Transitional looks for AW26
There is something quite emotional about the shift into a new season. Our thoughts drift back to beach days and the last ebbs of summer, then forwards again to autumnal days and the quiet anticipation of what’s to come.
We put away certain clothes, rediscover others, and begin to imagine different outfits. Even if the temperature hasn’t dramatically changed (and there’s something to be said for that easy, light, minimalist summer wardrobe), psychologically we’ve put those days behind us, and we are ready for a change.
It’s a form of reset. One that keeps life interesting as we fold away one sartorial treasure and open a drawer to others. Though a new season doesn’t signify a completely new wardrobe, there’s always room for updates. A few key items in the right palette, tone or silhouette can make existing pieces feel renewed themselves; it’s all about context and rediscovery – how one piece reveals the qualities of another; pieces that felt so very summer, with the right counterparts, can still work as Autumn sets in.
In the UK, the unpredictable reality of this season is about how to make looks feel new when the weather hasn’t quite made its mind up, when a morning’s crisp blue skies give way to drizzle or a chill that doesn’t quite warrant a full winter coat. Those tricky months from September to November are all about the art of adaptability. And for that, Sandro has you covered.
Their Fall/Winter 26 collection lends the iconic Summer of Love a winter sensibility, celebrating nocturnal freedom. Prince of Wales checks and cable-knit sweaters converse with Paisley-patterned pieces; satin’s fluidity and the delicacy of lace signify sensuality and nonchalance with nocturnal nods. And rhinestones catch the evening lights. Black satin highlights lapels, rhinestones illuminate and white cuffs add contrast to jackets. Leather, the friend of colder seasons, once again asserts itself as a wardrobe essential that works from day to night and reinforces a silhouette. The collection’s dialogue between tradition and contemporary feels fitting in a time when we look back to craftsmanship and tactility as the world moves so hastily forward, a place where we are required to be all things at all times. Sandro’s blend of ‘multifaceted femininity: free and self-assured’ offers pieces that work for every occasion.
With collars still taking centre stage, layering knits adds contrast and adapts to the weather, where less is more or more is more, depending on the day’s climate, and zips and buttoned-up pieces allow aeration should the sun appear. Caramels and warm chocolates fit our continued love of earthy tones and blend well with existing pieces — knits keep you warm into the evening, no jacket required. At the same time, a trench or denim jacket with leather accents adds seasonal weight to any wardrobe.
Buttoned knits work well when the weather is indecisive; a short-sleeve cable knit sweater with denim collars adds just the right warmth, contrast and texture. Pearlised buttons and contrast collars, unbuttoned for a relaxed look, closed for something slightly more formal when the cool creeps in. Sandro’s AW26 collection offers knits in varying weights, all with a femininity that works whatever the weather. The cropped rhinestone cardigan with short-sleeves and matching maxi skirt caught our eye: sensual, fluid, breathable, relaxed, yet dressed up just enough.
Light jackets come into their own in autumn and can transform a look; Sandro’s contrast denim jacket-effect cardigan is a favourite, while the playful pyjama tops and shorts are polished but light and look great with an oversized coat, and a blazer or bomber suit with checked tailored bermudas is the perfect transitional suit.
A soft, buttery shearling jacket over a crisp pinstripe shirt with jeans and loafers feels perfect right now, adds textural contrast, and works well proportionally with a shorter skirt, while gathered waists on leather jackets soften silhouettes and pair perfectly with a satin skirt or tailored trousers.
If there’s a bag that complements these pieces perfectly, it has to be the Le Grand Bazaar Bag – blending timeless craftsmanship and understated elegance, it feels both chic and utilitarian. Inspired by vintage briefcases, its soft leather in warm chocolate tones works as a practical yet polished partner for autumnal looks, with an adjustable, removable strap and available in two sizes, making Le Grand Bazaar as adaptable as these looks.
Ultimately, Autumn is the perfect moment to play with textures, each adding its own level of comfort as the days shift, and we drift from heat to chill and back again. These are pieces that not only work with the transition of seasons but also tap into some of AW26 trends without inauthentically ticking them off; each piece still maintains Sandro’s Parisian polish, sensuality, and wearability, with tailoring given fluidity, relaxed femininity disrupted with leather and denim or 70s sensibilities that at once echo confidence, softness, and attitude with a contemporary aesthetic. Sandro AW26 is adaptable, covetable, exemplifying the fine art of autumn dressing.
Words by Leigh Maynard
