Ahead of the Curve: 9 Fall 2026 Trends to Add to Your Wardrobe Before They're Everywhere

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Last updated In Features
Fall/winter 2026 runway look
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

We've been deep in discussions about where fashion is headed in 2026 at the Who What Wear offices, whether that's researching the most impactful looks on the fall/winter 2026 runways or charting the rise of early trends on the fashion set. Well into the year, we have already seen some clear shifts in the direction that style is taking.

Personality-driven fashion is bigger than ever, intricate prints and embellishments are adding dimension to designs, and romantic pieces are coming back in full force. We're also seeing some clear trends that early adopters are already integrating into their wardrobes. Among them are royal purple hues and tuxedo dressing. Below, see the fall 2026 trends we expect to be huge this season that ahead-of-the-curve dressers will start wearing now.

Layers of Organza

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Royal Purple

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Intricate Car Coats

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Scarf-Print Tops

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Skirt Suits

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Tank Dresses

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Tapestry Embroidery

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Tuxedo Dressing

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)

Ruffles

Fall/winter 2026 runway look

(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Kristen Nichols
Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.