I'm a Shopping Expert—8 Trends I'm Buying for Fall 2026 and 8 I'm Skipping
Our take
The cyclical nature of fashion trends is a constant source of fascination, and articles like Who What Wear's recent piece, "I'm a Shopping Expert—8 Trends I'm Buying for Fall 2026 and 8 I'm Skipping," offer a valuable glimpse into the future of style. Predicting the ebb and flow of what’s “in” and “out” isn’t mere speculation; it’s a complex analysis of runway shows, street style observations, and consumer behavior. The associate shopping director’s perspective carries weight, as it represents a distillation of industry expertise. We’ve long championed the idea of building a wardrobe around timeless pieces, and trends should be viewed as accents, not the foundation. This aligns with our own philosophy of intentional dressing and investing in quality over fleeting fads. Consider the enduring appeal of denim, as highlighted in Yes, You Can Wear Denim All Year Round—These Easy-to-Replicate Celeb Jeans Outfits Prove It. Knowing which trends to embrace and which to forgo is about curating a personal style that feels authentic and enduring, rather than chasing every fleeting whim.
The shift in predicted trends signals a broader evolution in consumer priorities. The increasing emphasis on longevity and versatility, as implied by the piece's selective recommendations, reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and ethical implications of fast fashion. We see this echoed in the desire for products that enhance well-being, as articulated in It's "Hot Girl Walk" Season—17 Beauty Products Keeping Editors' Skin, Hair, and Smell in Check. Consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking not just aesthetic appeal, but also functionality and a connection to a larger purpose. The prediction of certain trends fading away isn’t necessarily a negative; it can be seen as an opportunity to refine wardrobes and invest in pieces that truly resonate with personal style and values. The rise of “art wearable”, as explored in Fashion’s Chicest Like Their Art Wearable—This Skirt Trend Does The Trick, further demonstrates a move towards expressing individuality through clothing, rather than simply adhering to mass trends.
The power of these trend reports lies in their ability to shape consumer expectations and influence purchasing decisions. However, responsible consumption demands a critical lens. While identifying emerging styles can be exciting, it’s crucial to consider the long-term implications of adopting any trend. True style isn’t about following a prescribed formula; it’s about cultivating a sense of self and expressing it with confidence. The curated nature of these predictions—highlighting both “buy” and “skip” lists—is a welcome shift from the often-overwhelming barrage of trend-driven marketing. It encourages a more discerning approach, prompting individuals to question whether a particular style aligns with their existing wardrobe and personal aesthetic. The focus should remain on building a collection of pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.
Looking ahead, the line between trends and personal style will likely continue to blur. As technology evolves and social media influences proliferate, the concept of a singular “trend” will become increasingly fragmented. What’s truly interesting to watch will be how the industry adapts to this shift – will we see a move towards hyper-personalized styling recommendations, or a renewed emphasis on timeless elegance? Ultimately, the most enduring style choices are those that reflect a deep understanding of oneself and a commitment to intentional living. The wisdom of a shopping expert lies not just in predicting what will be popular, but in guiding consumers towards a more thoughtful and fulfilling relationship with fashion.
My job as Who What Wear's associate shopping director means I'm always looking ahead to what trends, styles, and It items are going to be dominating from one season to the next and noting what styles are slowly dwindling. Since fall is just around the corner, I wanted to share some of the biggest trends I'm getting excited about for the new season—from sumptuous satin pieces to shrunken jackets and ornate jewelry—that were spotted all over the fall/winter 2026 runways.
Stay ahead of the curve and get your wardrobe prepped and ready for the new season with my shopping recommendations below, and take note of the items that you may want to push toward the back of your closet for now!
Buying: Satin
Skipping: Linen
I love all things linen, but as we head into the cooler months, I'll be stepping up my satin game. The sumptuous fabric will continue its reign this fall, and I'm seeing plenty of fresh silhouettes and colors come into play. Whether you opt for a satin camisole, a skirt, pants, or a handbag, I guarantee the material will add a luxe touch to your fall looks.
Shop:
Buying: Two-Tone Shoes
Skipping: Wedges
I've been living in cool wedges this summer, but as fall approaches, I'm adding a fresh and fashion-forward footwear style to my outfit rotation: two-tone shoes. Chanel is the leader of the pack when it comes to cap-toe shoes, and for fall, I'm seeing plenty of variations on the classy trend, from unique color combos to styles ranging from ballet pumps to boots.
Shop:
Buying: Purple
Skipping: Yellow
We saw glimpses of royal purple on the spring/summer 2026 runways, and the fashion set has been quick to embrace the head-turning hue. I've been spotting bags, shoes, swimwear, cute tank tops, and dresses all over my feed this summer. For fall/winter 2026, the color trend shows no signs of slowing down. Whether you opt for a bold sweater or a chic pair of shoes, you're 100% going to look on-trend in the regal shade.
Shop:
Buying: Animal Print
Skipping: Gingham
Animal print for fall is not exactly groundbreaking, but designers showed us fresh takes on the fierce print for the new season, with everything from statement leopard-print coats to high-vamp snakeskin pumps.
Shop:
Buying: Opulent Eveningwear
Skipping: Hyper-Minimalist Styles
While quiet luxury will always look chic, there's a current shift toward all things opulent and ornate. Designers are embracing richly detailed textures, brocade, embroidery, fringe, gloves, velvet, silk, and sumptuous evening bags—looks reminiscent of the glamorous roaring twenties.
Shop:
Buying: Shrunken Jackets
Skipping: Moto Jackets
The fall/winter 2026 runways offered plenty of chic fall jackets, and I was particularly enamored with the fitted and cropped silhouettes that almost looked like they were a size too small. (Gucci's shrunken satin blazer comes to mind.) Stow away your moto jackets for now, and opt for a fitted look that feels both wearable and exciting.
Shop:
Buying: Ornate Jewelry
Skipping: Dainty Jewelry
In continuation of the opulent trend I mentioned earlier, ornate jewelry is one of the standout trends we have to look forward to this fall and winter. Forget minimalist studs and dainty chains. Instead, opt for baroque-inspired necklaces, earrings, and brooches that have a vintage look about them.
Shop:
Buying: Bold Checks
Skipping: Pucci Prints
Pucci-inspired prints are always a favorite for summer, but as we transition into fall, plaids and checks are making their way back into the spotlight. Opt for bold prints for a statement look with a chic jacket, top, or skirt. There are plenty of styles with lighter fabrics if you want to lean into the trend while it's still warm out.
Shop:
Read on the original site
Open the publisher's page for the full experience