This autumn, fashionistas are advised not to rush to tuck away pieces that just a few years ago seemed like the peak of a dated trend. We're talking about stirrup leggings — a figure-hugging style with a distinctive strip of fabric at the bottom that anchors the trousers under the foot or over the shoe. According to Styler (an RBC-Ukraine project), this formula is becoming one of the most relevant for the 2026 autumn season, with the recommendations coming from a video by fashion blogger julia_stylelover on Instagram.
Retro aesthetics in a modern interpretation
Stirrups give the outfit a recognizable retro aesthetic, echoing the fashion of past decades, yet with the right styling they fit effortlessly into a modern wardrobe. The key condition, the blogger emphasizes, is the correct choice of footwear and the top half of the outfit. Without this, the look risks appearing as a literal return to outdated canons rather than a deliberate fashion statement. If you already own stirrup leggings, it's worth taking them out and giving them a second life; if you don't, they can be a great way to refresh your autumn wardrobe without a big investment.
Heeled shoes: the main stylistic accent
Particular attention in the formula is given to footwear. The fashion blogger recommends pairing stirrup leggings with heels, pulling the stirrups directly over the shoes. This solution serves several functions at once: it makes the look more polished, visually elongates the leg line, and neutralizes the sporty vibe that leggings carry by default. As a result, the familiar silhouette gains expressiveness and becomes a full-fledged element of a fashion outfit, not just a comfortable piece for home or the gym.
A top with an accentuated shoulder line: the principle of contrast
There's room for experimentation with the top, but there's a proven trick the blogger highlights as especially effective. Stirrup leggings pair well with a long-sleeve top, blouse, shirt, sweatshirt, or sweater, yet the most striking option is a top with a pronounced shoulder line — big shoulder pads, voluminous shoulders, or a structured cut that creates a clear silhouette. The principle of contrast is at work here: the narrow, fitted bottom is balanced by a fuller top, so the look doesn't appear flat and instead gains a considered, fashionable feel. The blogger advises not to be afraid to make the shoulders a noticeable accent.
A retro windbreaker as an alternative for a relaxed mood
For those who prefer a less formal style, there's another winning option — a windbreaker with 1980s or 1990s aesthetics. This combination underscores the retro mood of the outfit while keeping it current. Importantly, windbreakers of this cut have been among the fashion staples for several seasons now, so the right model is likely already in your wardrobe. In that case, there's no need to buy anything new: simply look at familiar pieces from a different angle and try styling them together. The sporty character of the windbreaker, paired with heels and stirrups, creates a striking contrast that makes the look interesting.
How to recreate the formula without updating your wardrobe
One of the main advantages of this autumn formula is its accessibility. To get started, you only need three elements: stirrup leggings, heeled shoes, and a top with an accentuated shoulder line. julia_stylelover herself admits that she already has all the necessary pieces — stirrup leggings and a blouse with shoulder pads — and plans to wear exactly this combination in the 2026 autumn season. Thus, pieces that have long seemed outdated shouldn't be hidden away this autumn: the right footwear and an expressive top help weave the retro trend into a modern wardrobe without any extra purchases.
