Fall Fashion Trends 2026
Plaid, stripes, collared polos, dalmatian and bambi print, teal, victorian shirts, fringe, and eccentric jewelry. Here is what's trending this fall season on everyone's feed, where each trend came from, and how to wear them.
PLAID
Plaid was never just a pattern. In the Scottish Highlands, tartan was identity woven into cloth. Every intersection of thread a declaration of clan, of belonging, of blood. Since then it has lived many lives: workwear, rebellion, prep. A plaid shirt with some nice denim jeans is always a go. An oversized plaid blazer is always a vibe. Rust, camel, deep green. That's the palette this fall.
Sripes
There was a time when stripes marked the outsider, considered scandalous in medieval Europe. The sea redeemed them. French naval uniforms made the Breton stripe official in the 1850s, and decades later Coco Chanel borrowed it from the sailors of the Riviera and turned it into a symbol of effortless chic. This fall the stripe turns vertical, wide, and moody, on knit sweaters and tailored trousers in colorways made for shorter days and heavier layers.
Collars
The polo collar was born on the tennis court rather than the polo field. In the 1920s, French champion René Lacoste grew frustrated with the stiff, long-sleeved, starched shirts players were expected to compete in, so he designed an alternative in breathable knit pique with a soft, unbuttoned collar. Now, seen off the court, it is a great 3D. add on to any outfit that instantly elevates any simple shirt.
Dalmatian Print/Bambi
Animal print, once seen as widely controversial, has earned its place as one of fashion's most enduring motifs. Christian Dior introduced it to couture in 1947, and with Disney's Bambi in 1942 and One Hundred and One Dalmatians in 1961, those spots and fawn markings became embedded in the collective memory. When done tastefully, the print can elevate the simplest outfit into a chic, high-end ensemble, worn best through coats and cowhide pieces set against clean neutrals
Teal
It is uncommon knowledge that teal takes its name from a duck, the common teal, whose head carries a streak of this exact color. After having its glamour moment during the Art Deco era, it has drifted in and out of sight ever since. Brighter than turquoise and moodier than emerald, it has been all over the runway this season, especially at Chanel. Paired with a basic outfit, it instantly becomes the center of attention. Last season was burgundy. This season is teal, and when the two are worn together, the color combo is extremely chic.
Victorian Shirts
The lace blouse has been steadily rising in popularity over the past couple of months. LoveShackFancy, Chloé, Zimmermann, and Isabel Marant all do an impeccable job of making this their long-term aesthetic. Exaggerated collars with ruffles and lace, puff sleeves, and delicate lace cuffs allow these blouses to be the centerpiece of any outfit, dressed up or dressed down. It is such a staple to have in your wardrobe because you can throw it on for any event.
Fringe
Fringe was originally designed with purpose, not decoration. Its roots trace back to Native American garment making, where it shed rain and added movement long before fashion claimed it. From there it made its way through the American West on suede jackets and into the 1920s on the beaded hems of flapper dresses. This season, fringe is best worn through suede, whether it be a jacket or a bag with real swing to it. Paired with structured fall layers, it adds instant movement to an outfit and gives even the simplest look a statement piece.
Eccentric Jewelry
Costume jewelry owes its legitimacy to two women who refused to apologize for it: Coco Chanel, who made faux jewelry chic, and Elsa Schiaparelli, who worked alongside the surrealists to turn their strange visions into brooches and necklaces. That same spirit defines this season's accessories. Scarf necklaces make an impactful statement, shell jewelry is having a comeback well beyond the summer season, kitchenware motifs are a highly conversational piece, and colorful jewelry pops color into even the simplest outfit. The eccentric piece is no longer the afterthought. It is the point of the outfit.