Helen Mirren’s red ME+EM jacket is the fitted, figure-hugging alternative to blazers you can rely on this autumn
Her jacket blends versatility with a statement look, making it a staple for the season ahead
Helen Mirren attended the premiere of A Talent For Murder at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival earlier this week, and gave a masterclass in styling bold red hues for autumn.
For the event, she wore ME+EM’s fitted utility jacket in a bold ruby red hue, with its waist-defining silhouette and structured shoulders marking it out as a striking alternative to blazers this season. The shorter hem made it the perfect piece to pair with her voluminous maxi skirt, and the two pieces created the look of a gown when worn together.
Their striking colours also paired perfectly, with red and black creating a dramatic colour contrast. Against the black of her skirt, her red jacket appears to leap forward and creates an undeniable focal point, offering maximum visual contrast. And of course, her decision to tie in the colour with a bold red lipstick only further cemented this look as a standout.
Shop Helen Mirren's Style
If you want to incorporate trending red hues into your autumn capsule wardrobe, Helen's jacket is a great way to do so. With its flattering slim fit, cropped length and nipped-in waist, it can be paired with tailored trousers or jeans for a smart look.
The volume of Helen's maxi skirt makes it an occasionwear hero, and this option from Karen Millen emulates the look perfectly. With a flattering high waist and full shape, pleated details add structure and movement for an eye-catching finish.
A defined waist gives this jacket a peplum-like finish, making it feel effortlessly polished and elegant. The collarless style might seem laidback on the surface, but it adds a neatness to the silhouette, while the bold red hue really makes it pop.
This A-line midi skirt boasts godet pleating details, which give it its dramatic silhouette, while also helping it hold its shape. It feels both timeless and contemporary thanks to this tailoring, while the A-line cut and black taffeta fabric keep it versatile.
![Hobbs London, red cropped jacket]](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YpLb3Rkaw4VN2b9mw2cA2P-1920-80.jpg.webp)
While this Hobbs jacket has a boxier shape than the ME+EM, its cropped length helps to keep a balanced feel so it can pair effortlessly with more voluminous skirts.
A 100% cotton fabric gives this maxi skirt a lightweight finish that can be dressed down just as easily as it can be dressed up, while a tiered design helps to create a voluminous silhouette. Shoppers love it so much that one even called it 'the most beautiful' skirt and said 'it makes me feel elegant and feminine.'
While the runway looks that cemented tomato as a key autumn/winter fashion colour trend were head-to-toe red, Helen proves that this bold, trending shade can make an impact when incorporated into autumn outfit ideas.
Bold, bright and eye-catching, red is a staple colour for the season that immediately makes an impact. But it’s actually quite a neutral colour, with its classic status making it feel surprisingly wearable when styled alongside other neutrals such as Helen's black skirt. When recreating her look, why not pull the colour down by finishing off your look with some red shoes, or keep it simple with a classic pair of black ballet flats?
