I'm a Shopping Expert—8 Trends I'm Embracing for Fall 2026 and 8 I'm Avoiding
As the associate shopping director at Who What Wear, my role involves anticipating upcoming trends, styles, and must-have items each season while also observing those that are fading away. With fall approaching, I wanted to highlight some of the most exciting trends for the upcoming season—from luxurious satin pieces to cropped jackets and elaborate jewelry—spotted on the fall/winter 2026 runways. Prepare your wardrobe for the new season by following my shopping recommendations below, and consider setting aside some items that may not be as relevant for now!
**Buying: Satin
Skipping: Linen**
While I have a deep appreciation for linen, as the cooler months arrive, I’ll be focusing more on satin. This sumptuous fabric is set to dominate this fall, and I’m eager to see new silhouettes and colors emerge. Whether you choose a satin camisole, skirt, pants, or a handbag, this material will certainly elevate your fall outfits.
**Shop:**
- ZARA: Jewel Button Satin Effect Top
- Reformation: Raya Fitted Silk Shirt
- Reformation: Monica Silk Dress
**Buying: Two-Tone Shoes
Skipping: Wedges**
I’ve been enjoying wedges this summer, but with fall on the horizon, I’m excited to introduce a stylish new footwear trend: two-tone shoes. Chanel leads the way in cap-toe styles, and this fall, I’m noticing plenty of variations from unique color combinations to various designs, including ballet pumps and boots.
**Shop:**
- Christen: Tabi Split-Toe Leather Flats
- ZARA: Mesh Flat Ballet Flats
**Buying: Purple
Skipping: Yellow**
We caught glimpses of royal purple on the spring/summer 2026 runways, and the fashion crowd has quickly embraced this striking hue. I’ve seen purple bags, shoes, swimwear, chic tank tops, and dresses all over my feed this summer. As we move into fall/winter 2026, this color trend shows no signs of fading. Whether you go for a bold sweater or a fashionable pair of shoes, you’ll definitely be on-trend in this regal shade.
**Shop:**
- FLORE FLORE: Jill Organic Cotton-Jersey Tank
- Reformation: Zoe Sage Sandal
- Flore Flore: Steffi Cotton T-Shirt
**Buying: Animal Print
Skipping: Gingham**
Animal print for fall may not be particularly novel, but designers have presented fresh takes on this bold pattern for the upcoming season, showcasing everything from statement leopard-print coats to high-vamp snakeskin pumps.
**Shop:**
- RIXO: Milly Bohemia Leopard
- Reformation: Elena Tote Bag
- Reformation: Jeanne Heeled Mule
- Reformation: Nicola Regenerative Merino Skirt
**Buying: Opulent Eveningwear
Skipping: Hyper-Minimalist Styles**
While understated luxury will always have its charm, there is a noticeable shift towards opulent and decorative styles. Designers are favoring richly detailed textures, brocade, embroidery, fringe, velvet, silk, and luxurious evening bags that evoke the glamour of the roaring twenties.
**Shop:**
- Zw Collection: Fringed Jacket
- Rixo: Orla Embellished Silk Bag in Vintage Scatter Embellishment Gold
- Reformation: Slyvette Satin Top
- ZARA: Floral Jacquard Midi Skirt
**Buying: Shrunken Jackets
Skipping: Moto Jackets**
The fall/winter 2026 runways showcased an array of stylish jackets, and I was particularly captivated by the fitted and cropped silhouettes that appeared almost snug. (Gucci’s shrunken satin blazer comes to mind.) It’s time to store your moto jackets for a while and choose a tailored fit that is both fashionable and functional.
**Shop:**
- ZARA: Straight Cut Linen Blazer With Darts
- Reformation: Vesper Jacket
- MANGO: Short Double-Breasted Jacket
- ARMA: Emy Lamb Butter Jacket in Black
**Buying: Ornate Jewelry
Skipping: Dainty Jewelry**
In line with the opulent trend I previously mentioned, elaborate jewelry stands out as one of the key trends to watch for this fall and winter. Move away from minimalist studs and delicate chains, and instead embrace baroque-inspired necklaces, earrings, and brooches that exude a vintage vibe.
**Shop:**
- Anton Heunis: Virgin Drop Earrings
- ZARA: Jeweled Flower Choker
- Ben-Amun: Exclusive Drop Earrings
- ZARA: Resin Bead Choker Necklace
**Buying: Bold Checks
Skipping: Pucci Prints**
While Pucci prints have always been a summer staple, as we transition into fall, plaids and checks are making a comeback. Opt for statement bold prints to make an impression with chic jackets, tops, or skirts. There are
Other articles
Report From the West Village: I Tried On the 10 Must-Have Posse Items That Will Be Trending Next Month
These will be gone in 3, 2, 1...
In simple terms, this T-shirt trend enhances the style of jeans and sandals.
Take a look at how Lily Allen presented it.
Out of nowhere, fashion enthusiasts in London, NYC, and Paris are enhancing their ensembles with this highly coveted accessory.
So effortless, yet incredibly stylish.
The Top Item to Purchase for Fall and the Two Pieces to Pair It With Starting Now
Check out how Tracee Ellis Ross puts it together.
Hailey Bieber's nail artist has launched a new OPI collection featuring the bottled version of the celebrity glazed donut nails.
Hailey Bieber's nail artist has just introduced the ideal chrome finishers for achieving the glazed donut look at home. Here’s what you should know about this collection.
This new skin-firming treatment costs just $27 and competes with expensive exosome serums.
It seems you entered a string of letters that doesn't form a recognizable word. Could you please provide the text you would like me to rephrase or paraphrase?
I'm a Shopping Expert—8 Trends I'm Embracing for Fall 2026 and 8 I'm Avoiding
Judith Jones, the associate shopping director, discusses the trends she's excited to purchase for fall 2026 and the trends she's temporarily bidding farewell to.