October in Shanghai brought crisp nights, warm lights, and a clear mood on the runways. Buyers chose comfort and romance, favoring soft tailoring, cozy layers, and pastel or floral notes that feel charming without trying too hard. The look is calm and wearable, with pieces that move from work to dinner with ease. By the end of this read, you will know what sold, why it matters, and how to style it now.
Why Buyers Chose Comfort and Romance This Season
Shoppers want clothes that work hard. Buyers focused on easy wear, day to night flexibility, and smart layering that suits real life. Elevated casuals topped lists, especially premium knits and relaxed tailoring. Vintage-style trench coats returned as the reliable shell for changeable weather. For SS 2026, interest in recycled or eco fabrics grew, pushed by demand for quality and responsibility. Chinese craft mixed with modern lines, turning heritage into subtle detail rather than costume. Shushu/Tong set the tone for romantic tailoring with pleated skirts, collared dresses, and light pinafores, all soft on the body and simple to style. For broader context, see the buyer roundups from WWD on comfort and romance at Shanghai Fashion Week.
Real-Life Wear Wins: Versatile Layers and Easy Fit
Oversized pants, relaxed tops, and denim on denim kept looks grounded. Layering did the heavy lifting, so outfits felt comfortable and looked sharp. Heavy leather jackets were paired with soft knits or tees to balance edge and ease.
Soft Power Dressing: The New Romantic Tailoring
Pleated skirts, collared dresses, and airy pinafores came in gentle pastels and floral hints. Shushu/Tong stood out for feminine shapes that still feel practical, the kind you can wear to a meeting, then out to a late dinner.
Values Matter: Heritage Touches and Sustainability
Buyers favored modern takes on Chinese tradition, like refined embroidery or knotted closures on sleek silhouettes. Interest in recycled yarns and eco materials rose for SS 2026 drops, aligning with longer wear and fewer, better pieces.
Runway Trends That Will Sell Now
Stores will lean into cozy layers, premium basics, and sweet details that feel fresh, not fussy. Xu Zhi marked a 10th anniversary with tactile fringe and rich texture that invites touch. Mark Gong sharpened his line with mature shapes you can wear often. Anniversary moments from 8ON8 and Le Fame added store-worthy buzz, the kind that moves traffic. Newcomers, like Ya Yi, showed clean ideas with a soft hand. For the seasonal backdrop, see Vogue Business’s AW 2025 Shanghai Fashion Week cheat sheet.
Cozy Layers and Premium Basics Buyers Want
Think oversized trench coats, heavy leather bombers over soft tees, and quality knits that hold shape. Comfort leads, polish follows. The result is a neat, confident look that is easy to repeat.
Sweet Details With a Fresh Twist
Pleats, soft bows, pastel florals, and gentle tailoring added charm. The romance here feels easy and fun, not sugary. One detail per look is enough.
Designers to Watch From Shanghai Fashion Week
- Xu Zhi, texture and fringe with anniversary energy
- Shushu/Tong, romantic tailoring with everyday appeal
- Mark Gong, clean shapes with depth and bite
- 8ON8 and Le Fame, anniversary buzz that drives store interest
- Ya Yi, rising name with quiet, wearable polish
What Retailers Are Ordering and How to Style It
Orders center on versatile sets, matching separates, elevated casuals, and smart layers. Street style cues guide buys, like oversized outerwear, leather mixed with soft fabrics, and sporty touches. Big-stage moments also lift awareness, from Adidas’s POWER OF THREE to H&M’s designer collaborations. For SS 2026 dates and trends, see this SS26 overview and schedule. Styling is simple: mix structure with softness, keep colors gentle, and add shine with hardware or a sleek shoe.
Versatile Sets and Matching Separates
Wear a knit set with a blazer and heels at night, or with sneakers and a tee on weekends. Break the set for more mileage.
Elevated Casuals for Repeat Wear
Choose premium hoodies, tailored sweats, crisp tees, and relaxed trousers. Pair with neat loafers or clean sneakers for a tidy finish.
Street Style Signals Buyers Track
Oversized coats top the list. Leather meets satin or soft cotton for contrast. Sporty luxe mixes keep looks practical for daily life.
Buzz Drivers: Big Collabs and Events
Adidas POWER OF THREE and H&M’s designer collabs keep shoppers curious. These moments help convert traffic to sales both online and in store.
Conclusion
Buyers chose comfort and romance because these pieces are wearable, pretty, and ready for real life. Watch for soft tailoring, cozy layers, and gentle details as collections land. Build a small edit you can repeat and restyle. What will you try first, a pleated skirt or a plush knit under leather?
