There’s a distinct shift that happens when the season turns: the air sharpens, layers become mandatory, and day-to-day dressing becomes less about ease and more about intention. There’s a tendency for winter and autumn dressing to become staid: neutral colour palettes and a predictable rotation of coats, knits, and ankle boots. But this season, we say: no more. AW26 is all about turning up the volume, with bold accessories, sculptural silhouettes, bold colour palettes, and audacious textures.

How does this translate in real life? Expect animal print to prowl into your wardrobe this season. With runway nods at Dolce&Gabbana, Saint Laurent, and Zimmermann, leopard, snake, and crocodile prints are set to become a new neutral, with pieces that are as versatile as they are fearless. Elsewhere, eighties accents are having a real comeback. Don’t worry, this iteration is less taffeta-and-lace and more dramatic earrings, sharp shoulders, and elegant hourglass suiting.

On the colour front, bid adieu to navy, white, and beige and embrace the expansive potential of tangerines, rich chocolates, and eye-catching teals. Teal, or cerulean? The Devil Wears Prada 2’s impending release has us obsessing over Miranda Priestley-style power dressing: off-the-runway sporty separates, sumptuous trench coats, unapologetically big diamonds, and, naturally, a sky-high pair of Valentino Rockstuds.

That word ⁠–⁠ ”power” ⁠–⁠ is essential to nailing this new-season sensibility. It isn’t about excess so much as precision: trading in your trusted “mom” jeans for a flattering barrel-leg cut, switching out your favourite Chelsea boots for a statement-making knee-high style, or integrating the surprisingly feminine takes on utilitarian prints like plaid into your day-to-day winter wardrobe.

Here, our definitive new-season trend report will guide you along the way ⁠–⁠ from accessories to activewear, menswear to beauty, we’ve got all bases covered.

Above Paris wears (1) Scanlan Theodore suit, Jo Mercer heels, Miu Miu bag, Country Road earrings (2) Max Mara dress, H&M top, Christian Louboutin heels, Swarovski earrings, David Jones stockings (3) Acne Studios top and pants, Scanlan Theodore coat, Christian Louboutin heels, Myer earrings.

Violeta wears (1) Camilla and Marc suit, Witchery shirt, Zara shoes, David Jones tie, Swarovski earrings (2) Witchery skirt, COS shirt, Zara jacket and jewellery, Myer boots, Saint Laurent bag (3) Aje dress and jacket, Maje shirt, Country Road jewellery, Prada bag.