I've never been one to follow trends, preferring instead to buy pieces that stand the test of time, but in every new season, I inevitably find a few trends that naturally fit into my personal style and end up leaning into them. This summer, some of the trendier items I indulged in were Los Angeles Apparel jelly flats, capris, and oversize sunglasses.
While I know it's only August, I've started looking ahead to fall 2026 and thinking over the runway shows, what I've seen on TikTok, and my own trend predictions. Since I mostly wear skirts and dresses, basque-waist dresses and suit skirts are high up on my fall wish list. Another trend very aligned with the way I dress is playful tights, which are a small, low-commitment option that doesn't require a big investment.
For shoes, kitten heels and knee-high boots have been staples in my wardrobe for ages, but they'll be especially popular for fall 2026. Then there are the trends outside my typical realm that surprised me with how much I liked them—such as floral appliqués and brooches.
Below, take a look at the fall 2026 trends I'm most excited about and see where to shop each one.
Fall 2026 Trends I Love
Croc-Effect Bags
I very much want a croc-effect bag. Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner have both been carrying the same one from Chanel, which is the dream version of it. I also noticed them at a recent Clare V. fall press preview.
Tapestry Designs
The first moment this ornate trend entered my orbit was when Alexa Chung wore a silk taffeta Viktor Gichev coat with fur trim last year. Now, looking back at the fall 2026 shows, this tapestry-style clothing was all over the runway shows—from a Conner Ives dress to a statement car coat that looked more like art.
Playful Tights
The most accessible option on my fall wish list is playful tights. Red has been the It color of previous years, and white started taking off last season. On the fall 2026 runways, white tights with polka dots were at Caro Editions, vibrant blue at Jil Sander, and ribbed cashmere at The Row.
Basque-Waist Dresses
I wear a lot of dresses, so I appreciate when a design choice that makes them feel unique, such as the basque-waist trend, comes along.
Cropped, Flared Pants
Cropped, flared pants will always remind me of High Sport's Kick Pants—one of the most well-known examples of the style in recent years—and we will continue to see more iterations.
Suit Skirts
The defining skirt trend of fall 2026 runways was a suit skirt, which was seen at Celine, Chanel, Gucci, Hodakova, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Proenza Schouler, The Row, and Tom Ford.
Floral Appliqués
The one trend I wouldn't have expected to gravitate toward is floral appliqués, but another Alexa Chung outfit convinced me. When I saw her wear a Dior dress at the Met Gala, I loved it at first sight. Chanel, Dior, Khaite, and Simone Rocha have all included them in their fall designs, and I recently got the Genus Rose Midi Dress by Sleeper as a nod to the trend.
Kitten-Heel Pumps
Seeing how Kendall Jenner has styled her pair of The Row's Liisa Kitten Heeled Pumps sold me. I don't own any high heels and have been committed to kitten-heel sandals for years. I'm usually in knee-high boots when it gets chilly, but it's about time I get a closed-toe version for the fall.
Knee-High Boots
Speaking of knee-high boots, Prada Sport boots have been on my wish list for years, like many people who love fashion, and now, the Stretch Nappa Leather Boots from Miu Miu's F/W 26 collection have stolen my heart. I'd love Carel's under-$400 Starter Leather Boots as well.
Soft Pink
If turquoise was the color trend of summer 2026, fall 2026 is all about soft pink, as seen at Chanel, Conner Ives, Sandy Liang, and Valentino, among others.
Royal Purple
I honestly can't remember the last time I wore purple, but according to my color analysis, I'm a true autumn, and it's actually one of my best shades. That said, purple is trending this fall, and I might finally give it a try.
Faux-Fur Coats
As far as fall and winter trends go, faux-fur coats have been going strong the past few years, and this year is no different.
Dark-Wash Denim
I recently wrote about my jeans-shopping saga, as I've avoided wearing jeans for my entire adult life. I caved and bought Levi's 501 '90s Jeans, and now, I want dark-wash denim.
Brooches
I recently met Clara Hofer-Maire of Turn, and she very kindly gifted me with one of her brand's Lobster Brooches. Before that, I had overlooked the trend in previous seasons, but this one totally shifted my perspective on them. I love how it's embroidered with beads and gemstone embellishments, and it's easy to pin it onto a bag, shirt, or shoe to make an outfit more fun.
T-Strap Shoes
I noticed Parisian influencer Sylvie Mus wearing T-strap shoes in the spring, which is when my interest was piqued. I love the idea of styling them with thicker gray tights.
Funnel-Neck Coats
I missed the bandwagon when funnel-neck wool coats came into style last fall, and I was kicking myself all season long because I get cold so easily, and it's a straightforward solution to keep drafts out. Luckily, Jil Sander's F/W 26 collection reminded me that they're not a fleeting trend. They have longevity.
Argyle
Argyle is another trend from last fall that will be making a comeback. Cher Horowitz in Clueless and vintage Vivienne Westwood are the '90s references that come to mind. I wore my Swedish Stockings Franka Check Tights on repeat last year, and I'm looking forward to breaking them back out again. I'd also love a classic argyle sweater like Kallmeyer's sold-out Nina Crewneck Wool-Blend Sweater.
Fun Slip Dresses
While I love a classic '90s-inspired black slip dress, I've been noticing more fun slip dresses. For a bit of glamour, I envision it worn with a faux-fur coat.
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