends to Know
London Fashion Week has officially wrapped, and the fall/winter 2026 collections felt deeply, unapologetically British—but not in a costumey way. It was in that clever, self-aware way London does so well. The runways didn't shout for attention. They arched an eyebrow.
Designers leaned into national iconography and twisted it just enough to feel fresh. Royal purple swept through the collections, splashed across sweeping coats and slinky evening dresses like a slightly subversive nod to the crown. Elizabeth I style high-neck collars rose dramatically around the face. They were regal, theatrical, and a little bit punk when styled with undone hair and scuffed boots. Monarchy meets mischief.
Elsewhere, texture told its own story. Shaggy and flea market worthy jackets, dresses, and scarves reminiscent of the best finds at Portobello Market came layered over sharp tailoring. Heritage silhouettes like trench coats, work jackets, and polished knitwear were clashed and remixed rather than treated preciously. The mood felt less polished palace, more rainy afternoon in Notting Hill—eccentric, layered, and full of personality.
What made the season click was how naturally it all came together. London harkened to British culture in a way that felt affectionate but not overly reverent. History was referenced, roughed up, and sent back out into the cold with a great pair of leather boots.
Below, see the London Fashion Week fall/winter 2026 trends that are set to define the season in the city and far beyond it.
F/W 26 collections from Erdem, Pauline Dujancourt, and Raw Mango
Ruffled, Elizabethan-inspired collars rose dramatically this season, grazing the jawline and commanding attention. Designers doubled down with ornate chokers and layered necklaces worn over fabric, not tucked beneath it. The message was clear: Frame the face, and own the room. It felt regal, a little theatrical, and surprisingly easy to translate into everyday dressing.
F/W 26 collections from Patrick McDowell, Conner Ives, and Emilia Wickstead
Streamlined skirts stepped aside for full-bodied volume. Dubbed "the full sweep," these silhouettes swirled around the legs in generous proportions—midi to floor-length, often structured but never stiff. Paired with simple knits and in the body of structured eveningwear, fuller skirts brought drama without feeling overly precious. Walking never looked so good.
F/W 26 collections from Conner Ives, Richard Quinn, and Burberry
If there was one color that defined the week, it was royal purple. From deep aubergine to vivid violet, the shade cut through the gray of London's typical gloomy skies with rich confidence. It showed up from head to toe in outerwear and eveningwear alike, lending even the simplest shapes a sense of ceremony.
F/W 26 collections from Joseph, Goyagoma via Fashion East, and Tolu Coker
Where plunging necklines once dominated, higher halter silhouettes took over. Cut close to the neck and clean through the shoulders, they created a long, elegant line that felt modern and composed. It's a quieter kind of allure that's less about reveal and more about restraint.
F/W 26 collections from Conner Ives, Toga, and Erdem
Texture had a moment, and clearly, the shaggier the better. Shearling, frayed feather accents, and faux fur gave looks a thrifted, slightly chaotic charm. The effect felt distinctly London—like a brilliant vintage find thrown over something tailored and worn with total nonchalance.

Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist and Gen Z editor known for her sharp takes on fashion and culture. She’s covered everything from Copenhagen Fashion Week to Roe v. Wade protests as the Editorial Assistant at Glamour after earning her journalism degree at the University of Florida in 2021. At Who What Wear, Ana mixes wit with unapologetic commentary in long-form fashion and beauty content, creating pieces that resonate with a digital-first generation. If it’s smart, snarky, and unexpected, chances are her name’s on it.