There’s something about the arrival of fall fashion that makes me want to dramatically reorganize my entire closet, pull out all my favourite sweaters, wear ballet flats with socks and find approximately 17 different ways to style the same pair of jeans. The calendar says September and suddenly I’ve decided my wardrobe needs a little personality refresh.

And every year, fashion gives us plenty of encouragement to do exactly that.

But before we start panic-buying everything that appeared on a runway six months ago, let’s talk about what we’re actually going to be seeing this fall. Because Fall 2026 has some very fun trends coming our way, and knowing what’s trending doesn’t necessarily mean you need to own all of it. Sometimes it’s just nice to know what the fashion girlies have decided is happening.

So, here’s what’s coming.

Romantic dressing is having a moment

Fall is getting a little more romantic this year. Think lace, ruffles, flowing skirts, delicate blouses, soft fabrics and details that feel like they could have been borrowed from your grandmother’s closet.

But it’s not quite cottagecore. It’s a little more grown-up and a little moodier. Think romantic blouse with jeans, a feminine skirt with a chunky sweater, or lace peeking out from underneath something much more structured.

Basically, if your outfit looks like you might have a secret correspondence with a mysterious man in the 1800s, you’re probably doing it right.

Brown is still that girl

Chocolate brown, espresso, cognac, deep caramel… the brown family is refusing to leave.

Brown is becoming one of those colours that can do almost everything. It feels softer than black, works beautifully with denim and cream, and makes an outfit look instantly a little more expensive without actually requiring you to spend $700 on it.

If you already own brown boots, a brown bag or a chocolate knit, congratulations. You are apparently ahead of the curve.

Tailoring is getting a little weird

Blazers and tailoring aren’t going anywhere, but Fall 2026 is making them a little less predictable.

We’re seeing stronger shoulders, cinched waists, unusual proportions and silhouettes that feel more intentional than your standard office blazer.

The good news is that this doesn’t mean you need to go out and find The Blazer of Fall 2026™. Your current blazer can probably survive another season.

Fashion will be okay.

Velvet is back

Velvet is having its annual fall comeback, because apparently we can never go too long without remembering that velvet exists.

This time around, it’s showing up on everything from dresses and skirts to jackets and accessories.

Personally, I think velvet is one of those trends that’s more fun in small doses. A velvet shoe, bag or little evening piece can give you the feeling without making you look like you’re headed to a Renaissance fair.

Unless that’s the goal. In which case, carry on.

Black is getting dramatic

We’ve had years of beige, cream, oatmeal, taupe, “quiet luxury” and approximately 47 different names for off-white.

Fall 2026 is bringing some drama back.

Head-to-toe black is making a statement, but it’s less about a minimalist black outfit and more about playing with texture. Think leather, lace, velvet, tailoring and different fabrics layered together.

Basically: black, but make it interesting.

Equestrian dressing is creeping in

Fall fashion loves a countryside fantasy, and this year we’re apparently all spending weekends at the stables.

Expect to see riding-inspired boots, structured jackets, knitwear, scarves, leather accessories and tailored trousers.

You don’t need a horse. You don’t even need to have been within 10 kilometres of a horse.

A good pair of boots and a jacket will do just fine.

Croc is giving snake print a run for its money

Texture is becoming a big part of accessories, and croc-embossed leather is popping up as a major alternative to the snake print we’ve seen for the past few seasons.

Think textured brown bags, belts, boots and other accessories.

This is one of those trends where you can participate without actually participating. If you already have a textured leather bag sitting in your closet, congratulations again. You’re two for two.

Florals are not going anywhere

I know. Florals for fall. Groundbreaking.

But they’re getting a slightly different treatment this year. Instead of the light, springy florals we’re used to, expect darker backgrounds, richer colours, vintage-inspired prints and more dramatic floral patterns.

Which means that dress you bought last year and thought was strictly a summer piece might actually have a second career ahead of it.

Add tights, boots and a sweater. Boom. She’s employed again.

And then there’s colour

Fall fashion traditionally wants us to retreat into black, brown, burgundy and beige the second September arrives.

But Fall 2026 isn’t entirely interested in behaving.

We’re seeing richer blues, reds and even brighter shades like chartreuse making an appearance.

You don’t have to suddenly become a head-to-toe colour person. Sometimes one colourful sweater, scarf or pair of shoes is enough to make an otherwise neutral outfit feel completely different.

And if you already own something bright that you’ve been waiting for the “right season” to wear, this is your sign that the fashion calendar has officially given you permission.

But you don’t actually need any of this.

I feel like we talk about trends as if they’re assignments. Every season comes around and suddenly we’re told we need a new jacket, new shoes, new jeans, new colour palette and approximately 14 new accessories because this is the season.

It isn’t.

Trends are fun. Fashion is fun. There’s nothing wrong with seeing something on a runway and thinking, Wait, I actually love that.

But sometimes the most fashionable thing you can do is look at a trend, decide it isn’t for you, and continue wearing the clothes you already love.

Maybe your brown boots already cover the equestrian trend. Maybe your old floral dress is suddenly perfect for fall. Maybe you’ve had a velvet bag sitting in your closet since 2022. Maybe you don’t need anything at all.

Fashion should give you ideas, not homework.

So this fall, take what you like, leave what you don’t, shop your own closet first and let the trends be inspiration rather than a shopping list.

And if you do decide to add something new?

Make sure it’s something you actually love — not just something the internet convinced you would be over if you didn’t own it by October.

Love, Laura