It's almost time to pull out your skinny jeans, heeled ankle boots, and wide-brim hats. But instead of it running back to 2016, my feet are firmly planted in 2026, where suede bomber jackets, sporty sneakers, and plaid skirts have replaced those outdated trends. The core principles of a classic fall outfit remain the same: The colors are muted, the vibe is cozy, and the outfit has a rustic feel even if you live in Midtown, Manhattan. To showcase the quintessential fall 2026 outfit, I've sent senior editor Aniyah Morinia on a Nordstrom shopping spree. The retailer's latest arrivals are modern, on-trend takes on classic autumnal outfits. To shop her look and get her styling tricks, keep reading.
What's your ideal fall outfit? How do you channel the "rustic retreat" trend with your staple pieces?
Fall doesn't last very long in New York City, so I love to tap into classic fall hues, prints, and silhouettes as often as I can. Dare I say plaid is the official print of autumn? I opted for a lightweight suede jacket with a contrasting brown leather collar to bring out the muted tones in the plaid skirt. I kept my base neutral so that the focus could be on those rustic elements. These pieces are mainstays in my fall wardrobe, but wearing them together created that rustic retreat vibe I'm after. Take me on a road trip upstate to pick apples, walk in nature, and indulge in all the seasonal desserts!
Which styling tricks make this outfit feel unexpected and on-trend?
I love incorporating the wrong shoe theory (choosing unpredictable footwear that offsets the rest of your outfit) into my looks. It's the shoe that's so wrong that it's right. My gut instinct would be to pair this skirt with black knee-high boots, but I went for a retro sneaker to keep the look casual. Adidas sneakers are everywhere right now, so I love pairing them with a more elevated outfit for that cool, intentional juxtaposition.
Shop Additional Fall Favorites
