Behind the buy

Buying a new season is one of our favourite parts of the job. Tash and I get to see what’s coming, pick out the things that catch our eye and, most importantly, decide what feels right for Car & Kitchen.

We’ve been buying fashion for long enough to know that it’s never just about following a trend. We’re always looking for those pieces that have a little something about them, but that you’ll still want to pull out of your wardrobe again and again.

For AW26, we found ourselves coming back to checks, argyles, great knitwear, warm autumnal colours and some seriously good coats. Slowly, what starts as rails and rails of clothes begins to feel like our season.

What Caught Our Eye

There are always themes that start appearing as we buy, sometimes without us even realising it. This season, checks were everywhere – and we were very happy about it. From checked coats to classic argyles, they quickly became a big part of the story.

Colour followed too. Warm browns and earthy shades felt just right for autumn, while softer pinks gave everything a bit of a lift.

The Car & Kitchen Bit

For us, the real question is always: would we wear it?

We love fashion, but we also want clothes that work in real wardrobes. Pieces you can throw on, layer up, dress differently and make your own. There might be a trend behind them, but they still need to earn their place on the rail.

And perhaps that’s where the Car & Kitchen heritage comes in. We’ve always liked things with personality – whether that’s something for your home, a gift you didn’t know you needed or a brilliant piece of clothing. Fashion is no different.

Putting It All Together

Once the buying is done, the fun becomes seeing how everything works together. A checked trouser with a simple knit. An argyle layered over a shirt. A great coat that makes the rest of the outfit.

We don’t buy each piece in isolation; we’re constantly thinking about what’s already there, what’s coming next and how you might actually wear it.

From First Look to Final Edit

Months after those first buying appointments, seeing everything finally arrive at Car and Kitchen is still exciting. The individual pieces we chose along the way suddenly become a collection – and hopefully one that feels very us.

So that’s a little peek Behind the Buy. From the things that first caught our eye to the pieces that made the final edit, welcome to AW26.