Nineties minimalism has been mythologised even more this year (if such a thing is possible), with interest in Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style spiking dramatically thanks to the success of Ryan Murphy’s . The online deluge of CBK content isn’t just generating likes, it’s been driving sales, too – a quick browse of the websites of Massimo Dutti or Reformation will give you some idea of just how swiftly brands have moved to capitalise on consumer fascination with this uncomplicated, clean aesthetic.

Autumn dressing is often centred around practical, foundational basics – be that a navy jumper, a pair of leather knee-high boots or a wool blazer – and so the season lends itself especially well to this sort of pared-back styling. While the autumn/winter 2026 runway collections overall had a playful spirit, minimalist heavy-hitters continued to narrow in on ’90s references, from slim-fit jeans and pumps at Toteme to pencil skirts and snug turtlenecks at Celine. Calvin Klein’s Veronica Leoni might have referenced the ’70s and early ’80s, but there was still an air of CBK to the line-up of single-breasted blazers, black dresses and slate pencil skirts (Nicole Phelps noted in her review that it’s a connection Calvin Klein would be wise to lean into, given she was a publicist at the house in the ’90s and thus a de facto ambassador).

Nailing ’90s minimalism requires a slimmed-down capsule of staples, incorporating single-breasted coats, calf-grazing pencil skirts, knitted turtleneck tanks and tailored trousers. In essence, it’s all about sleek, uncomplicated silhouettes, a muted colour palette, and a focus on quality. Although, as ’s Daisy Jones highlights, embodying the effortlessness of the era is not merely a case of buying a turtleneck and a tortoiseshell headband – it’s an attitude thing, too. “I think so much of what we consider ’90s minimalism probably came as a result of people relaxing and enjoying their lives and not thinking so intensely about what they were wearing, or how they were being seen by others,” she writes. “Celebs were showing up to the red carpet in jeans and smoking cigarettes because it was about the films… the essence of the thing was a certain nonchalance, or looseness. Not just aesthetically, but spiritually too.” The upshot? These pieces will all look even better an iPhone glued to your palm.

Longline, single-breasted coats

Pencil skirts

Calvin Klein AW26.

Courtesy of Calvin Klein

Turtleneck vests

Celine AW26.

Courtesy of Celine

Simple leather bags

Calvin Klein AW26.

Courtesy of Calvin Klein

Collarless jackets

Heeled ballerinas

Toteme AW26.

Courtesy of Toteme

Slimline trousers

Celine AW26.

Courtesy of Celine

St. Agni

Tiered Wool-Blend Skirt-Detailed Slim-Leg Pants