I look forward to fall fashion all summer long. As soon as September hits, the promise of cooler days often inspires cozier ensembles as the vibrancy of summer dials back into something more subdued. But fall is looking a little different this year. One of the leading style trends from the fall/winter shows was color—lots of it and in bright, confident hues. This season, designers did not shy away from expression, promising that life continues even when the earth goes to sleep. Our lives and wardrobes will be decorated in purples, greens, pinks, and reds in all kinds of fabrics and forms.
The romance of it all is dialed up a notch as well. Instead of the quiet, sometimes shy expressions of love we see in the fall, we’re galloping onto the scene on a white horse and a lace gown to make a grand declaration. Women are taking the reins, too. The fall fashion trends are made for women who no longer want to choose between a gray work suit or a babydoll dress and, in fact, will wear both in one day. These looks are for women who take borrowed-from-the-boys blazers and coats and cinch them in at the waist, never losing an ounce of professionalism.
The fall fashion trends of 2026 may be the most exciting ones yet, as several outdated and overdone silhouettes received a much-needed upgrade. You’ll find familiar classics in their 2.0 versions, like a white button-down with a bow at the neckline or a pencil skirt with a cascading hem. These fall style trends will keep the flame burning throughout the cold, ensuring that the whimsy remains alive well into the new year.
Below, the five fall fashion trends most worthy of your attention.
The Wild Romantic
At Gabriela Hearst
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This trend is not for damsels in distress. The heroines of today are free-spirited and informed, willfully entering new romantic adventures on their own terms. This change of heart was loudly represented in the fall style trends. Designers like Cecilie Bahnsen and Sandy Liang lead with their hearts on their sleeves, with romance playing at the center stage through ruffles, bows, and soft silk. The vibe leaned more bohemian at Gabriela Hearst, Altuzarra, and Chloe and equestrian at Ralph Lauren and Stella McCartney. And while the looks may have all been different in their own way, the message was the same: We’re all wild romantics at heart.
