Welcome to Haute to Know,
Haute to Know is a space for fashion intelligence, where you will find bite-sized informational style posts on trend insights, colour forecasts, print trends, and capsule wardrobe strategies. Designed to be clear, practical, and inspiring, this page helps to redefine everyday style as a tool for confidence, creativity, and self-expression.
For your convenience, please use the Table of Contents below to navigate this page.
Thank You
Table of Contents
Shop Women’s Jeans & Trousers: Petite, Tall & Plus Size (EU&AU)
Tall-length trousers (work & smart-casual)
- ASOS Tall – huge edit of tall trousers (great for wide-leg and tailoring).
- I LOVE TALL – tall specialist with 34/36/38″ inseams (women’s jeans/trousers).
- Long Legs London – tall specialist; trousers offered in 34/36/38″ options.
- Long Tall Sally – tall trousers with leg lengths up to 38″; sizes typically UK 8–32.
- Marks & Spencer Tall – extensive denim and trousers with leg length up to 33” inseams.
Inclusive size ranges (curve/plus denim & trousers)
- Evans – UK 16–32 (jeans with multiple inside-leg options).
- Marina Rinaldi – luxury curve line; size guide covers curvy sizes ≈ UK 14–28.
- Simply Be – size-inclusive UK 10–32 with short/regular/long legs in denim.
- Vero Moda Curve – curve denim; guide covers approx. UK 16–26 / EU 44–54.
- Yours Clothing – plus specialist UK 14–40 (broad denim selection).
- Zizzi – EU plus specialist EU 40–64.
Jeans that fit petites perfectly
- Boden Petite – petite – proportioned jeans (petite range designed for ≤5’3″/160 cm).
- Hobbs Petite — polished and perfectly proportioned clothing ranging from workwear to trench coats.
- Marks & Spencer Petite — extensive petite denim with shorter inside legs.
- New Look Petite — petite size guide shows ~29″ inside leg on jeans.
- Next Petite — full petite jeans edit.
- Topshop Petite (via ASOS) — fashion-forward petite denim.
Styling Cheat Sheet: Figure-Flattering Lines (Verticals vs. Diagonals)
Vertical Lines
Use vertical lines to elongate the overall look.
To achieve an elongated silhouette/slimming effect, use vertical lines to your benefit using the following tips:
- Create long, continuous lines with an unbuttoned coat or blazer,
- Wear head-to-toe monochrome,
- Vertical, linear details like contrast zips or button plackets.
- Maxi lengths are great for creating a balance between the upper and lower body in an outfit (i.e. ⅓-⅔ balance)
- Wrap or slit skirts,
- Front-pleated trousers, especially if pleats start right from the top of a pant,
- Long pendants and scarves.
Vertical stripes work perfectly; however, if the gap between them is too large, they can visually have a widening effect rather than a slimming one.
Diagonal Lines
Working with diagonal lines or prints is another excellent instrument that could change the way one reads width.
Generally speaking, vertical lines in an outfit make an “eye travel” by adding energy and direction, unlike calm verticals and widening horizontal lines. Diagonal lines have a visual ability to change proportions and draw attention away from concern areas.
When looking at an item with diagonal lines in its composition, it helps to remember that:
- Downward-pointing diagonals that rush into a wider angle (\/) tend to add volume.
- In contrast, upward-pointing diagonals (/\) tend to have a slimming-down effect visually.
Where to add volume for a balance by body type:
- Inverted triangle (broader shoulders): build volume below the waist — printed or textured skirts/pants, embroidery, pleats, heavier weaves.
- Pear (fuller hips): build volume above the waist — prints near the face, puff/structured sleeves, textured knits, embroidery, ruffles, shoulder interest
Which stripes are on trend?
Asymmetrical lines – Distorted, wavy lines look very modern and creative.
Lines in colourful combos – Colour combinations such as black & yellow, beige & chocolate, and pink & red look very modern and creative, although high contrast combinations like black and white or navy and white are still the true classics.
Lines to the max – The more stripes, the better, mixing ‘zebra’ print with a fine ‘comb’ of narrow lines.
Handbag Trends For Autumn/Winter 2025–2026
Top-Handle Bags
According to WhoWhatWear, “Every Major Handbag Trend That Will Take Over in Fall 2025“, top-handle bags are a top trend for autumn/winter 2025/2026. During the Fall 2025 runway shows, standout styles emerged across many heritage brands and fashion houses, including Hermès and Louis Vuitton, which reissued archival pieces. At Roberto Cavalli and Valentino, the top-handled bag was presented in an artistic setting, serving as a focal point for many look ideas. More versatile and everyday handbags emerged from Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Hermès, demonstrating that the top-handle silhouette is suitable for both business casual outfits and elevated street style.
When it comes to the colour palette, designers showcased both classic handbag colours—black, grey, and brown—and more adventurous tones, such as red, emerald green, and candy pink.
Suede
Suede accessories continue to dominate the luxury fashion, and it seems that their popularity is set to remain strong into Spring 2026. This is one of the most versatile statement pieces, seamlessly transitioning from everyday casual looks to business casual outfits and even evening wear. One of many advantages of the suede material is that it can give any outfit a more expensive and unique feel, making it look more sophisticated.
Colour choice also plays a crucial role when choosing to add a suede piece to your wardrobe. Classic shades, such as black, brown, beige, and grey, remain timeless and pair well with any capsule wardrobe. For a bolder and more prominent look, consider statement colours like burgundy, navy blue, or mustard yellow—these shades act as a striking accent that instantly elevates your outfit.
Slouchy / Soft bags
The slouchy bag silhouette has entered a new generation of luxury handbags, as seen in the collections of Maison Margiela and Tory Burch. Their shape often resembles that of tote bags, hobo bags, or relaxed shoppers, designed to combine practicality with style and everyday functionality. Most are made from leather or suede —with Fendi bags showcasing this trend to perfection during the Fall/Winter 2025 runway shows.
The rise of slouchy handbags in 2025 reflects a desire for trendy handbags that seamlessly merge practicality and modern style, offering versatility for both everyday fashion and business casual outfits. As stated in Marie Claire’s “Fashion’s Trading Structured Totes for Slouchy Bags This Fall, “According to eBay’s Watchlist Trend Report, search volume for the term “slouch tote” has increased by 238 per cent since last year.”
The season’s must-have styles include rectangular, rounded, and trapeze-shaped handbags. Some of the slouchy bags come with discreet interior pockets; for others, it is recommended to use bag organisers, as the main quality of these bags is their softness, frameless design, and effortlessly chic appearance.
East–West Shoulder Bags
It is fair to say that Baguette-like, east-west bags have been around since 90’s. However, the revival of this trend came after the arrival of the Le Teckel bag.
According to Who What Wear, “Cool, Elegant and Timeless—Alaïa’s East-West Bag Is an Icon in the Making”, Le Teckel bag was introduced by Alaïa during the Spring/Summer 2024 runway shows. Paying homage to heritage baguette-style designs and Azzedine Alaïa’s own sculptural design codes from the 1990s, created by Azzedine Alaïa himself, its sharp east-west silhouette (gaining its name from the horizontal orientation of a bag’s shape) instantly captivated street stylists, fashion insiders, and editors alike.
Since its launch, following many reasonably priced replicas, it became clear that this bag was not just another passing trend, but a staple of any bag wardrobe and is here to stay through 2025 and into 2026.
Bowling bags
Bowling bags are making a noticeable comeback for this autumn and winter season.
During the Autumn/Winter 2025 fashion weeks, Prada brought back its iconic Prada Bowling Bag silhouette in soft suede and re-Nylon, keeping its signature curved profile and structured closure while incorporating contemporary East-West silhouette-inspired updates.
As crafted initially to carry bowling balls, the core elements—roomy body, rounded dome top, and short handles—remain essential; however, some reinterpret the shape with softer edges or slouchy detailing.
Following a collaboration with the iconic German electronic band Kraftwerk, Louis Vuitton also unveiled a redesigned Duomo bowling bag, crafted from Damier Béton canvas.
As this bag offers an ideal capacity to hold a large number of personal and professional belongings, it features a silhouette that suits various occasions, balancing between smart and casual styles, making it an ideal everyday bag to add to your wardrobe collection that will remain relevant in 2026 as well.
Something to Watch: Dior and I
Dior and I (original French title Dior et moi) is a 2014 documentary film directed by Frédéric Tcheng.
The film offers an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse of the Christian Dior haute couture house during preparations for the Fall/Winter 2012 haute couture collection. Raf Simons, a Belgian fashion designer, has been appointed as the new artistic director and is creating his first couture collection for Dior, to be presented during the show.
What makes the story dramatic is the timeline. Racing against the clock, with only eight weeks to create, design, and produce the collection, a compressed process complete with pressure, tension, and creative stakes is presented.
Raf Simons worked at Dior for 3 years until 2015.
Watch on YouTube: Dior and I
PROJECT 333: THE MINIMALIST CHALLENGE THAT MADE LESS FEEL LIKE MORE
When the weather changes, it is time to do a wardrobe reset. I often find this task of prepping a new-season closet to be very daunting, so if you do too, I’m launching a series exploring methods for organising a capsule wardrobe for the months ahead. If you missed or are new to this page, I already had a look at the first technique called “Unfancy’s 37”. You can find a link up in the content table.
METHOD 2
Project 333
In 2010, writer Courtney Carver from Be More With Less launched a three-month fashion experiment. The idea was to live with 33 items (clothes, shoes, outerwear, accessories) for a particular season, while pausing clothing shopping for that period. The project was called Project 333, Be More with Less.
The rules (short, clear, doable)
- Pick 33 items, including clothes, shoes, outerwear, and accessories for one season (roughly 3 months). Some people tend to exclude underwear, sleepwear, gym wear, and sentimental jewellery; everything else counts.
- Wear only those 33 items and box up the rest so you can focus on and work with only what you have.
- During a chosen season, you do not shop. Keep a list and shop with intention at the reset.
- Ultimately, refine your capsule by revising what worked and editing it according to the weather and lifestyle to achieve a well-rounded collection.
Although these are the core guidelines, as outlined by the Minimalist Fashion Challenge Project 333, it is advised to “rule-bend” to make the challenge fit your life.
Why it works (pros you’ll feel fast)
- Decision detox: Pre-curated options mean you get dressed in minutes. This is great for work outfit ideas and morning sanity. The limited choice helps to create repeatable, uniform outfits without a feeling of being stuck in a rut. (Tip: Try to make an outfit planner to see what you actually wear.)
- Style clarity: The thirty-three pieces you chose press you to identify wardrobe essentials and colour schemes that play well together and serve your needs.
- Spending control: The “no-shop” rule and a reset list encourage buying investment pieces rather than splurging on random hauls, control cost per wear, and more sustainable fashion habits.
Things to think about
- Climate/role complexity: If the climate is the type that experiences four seasons in a day and layering is required, the chosen 33 items can feel overwhelming. Fix: designate 2–3 “utility swaps” (e.g., rain boots, a puffer) that don’t count if the weather flips.
- Laundry cadence: With repeat wear, one might need to plan for fabrics and neutrals that rotate well. Fix: choose easy-care knits, breathable shirts, and one “hero” blazer.
- Edge cases: Black-tie, uniforms, or niche sports don’t reflect everyday use. Fix: park specialty items outside your 33 and apply the system to daily dressing.
- Accessory angst: As bags and jewellery are included in the 33 items, it can be challenging for some people to stick only to those given items. Fix: Set an accessories micro-rule. Try assigning three bags for the capsule and using unlimited jewellery.
- Colour restriction: Some may find a tight colour palette to be too safe. Fix: anchor in neutrals, then add 1–2 accent colours and a print capsule to keep smart casual looks lively.
Starter playbook (this weekend)
- Pull everything you wore in the past 60–90 days—those are your “probables.”
- Lock a 33-piece set that fits your next 12 weeks (climate + lifestyle).
- Store the rest. If you don’t miss it by the end of the season, then list, donate, or tailor to achieve a mini closet detox.
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK Spring / Summer 2026 TOP COLORS
According to Pantone, Fashion Colors Trends for Spring / Summer 2026 continue to be inspired by honesty, authenticity and desire, encouraging us to put one’s own unique stamp on what we wear.
The inspiration behind the unique colours creates new looks free from restrictions, balancing colours that boldly celebrate the joyfulness of dressing with trans-seasonal neutrals and calming minimalist tones create new looks free from constraint.
From the quietly glamorous saturation of Alexandrite teal to the dramatic intensity of Lava Falls red, from the ethereal White Onyx to the balancing power of Sage Green, this combination of maximalist and minimalist colors signals fresh silhouettes, unconventional pairings and novel self-expression that showcases humanity in all its guises.
Where to Shop Trendy Suede Pieces for Capsule Wardrobe 2025/2026
Suede is a versatile material and is great for capsule wardrobes, especially for transitional dressing. It adds warmth without adding bulk and mixes well with fabrics like denim and knit fabrics, as well as trench and leather coats.
Shop Lemon Grass
Shop the colour from the NYFW Autumn/Winter 2025 colour palette: Pantone 12-0626 Lemon Grass (the yellow-green chartreuse or a very close relative). It can be a very versatile colour if you treat it as a fresh accent shade inside a capsule wardrobe.
-
REGULAR LONGLINE LINEN-BLEND BLAZER by COS | 2. Sleeveless Cut-Out Cowl-Neck Blouse by COS | 3. STRIPE KNIT BLAZER by Central Park West | 4. Linen Slim-Leg Trousers by COS | 5. Cedars RWS Merino Mid-Wt Baselayer 1/4-Zip Top by Backcountry | 6. Skye Compression One Piece by Carve Designs | 7. Lil Peace Sign Dad Cap by Dalix | 8.
Transitional Office Looks: 6 Outfit Ideas for Autumn & Spring
1. Turtleneck + Midi Skirt + Knee-High Boots: A sleek turtleneck tucked into a column midi skirt is a minimalist look. Knee-high boots finish the look with ease, making it ideal for in-between weather.
2. Statement Wool Coat + White Jeans + Loafers: The statement wool coat is the ultimate transitional layer. Combine it with crisp white jeans and loafers for a classic spring or autumn outfit that works for in-between weather.
3. Striped Shirt + Pencil Skirt + Pointed Heels: Stripes are timeless. A striped shirt paired with a long pencil skirt and pointed heels exudes effortless office elegance, offering a chic, professional, and seasonless style.
4. Tweed Blazer + Jeans + Silver Ballet Flats: A tweed blazer instantly elevates denim. Add ballet flats for that hint of French chic that works in any transitional season.
5. Oversized Blazer + Bermuda Shorts + Statement Heels: For those who like to experiment, pairing Bermuda shorts with an oversized blazer and sleek heels creates a modern silhouette. Perfect for warmer spring days or early autumn sunshine.
6. Leather Jacket + Wide-Leg Trousers + Pumps: For cooler mornings, throw on a leather jacket. Wide-leg trousers and comfortable pumps add an edge to this look while keeping it practical for the office.
Unfancy’s 37: the capsule that made minimalism mainstream
A weather change (depending on where you are based) always calls for a seasonal wardrobe turnaround. I’m not sure about you, but for me, the task of organising the upcoming seasonal wardrobe has always been daunting and intimidating. If you are experiencing similar feelings about a wardrobe change, I thought it would be a good idea to create a series of little (or not so little) posts about 15 different methods of organising capsule wardrobes for an upcoming season.
METHOD 1
Have you heard of a method called “the Unfancy 37-piece seasonal capsule”?
Caroline Rector, the creator of the method, popularised a simple idea to live for one season with 37 pieces and not shop until the next refresh.
The result wasn’t just fewer clothes; it was fewer decisions, a simpler living, a sharper personal style, and a budget that finally made sense. For some, the Unfancy framework is still one of the most approachable ways to try a capsule wardrobe.
How it works
-
- Pick your 37: Count tops, bottoms, dresses, outerwear, and shoes. (Some people exclude workout wear, lounge/sleep, occasion wear, and sentimental jewellery.)
-
- Capsule it: Wear only those items for approximately 3 months (one season).
-
- No mid-season shopping: Keep a wish list for next season so you can buy investment pieces intentionally, not on impulse.
-
- Style on repeat: Restyle what you own; use an outfit planner or album to track favourite looks and cost per wear.
-
- Seasonal reset: At the changeover, audit what worked for you, swap in weather-appropriate items, and refine your 37pieces.
Quick starter mix (example): 9 tops, 6 bottoms, 5 dresses, 5 layers, 4 shoes, 8 “floaters” (swaps for climate or role). Keep your colour story cohesive so everything works together.
Why it works (pros you’ll notice fast)
-
- Decision detox: with less time spent thinking about what to wear, getting dressed takes seconds, which is perfect for busy mornings and work outfit ideas.
-
- Style clarity: “key items” are easy to identify, so your wardrobe essentials become obvious.
-
- Budget-friendly: The “no shopping” part, combined with a seasonal list, steers money toward quality investment pieces and away from impulse buying.
Things to think about
-
- Number shock: For some, having a specific number to go by (37) may feel restrictive, especially if your climate swings or you juggle multiple roles. Fix: keep 2–3 “utility swaps” (e.g., rain boots, puffer) that may not count toward the 37.
-
- Laundry cadence: With repeat wear, one might need to plan for fabrics and neutrals that rotate well. Fix: choose easy-care knits, breathable shirts, and one “hero” blazer.
-
- Edge cases: For some, black-tie events, extreme sports, or uniformed work may sit outside the count. Fix: park true occasion/specialty items off-capsule and use the method for everyday wear.
-
- Colour restriction: Some may find a tight colour palette to be too safe. Fix: anchor in neutrals, then add 1–2 accent colours and a print capsule to keep smart casual looks lively.
- Accessories confusion. Some feel “cheaty”, excluding belts/bags. Fix: set your own accessory rule (e.g., 5 evergreen bags, unlimited jewellery).
How to start this weekend
- Pull everything you wore in the last 60–90 days—those are your “probables.”
- Choose a 3-colour base (e.g., navy, cream, camel) + 1–2 accents.
- Park all non-capsule items in a box. If you don’t miss them by season’s end, list, donate, or tailor
