CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

When British retail institution John Lewis joins forces with one of London’s most intriguing contemporary menswear names, the result was always going to be worth a closer look. Enter clothsurgeon, the label founded by former footballer Rav Matharu, which has built its reputation on bringing the precision of traditional tailoring into the world of streetwear. Now, the two have teamed up for an exclusive, limited-edition menswear collection that brings that distinctive aesthetic to a wider audience.

Making history in 2022 as the first bespoke streetwear store on London’s legendary Savile Row, clothsurgeon has never been particularly interested in playing by fashion’s established rules. Instead, the brand has carved out its own territory, where the craftsmanship of British tailoring meets the attitude, references and relaxed proportions of contemporary street culture. This collaboration with John Lewis takes that proposition and gives it a new platform, offering a wardrobe that feels equally at home on the streets of London or in a more considered sartorial setting.

The collection draws inspiration from vintage menswear, reworking familiar silhouettes with a modern sensibility and an appreciation for premium materials. An Eighties-inspired leather jacket brings a dose of retro attitude, while archive-washed denim delivers that lived-in character that can take years to achieve naturally. For those who prefer their wardrobe with a little more structure, double-breasted suits provide a smarter counterpoint, demonstrating that streetwear and tailoring can happily share the same sartorial postcode.

Material choice is central to the proposition. Fine Italian wool from Barberis, goat suede and brushed cashmere bring texture, quality and a sense of considered luxury to the mix. These are fabrics with substance, selected to complement silhouettes that feel relaxed rather than rigid. The emphasis is on versatility, too, with pieces designed to be styled up or down depending on the occasion. A tailored jacket needn’t be reserved for the boardroom, just as a leather jacket can be elevated beyond weekend duties with the right supporting cast.

For Matharu, whose journey from professional football to the world of bespoke fashion has helped shape clothsurgeon’s distinctive identity, the collaboration represents an opportunity to bring the brand’s design philosophy to a broader menswear audience. John Lewis, meanwhile, provides an established British retail platform through which craftsmanship, contemporary design and everyday wearability can meet.

The appeal lies in that meeting of worlds. Savile Row has long been synonymous with precision, heritage and the art of making clothes properly, while streetwear has challenged traditional ideas of luxury through its emphasis on individuality, cultural relevance and personal expression. clothsurgeon has spent years exploring the space between the two, and this limited-edition collection continues that conversation with a distinctly vintage-inflected wardrobe.

Ultimately, this is menswear that understands the modern man’s wardrobe doesn’t need to be neatly divided into formal and casual, luxury and everyday, or heritage and hype. Sometimes the most interesting outfits happen when those boundaries blur. With John Lewis x clothsurgeon, the result is a collection that brings Savile Row craftsmanship into a more relaxed, contemporary frame, proving that a little tailoring and a healthy dose of streetwise attitude can make for a rather compelling combination.

Halloween is no longer just about throwing on a bin-bag cape, painting your face white and hoping nobody asks who you’re supposed to be. In 2026, dressing up is a serious style statement, with pop culture, cult cinema, nostalgia and a healthy dose of fashion-forward thinking shaping the season’s most covetable costumes.

Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party, making an entrance at a themed event or simply looking for an excuse to channel your inner fashion villain, this year’s inspiration comes from some rather unexpected places. Think cinematic icons, music legends, television’s most memorable characters and a few wonderfully eccentric style references.

The trick, of course, is to strike the right balance between recognisable and original. Nobody wants to be the fifth Wednesday Addams in the room, unless, naturally, you’ve perfected the look better than everyone else.

Here are the Halloween costume ideas worth investing in for 2026.

Superhero Fatigue: The Darker Side of Comic Book Culture

Forget the predictable superhero costume. In 2026, it’s the darker, more fashion-conscious interpretations that make a compelling statement. Batman, The Joker and other comic-book antiheroes offer plenty of scope for a more sophisticated take on fancy dress.

A sharply tailored black suit, a dramatic overcoat, dark accessories and a suitably theatrical attitude can deliver a convincing Bruce Wayne without the need for a full-body Lycra situation. Meanwhile, The Joker offers an opportunity to experiment with clashing colours, exaggerated tailoring and unapologetically bold makeup.

The secret is to avoid looking like you’ve just stepped out of a fancy-dress hire shop. Think editorial rather than cartoon.

The 1980s Are Calling: Rock Legends and New Romantics

Nostalgia remains a powerful fashion influence, and Halloween is the perfect excuse to revisit the decade that gave us power dressing, outrageous hair and some of the most gloriously excessive stage costumes in music history.

Channel David Bowie in his Ziggy Stardust era, Freddie Mercury at his most flamboyant or the New Romantic aesthetic of Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet. Metallic fabrics, leather trousers, military-inspired jackets, statement jewellery and unapologetic silhouettes provide the foundations.

For a more understated interpretation, a perfectly cut blazer, a ruffled shirt, slim trousers and a pair of statement sunglasses can evoke the era without making you look like an extra from a retro music video.

The Gothic Revival: Wednesday Addams and Beyond

Dark romance is an enduring Halloween favourite, but 2026 calls for something a little more considered than the standard black dress and novelty spider accessories. Wednesday Addams remains a natural reference point, with her sharp collar, braided hair, monochrome styling and deadpan demeanour.

For those looking to take the aesthetic further, gothic tailoring offers plenty of possibilities. Think long black coats, dramatic silhouettes, lace detailing, Victorian-inspired shirts, polished boots and silver jewellery. The appeal lies in the juxtaposition of classic tailoring and a slightly sinister edge.

It’s a look that works equally well for couples, groups or anyone who prefers their Halloween wardrobe with a little more fashion credibility.

The Supervillain: Make an Entrance, Not an Apology

Every good Halloween party needs a villain, and in 2026, the supervillain is arguably the most exciting character to play. From the cinematic extravagance of Cruella de Vil to the dark sophistication of a Bond antagonist, the possibilities are endless.

For a modern interpretation, look to exaggerated shoulders, luxurious textures, monochrome dressing and accessories that suggest you have questionable intentions and excellent taste. A dramatic coat, leather gloves, a black roll-neck and a pair of polished boots will take you a long way.

The beauty of the supervillain look is that it doesn’t require a complicated costume. A well-executed outfit and the right expression can do most of the heavy lifting.

The Y2K Throwback: Noughties Pop Culture Gets Spooky

The early 2000s continue to inspire contemporary fashion, making Y2K an easy source of Halloween inspiration. Think iconic pop stars, boy-band heart-throbs, paparazzi-era celebrities and the unmistakable aesthetic of reality television’s early years.

Low-rise jeans, oversized belts, tinted sunglasses, graphic T-shirts, tracksuits and chunky trainers provide the foundations for an instantly recognisable look. For a more specific reference, take inspiration from Justin Timberlake’s early solo-era styling, Eminem’s signature streetwear or the flamboyant pop aesthetic of the era.

It’s a playful approach to Halloween that works particularly well for group costumes, especially when everyone commits to a different cultural reference from the same decade.

The Classic Horror Icon: A Timeless Halloween Investment

Sometimes, the original ideas remain the best. Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, the Mummy and classic horror-film villains have stood the test of time for good reason. Their silhouettes are instantly recognisable, and with a little imagination, they can be elevated well beyond the usual off-the-shelf costume.

For Dracula, consider a sharply tailored black suit, a dramatic cape, a crisp white shirt and polished shoes. Frankenstein’s monster lends itself to distressed tailoring, oversized proportions and theatrical makeup, while a vintage-inspired Mummy costume can be given a more fashion-conscious twist through layered textures and aged fabrics.

The key is craftsmanship. A few carefully chosen pieces, rather than an entire disposable costume, can make all the difference.

Halloween 2026 is an opportunity to have a little fun with personal style, experiment with characters and embrace the theatrical side of dressing. Whether you’re taking inspiration from the big screen, music history, fashion’s most notorious figures or the enduring appeal of classic horror, the best costumes are those that demonstrate a little imagination.

After all, the difference between a forgettable Halloween outfit and a genuinely memorable look is rarely the amount of money spent. It’s the confidence, creativity and attention to detail that bring the character to life.

With more than 145 years of shoemaking heritage, BARKER Shoes remains a benchmark for traditional British craftsmanship, bringing together time-honoured techniques, premium materials and enduring style for the modern gentleman.

Founded by Arthur Barker in 1880 in the Northamptonshire village of Earls Barton, BARKER began life as a hand-sewn shoemaker working alongside local craftsmen. More than a century later, the brand continues to manufacture its footwear in the same village, drawing on generations of expertise to create shoes that balance traditional construction with contemporary versatility.

At the heart of the collection is a considered selection of men’s footwear, from classic brogues and polished monk straps to versatile loafers, Chelsea boots and everyday leather styles. Goodyear-welted construction and quality leathers remain central to the brand’s approach, reflecting a commitment to durability, comfort and shoes designed to be worn for years rather than a single season.

Standout designs include the Pennine chocolate-grain brogue boot, the Tunstall suede monk strap, the Braunton penny loafer and the Sutton Chelsea boot. Each offers a distinctive interpretation of the modern gentleman’s footwear wardrobe, combining heritage detailing with the versatility required for contemporary dressing.

Beyond footwear, BARKER’s collection of leather goods and shoe-care accessories extends the brand’s craftsmanship into the finer details of wardrobe maintenance. From brushes, creams and shoe horns to cardholders and wallets, these thoughtfully considered pieces offer appealing options for seasonal gifting while providing an opportunity to explore the enduring art of shoe care.

For those who appreciate quality, longevity and understated British style, BARKER Shoes is a reminder that great footwear is as much about how it is made and maintained as how it looks.

Some pieces of outdoor kit earn their place in the wardrobe by doing one thing exceptionally well. Others prove their worth by adapting to just about everything the weather can throw at them. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this season, Jack Wolfskin’s iconic Jasper jacket firmly belongs in the latter camp, marking a decade of versatile outdoor performance with a new collection built around its signature 3-in-1 system.

Designed for the unpredictable realities of life outdoors, the Jasper has always been about adaptability. Sunshine can quickly give way to showers, woodland trails can open out onto exposed rocky terrain, and a demanding climb can suddenly become a leisurely stroll. Rather than requiring a different jacket for every eventuality, the 3-in-1 concept offers a more intelligent approach to layering, allowing wearers to adjust their protection and insulation as conditions change.

At the heart of the latest collection is Jack Wolfskin’s commitment to combining technical performance with more considered material choices. TEXAPORE ECOSPHERE PRO delivers waterproof protection through a construction incorporating a 100% recycled outer fabric and lining, alongside a membrane made from production offcuts. It is an approach that puts material efficiency alongside the practical demands of outdoor use.

Insulation comes courtesy of TEXATHERM and TEXATHERM FIBER CLOUD, engineered to provide lightweight warmth and compressibility without unnecessary bulk. The latter is designed to retain its insulating performance even in humid conditions, making it particularly useful when the weather refuses to play by the rules. Selected styles also incorporate AQUAGUARD waterproof zips and ripstop reinforcement, adding further protection and durability where it matters most.

Yet the Jasper’s enduring appeal goes beyond its technical specification. Its tenth anniversary celebrates a design philosophy rooted in the idea that outdoor experiences should be accessible, adaptable and enjoyable, whatever the conditions.

Jack Wolfskin’s story began around a campfire, founded on the belief that discovery is a lifelong pursuit and should be within everyone’s reach. That spirit continues to shape its approach to outdoor apparel, footwear and equipment, with products designed to support everything from bikepacking, ski touring and camping to hiking, trekking and everyday commuting.

The Jasper 3-in-1 jacket embodies that philosophy particularly well. By combining weather protection and adaptable insulation in one versatile system, it offers a practical solution for those who want their outdoor wardrobe to work harder, travel further and respond to changing conditions.

Ten years on, the Jasper’s message remains as relevant as ever: the best outdoor clothing isn’t simply about preparing for the elements. It’s about giving you the confidence to get out there, embrace the unexpected and keep exploring.

Forget fast fashion and fleeting trends. For Autumn/Winter 2026, the focus is firmly on craftsmanship, heritage and a more considered approach to dressing. As consumers look to build wardrobes that work harder and last longer, timeless outerwear is having a moment, with wax cotton, tweed, wool and functional yet fashionable jackets leading the way.

The weather may have something to do with it. According to the Met Office, the chances of a warm and wet autumn in 2026 are twice as high as would normally be expected. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Google Trends has recorded a 5,000% breakout in searches for ‘lightweight autumn jacket’ compared with the previous year. But this renewed interest in outerwear goes well beyond the forecast.

Craftsmanship is now a defining priority for luxury shoppers. According to McKinsey’s The State of Fashion 2026 report, 52% of high-net-worth consumers say better product quality and craftsmanship would encourage them to spend more with luxury brands. As the report explains, brands are moving away from price-led growth and refocusing on creativity and craftsmanship to rebuild consumer trust.

At the heart of this shift is a desire to buy better, buy less and think further ahead. Jack Murphy’s internal sales data points to a growing appetite for investment dressing, with overall orders increasing by 58% year-on-year in Q2 and men’s jackets and coats recording a 174% surge in revenue. Even during the summer heat, consumers were investing in heritage outerwear, with wax cotton proving particularly popular.

Matthew Murphy, fashion trend expert at Jack Murphy, believes versatility is the defining theme of the season.

“Investing in pieces that can work transeasonally is the main overarching trope for AW26 fashion. We’re less likely to order hastily for a particular season or occasion, but instead look ahead and purchase timeless, quality garments that actually have longevity – bonus points if they’re interchangeable with other pieces in our capsule wardrobe.

“The luxury shopper is looking to classic heritage fabrics like wax cotton, tweed and wool, which naturally lend themselves to this because they bring together craftsmanship, functionality and a sense of timelessness, but also they’re contemporary. People still want to look fashionable, but increasingly they want their clothes to weather well – literally – in every season.”

So, what does that mean for the season ahead? From relaxed tailoring to earthy greens and a renewed appreciation of traditional British and Irish fabrics, these are the key outerwear trends shaping AW26.

The Craft Behind the Autumn/Winter Jacket

Outerwear is doing more than completing an outfit this season. It is becoming the foundation of a more considered wardrobe, where practicality, quality and longevity take precedence over novelty.

Jack Murphy’s sales data reflects this growing interest. Waterproof outerwear accounts for 44% of combined August-to-December category sales, compared with 39% for tweed, highlighting the continued importance of functional protection alongside heritage appeal. Meanwhile, a 79% year-on-year increase in wax cotton sales points to renewed enthusiasm for materials that combine traditional craftsmanship with everyday performance.

The appeal is straightforward. A well-made jacket needs to look as good over a lightweight knit on a mild autumn afternoon as it does layered over heavier clothing when temperatures drop. With unpredictable weather and increasingly versatile lifestyles, the investment piece is no longer reserved for a particular season.

Think the preppy, distinctly British aesthetic of The Gentlemen, with its tailored blazers, heritage checks and well-cut coats worn with denim and more relaxed essentials. The modern approach to dressing is about looking considered without appearing overly styled.

For AW26, the key is finding the balance between elegance and ease. Heritage tailoring provides the structure, while contemporary styling makes it relevant to everyday life.

Beating the Algorithm With Transitional Pieces

In a world increasingly shaped by social media trends and algorithm-driven recommendations, dressing individually is becoming an appealing alternative to following every new fashion moment.

The answer lies in versatility. Rather than buying an outfit for a particular occasion, consumers are investing in interchangeable pieces that can move seamlessly between work, socialising and leisure. A well-cut jacket, a versatile pair of jeans and quality knitwear can work across multiple settings without requiring an entirely new wardrobe.

Vogue has explored the relationship between algorithm dressing and the increasingly uniform looks circulating online, suggesting that a wardrobe built around personal style and well-loved pieces offers a way to step away from the endless cycle of trend-led consumption.

It is a philosophy that fits neatly with the growing interest in capsule wardrobes. Instead of constantly refreshing the contents of the wardrobe, the emphasis is on making existing pieces work harder, supported by carefully chosen additions that offer genuine longevity.

A lightweight wax jacket, a classic tweed blazer or a versatile trench coat can become the cornerstone of that approach, adapting to changing weather and different occasions without compromising on style.

Green Is the New Black

Black may remain a wardrobe staple, but green is making a compelling case for itself as the defining neutral of AW26. From deep forest tones to earthy olive, the colour brings a sense of natural sophistication to outerwear while offering the versatility of more traditional shades.

Green tartan is particularly relevant this season. Drawing inspiration from the Irish landscape, moss, pine and bracken tones give heritage checks a richness and depth that works effortlessly alongside navy, camel, black and denim.

Olive is another key shade, bringing an understated military influence to contemporary outerwear. Jack Murphy’s internal sales data reveals a 300% year-on-year increase in olive wax jackets, while navy styles have grown by 79%. The figures reflect a broader appetite for classic, earthy colours that feel both timeless and relevant.

Whether in a traditional wax jacket, a textured tweed blazer or a practical everyday coat, green offers a confident alternative to the conventional autumn palette. It is sophisticated without being overly formal and provides a natural connection to the heritage materials and craftsmanship defining the season.

Craftsmanship and the Return of Heritage Materials

The renewed interest in heritage outerwear is as much about the materials as the silhouettes. Wax cotton, tweed and wool are enjoying a resurgence as consumers place greater emphasis on provenance, durability and the craftsmanship behind their clothes.

Jack Murphy’s sales data shows that waterproof styles account for approximately 77% of the combined waterproof and tweed units sold across the categories tracked. Within tweed, traditional patterns such as herringbone and checks remain among the strongest performers.

Wax cotton, however, is experiencing particularly strong momentum. Overall sales have increased by 79% year-on-year, with menswear waxed garments surging by 99% and womenswear revenue growing by 69%.

These figures suggest that heritage fabrics are appealing to a broad range of consumers, rather than being confined to traditional country dressing. Their attraction lies in the combination of function, texture and enduring design, qualities that make them equally relevant in urban environments and the countryside.

For Jack Murphy, the movement reflects a wider shift towards investment dressing and the slow fashion philosophy. Consumers are increasingly interested in garments that offer more than immediate visual appeal, valuing the story behind the material and the practical benefits of owning something made to last.

Tweed Is In

From the return of Peaky Blinders to the anticipation surrounding The Gentlemen Season 2, heritage tailoring continues to influence the way we dress on and off screen. Add the enduring appeal of Mid-Century Modern interiors and a growing appreciation of tactile materials, and it is little wonder that tweed is enjoying renewed attention.

Texture is very much the point. Herringbone, checks, corduroy and substantial knitwear bring depth and character to the autumn wardrobe, creating opportunities for layering and combining traditional fabrics with more contemporary silhouettes.

Jack Murphy’s internal sales figures underline the growing appetite for tweed. Donegal tweed sales increased by 40% between 2024 and 2025, with menswear tweed sales rising by an impressive 335%.

For AW26, tweed jackets and blazers are central to a darker, more romantic interpretation of the heritage aesthetic. Think dark academia, oversized knitwear, corduroy trousers, layered textures and a palette of earthy, muted colours. It is an approach that draws on the past without becoming trapped by it.

Ultimately, the appeal of tweed lies in its ability to deliver character and practicality in equal measure. It brings warmth, texture and a sense of history to everyday dressing, while working effortlessly alongside modern wardrobe staples.

As AW26 unfolds, the message from Jack Murphy is clear: the future of fashion has a strong appreciation for its past. In a season shaped by unpredictable weather, changing consumer priorities and a growing appetite for quality, heritage outerwear offers something increasingly valuable: garments that look good, work hard and are made to stay in the wardrobe long after the season has passed.