Forget dressing to fit a particular aesthetic. According to stylist Shantia Seymour, autumn 2026 is about something far more interesting: individuality.

The season is bringing bold prints, dramatic silhouettes, rich colours and a renewed appetite for statement dressing. But rather than following trends from head to toe, Ms Seymour believes the most exciting looks are those that reflect the person wearing them.

“Fall 2026 is all about personality, texture and playing with proportions. We're seeing rich, moody florals, sculptural silhouettes, modern tailoring and a renewed appreciation for statement dressing. There's also a beautiful contrast between understated pieces and more expressive styling.

“I think fashion is moving away from dressing to fit an aesthetic and towards dressing to express who you are.”

For Ms Seymour, who has always gravitated towards expressive fashion, it's a welcome direction.

“I'm always excited when fashion gives us permission to have fun. I'm obsessed with the retro vibe — bold orange lens shades and fur-collared leather jackets combo. The return of bold prints, unexpected colour combinations and exaggerated silhouettes really speaks to my personal style.”

So, what should we be paying attention to this season? Ms Seymour breaks down five of autumn's standout trends.

1, Bold prints and moody florals

Florals aren't disappearing for autumn. They're simply taking on a darker, more dramatic personality.

“Chocolate brown, forest green, deep burgundy and rich purple are making a strong impression, alongside pops of red. Florals are taking on a moodier, more intricate feel, while plaid and tapestry-inspired prints are being given a fresh perspective.”

But it's how these patterns are worn together that particularly excites her.

“What excites me most is the freedom to mix patterns that traditionally wouldn't be worn together. As someone who gravitates towards prints, I love seeing pattern clashing embraced as an art rather than a fashion faux pas.”

2, Playful proportions

This season, silhouettes are making statements of their own.

Think voluminous trousers, dramatic skirts, oversized jackets and sculptural shapes that bring a sense of movement and personality to an outfit.

“Volume is having a real moment, from sculptural jackets and cocoon-like coats to billowing trousers and dramatic skirts. I'm especially drawn to pieces that create an interesting silhouette without sacrificing personality.”

Her approach is to balance these more expressive shapes with pieces that feel intentional.

“A beautifully cut trouser paired with a printed blouse or an oversized jacket over a statement dress is exactly how I'd approach the season.”

3, Rich, earthy colours

Chocolate brown, forest green and burgundy are among Ms Seymour's defining colours for autumn, alongside deep purple and flashes of red.

The appeal isn't simply in wearing these shades individually, but in experimenting with combinations that feel unexpected.

“The return of bold prints, unexpected colour combinations and exaggerated silhouettes really speaks to my personal style.

Rather than limiting herself to perfectly coordinated outfits, Ms Seymour is embracing a more adventurous approach.

“I'm particularly loving the idea of mixing prints and textures rather than keeping everything coordinated.”

4, Modern tailoring

While dramatic silhouettes are commanding attention, tailoring remains an important part of the season's fashion conversation.

The difference is in the proportions and styling.

“Tailoring is also evolving, with more relaxed proportions and feminine details.”

For her, these are also among the pieces most likely to remain relevant beyond a single season.

“I also think great tailoring and statement outerwear will have longevity because they're pieces you can reinvent season after season.”

And this season's tailoring is drawing inspiration from the past.

“We're seeing nods to the 1920s through Art Deco-inspired embellishment, fringe and glamorous evening wear, alongside the return of classic ladylike tailoring and vintage-inspired florals.”

Rather than recreating an entire period, Ms Seymour prefers mixing those references with contemporary fashion.

“I love that approach because it makes fashion feel personal, collected and a little less obvious.”

5, Statement accessories

If there's one area where Ms Seymour believes it's worth having a little fun, it's accessories.

Structured handbags, sculptural shoes, statement belts, brooches and decorative jewellery are all helping define the season.

“Accessories are doing a lot of the talking this season. I'm a firm believer that accessories can completely transform an outfit. Give me an interesting bag, an unexpected shoe or a bold piece of jewellery over an outfit that feels too predictable.”

For Ms Seymour, even the smallest detail can change the overall impression.

“The smallest details can make the biggest statement.”

The trend that matters most

Despite her enthusiasm for autumn's more expressive direction, Ms Seymour isn't interested in following every trend simply because it's fashionable.

“I think we sometimes put too much emphasis on having the latest It-piece or dressing according to a particular aesthetic. Trends are exciting, but they shouldn't come at the expense of individuality.”

She would rather see people experiment with vintage finds, unexpected combinations and pieces that express their own point of view.

“I'm always more interested in someone who has developed a distinct point of view than someone wearing an entire look straight off a mood board.”

And if there's one message she hopes people take from this season, it's that fashion should still be enjoyable.

“Ultimately, my biggest takeaway for fall is to dress with intention but never lose the fun. Fashion should feel like an extension of your personality. For me, that means embracing colour, prints and pieces that make people look twice.”