A new season brings a fresh fashion perspective–and for Fall 2026, the mood is rich, romantic, and just a little dramatic.
So, what are the biggest fall fashion trends for 2026? Jewel tones and moody florals lead the way, while jacquard, pleats, and metallic finishes add depth and dimension. Open backs, scarf details, and watercolor-inspired prints make familiar silhouettes feel fresh from every angle.
The best part? None of these trends require a full closet reset. Choose a color, a texture, and one memorable detail, then build around pieces you already own. A burgundy dress needs little more than a pair of simple heels. A pleated skirt works just as well with a fitted top now as it does with a jacket later. And a scarf-detail top can make your go-to jeans feel instantly elevated.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up eight of the biggest fall fashion trends of the season, plus plenty of new pieces to add to your own It List.
Your new favorite color palette just dropped: Burgundy, navy, emerald, plum, and saturated blue bring instant richness to fall outfits, even when the silhouette itself is beautifully simple.
The easiest way to wear the trend? Let one jewel tone do the heavy lifting. Style a burgundy or emerald dress with gold jewelry and a neutral bag, or give a deep navy look a sharper feel with silver accents. Prefer a bolder approach? Pair two saturated shades, like burgundy and navy, and keep the accessories minimal.
Rich jewel tones feel perfectly suited for fall–without being tied to a single occasion. Wear them to weddings and evening events now, then reach for them again when holiday-party season arrives!
Consider this the texture trend that does all the work for you. Jacquard weaves a pattern directly into the fabric, creating depth and dimension that become even more noticeable as the light shifts. Florals feel moodier, abstract motifs look more elevated, and even the simplest silhouette takes on a special-occasion feel.
The best part? Jacquard doesn’t require much styling. Let the fabric take center stage with simple heels, a compact bag, and jewelry that complements rather than competes. For daytime, balance the richness with ballet flats or sleek boots. After dark, a pair of metallic earrings and a streamlined heel are all you need.
Jacquard also pairs especially well with fall’s richer color palette. Shades like olive, mauve, navy, black, and deep purple highlight the fabric’s texture while keeping your overall look perfectly polished.
Made to move with you, pleats bring effortless movement and dimension to fall dressing. A full pleated maxi skirt reads romantic and dramatic, while narrower pleats give camis, midi dresses, and skirts a more refined finish.
When styling pleats, balance is everything. Pair a flowy pleated maxi skirt with a fitted top, or let a pleated dress take the spotlight with a streamlined bag and delicate jewelry. If the fabric has a subtle sheen, such as satin or lurex, consider keeping the rest of your look matte to highlight the texture and movement.
Another reason to love the trend? Its versatility. Pleats transition seamlessly between dress codes: Add boots and a cropped jacket for daytime, then swap in heels and statement earrings for an evening event.
Looks good arriving, looks better leaving: Open-back silhouettes create an unexpected reveal while keeping the rest of your outfit clean and polished.
The key to nailing this trend is balancing the exposed back with a simple front, such as a sleek halter neckline, fitted short sleeves, or an uninterrupted column shape. Tie-back and lace-up details add extra interest, while satin and fluid fabrics give the design a softer finish.
Open backs are also easier to carry into fall than they might seem. Wear a tailored blazer or long coat on the way to dinner, then let the dress have its main character moment once you’re inside. Keep necklaces minimal and choose earrings or a bracelet instead so the neckline and back remain the focus.
Sometimes, it’s the smallest styling detail that makes the biggest statement. This season, matching scarves and sashes are transforming even the simplest dress into a fully realized fashion moment, effortlessly pulling the entire look together.
Whether draped loosely down the back for added movement, wrapped once around the neck for a polished finish, or layered over the shoulders as temperatures cool, the coordinating accessory adds an undeniably chic touch. A longer scarf can also create a flattering vertical line, especially when paired with a sleek column silhouette or a strapless neckline.
Because the scarf naturally frames the face and neckline, there’s little need for excessive accessorizing. Delicate earrings or a subtle necklace are often enough. And while the trend feels especially elegant with dresses, its appeal extends far beyond occasionwear. Think fluid tops, relaxed denim, tailored trousers, and minimalist maxi skirts, all elevated with a touch of drama and sophistication courtesy of a matching scarf.
A wearable work of art, a watercolor print offers a softer take on traditional patterns. Defined by blurred edges, layered hues, and painterly washes, the effect feels romantic yet directional, with the design subtly shifting as the fabric moves.
For fall, look for styles anchored in rich, moodier shades like chocolate brown, deep plum, navy, black, and muted mauve. These darker tones ground the trend for the season, while unexpected pops of brighter color add depth and dimension. When styling, pull a single shade from the print for a thoughtfully coordinated look or keep accessories neutral and let the pattern do all the talking.
This trend feels especially striking on fluid fabrics like satin, chiffon, and pleats, where movement enhances the watercolor effect. The result is elegant and effortlessly elevated, making watercolor prints a natural choice for weddings, date nights, and any occasion that calls for a standout fall dress.
Blooms made for darker days? Absolutely. Moody florals keep the romance of a flower print while shifting the palette toward black, plum, deep green, midnight blue, and rich berry tones. The result feels equal parts romantic and sophisticated.
These prints are one of the easiest ways to transition into a fall wardrobe. A dark floral cami pairs effortlessly with jeans and a cardigan, while a printed mini skirt feels balanced with a simple knit and boots. For weddings and evening occasions, opt for a dress featuring lace, pleats, or a dark satin backdrop to enhance the drama.
Moody florals also make seasonal dressing feel seamless. They’re light enough for warmer afternoons but look perfectly at home once temperatures begin to cool. For more inspiration, explore our guide to late-summer outfits that work into fall.
It’s officially time to shine. Metallics are no longer reserved for holiday parties, with gold, bronze, lurex, and foil-like finishes showing up everywhere this fall.
Not into full-on flash? Ground a metallic skirt with a cozy knit, style a lurex dress with simple heels, or pair a gold mini with a sleek black bag. Rich neutrals like chocolate brown, burgundy, navy, and black help balance the shine while keeping the look polished.
Texture also plays a role in the overall mood. Smooth metallic finishes feel sleek and modern, while lurex pleats and metallic knits offer a softer, more subtle glow. Either way, keep the styling streamlined and let the light-catching fabric do the talking.
The secret to a Pinterest-worthy fall wardrobe is creating a clear point of view. Start by saving outfits you genuinely want to wear, not just the ones that look beautiful on your feed. As your inspiration board grows, you’ll likely notice a few recurring themes emerging, whether that’s a rich burgundy palette, romantic pleats, moody florals, or the season’s must-have scarf details.
Once you’ve identified those patterns, let them guide your shopping strategy. Choose a signature color, a standout texture, and one defining trend, then focus on pieces that seamlessly work with what’s already in your closet. A deep burgundy palette, for example, can tie together a jacquard dress, a satin blouse, and a pleated skirt while still allowing each look to feel fresh and distinct.
The good news? You don’t need to embrace every trend of the season. In fact, the most enviable wardrobes are often the most edited. Focusing on just two or three trends that align with your personal style and lifestyle will create a more cohesive wardrobe and make getting dressed infinitely easier.
This season, fall fashion is all about rich textures, statement details, and pieces that feel both elevated and expressive. Think jewel tones, moody florals, and luxe fabrics that add depth, paired with standout accents like scarf necklines, open-back silhouettes, watercolor prints, and subtle metallic finishes. The result is a wardrobe that feels polished, intentional, and effortlessly Pinterest-worthy.
What looks are you loving this season? Shop the full Fall Fashion collection, then show us which trends made your It List on Instagram and TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus!
This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated with new content.
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