5 Fall 2026 Fashion Trends To Have On Your Radar

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Fall can be a tricky season to dress for. The in-between period of summer heat and bitter winter cold often leaves us floundering for what to wear each day. Before fall 2026 gets into full swing, it will no doubt be helpful to figure out what aesthetics are on the horizon — which will make the cultivation of your fall wardrobe leagues easier. This season, many of the hottest up-and-coming styles are returners from years past. Hopefully you didn't donate your velvet trousers, ultra-glam accessories, or lace frocks, because they're all making their comeback for fall 2026.

The overarching trend across the season sees maximalist statement pieces paired with timeless silhouettes and patterns. Fashion is fun again — something we've been sorely missing since the rise of the clean girl and quiet luxury aesthetics at the beginning of the decade. The soon-to-be biggest looks of fall 2026 are the opposite of those low-key fashion motifs; this season, the most popular styles are bold, unapologetic, and effortlessly cool. Unlike the style trends that became firmly outdated in record time, these fall fads are sure to last throughout the cooler months this year. 

Fall trends have evolved (and stayed the same) in many ways between 2016 and 2026, but one material that is having another moment is velvet. This season, the moody fabric is coming back in a particularly chic way. Instead of the grungy crushed velvet that was popular for fall 2016, we're seeing smooth velvet being incorporated into sleek blazers, modern co-ord sets, and even shoes. Dramatic colors like burgundy, forest green, and muddy yellow are among the top velvet shades this season, adding a touch of edge to the otherwise luxe material. 

One of the most unique ways we're seeing velvet for fall 2026 is in footwear. Like suede, velvet isn't a fabric you want to get wet. But that doesn't stop us from wearing shoes made of this fickle material — just avoid pulling them from your closet on rainy days. Stylish velvet flats from brands like Larroudé and Sam Edelman come in unique colors and patterns for a variety of occasions, and mod velvet pumps, like these Flabelus platforms, are perfect for a fall evening outing.

The common thread through all of 2026's biggest jewelry trends is clear: over-the-top accessories are decidedly in this year. For fall 2026, we're set to see bold, expressive accessories take center stage. Gone are thin chain necklaces and dainty hoop earrings. This season, the bigger the better — bulky chokers, statement earrings, and fun hair accoutrements are set to dominate. An extension of the velvet trend also gearing up to be huge this fall, velvet headbands are one cool-weather accessory you won't want to miss out on. There's no shortage of options to choose from, whether you're looking for a simple, versatile headpiece (like this one from Free People) or a flashier take, like the charm-embellished velvet headband from Lele Sadoughi.

Chrome pieces are also in style for fall 2026, as they provide a subtly futuristic vibe to any ensemble. Dynamic earrings like the rhodium cuffs from Christina Caruso, or ice-like bangles from Alexis Bittar are perfect for a modern cool-weather look. For those who prefer glitzy accessories, look no further than the baroque jewelry trend. Elegant yet in-your-face, baroque-inspired pieces (whether they be drop earrings, jeweled chokers, or vintage brooches) are more versatile than you'd think — especially when paired with tailored trousers, shrunken blazers, and bulky wool coats. 

Fall is the perfect season for dark romance aesthetics. With cooler weather come heavier fabrics, darker colors, and clunky boots — all of which lend themselves perfectly to the romantic look. Dark romance is a clothing aesthetic based on moody, bohemian-adjacent motifs. Think layers of black lace, wine-colored frocks, satin and silk, and asymmetric skirts. This season, we're seeing dark romance emerge once again as a leading fall trend.

To achieve the dark romance look for fall 2026, you have to understand the art of layering. Contrasting materials — lace and satin, leather and chiffon, or brocade and silk — are perfect for a fall-appropriate dark romantic vibe. Thrift shopping is a great way to find these layering elements in rare, high-quality vintage garments. But if you're looking to put together a dark romance 'fit more immediately, seek out lace pieces from brands like Revolve or Reformation for the framework of your moody look.

Tartan for fall? Groundbreaking. Cozy patterns like plaid, check, and gingham are mainstays in the cooler months for a reason. These prints have a classy, timeless appeal that makes them endlessly versatile for clothing, outerwear, and accessories during the fall and winter. In 2026, we're returning to the beloved patterns for our chicest fall ensembles. Instead of the classic red Scottish tartan that often dominates the mainstream during fall and winter, this year, we're seeing neutral tartan take its place.

While red tartan is both striking in color and rich in tradition, neutral tartan, plaid, and check are endlessly re-wearable and versatile for your day-to-day. Plaid is especially chic on skirts; shorter pieces like Gap's pleated mini skort provide a girlish appeal that pairs beautifully with tights and knee-high boots. For a more mature vibe, look no further than tartan midi skirts (from quality designers like Max Mara) that are endlessly chic. Tartan jackets (see Barbour's line of incredible casual coats) serve as excellent neutral pieces that can be paired with just about anything — they offer an autumnal vibe like no other garment on the market.

Satin typically trends for fall, but over the past few years, we've been rocking it early. The smooth, lightweight material is incredibly versatile; you can add layers for cooler days, or shed a few in the heat. While anything made of satin or silk is great to have in your wardrobe during the transition between summer and fall, there are plenty of ways you can style the chic fabric to capture an autumnal vibe in particular.

Silky dresses in rich jewel tones like burnt orange, dark green, and purple — which is officially back in fall 2026 after being one of last year's boldest outfit colors — can easily be dressed up or down to fit any occasion. For evening outings, pair a Quince silk midi skirt or DISSH maxi dress with a posh trench coat. If you want a more casual look for running errands or meeting up with friends, satin mini dresses (like the H&M cowl neck mini dress) go beautifully with sheer tights and a funnel-neck leather jacket — the latter provides a cool vibe that clashes brilliantly with the femininity of the satin dress. However, one of the most unique ways to style satin for fall 2026 will be through loose trousers. Sleek, shiny satin pants like COS' wide-leg trousers are incredibly chic and universally flattering. If you're aiming to achieve a high-class aesthetic this season, satin or silk trousers are an easy way to look subtly luxe and pulled-together.

In order to offer recommendations for your fall 2026 wardrobe, we looked at a few factors: size range, price point, and customer reviews. Our discussion of the season's new trends includes diverse clothing options across a variety of these points — small to large sizes and low to high prices. The customer reviews are consistently and overwhelmingly positive for each product we recommend.