Fall 2026 Trends Worth Trying With What You Already Own

There are a few trends I’m excited about this fall. Some are updated versions of pieces we’ve worn for years, and others might nudge you a bit outside your comfort zone. What I like most about these five is that they work with so much of what you already own. Think slim-leg jeans, white tees, simple trousers, and low kitten heels. You don’t need to build a new outfit around any of them.

One of the things I love about fashion is that there’s always something new to consider. Even when your closet is full of clothes you enjoy wearing, an unexpected color, a different silhouette, or a fresh take on something familiar can make getting dressed fun again.

That’s how I like to approach trends. I’m not interested in replacing an entire wardrobe every season, but I do think there’s something fun about trying a new idea and seeing how it works with your personal style.

Below are five fall trends I think are worth trying, with a favorite find for each, ideas for how to wear it, and a few more options in case my pick isn’t quite right for you.

1. Military-Inspired Jackets

Military-inspired jackets are back, and I’m happy to see something different from the blazers and barn jackets we’ve been wearing for the past few seasons.

They work for fall and carry straight into holiday dressing. The structured shapes and decorative buttons make them feel a little special without looking formal.

They’re also easy to wear. Throw one over a white tee with slim jeans and loafers for everyday, or pair it with black trousers and kitten heels for dinner or a holiday gathering.

My pick is this Twill Military Jacket from LOFT. It has all the details I love, and it’s still practical enough to wear all season.

Shop the LOFT Twill Military Jacket

Price: $90 on sale | Sizes: 00-18 in regular and petite

2. The Modern Peplum

Yes, peplum is back, and it deserves another chance. The newer versions feel modern, with structured fabrics, better proportions, and a subtler shape than the ones we remember.

If you wrote peplum off years ago, give it another try. I believe there’s a peplum for every body type, and it comes down to proportion. Some styles define the waist and skim over the hips. Others have a softer shape that adds movement without overwhelming your frame. (If you’re not sure which shape suits you, my guide to dressing your body shape can help.)

I like peplum tops best with straight or slim-leg jeans, which balance the volume up top. They also work with tailored trousers for the office or dinner.

This Organic Cotton Poplin Peplum Shirt from Gap shows how much the shape has changed. It’s 100% organic cotton, and the silhouette does so much on its own that the simplest pants in your closet are all it needs.

Shop the Gap Organic Cotton Poplin Peplum Shirt

Price: $63 | Sizes: XXS-XXL in regular, tall, and petite

3. Rich Shades of Wine

We’ve talked a lot about burgundy this fall, and it’s part of a bigger story. The whole family of wine shades is having a moment, from merlot and cabernet to deep plums with a hint of purple in them.

And if you’re wondering how to wear it, you probably have plenty of options already hanging in your closet.

My favorite pairing is wine with chocolate brown. It’s rich and warm and a little unexpected. But these deep shades look just as good with charcoal gray, camel, ivory, or black, so they slip right into the colors you already wear.

This Satin Midi Skirt from Banana Republic Factory is where I’d start. The deep color and fluid shape make it easy for dinner or a holiday party, and I also love it during the day with a chunky sweater and suede boots.

I’m also styling this exact skirt in Wear It Three Ways later this week, so you’ll see how versatile it is.

Shop the Banana Republic Factory Satin Midi Skirt

Price: $60 | Sizes: XXS-XXL in regular and petite

4. Dressed-Up Plaid

Plaid is hardly new for fall, but designers are rethinking it this season. We’re seeing it in more feminine silhouettes, dressier fabrics, and pieces that go well beyond the classic flannel shirt.

And as much as I love a good plaid shirt, it’s fun to take such a familiar pattern and wear it a completely different way.

Case in point: this Wrap Front Dress from The Shirt. I loved it so much I’ve already preordered it. Classic plaid in a feminine wrap shape is exactly the update I want, and I can already picture it with tall boots and a good coat. It works for dinner out, Thanksgiving, or a weekend afternoon.

Shop The Shirt Wrap Front Dress

Price: $224 | Sizes: XS-XXL

5. Romantic, Decorative Fabrics

One of my favorite trends this fall is the return of decorative fabrics. Rich jacquards, brocade, velvet, lace, and all kinds of texture bring a lot more personality to a wardrobe.

This one makes the most sense heading into the holidays. You don’t need a new dress for every party or dinner on the calendar. Sometimes all you need is one fabulous top.

This Purple Red Jacquard Janie Blouse from Tuckernuck is exactly what I have in mind. The rich colors and pattern make it a statement on its own, so keep everything else simple. Wear it with slim jeans and heels for dinner out, or with black trousers and statement earrings for a holiday party.

And it’s a piece you’ll pull out year after year. A blouse this pretty doesn’t need to wait for a special occasion.

Shop the Tuckernuck Purple Red Jacquard Janie Blouse

Price: $148 | Sizes: XXS-XXL

Pick the one that caught your eye, wear it with what you already own, and see how it feels. Which one would you try first?

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