Quiet Coup de Taupe
‍Taupe is emerging as the quiet challenger to black on the FW26 runways.
‍
Taupe is coming for black’s crown.
‍
Though black commanded this season’s runways, brown—fashion’s newer darling—continued its ascent. Taupe stepped out from black’s shadow, the quiet challenger. It appeared again and again at Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Lanvin, Celine, and Gabriela Hearst.
‍
At Peter Copping’s Lanvin, mushroom multiplied. Look 11: a wool suit structured at the waist, its collar popped to reveal a sliver of charcoal underpinning. The jacket gave way to a monochrome wool pencil skirt, a ruffle running down the bias. The star of the look was Copping’s oversized cloche-brimmed hat. In front, the cloche covered the model’s eyes, its sweeping brim trailing down her back to the waistline. Delightfully strange. Stunning.
‍
Look 29 presented a taupe knit sweater and skirt set—the sweater ribbed and low-waisted; the pencil skirt defined by ruffles so subtle they read almost ruched. The skirt finished in a center slit that let the fabric balloon gently at the ankles. Copping finished the look with a fur-textured stole and fringed leather riding gloves.

At Louis Vuitton, Nicolas Ghesquière joyfully explored taupe in Look 33: an Amelia Earhart-esque ribbed dress ensemble. The fuzzy knit mini dress showcased sleeves that flared gently at the wrists before cuffing. Ghesquière’s nod to Earhart was complete in the knit aviator cap and sunglasses.

And at Gabriela Hearst, brown took center stage. Look 2: the showstopper—a mushroom-colored trench trimmed with a fur lapel, worn over an ivory open-knit lace top and matching skirt. Beautiful.
‍
Across the runways, designers paired taupe with brown, black, ivory—and even more taupe.
‍
Off the runway, taupe reveals itself as the ultimate neutral—a softer, more wearable counterpoint to black. A mushroom-colored bag (the DeMellier is a stunner) or shoe is the easiest way to fold taupe into your wardrobe. These pieces become wardrobe workhorses. Add a shawl-collared sweater, blazer, or a suede jacket—like Arma’s Emy. Easy to pack. Effortless to pair.

Taupe has been in my closet—and my heart—for years, embodied in the color of one small but mighty Pomeranian named Wolfie.
‍
Easier to wear than black, she’s already tamed.

Which leads us to wonder: is there a new heir to the throne?
Coronation pending.
‍
The Edit
‍
The Row Clarinda Piped Silk Shirt
‍Nili Lotan Shon Pant
‍DeMellier The Midi Stockholm Tote Bag
‍Jude Haze Pump
‍Jia Jia Arizona Tigers Eye Double Long Necklace
‍
Arma Emy Suede Jacket
‍DL1961 Ribbed Cotton Tank
‍Favorite Daughter The Everything Pants
‍Brandon Maxwell The Lowen Double-Breasted Cashmere-Silk Cardigan—from the brand's upcoming collection (not yet available)
‍Le Monde Béryl Orlando Moccasin
‍Chan Luu Vanya Leather Wrap Bracelet Brown
‍The Row Bowen Sunglasses
‍
Lilysilk Oversized Padded-Shoulder Silk Blazer
‍Mansur Gavriel Mini Everyday Cabas
‍Le Monde Béryl Luna Ballet Flat
‍Rolex Submariner Bezel And Dial Stainless Steel Watch
‍
Runway Reference | Gabriela Hearst FW26
Preorder currently available via Moda Operandi (limited window)
‍
‍Tellus Double-Breasted Virgin-Wool Coat
Demeter Fur Coat Collar