While we've already made some predictions about the biggest trends that will influence shopping, editorials, and the red carpet next season, we have further insights into how the fall/winter 2026 runway collections will impact style in the second half of the year. Brigitte Chartrand, chief buying and merchandising officer at Net-a-Porter, shared her insights on the top trends to know in fashion and how they are impacting its buys as a retailer.
There are plenty of directional fashion looks that make it onto magazine covers and into runway reporting, but those items don't always translate to what shoppers want in their carts and what hits the market. This is where we get a closer look at the exact trends and pieces that will land in store and on the online shelves. Chartrand distilled exactly which trends the retailer is betting big on for the upcoming season, which will back up the upcoming buy. Ahead are the seven fall 2026 trends that will shape fashion next season, according to Net-a-Porter.
Statement Colors
"Across the fall 2026 runways, statement color played a key role, with chartreuse and purple appearing consistently throughout fashion month. These shades were styled in new ways through tonal clashes, bold color blocking, and richly saturated hues." — Chartrand
Elevated Minimalism
"Full-black looks reemerged as a strong power statement, dominating the Milan runways in particular." — Chartrand
Mixed Textures
"More than ever, this season, we saw designers focus on layering and mixing textures and patterns to create depth and richness. We saw velvet paired with leather and charmeuse, while jacquards and plaids were mixed with florals, satin, and lace, which resulted in a true explosion of prints and textures." — Chartrand
Refined Silhouettes
"This season saw a strong return to structured tailoring and slim, '90s-inspired silhouettes. Key styles included strong-shouldered, shrunken blazers; slim-cut trousers; and oversize coats—all of which stand out as timeless investment pieces. It was a welcome return to tailoring." — Chartrand
The New Eveningwear
"Occasionwear is designed to feel special, and for autumn/winter 2026 we saw this come through in bouclé and beaded dresses, embroidered gowns, and intricate embellishments." — Chartrand
Over-the-Top Accessories
"This season, extremely high thigh-high boots were a standout across the runways alongside faux-fur stoles, shearling gloves, and oversize collars. Pointed-toe pumps also featured prominently, with proportion playing a key role overall, as seen in elongated silhouettes across both boots and gloves." — Chartrand
Playful Tights
"For this season, tights were no longer an afterthought, and they were used as a styling tool that added personality and layering to the looks, adding elements of patterns and pops of color." — Chartrand
