TO WEAR OR NOT TO WEAR THE FALL/WINTER 2026 TRENDS

words by NIA TOPALOVA
editor MAREK BARTEK

The ongoing mission of translating runway looks into the everyday wardrobe has come with an ease this fall, as we’re turning to fantasy, ornament and theatricality, making them wearable. More excessive, more decorative, and not too concerned with looking new. One might suspect that this sense of daring has something to do with all that this year has brought us to process. Either way, we stay curious to see what awaits in 2027.

FAREWELL QUIET LUXURY, HELLO ART DECO

images courtesy of GIVENCHY, RALPH LAUREN, ANNA SUI, NINA RICCI

Phew! It looks like we’re finally starting to curate a less restrained wardrobe with a bigger focus on being seen. The quietness is being replaced by Art Deco references, floral motifs, beaded embroideries, lace, and fringing. The minimalist, everything-beige-black-and-white clean aesthetic is making space for a search of personality. And beauty! A heavily embellished jacket, an embroidered skirt or a fringed dress does not necessarily belong to a specific decade; instead, these pieces suggest an object with a history through which we can explore glamour without necessarily returning to the excesses of maximalism.

GOTH MYSTICISM

images courtesy of ANN DEMEULEMEESTER, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, SCHIAPARELLI

If there is one mood that can tie the season together, it is gothic romance: accessories exaggerated, silhouettes mixing and matching with mystic elements, creating a sort of a dark playfulness. Lace is paired with structural tailoring, while sheer fabrics are still being styled with a long leather boot. (It makes one sweat just thinking about it.)

HYPER FEMININITY AND LACE

images courtesy of SAINT LAURENT, ANNA SUI, @miakhalifa, @nicolekidman

We’re also hyper feminine this fall, and not in a conventional way. In a very romantic way, actually, bringing back softness and richer tones. The interest in lace and corsetry makes perfect sense, given the romanticism taking centre stage this season, one that makes Mia Khalifa feel like Nicole in an Agent Provocateur black, shimmering lace corset, for instance. It appears everywhere, in forms of delicate trims and sheer dresses, or full-bodied lace silhouettes. Lace doesn’t need to be innocent to be fragile, especially when it’s made of latex, leather, or 3D printed. And still it is sensual, provocative and oh, so feminine.

UNCOMFORTABLE FASHION

all images courtesy of LUAR, @conor.turley, @xerrrinnn

We’re going all in, making statements and combining all that richness into theatrical silhouettes, with a craving for excess and impracticality. Clothes are becoming artefacts meant to be seen, admired and remembered. Think of a heroine character stepping out of a nineteenth-century novel, only to find herself navigating Paris in 2026.

FALL 2026 DOESN’T SHY AWAY FROM COLOUR

all images courtesy of ERDEM, ALAÏA, @watchingnewyork

The season isn’t restricted to traditional autumn shades as the darker seasonal palette is disrupted by turquoise, butter yellow, royal purple, particularly important for the romantic side of the season: strong, electric blues rather than soft blues associated with previous seasons, and red, which continues to be one of the strongest colours, particularly in carmine and purple-red tones. Silhouettes are definitely stronger in colour, richer in prints, patchworked brocades and unexpected combinations.

CEREMONIAL OPULENCE

all images courtesy of ELENA VELEZ, KALLMEYER, DILARA FINDIKOGLU, SABYASACHI, RABANNE

The overall direction in accessories is focusing toward pieces that offer stronger personality, with key themes like silk vintage scarves, brooches, charms, and statement hats. There is a broader move toward layered necklaces, medallions, and charms. Think coins, amulets, chains in gold and silver, sculptural earrings, relic-like talismans, even crosses and iconography elements. Nothing needs to be polished as the appeal is focused on jewellery that is collected, ritualistic, or even inherited - sacred and ecclesiastical.