Sandhya Garg — Fall Edit
5 Fall Fashion Trends for 2026:
And the Fall Outfits to Wear Them In
By Sandhya Garg · Project Runway Designer · XS–3XL Collections · Updated October 2026
Rich colour, rich texture: fall 2026 in one dress.
Quick Answer
The five biggest fall 2026 fashion trends are the return of maximalism, opulent embroidery and tapestry, cropped and shrunken jackets, bows and romantic details, and rich saturated colour — especially burgundy, purple, cobalt, red and brown. The easiest way to wear them is one statement piece per outfit: an embroidered jacket over a printed midi, or a jewel-toned dress with boots and a cropped layer.
Fall is my favourite season to dress for. The light turns golden, the colours deepen, and layering finally becomes fun again. Every year I share the trends I'm genuinely excited about — and this year, the runways have handed maximalists like me a gift.
As a Project Runway designer designing in sizes XS through 3XL, I've picked the five fall 2026 trends that are worth your money, shown what the fashion press is saying about each, and paired every trend with real fall outfits from our newest collection. Want outfit ideas first? See our companion guide, Cute Fall Outfits for Women.
Watch my take on fall dressing below, then read on for the 2026 update.
In This Guide
1. Maximalism Is Back
When I first wrote this post, maximalism was my number-one trend — and it has only grown. Pinterest Predicts called a strong swing toward maximalism for 2026, dubbing the look 'Glamoratti' (IOL), and FashionUnited reports that consumers tired of AI-driven sameness are turning to considered, expressive dressing. Read more in Maximalist vs Minimalist.
2. Opulent Embroidery & Tapestry
Last time, I called metallics and shiny surfaces. In 2026, the shine has turned into texture. Who What Wear says the fall/winter 2026 runways — from Dior to Conner Ives — swapped minimalism for brocade, embroidery, tapestry, fringe and velvet, describing pieces that feel like modern heirlooms. The Everygirl names tapestry-inspired pattern a key trend to invest in.
Tapestry for fall: the Fleur and the Emma. More in one-of-a-kind jackets.
3. Cropped & Shrunken Jackets
Cropped jackets were on my 2022 list, and fall 2026 has taken them further: smaller, sharper and even shrunken, seen at Gucci, Prada, Jil Sander and Emilia Wickstead (Who What Wear). Ornate frog closures also appeared at Valentino (Who What Wear). The proportion to copy: cropped on top, volume below.
4. Bows & Romantic Details
Harper’s Bazaar saw bows blown up to dramatic proportions across the fall 2026 collections, alongside romantic draping — and boho romance is back too, with Vogue crediting Chloé's Chemena Kamali with bringing boho chic back in full force.
Bows, done big: the Velvet Green dress and the Babur jacquard jacket. Shop velvet dresses.
5. Rich, Saturated Colour
In 2022 I picked blush and saturated colour; in 2026, the saturation has won. Who What Wear calls burgundy the shade made for fall and names purple, red, blue and brown — now one of fall's defining colours — among the seven that matter, while its colour-trend report adds royal purple and cobalt. Blush still works — just pair it with something deeper.
Burgundy and cobalt, two of fall 2026's key colours. Shop fall dresses.
5 Fall Outfits for Women, From Office to Holiday
01
The office
Queen wrap midi, tights, loafers and an embroidered jacket. Trends 3 and 5 in one.
02
The weekend
Tapestry jacket over a tee, jeans and flat boots — or the Versailles shirt dress over trousers.
03
Date night
The Louis halter under a cropped jacket, heeled boots and gold earrings. See 7 date night outfits.
04
A fall wedding
A jewel-tone maxi like Marquis with block heels and a wrap. See vineyard and fall weddings.
05
Thanksgiving & holidays
A forgiving wrap or kaftan in red or burgundy. See Thanksgiving outfits and holiday party dresses.
Companion Guide
New Collection · Limited Edition · XS to 3XL
Five Trends. Twelve Pieces. Shop Fall 2026.
Every piece comes from our newest collection, and every card tells you which fall 2026 trend it delivers.
Maximalism & Opulent Embroidery
Cropped Jackets, Tapestry & Romance
Rich, Saturated Colour
Dresses in XS · S · M · L · XL · XXL · XXXL · Jackets in limited sizes · Size chart
Fall Trends at Every Size
Every fall 2026 trend works in plus sizes: a cropped jacket over a flowing maxi creates a long line, wrap dresses define the waist, and jewel tones flatter every skin tone. Our dresses are graded to 3XL. Read our guide to chic plus-size style or shop plus-size dresses.
Louis and Versailles, styled in plus sizes.
Shop Fall Collections
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest fall 2026 fashion trends?
The return of maximalism, opulent embroidery and tapestry, cropped and shrunken jackets, bows and romantic details, and rich saturated colours like burgundy, purple, cobalt, red and brown.
What colours are in for fall 2026?
Burgundy, purple, red, blue and brown are among the colours that matter most for fall 2026, with royal purple and cobalt standing out. Deep reds from burgundy to oxblood are especially strong.
Are cropped jackets still in style for fall 2026?
Yes. The fall 2026 runways pushed jackets shorter and sharper, with cropped and shrunken shapes at Gucci, Prada and Jil Sander. Wear them over flowing dresses or wide-leg trousers.
Is maximalism in style for fall 2026?
Yes. Maximalism has returned strongly in 2026, with bold prints, embroidery, texture and statement accessories replacing the quiet-luxury minimalism of recent years.
How do I wear fall trends without buying a whole new wardrobe?
Add one trend piece to what you already own: an embroidered or cropped jacket, a dress in a jewel tone, or a bow accessory. One statement per outfit keeps it current.
What should I wear for fall 2026?
A printed or jewel-toned midi with boots, an embroidered or tapestry jacket over jeans, and a cropped layer over a maxi dress cover most fall occasions, from office to dinner.
Sources & Further Reading
- Who What Wear: The opulent trend of fall 2026
- Who What Wear: How fashion people are wearing jackets for fall 2026
- Who What Wear: Fall jacket trends 2026
- Who What Wear: The 7 colours that matter for fall 2026
- Who What Wear: 6 colour trends for fall 2026
- Harper's Bazaar: Trends from the fall 2026 runways
- Vogue: Free Reign — boho chic is back
- The Everygirl: The trends dominating fall 2026
- FashionUnited: The many faces of maximalism
- IOL: Maximalism is taking over in 2026, according to Pinterest
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