This season, essentials lean into timeless luxury with a contemporary twist, as seen across the Autumn Winter 25 runways. From statement coats to sculptural boots, here’s how to build the ultimate wardrobe for the season ahead.

The statement coat

Outerwear is the anchor of an Autumn capsule, and this season’s coats make a bold statement while staying practical. At The Row, oversized wool coats in soft grey exuded quiet luxury, while Max Mara championed its forever-classic camel with sculptural collars and broad shoulders. A coat in camel, navy or oxblood is both seasonally on-trend and eternally wearable.

The tailored suit

Power suiting continues but in softer, more relaxed forms. Ralph Lauren showed fluid tailoring with wide-leg trousers and slouchy blazers, while Victoria Beckham leaned into supple single-breasted shapes in grey and charcoal. Valentino presented boxy jackets with dramatic shoulders that blurred the line between suit and outerwear. A capsule wardrobe benefits from a suit in a neutral tone, easily broken apart to wear as separates.

The elevated knit

Knitwear is the heartbeat of autumn/winter dressing. Prada sent ribbed cashmere polos and high funnel-neck jumpers down the runway in muted tones, while Chloé embraced oversized turtlenecks with elongated sleeves that doubled as outerwear. Jil Sander worked sculptural knits into tonal layers that felt both minimal and luxurious. A neutral oversized knit, plus one in a seasonal hue like forest green or burgundy, brings texture and warmth to your capsule.

The midi skirt

The midi skirt is a wardrobe chameleon for A/W 26. Fendi championed buttery leather skirts in A-line cuts, while Dior paired pleated wool skirts with cinched tailoring to highlight the waist. Givenchy offered velvet versions, bringing evening appeal to a classic shape. Look for tactile fabrics such as leather or wool, perfect with boots and oversized knits alike.

The luxe shirt

No capsule wardrobe is complete without a beautifully cut shirt. Alexander McQueen elevated the staple with satin iterations and ruffles in cream and dove grey, while Hermès played with exaggerated collars and silk fabrics. Louis Vuitton styled oversized white shirts under sculptural jackets, underscoring their timelessness. This is a piece that moves seamlessly from day to night, layered under tailoring or worn loose with denim.

The hero bag

Accessories define a capsule, and this season’s must-have bag is the slouchy shoulder style. Chloe’s revamped Paddington epitomised the look with rounded silhouettes, while Bottega Veneta reintroduced its soft Sardine bag in rich textures. Miu Miu brought playfulness with smaller, slouchy pouches designed for everyday ease. A bag in a versatile neutral hue grounds the season’s wardrobe.

The modern boot

Boots take centre stage for A/W 26, offering both elegance and practicality. Burberry led the charge with sculptural knee-highs and squared heels, while Gucci and Givenchy leaned into sleek black leather versions with pointed toes. Chunky-soled ankle boots dominated at Miu Miu, showing their streetwear edge. Black is a classic, but cream and chocolate tones bring a softer, modern twist.