From tailoring to cashmere, John Lewis is quietly bringing affordable luxury back to the high street
One of Britain's most loved department stores, John Lewis is bringing elegance and comfort back
One of the nation's most loved department stores, John Lewis has quietly been upping its fashion game in recent seasons and, if you haven't considered the British clothing brand as an important part of your autumn wardrobe for a while, allow me to reintroduce you.
Alongside a stellar collection of ever-expanding brands - with 3.1 Phillip Lim, Topshop, Amanda Wakeley and Aligne, John Lewis' own brand has been taking quiet luxury up a notch this season, too, and making it affordable.
With luxe cashmere starting from just £69, directional yet timeless outerwear in some of autumn/winter 2026's biggest fashion colour trends, and excellent tailoring - these are the trousers you'll wear on repeat. Shopping on the high street has never looked better.
At just £45, this merino wool jumper is a best seller for the brand. Available in directional fig, this colourway is one of the biggest autumn/winter fashion trends for 2026. The berry hue is rich and elegant, and pairs beautifully with other neutrals, specifically tan, brown, grey and navy. For a bolder look, try adding it to a moss green outfit.
Chocolate brown has been having quite the moment, and this beautiful crossbody bag features Art Deco-esque hardware that makes it look far more expensive than its price tag. While crossbody styles aren't part of the autumn/winter handbag trends for 2026, this leather bag has a timeless quality, and you can't put a price on the practical silhouette either.
Leopard print is back in fashion - did it ever go away? The shirred band makes it flattering across the middle, while the floaty A-line skirt, and long-sleeve make it autumn ready. Pair with tights and boots in brown or black for a polished finish, and add a scarf or chunky necklace to add interest to the neckline.
The barrel leg jean trend shows no signs of slowing down, and this updated twist on the staple adds a further new season finish. A chocolate brown jean makes a gorgeous alternative to black and blue hues that dominate this time of year. Picture this paired with a cosy cashmere or cable knit sweater in cream or moss green - gorgeous.
The best trench coats are the perfect partner to autumn. Lightweight for warmer days, but just the right amount of protection from a breeze or drizzle, again John Lewis have leaned into our love of chocolate hues for this luxuriously oversized design. To help add shape, you can cinch the belt in to define your waistline and balance proportions.
Leather, like trench coats is another autumn failsafe, and I love the fitted silhouette of this car coat, ideal for slipping on over jeans or tailored trousers. With an almost retro-inspired silhouette, the moss green hue helps this beauty stand out from the crowd, but it will team beautifully with classic navy, berry, cream, chocolate or tan tones.
The micro-wedge is fast becoming one of autumn/winter's hottest shoe trends and John Lewis have a knee high and calf-length iteration that you'll love for more polished moments. In delectable suede, this chocolate boot has the slightest of elevations, ensuring all day comfort, but a very elegant aesthetic too.
A polished alternative to jeans, smart tailored trousers are the back bone to an autumn capsule wardrobe and this pleated pair gives a gently relaxed fit through the leg. Add short boots and a cosy knit for a luxe weekend outfit, or dress them up further with a white shirt or pretty printed blouse and heels.
I love a versatile dress, and this abstract print design with a swishy skirt is another wear-everywhere wardrobe wonder. I love that the print has so many nods to trending colours, making it easy to pair with everything from burgundy to red and even cobalt hues. Style it like the model with boots, or team it with ballet flats or heels.
This moss hue is everywhere this autumn, and it's easy to see why. Naturally autumnal, it pairs exceptionally well with all neutrals, pepping up black, brown and navy, delivering an elegant finish. This cotton blend is sure to help keep your temperature regulated, while the higher neckline nods to directional funnel silhouettes.
A slightly higher price point than John Lewis' own-brand, I've slotted this shirt in because the Amanda Wakeley collection is exclusive to the department store, and is an affordable way to buy into designer fashion. In its second season, Amanda's collection might now by at John Lewis, but she hasn't scrimped on the detailing and finish, staying true to her timeless aesthetic.
Having spent years as a personal shopper, I can tell you that so many women, myself included, neglect to buy the 'boring basics'. The tops that hold an outfit together, the foundation layers, but a great range of tops and tees is fundamental to a functioning closet. This simple striped top is a timeless buy, in trending colours that you won't regret.
A white shirt is a wardrobe staple and I love the twist on the design delivered here. The asymmetric buttons add a modern take, while the tie neckline negates the need for necklaces etc. A deeper cuff, at just £59 this design takes into account all the little details that help to make it look far more expensive than its price tag.
Another micro wedge boot, this time in a lush tan and a short leg length, ideal for pairing with jeans or tailored trousers. The low level elevation keeps it comfortable for all day wear, while the elegant colourway makes it easy to style with pretty much any autumn outfit ideas. If you have a maxi or midaxi length skirt or dress, these will work well too.
Available in 11 colourways, John Lewis' cashmere is so luxurious. With several key silhouettes this season, and a selection of classic and brushed finishes, I was really taken with how beautiful, well-crafted and deeply thought through the range was. With everything from classic camel to trending cobalt, moss and sugar pink, there is something for everyone.
John Lewis will always have a place on the high street and in our hearts, but I really do believe that over the last year it has taken its fashion game up several notches, and all without losing its broad appeal.
Introducing multiple new brands to its arsenal, so you can shop all the labels you love in one place, it's imperative not to ignore the brand's in-house ranges too. From John Lewis core to And/Or, there is something for every taste and price point, as the brand reinvigorates the affordable, quiet luxury market.
From cosy, cost-effective cashmere in a rainbow of colours to elegant trouser shapes that will make feeling put together a breeze this autumn, I'm certainly looking forward to updating my wardrobe with pieces that I know will last both in terms of quality and style.
