Mens- and womenswear trends FW26/27
In a well attended seminar_ Tatiana Aldrich_ client and trend consultant at trend forecasting agency WGSN_ presented three macro trends for mens- and womenswear along with key items that will inform the autumn/winter season 2026/27. FashionUnited has summarised the highlights of each macro trend and theme.
1) Geo-logic
The first macro trends deals with climate challenges as unpredictable weather becomes the new normal and traditional boundaries between autumn/winter and spring/summer seasons are blurring. This translates to more stories about versatile and adaptable wardrobes_ something that works year-round for travel_ for home and also for the unexpected as well. Geo-logic is characterised by an earth-first approach along with lower impact fabrics and irregular textures. Tech blends with nature and sparks an innovative aesthetic.
Among the key colours for menswear are Sepia_ Transformative Teal_ Steel Blue_ Sea Kelp_ Primal Green and Amber Hale among the grounded_ more practical colours_ complemented by Tranquil Blue_ Electric Sepia_ Fresh Purple_ Lavender_ Green Glow and Electric Indigo_ blending nature and surrealism.
Menswear themes: Off-Season_ City Prepper and Phantasmagoria
Off-Season is about a globally inspired versatile style with sporty casual looks_ polos and suit jackets and collections that work for both cool months and the next summer as well; longevity is key for this story.
City Prepper is all about adaptability with the unpredictable city weather at its center - jackets with a quick-dry technology and wind-resistant finishes for example_ everything that can be layered and uses mutual colours and industrial landscapes in it. “Use beautiful stories and layering in the way that you can work in the office. And then you can commute to the office or back home. So take the commuter as the main story for this trend_” explains Aldrich.
Phantasmagoria speaks to the macro-geologic trend by channeling the spirit of creative experimentation and surrealism. “We will see a world shaped by the new realities both in weather patterns but also in technology and phantasmagoria_” says Aldrich_ elaborating that more difficult_ bizarre and fantastical elements will reflect the kind of strangeness and unpredictability of nature and of the environment.
Womenswear themes: Off-Season_ Techminimal and Post-Nature Party
The key colours in womenswear are Red Earth_ Green Glow_ Primal Green_ Fresh Purple_ Electric Fuchsia and Electric Indigo on the brighter spectrum and Digital Mist_ Sepia_ Dusted Ochre_ Soft Grass_ Transformative Teal and Black for earthy tones. “[The trend] shows how you can bring springtime to autumn and winter … so winter silhouettes appear in summer hues when tropical trees emerge_” states Aldrich.
The Off-Season micro trend is characterised by hybridisation_ fluid_ light-weight fabrics and adaptability while City Prepper from menswear translates to the refined and elegant Techminimal for women: It is about anti-luxury fused with real performance and a wardrobe that feels refined and elegant but also still helps the wearer be ready for sudden weather changes. Overall_ this theme fosters movement and comfort. Post-Nature Party taps into hypertextures_ glow-in-the-dark_ nature-inspired finishes but also spirituality and an ode to nature.
“We are looking at drawing inspiration from nature_ from the materials of nature and human qualities_ as well as the mysteries and ever-changingness of nature_” sums up Aldrich the Geo-logic macro trend.
2) Kintentional
The second macro trend_ Kintentional_ embraces historical opulence and crafted apparel while championing calming_ comforting design; the human-made and the imperfect as an antidote to AI_ sameness and perfectionism culture. It focuses on fostering connections between people_ and different products and environments. “It is about adaptable_ craft-driven design and also engineering resonance strategies. People will try to understand what is actually real and meaningful to them. And for this_ we can expect natural hand-crafted aesthetics and tactile fabrics as a controlling_ comforting force_” states Aldrich.
Micro trends are Restorative Comfort_ Secret Tryst and Modern Heritage for menswear with key colours being Olive Stone_ Chocolate Sauce_ Sustained Grey_ Robust Red_ Classic Navy and Black on the muted and mature side_ complemented by contemporary shades like Wax Paper and Optic White and brights like Lava Red_ Cocoa Powder_ Pink Frost and Fresh Purple.
Menswear themes: Restorative Comfort_ Secret Tryst and Modern Heritage
For Restorative Comfort_ Aldrich recommends quilted silhouettes and soothing textures and loose shapes for styling_ referencing loungewear and sleepwear. “But add a little bit of futurism so this will result in collections that are both cosy but also cosy utility. Clothing that feels protective_ indulgent and functional at its core_” she recommends.
Secret Tryst explores confidence and vulnerability at the same time_ blending masculine with decorative elements. Designs can evolve familiar key items of tailoring and lounge wear and give them an interesting context through trim or texture.
Modern heritage is about craft and its influence_ shared histories. “Start with recognisable shapes like tracksuits or workwear_ and transform them with raised up links_ textured paneling and also hand-finished techniques_” states Aldrich.
Womenswear themes: Restorative Comfort_ New Mod and Renaissance of Real
Coming to womenswear_ key colours are tinted and dusted hues with Wax Paper_ Pink Frost_ Blue Aura_ Robust Grey_ which are combined with soft_ earthy neutrals like Olive Stone and Sustained Grey. Shades like Golden Hour_ Robust Red_ Cocoa Powder_ Nostalgic Pink_ Lava Read and Black can be used for grounding and foundational stories.
Micro trend Restorative Comfort talks about mental health and well-being_ channeling comfort_ healing and protectiveness. In clothing_ this story creates an enveloping_ layered silhouette. “Use contrasting textures and tone combinations to keep this looking fresh and new_” recommends Aldrich_ along with natural_ low-impact fibres that are non-wasteful or certified recycled.
New Mod is fresh and interesting_ delving into rebellious mod energy. Retro_ timely_ bold_ heartening_ and also peaceful rebellion. The mini dress works for this micro trends_ as well as swing coats with three-quarter sleeves_ midi plaits_ full-length shirts_ parkas_ hoodies_ jackets and retro jacket tops. “This one is all about heritage_ but with attitude_” states Aldrich.
Last but not least_ Renaissance of Real. “Especially in front of the backdrop of AI evolving_ people will come more and more to terms with the craft and with the real as well. So take inspiration from history and the creative arts_ evolve craft to be more monumental and opulent“ recommends Aldrich. Velvet_ damask and fabric-coloured buttons to heighten a sense of richness will work well. A more grounded craft direction_ volume_ and also statement-making decorations. “Also focus on cinched waists. This one is very_ very important as waist focus is a macro trend for the upcoming seasons_” reveals Aldrich.
3) Empowered Play
The third macro trend_ Empowered Play_ revolves around the notion of play as self-expression. It allows for themes of eccentricity and unusual mixes_ coupled with the freedom and simplicity of mundane anonymity. Thoughtful and resourceful designs result in clever classics and timeless treasures according to Aldrich_s introduction. “The boundaries between fun and function are dissolving. We will be talking a lot about function_ but in a different context_” she adds.
The macro trend stands for optimism_ creativity and the power of surprise in every aspect of design. Sustainability is woven throughout with recyclable_ reusable and modifiable designs to extend the lifespan and reduce waste.
Menswear themes: Play_ Commutility_ The Chic of the Norm and Surreal for Real
The four menswear themes are Power Play_ Community_ The Chic of the Norm and Surreal for Real. The key colour themes continue with less expected combinations like saturated brights and bold midtones such as Crimson_ Electric Orange_ Raspberry Pink and Soft Plum contrasted with Future Grey_ White Aura_ Chalk_ Soft Grass_ Classic Navy and Tranquil Teal.
The first micro trend_ Power Play_ reframes the suit as a statement of strength of a new generation. Against the backdrop of streetwear_ sportswear and relaxed dressing_ tailoring has been discovered as a new form of the joy of dressing up. “Power Play is about rediscovering tailoring as a tool for confidence and also the presence in the modern day_” says Aldrich.
Commutility is all about heritage shapes - overcoats and button-downs_ satin and upgraded adjustable trims - a certainty for classics_ softer than the previous theme.
While The Chic of the Norm is similar to Restorative Comfort_ the latter is more about sleep_ downtime and softness. This theme is about elevating the everyday and pushing materials further into luxury.
While Surreal for Real is similar to Phantasmagoria_ it is not about fantastical escapism and dreamlike access_ it is more grounded while also being more playful than surreal. It reminds one of rock styling where effort hides beneath the appearance of nonchalance. Base colours_ shapes and materials are key_ turtlenecks and green-blue combinations make this theme more interesting.
Womenswear themes: Playful Simplicity_ Street-Storical_ Cult Classics and Jarring Pairings
Coming to womenswear_ the micro trends are Playful Simplicity_ Street-Storical_ Cult Classics and Jarring Pairings; key colours are Steel Blue_ Chalk_ Dusted Ochre_ Bright Emerald_ Cherry Lacquer_ Green Glow_ Tranquil Blue_ Classic Navy_ Crimson_ Circular Grey_ Optic White and Black.
Just like Power Play reworks the suit for menswear_ Playful Simplicity works minimal forms into something striking and joyful for womenswear. “Keep designs minimal in construction but maximal in visual impact. Explore mono-materials and momentum approaches. Also_ unseen finishes would be great for this story_” advises Aldrich.
As the name of the next theme_ Street-Storical_ suggests_ it is a hybrid where function meets expression. Basically streetwear styling with historically driven inspirations_ using patterns_ volume_ sleeves_ cinched waists_ lots of ruffles and exaggerated colours_ maybe rendered in unusual fabrics like denim_ technical fabrics or casual sporty ones. “It is all about opposites_ like heritage volume with streetwear age or creating looks that feel resourceful_ bold_ and also globally resonant_” sums up Aldrich.
What is The Chic of the Norm in menswear is Cult Classics for womenswear. But while for menswear_ the theme is more about chic style_ for womenswear it is about quality_ durability and long-term design. Inspiration can be taken from 90s archives and designers with updated straight-back staples_ like varsity jackets made from luxury yarns.
Jarring Pairings has the same spirit of playfulness as the menswear theme Surreal for Real_ but with stronger emphasise on self-expression and nostalgia. The feeling is of childhood dressing up — layering and clashing_ a recontextualised wardrobe. Contrasting textures with different patterns and silhouettes is important_ as well as using shrunk proportions like cropped sleeves and rounded details.
Key items
Lastly_ Aldrich spoke about the key items for mens- and womenswear across different styles and categories.
In menswear_ there will be lots of vintage_ vintage-wide textures and heavyweight fabrics with a focus on versatility and a smart casual feel as well. Crewneck sweaters represent a soft utility aesthetic_ as well as heavyweight and textured jerseys_ also washed-out finishes. For a clubhouse look_ hoodies work_ also retro with waistbands_ collegiate logos_ and oversized styles. Half-zip tops are ideal for city dressing while graphic t-shirts have been the key trend for several seasons already.
For shirts and woven tops_ commuter-friendly office shirts_ modern heritage shirts_ off-season resort shirts_ dress shirts and quirky button-downs will be key. When it comes to pants_ AW 26/27 will bring barrel-legged_ slouchy_ cropped pleated and flared-leg pants as well as baggy cargos.
For outerwear_ heirloom aviator jackets_ field jackets_ bomber jackets and Harrington jackets will be key_ as well as trench coats. When it comes to tailoring_ the easy double-breasted blazer with two or more buttons will stand out_ maybe even in plush fabric_ as well as the slouchy suit.
The key items for womenswear have an overall more modern aesthetic. In the cut & sew category_ Aldrich mentioned the fleece jacket_ the country club sweatshirt_ the floaty dress_ the smart polo and the sports jersey. Among woven tops_ the boho tunic_ the material mix shirt_ the tailored mod shell_ the romantic ruffle blouse and the slim suede shirt as stand outs.
Skirts become fit-and-flared in mid length_ A-lines in suede_ ornate and tiered_ mod minis or even winter sarongs. Among pants_ there is an ankle focus_ plush_ smart cargos_ barrel-legs and relaxed tailored slacks. For dresses_ there is the luxe mini_ the tea dress for demure dressing_ the drop waist dress_ soft volume dress and the sculpted shoulder dress.
Last but not least_ for jackets and outerwear_ after the boyfriend jeans_ now we have the boyfriend coat_ also the fashion raincoat_ the hyper texture coat_ the new mod coat and the track jacket.