What’s Trending This Fall — And What’s Actually Worth Buying?
Fall is one of my favorite seasons for fashion! There is something about pulling out those cozy sweaters, adding layers, and putting together a great outfit that makes getting dressed fun again.
And while every season brings new trends, I think there is one question we should all ask ourselves before buying something new:
IF YOU BUY IT — ARE YOU GOING TO WEAR IT NEXT YEAR?
Just because something is trending doesn’t mean it belongs in your closet. At this stage, I want pieces that look current, feel good, work with what I already own, and are worth investing in.
The good news? Fall 2026 has some great trends that are easy to incorporate into a wardrobe without completely starting over.
Let’s take a look at what’s showing up this season!
1. CHOCOLATE BROWN — THE NEW NEUTRAL
Move over black! Chocolate brown is having a major moment this fall.
We’re seeing more and more brown pieces in stores, from sweaters and trousers to coats, handbags, boots, and accessories.
One of my favorite ways to wear this trend is a monochromatic brown look. Think chocolate brown trousers, a matching sweater, and brown boots. It’s sophisticated, pulled together, and looks effortlessly expensive.
You can also mix different shades of brown, caramel, and cognac for a beautiful layered look.
My take: This is definitely a trend worth buying into. Brown is a classic neutral, and these pieces will still look great next fall. If you’re used to reaching for black, try swapping in chocolate brown. You might be surprised how much you love it!
2. ANIMAL PRINT — LEOPARD ISN’T THE ONLY OPTION
Let’s be honest. Leopard print has practically become a wardrobe staple. I think almost everyone has at least one leopard-print item hanging in their closet!
But this fall, we’re seeing animal prints expand beyond leopard.
Zebra and snake prints are making an appearance, giving us a fresh way to incorporate animal print into our outfits.
Not ready to wear a full animal-print look? Start small:
- A zebra-print blouse with black trousers.
- Snake-print shoes with your favorite jeans.
- A leopard-print sweater paired with chocolate brown.
- An animal-print handbag to add interest to a neutral outfit.
My take: Animal print isn’t going anywhere. If you already own leopard, wear it! If you want something new, try zebra or snake print in a smaller piece rather than investing in an entire outfit.
3. BOLD STRIPES — MAKE A STATEMENT
Stripes are nothing new, but this season we’re seeing bolder stripes that make more of a statement.
Think wider stripes, contrasting colors, and sweaters or tops that become the focal point of an outfit.
I love stripes because they are easy to style and can make even a simple pair of jeans look more interesting.
Try a bold striped sweater with straight-leg jeans, trousers, or a great pair of boots.
You can also use stripes to add a little personality to an otherwise neutral outfit.
My take: Stripes are one of those patterns that never really go out of style. Look for a color combination you love rather than buying something just because it’s trending.
4. SUITING — A CLASSIC THAT NEVER GOES AWAY
Suits are always in style, but this fall it’s all about making them feel a little softer and less structured.
Think relaxed blazers, wider-leg trousers, softer fabrics, and silhouettes that are comfortable but still polished.
And here’s why I love investing in a good suit: You don’t have to wear it as a complete outfit!
Separate the pieces and suddenly you have multiple outfits.
- Wear the blazer with jeans and a simple T-shirt.
- Pair the trousers with a sweater and sneakers.
- Add a blouse and boots for a more polished look.
- Wear the blazer over a dress for an easy layered outfit.
My take: This is one of the smartest purchases you can make. A good blazer and a great pair of trousers will earn their place in your closet season after season.
5. ARGYLE & FAIR ISLE SWEATERS — A LITTLE PREPPY, A LOT OF STYLE
Fall and sweaters go hand in hand, and this season we’re seeing classic patterns like argyle and Fair Isle make their way back into the spotlight.
These patterns give outfits that cozy, classic, slightly preppy feel that works beautifully for fall.
Argyle sweaters look great with tailored trousers, jeans, or even a skirt. Fair Isle sweaters bring a little bit of that traditional fall and winter charm.
The key is keeping the rest of your outfit simple so the sweater can be the star.
My take: I love a classic patterned sweater! Choose colors that work with your existing wardrobe, and you’ll have something you can pull out year after year.
6. PLAID SHIRTS — THE FALL STAPLE WE ALL NEED
You really can’t talk about fall fashion without mentioning plaid! Plaid shirts are back in the mix, and honestly, did they ever really leave? They’re one of the easiest pieces to style and perfect for layering during those cooler fall days.
Wear one:
- With jeans and ankle boots.
- Open over a basic white T-shirt.
- Tucked into trousers with a belt.
- Layered under a sweater or vest.
You can go traditional with classic red and black plaid or try softer neutrals and browns for a more updated look.
My take: This is an easy yes for me. A good plaid shirt is versatile, comfortable, and something you’ll reach for year after year.
7. TEXTURE — IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FABRIC
One of the things I’m loving about Fall 2026 is the emphasis on texture. This season, it’s not just about what you’re wearing, but how the fabric looks and feels.
Mixing different textures is one of the easiest ways to make an outfit look more interesting and pulled together.
Here are a few textures to look for:
SUEDE
Suede is one of those materials that never really goes out of style. It’s timeless, sophisticated, and perfect for fall. We’re seeing suede in jackets, skirts, pants, shoes, and especially handbags. If you don’t already own a suede bag, this might be the season to invest in one. A suede handbag or pair of suede shoes can instantly make an outfit feel more seasonal.
SATIN
Satin is another texture we’re seeing, and I love the idea of mixing it with more casual fabrics. Think a satin skirt with a chunky knit sweater, or a satin blouse paired with suede trousers. The contrast between something dressy and something more relaxed makes an outfit feel modern without trying too hard.
PATENT LEATHER
Patent leather is back in the mix, adding a little shine and polish to fall outfits. Think shoes, handbags, belts, or even a statement jacket. You don’t have to go head-to-toe shiny. A patent leather shoe or bag is an easy way to try this trend.
CROCODILE TEXTURE
Croc-embossed accessories are another great way to add texture. I especially love this look in handbags, boots, and belts. A croc-textured handbag is a piece worth considering because it adds interest without needing a bold print or color.
BROCADE & TAPESTRY
This is probably one of the more dramatic trends we’re seeing. Think of it as wallpaper for your clothes! Rich fabrics, intricate patterns, bold colors, and beautiful textures. Brocade and tapestry pieces can be gorgeous, but they can also be a little overwhelming if you’re not careful.
My suggestion? Choose ONE tapestry piece and build the rest of your outfit around it. A tapestry jacket with simple black trousers or a beautiful patterned skirt with a neutral sweater is a great way to wear this trend without looking like you’re wearing the entire living room curtain!
8. LACE — A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY
Lace is making an appearance this season, but my advice is to keep it subtle. You don’t need to wear a completely lace outfit to embrace this trend. Look for a little lace detail on a blouse, a lace-trimmed camisole under a blazer, or a sweater with delicate lace accents. I love the idea of mixing something feminine like lace with something more structured, such as a blazer, denim, or leather jacket. It’s all about balance.
9. THE RETURN OF THE CROPPED JACKET
Jackets are having a moment, and there are some great silhouettes to look for this fall.
The cropped jacket is one of them.
A cropped jacket can be especially flattering because it helps define your waist and creates a nice proportion with wider-leg trousers, barrel jeans, or skirts.
Some styles to watch:
- Cropped jackets: Great with high-waisted denim and trousers.
- Peplum jackets: We’re seeing more defined shapes, sometimes with shoulder pads. These create a waist-defining silhouette and add structure.
- Funnel-neck jackets: A modern neckline that adds interest and gives a simple jacket a more fashion-forward look.
- Barn jackets: A relaxed, heritage-inspired jacket that is perfect for everyday wear.
- Leather moto jackets: A classic that never really goes away. They add just the right amount of edge to an outfit.
- Mandarin-collar jackets with double fastening: A more structured, polished look with an interesting neckline and button details.
My advice? You don’t need all of these. Find the silhouette that works best with your body shape and the pieces already in your closet.
10. DENIM — DARK WASH IS BACK!
Denim is always a wardrobe staple, but this fall we’re seeing some great options beyond the traditional straight-leg jean.
DARK WASH DENIM
Dark denim is one of my favorite looks. It’s polished, flattering, and can easily be dressed up or down. Wear dark-wash jeans with a blazer and loafers for a polished look or pair them with a chunky sweater and boots for a more casual outfit.
BOOTCUT JEANS
The bootcut jean is making a comeback, and I love that we’re seeing more options beyond the skinny jean. The slight flare at the bottom creates a balanced silhouette and looks great with boots, heels, or even a pointed-toe flat.
BARREL JEANS
If you’re not quite ready to embrace the wider, more exaggerated denim styles, barrel jeans are a great in-between option. They have a little more shape and volume through the leg but can still feel very wearable. My suggestion? Try them on! Denim can look very different depending on the cut, rise, and length.
