How John Lewis became cool again: High street giant rivals Zara and Mango as THE place to shop at any age - and the 22 picks our fashion stylist says are a must-have this season

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreAs a 25-year-old fashion writer, what I'm about to say might surprise you (as it does me too), John Lewis is becoming one of my favourite fashion destinations and far out-shines the likes of Zara in my opinion. It no longer feels like somewhere purely designated to my mum's generation - and seems to have a growing interest in catering for a much younger age demographic, particularly this season. While still offering incredibly wearable pieces, they’re leaning into a more stylish edge. New additions, which particularly pique my interest include Aligne, Michael Kors, Wandler, Neous and Free People which sit alongside premium names such as Faithfull, By Malene Birger and Weekend MaxMara. John Lewis's latest collection is appealing to Gen Zers and boomers alikeThere’s also the latest exclusive collection from British fashion designer Amanda Wakeley, including a particularly fabulous fringe skirt (£295) and cape (£375). And I love that these aren’t necessarily what you’d call safe investment pieces but I know I'll wear them again and again.Most notably, I’m counting down the days until I can shop their upcoming vintage-inspired collaboration with Rixo which launches on the 22nd of October. To me, John Lewis is quickly becoming an cooler fashion destination.So now I'm at that point which occurs every autumn when I look into my wardrobe and think, ‘I have absolutely nothing to wear', John Lewis is my first port of call.The reality is, of course, I don't actually need a whole new wardrobe each season, as nice at that would be. What I'm really in need of at the start of autumn is a handful of really good pieces that make everything I already own feel fresh again. A versatile smart coat, a new pair of jeans, an interesting belt, an chic knit - those are the purchases that can completely change the way I dress without requiring a complete wardrobe overhaul.And this is exactly what I think John Lewis's AW26 offering is excellent for.The mood I’m seeing this season is less about buying into fleeting micro-trends and much more about investing in well thought out, quality pieces. Personally, that’s a much more appealing way to shop. I want pieces I can style five different ways and still be excited to wear next month - not something that feels dated by Christmas.And if you’re looking for something genuinely special, John Lewis’ pre-loved edit has a regular turnover of designer bags, jewellery and accessories from names including Chanel and Loewe. My advice? Keep that page refreshing, and if you see something you love, don’t assume it’ll still be there tomorrow.John Lewis also tells me it now has more than 180 Personal Stylists across 31 locations, following increased demand. So if you're feeling a little less confident in your fashion choices, I'd definitely recommend taking advantage of this service.With all this said, my take is that John Lewis is the place to find the pieces that will get me excited about my autumn wardrobe, without the need for a designer budget. Here are the items I'm eyeing up for the season ahead...If you’re asking me for the easiest way to make last year’s wardrobe feel new, I’d say invest in a great scarf, and this bright red merino-wool version is my pick. Red is having a major fashion moment for AW26, but I love that you can tap into the trend with one relatively inexpensive accessory rather than committing to a whole new wardrobe. This chocolate-brown leather jacket is one of the pieces I’m most tempted to buy for myself, with its tailored cut feeling far more polished and contemporary than the classic biker. I’d throw it over everything from jeans and a knit to a feminine dress — it’s exactly the sort of everyday jacket that makes an outfit feel instantly more stylish and considered. Aligne is one of the brands I look to for really good tailoring, and I particularly love the nipped-in waist of this wrap-front blazer. The rich plum shade is also exactly the sort of colour I’d choose to liven up black or navy this autumn. A really good leather belt is one of my favourite styling shortcuts because something so simple can completely change the silhouette of an outfit. I’d use this horseshoe-detail version to cinch an oversized blazer, add definition to a dress or simply make my favourite jeans feel a little more polished.I’m firmly of the opinion that white jeans shouldn’t be confined to summer, and I actually think they look incredibly chic with autumn’s richer browns, camels and chocolates. This bootcut Michael Kors pair is exactly the sort of flattering cut I’d reach for, styled with a brown leather jacket and pointed (possibly western) boots. These might look like a brave choice, but I actually think these ruched satin mules are one of the most exciting pieces in the edit and a great way to bring a little runway influence into your wardrobe. I’d wear them with a very simple jeans-and-knit combination and let the shoes do the talking — Prada and Alaïa have already made a strong case for this style. This brown silk shirt is the sort of indulgent purchase I can justify because I know I’d wear it constantly, particularly for its unexpected blue collar that gives a classic shape some personality. I’d wear it with tailored trousers and heels for dinner, or dress it down with jeans and loafers for a much more relaxed look. There’s a reason the hobo bag comes back every autumn, and I love this chocolate version for its combination of relaxed shape, timeless appeal and genuine practicality. I’d carry it with everything from jeans and boots to a more polished office look — plus, unlike some of the tiny bags currently dominating the fashion crowd, you can actually fit things in it. If I were replacing my autumn boots this season, these chestnut leather knee-highs would be very high on my list because they nod to the western trend without feeling overly literal. I’d wear them with everything from a midi dress to jeans and an oversized blazer, and I think this is exactly the sort of trend-led style that can become a genuine wardrobe staple. This Amanda Wakeley cape is probably my favourite statement piece of the edit because it manages to be dramatic while still feeling incredibly wearable. I’d throw it over simple tailored trousers and boots and let the fringe do all the work — proof that one great piece really can make an entire outfit. I’m particularly drawn to this Faithfull midi for its flattering tie-back waist and delicate lace trim, which give it that feminine feel without making it overly fussy. I’d wear it with heels for dinner now, then switch to knee-high boots and a chunky knit when the weather turns colder, making the higher price point feel much more justifiable. I don’t think you can ever have too many good cashmere rollnecks, and this fine-knit chocolate version is exactly the kind of wardrobe foundation I’d invest in. I’d layer it under a blazer, beneath a shirt or even under a favourite late-summer dress, making it one of those understated pieces I know I’d reach for constantly. I tried these on in-store and instantly felt fabulous — the kick of the flare and just the right amount of cling through the thighs make them an incredibly flattering fit. The slightly distressed wash means I’d save them for more casual days, styled with a leather jacket and boots for that effortlessly cool autumn look. At £18, this is the sort of affordable little addition I think can make a surprisingly big difference to an outfit. I’d layer it over a simple top or blazer — particularly a more corporate suit — to instantly soften it and take it from desk to dinner.I love the idea of using this balaclava as part of the layering look this autumn, particularly styled with the tougher feel of a leather jacket. It’s also one of those rare fashion pieces that genuinely earns its place in your wardrobe — keeping both your ears and neck warm while making an outfit feel that little bit more directional. Mulberry feels particularly exciting right now, and I’m loving the renewed interest in the brand following Christopher Kane taking the creative reins. The iconic Bayswater has long been on my fashion radar, but this vintage-oak colourway is the one I’d personally put at the top of my wishlist because it’s timeless enough to elevate almost anything, whatever the season. I don’t think silky neck scarves are going anywhere, and I’m all for building up a little collection in different colours and prints to inject personality into simple outfits. I’d wear this navy one around my neck with a plain crew-neck knit, or tie a brighter version onto the handle of a handbag for a much more playful touch. Satin is probably the fabric I’m most drawn to at the moment, and after adding a pair of wide-leg satin trousers to my own wardrobe, I’ve been amazed by how many outfits they’ve unlocked. This Topshop pair looks considerably more expensive than it is and, for me, is the kind of versatile piece you can wear with everything from a chunky knit and flats to its matching shirt (£55), a blazer or sleek boots. Velvet season is almost upon us, and while I love the fabric, I know it can feel surprisingly difficult to incorporate into an everyday wardrobe. Rather than buying a velvet dress or tuxedo jacket you might only wear once, I’d invest in a pair of good-quality velvet jeans like these from Jigsaw, which can be dressed up for party season and then worn with a simple knit long afterwards. I always think the quickest way to make a simple outfit feel more you is with an unexpected piece of jewellery, and these quirky studs are exactly the kind of finishing touch I love. John Lewis has become one of my go-to places for affordable jewellery that feels much more individual than you’d expect from the high street, and these are a perfect example.