Autumn-Winter 2026 trends: what we're actually wearing this season
We receive Italian collections twice a year, and season after season, we see what sticks and what doesn't. Here is what defines this autumn-winter at Imperial, Please, and Dixie — without the fluff.
Burgundy is replacing black
This is the highlight of the season. Burgundy—deep, muted, almost brown on certain fabrics—is appearing across all categories: tuxedos, blazers, trousers, knits, and lace t-shirts.
The reason for its success: it behaves like a neutral. It coordinates with ecru, camel, chocolate, and denim just like black does, but it doesn't wash out the complexion and stands out in a group photo.
On a tuxedo, it makes formalwear feel less severe. On office trousers, it changes everything without sacrificing any versatility.
Chocolate is here to stay
Deep brown is no longer an accent color. Across our three brands, it has become a staple, just like navy.
Its appeal: it warms up where black cools down, and it pairs perfectly with all the beiges, ecru, and camel tones that make up the rest of the winter wardrobe. A chocolate coat over ecru trousers is the most popular silhouette of the season.
Houndstooth and checks are making a comeback
After several seasons of solids, woven patterns are reclaiming their place: micro-houndstooth, Prince of Wales check, and beige-and-chocolate patterns.
These are patterns that read like solids from a distance and reveal their design up close. That’s what makes them easy: they add texture to an outfit without being an overwhelming print.
They work as a full set—blazer and trousers in the same fabric—or as a single piece over a solid color.
Volumes: balloon shapes everywhere
The balloon cut has taken over for bottoms. Roundness at the thigh, tapered at the ankle, high-waisted. We see it in denim at Please, in crepe and Tencel, in both 3/4 and full-length styles.
On tops, balloon sleeves and dropped shoulders continue. The golden rule: one volume at a time. Loose bottoms with a fitted top, or the reverse. Never both together.
The tuxedo becomes daywear
This is the real shift in utility this season. The tuxedo blazer, once reserved for evenings, is now worn open over raw denim jeans and a t-shirt.
The contrast between the satin lapels and the raw denim does all the work. That is also what justifies the purchase: a formal piece that gets used fifty times a year instead of two.
Leather as a statement piece
Oversized jackets with mandarin collars, short braided eco-leather bombers, perfectos. Leather is no longer just for bikers; it's what you throw over a suit to make it wearable for everyday life.
A crepe blazer with a leather jacket on top is the silhouette that distinguishes a modern suit from one of yesterday.
What doesn't change
Wrinkle-resistant crepes remain the foundation of the Imperial wardrobe, and for a reason that is far from a trend: they are machine washable, don't crease in the car, and hold their shape from morning to night.
This is the criterion our customers mention most often, well before color or cut. Trends come and go; not having to iron is forever.
And at Dixie
The brand sticks to its boho-chic course, going against the grain of solids: bold prints, embroidery, fringe, and fluid fabrics. This season features long belted wool coats and loose turtleneck knits.
Dixie is exclusive to Lyon in our boutique—no other address in the region stocks it.
Come visit us
Collections arrive as the weeks go by. The best way to know what's in the shop is to stop by.
Imperial Gallery — 38 avenue Maréchal de Saxe, Lyon 6e. Monday to Saturday, 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.