This Fashion Trend From The '80s Is Making A Major Comeback In Fall 2026

We all love the moody energy of fall, but that doesn't mean we have to get buried underneath a humdrum pile of black and earthy neutrals. Dopamine-inducing color still has a place in our autumn wardrobes, and one of the transitional fashion trends to bring you from summer to fall 2026 takes its cues from the maximalist '80s: contrasting colors. Pairing colors that, at first glance, don't seem to fit together is a fun way to infuse energy into your cool-weather looks while giving a wink and a nod to one of our favorite style eras. "I think we're getting tired of the neutral overload from the past several years," opines Cynthia Kennedy, San Diego-based personal stylist, image consultant, and creator of the Your Style Transformation Academy.

Glam tapped Kennedy — who offers in-person and virtual style consultations — for a breakdown on '80s-era color clashing. "Those [neutral] colors aren't going anywhere, but I think women are ready to have a little more fun with their clothes again." Still, there should be a method to the madness, because some combos work better than others. Kennedy says we shouldn't be looking to reboot the 1980s style; it's easy to fall into costume territory that way. Instead, she says, "We can take the confidence of that era, the stronger hues and the unexpected combinations, and put them in a much more modern and clean silhouette." Let's play matchmaker. 

The way the combo of red and cobalt blue allows you to bring some of the vibrancy of summer into a new, traditionally moodier season proves why color contrasts like these are just one of the fall 2026 fashion trends to have on your radar. Cynthia Kennedy notes, "This combination is confident without being difficult to wear. Cobalt is one of the standout colors we're seeing for fall 2026, and red continues to be incredibly strong." Her styling suggestion: "Pair cobalt trousers or a skirt with a red sweater, or let a shoe or bag be the focal point." 

We're loving green and purple for fall 2026, especially if you're looking to nail that fun '80s vibe. This one does ask you to walk on the wilder side, but don't feel that you have to start "dressing like a box of crayons," Cynthia Kennedy says about contrasting, in general. "I always tell women that color doesn't have to match, but it should relate." Don't try to divide your 'fit 50/50. Instead, consider making one color the primary player and letting the contrasting hue play a supporting role via the accessories, say. Don't forget to reach for clean textures and simple silhouettes.

Consider marrying red and purple when planning your autumn outfits. This color combo, especially, is among the fall 2026 fashion trends that older women will love because it still feels earthy — just with some '80s-era oomph. As Cynthia Kennedy explains, "It has all the depth and richness of autumn without having to resort to the usual browns. A purple knit and a burgundy or vivid red skirt can be really pretty. If you find the pairing a bit much, choose deeper versions of both colors rather than the brightest possible shades."

Another way to avoid losing the feel-good feeling of brighter tones come fall 2026 is to reach for burgundy and turquoise. Chances are, you've already got a cozy maroon-colored sweater in your closet that you can throw on over a turquoise blouse or pair with a cute bag."This is such an unexpected combination, but that's exactly why I love it," Cynthia Kennedy notes. "Turquoise usually feels more like a spring or summer color, but it's prominent for fall, while burgundy gives it that grounding autumn element."

Yellow and cobalt blue may feel too '80s cliché, but trust the process; there's a sophisticated way to blend the punchy colors. "This is definitely for someone who enjoys color, but it can look really chic," Cynthia Kennedy promises. The trick leans on her unequal ratio rule. "My advice is to let one color be the star and the other having a supporting role instead of dividing the outfit 50/50. For example, a cobalt sweater with jeans and a yellow handbag feels much easier to wear than cobalt pants, a yellow top, yellow shoes, and a cobalt bag."

Come fall 2026, reaching for a 'fit that marries red and pink is a surefire way to strike a lovely balance between strength and romance — with a retro twist. "Try a raspberry or pink sweater with red trousers," Cynthia Kennedy suggests. Or, reach for a statement handbag or a piece of outerwear. "These colors used to be something you should never wear together, but when executed properly they can look very sophisticated," she says. "Because the colors are neighbors on the color wheel, there's actually a natural relationship between them."