Retro shearling coats emerge as key autumn fashion trend

The shearling-trimmed silhouette, often referred to as the ‘Penny Lane’ coat, is seeing a resurgence in popularity for the autumn season. Originally known as the Afghan coat, the style gained prominence in the West during the 1960s and 1970s, inspired by handmade sheepskin garments from Central Asian regions such as Kabul and Kandahar.

The trend has historical roots in the bohemian and anti-establishment fashion of the era, worn by figures such as Jane Birkin and David Bowie. It experienced a cultural revival in the 2000s, influenced by the film ‘Almost Famous’, which led to the style being colloquially named after the character Penny Lane.

As seasonal shifts occur, fashion trends for 2026 emphasize a balance between timeless investment pieces and directional updates, with tactile textures like shearling and knitwear playing a central role in autumn wardrobes.