Autumn Styling Tips with our Head of Seasons, Kate
29 September 2026
kate is back!
Get ready for the new season with expert autumn styling advice from our resident stylist
Navigating transitional fashion can be tricky – the mornings are cold, the days are mild, so you need a versatile wardrobe that’s still stylish!
So, our resident expert stylist and ‘Head of Seasons’, Kate Lewis, has shared her top styling tips for autumn and winter! For Kate, this season is all about texture, from comfy and cosy layers, to capsule buys and standout pieces that work harder in your wardrobe.
She says: “From statement faux-fur jackets to the renowned cosiness of the everyday cardigan, Merry Hill has you covered. So, buckle up – autumn / winter at Merry Hill has officially landed!”
kate is back!
Get ready for the new season with expert autumn styling advice from our resident stylist
Navigating transitional fashion can be tricky – the mornings are cold, the days are mild, so you need a versatile wardrobe that’s still stylish!
So, our resident expert stylist and ‘Head of Seasons’, Kate Lewis, has shared her top styling tips for autumn and winter! For Kate, this season is all about texture, from comfy and cosy layers, to capsule buys and standout pieces that work harder in your wardrobe.
She says: “From statement faux-fur jackets to the renowned cosiness of the everyday cardigan, Merry Hill has you covered. So, buckle up – autumn / winter at Merry Hill has officially landed!”
“Now the ‘ber months are officially upon us, it’s time to start thinking about how to give your wardrobe an autumn refresh. And while the weather might not always know what season it is, your clothes should be ready for whatever comes their way.”
Check out Kate’s top styling tips for autumn and winter, and how to make thoughtful purchases that will elevate your look this season.
M&S
Tailoring = instant polish
“One of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit in under a minute? Add tailoring. An oversized blazer is brilliant for dressing up a pair of jeans, while tailored trousers are incredibly versatile – pairing with everything from chunky knits to simple t-shirts.
“If you want to take it one step further, try playing with traditionally masculine pieces. I love combining a tailored M&S jacket and trousers with one of their men’s shirts and a tie. Androgyny is having a real moment for 2026, so it’s time to think like a boss.”
Get the look at M&S➔
RIVER
ISLAND
Check is having a moment!
“Check is really having its moment for AW26 and River Island has wholly embraced it. From statement funnel-neck jackets to flowing skirts, check is bringing a little Vivienne Westwood-inspired attitude to the wardrobe. It’s a great way to introduce pattern without having to completely rethink how you dress.”
Get the look at River Island➔
Mango
Rugby shirts are game
“Looking for an easy throw-on-and-go piece? The rugby shirt is on point for this autumn / winter. It’s the perfect errand day top, relaxed, practical and effortlessly stylish. Mango has some great options this season that are warm, cosy and completely on trend.”
Get the look at Mango➔
Striped polo-neck sweater
Balloon Seam Jeans
Trench Coat with Belt and Checked Lining
Suede Penny Loafers
Suede Leather Shopper Bag
Fringed Edge Scarf
phase eight
Step away from black
“Black is often the go-to colour for the colder seasons, but when the weather turns and the nights draw in, our wardrobes can sometimes start to feel a little dull and heavy.
“If that sounds familiar, try swapping some of your black pieces for warm brown and caramel tones instead. Phase Eight has introduced a really inviting chocolate colour palette which I’m loving right now.”
Get the look at Phase Eight ➔
Keely Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
Suede Ballet Pumps
Leather Textured Cross Body Bag
M&S
M&S
Get the look at M&S➔
Tailoring = instant polish
“One of the easiest ways to elevate an outfit in under a minute? Add tailoring. An oversized blazer is brilliant for dressing up a pair of jeans, while tailored trousers are incredibly versatile – pairing with everything from chunky knits to simple t-shirts.
“If you want to take it one step further, try playing with traditionally masculine pieces. I love combining a tailored M&S jacket and trousers with one of their men’s shirts and a tie. Androgyny is having a real moment for 2026, so it’s time to think like a boss.”
Get the look at M&S➔
River Island
River Island
Get the look at River Island➔
Check is having a moment!
“Check is really having its moment for AW26 and River Island has wholly embraced it. From statement funnel-neck jackets to flowing skirts, check is bringing a little Vivienne Westwood-inspired attitude to the wardrobe. It’s a great way to introduce pattern without having to completely rethink how you dress.”
Get the look at River Island➔
Mango
Mango
Get the look at Mango➔
Rugby shirts are game
“Looking for an easy throw-on-and-go piece? The rugby shirt is on point for this autumn / winter. It’s the perfect errand day top, relaxed, practical and effortlessly stylish. Mango has some great options this season that are warm, cosy and completely on trend.”
Get the look at Mango➔
Striped polo-neck sweater
Balloon Seam Jeans
Trench Coat with Belt and Checked Lining
Suede Penny Loafers
Suede Leather Shopper Bag
Fringed Edge Scarf
Phase
Eight
Phase Eight
Get the look at Phase Eight➔
Step away from black
“Black is often the go-to colour for the colder seasons, but when the weather turns and the nights draw in, our wardrobes can sometimes start to feel a little dull and heavy.
“If that sounds familiar, try swapping some of your black pieces for warm brown and caramel tones instead. Phase Eight has introduced a really inviting chocolate colour palette which I’m loving right now.”
Get the look at Phase Eight➔
Keely Pleated Wide Leg Trousers
Suede Ballet Pumps
Leather Textured Cross Body Bag