I'm a Shopping Expert—8 Trends I'm Buying for Fall 2026 and 8 I'm Skipping
Transition into the new season in style.
My job as Who What Wear's associate shopping director means I'm always looking ahead to what trends, styles, and It items are going to be dominating from one season to the next and noting what styles are slowly dwindling. Since fall is just around the corner, I wanted to share some of the biggest trends I'm getting excited about for the new season—from sumptuous satin pieces to shrunken jackets and ornate jewelry—that were spotted all over the fall/winter 2026 runways.
Stay ahead of the curve and get your wardrobe prepped and ready for the new season with my shopping recommendations below, and take note of the items that you may want to push toward the back of your closet for now!
Buying: Satin
Skipping: Linen
I love all things linen, but as we head into the cooler months, I'll be stepping up my satin game. The sumptuous fabric will continue its reign this fall, and I'm seeing plenty of fresh silhouettes and colors come into play. Whether you opt for a satin camisole, a skirt, pants, or a handbag, I guarantee the material will add a luxe touch to your fall looks.
Shop:
Buying: Two-Tone Shoes
Skipping: Wedges
I've been living in cool wedges this summer, but as fall approaches, I'm adding a fresh and fashion-forward footwear style to my outfit rotation: two-tone shoes. Chanel is the leader of the pack when it comes to cap-toe shoes, and for fall, I'm seeing plenty of variations on the classy trend, from unique color combos to styles ranging from ballet pumps to boots.
Shop:
Buying: Purple
Skipping: Yellow
We saw glimpses of royal purple on the spring/summer 2026 runways, and the fashion set has been quick to embrace the head-turning hue. I've been spotting bags, shoes, swimwear, cute tank tops, and dresses all over my feed this summer. For fall/winter 2026, the color trend shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you opt for a bold sweater or a chic pair of shoes, you're 100% going to look on-trend in the regal shade.
Shop:
Buying: Animal Print
Skipping: Gingham
Animal print for fall is not exactly groundbreaking, but designers showed us fresh takes on the fierce print for the new season, with everything from statement leopard-print coats to high-vamp snakeskin pumps.
Shop:
Buying: Opulent Eveningwear
Skipping: Hyper-Minimalist Styles
While quiet luxury will always look chic, there's a current shift toward all things opulent and ornate. Designers are embracing richly detailed textures, brocade, embroidery, fringe, gloves, velvet, silk, and sumptuous evening bags—looks reminiscent of the glamorous roaring twenties.
Shop:
Buying: Shrunken Jackets
Skipping: Moto Jackets
The fall/winter 2026 runways offered plenty of chic fall jackets, and I was particularly enamored with the fitted and cropped silhouettes that almost looked like they were a size too small. (Gucci's shrunken satin blazer comes to mind.) Stow away your moto jackets for now, and opt for a fitted look that feels both wearable and exciting.
Shop:
Buying: Ornate Jewelry
Skipping: Dainty Jewelry
In continuation of the opulent trend I mentioned earlier, ornate jewelry is one of the standout trends we have to look forward to this fall and winter. Forget minimalist studs and dainty chains. Instead, opt for baroque-inspired necklaces, earrings, and brooches that have a vintage look about them.
Shop:
Buying: Bold Checks
Skipping: Pucci Prints
Pucci-inspired prints are always a favorite for summer, but as we transition into fall, plaids and checks are making their way back into the spotlight. Opt for bold prints for a statement look with a chic jacket, top, or skirt. There are plenty of styles with lighter fabrics if you want to lean into the trend while it's still warm out.
Shop:
