The opening look of Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel Métiers d’art show at the end of last year reflected a broader industry shift towards “dressing for real life” – so, too, did the New York subway setting he chose as the backdrop for this unique interpretation of the historic maison’s house codes. Former British ’s cover star, Bhavitha Mandava, took to the platform-come-runway in a quarter-zip sweater with a white T-shirt beneath, slouchy-straight jeans cinched with a humble-looking belt, and two-tone pumps. Imbued with true on-the-move attitude, her jacket (albeit intricately embellished) was slung over her suede bag (albeit Chanel).

Matthieu Blazy opened his Chanel Métiers d’art show with a quarter-zip and jeans, 2025.

The ensemble – and mood – is remarkably easy to emulate. In fact, it will be relatable to anyone who has ever found themselves staring at their wardrobe for too long in the morning and ends up just grabbing a pair of old jeans and a jumper.

The autumn/winter 2026 shows were evidence of the combination’s staying power. Stella McCartney also went for a half-open style, this time with buttons and in cream, worn with high-rise patchwork jeans cinched with a black leather belt. Her angle was more directional than Blazy’s stripped-back approach, but the sentiment remains: a knit plus jeans, whatever the cut, wash or detail, is a failsafe partnership.

Isabel Marant AW26.

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Stella McCartney AW26.

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Isabel Marant, on the other hand, styled classic straight-leg jeans with ankle boots, slouchy socks and cosy chunky knit, an autumnal look rounded off by a faux-fur bomber jacket, perfectly suited to weekend walks. Gabriella Hearst went for an equally layered look that felt more workplace-ready, featuring indigo barrel-leg jeans, a sky blue cotton shirt with a charcoal grey rollneck jumper pulled over the top.

If you’re aiming to make this pairing feel more polished, focus on jeans with an immaculate fit – be it baggy or tapered – and a jumper that isn’t pilled or tired. Bold colourful knits are an easy way to add interest (see how to style them here), plus layering can also achieve a look that feels thought-out.

Really, there’s not much to a jumper and jeans, but it’s a winning combination that deserves a shout-out every now and again – as Matthieu Blazy proved. Below are six new ways to style jeans and jumper outfits autumn 2026.

The quarter-zip

The V-neck

The Depths of Time Beaded Silver-Plated Agate Necklace

The layered jumper

Celia Small Recycled Silver Hoop Earrings

The colourful jumper

90s Pinch Waist High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

The Argyle jumper

The slouchy jumper