After a very long, very hot summer, we've finally made it to fall, a gift of a season that rewards us for putting up with months of wearing nothing but tank tops, flip-flops, and the same cotton "nightgown" out of pure necessity—not choice. Dressing for summer and winter requires practical thinking. Fall and spring, with their generally temperate climates, allow for more freedom and individuality. It's because of this that they're often considered the best seasons to shop and dress for.
Fall 2026 is proving to be especially shopper-friendly, with so many designers at top houses starting to settle into new positions and quiet luxury at last losing steam. Colors and patterns are in again, especially when you clash different ones. The most iconic pieces of the season aren't muted ones. They're loud, capable of making even the simplest outfits feel impactful. Think a hand-embroidered Conner Ives robe coat or a pair of lace-up Prada pumps. The best part? Some of the season's most desirable items aren't expensive. There are plenty of affordable finds that await.
To ready you for the season ahead, we went ahead and curated a list of 100 VIPs (very important pieces) for fall 2026, from the $10 T-shirt our executive editorial and style director swears by to the satin clutch you're about to see at every holiday party on your packed calendar.
By ELIZA HUBER & Nikki chwatt
You've never seen the 26-year-old quite like this.
Save the best for last? Not quite. We're starting with it. First up: the pieces we're predicting will define fall 2026—the runway-approved items and everyday finds that will make their way onto mood boards, wish lists, and social feeds and be worn by the most in-the-know editors, buyers, stylists, and A-listers. Prada's lace-up pumps, which made their mark on the runway and have had the style set talking about them since February, are one to make note of. Side Eye's 223 Butler St Sunglasses, another take on the sporty-sunglasses trend,On the clothing front, J.Crew's purple sweater has all the makings of a viral favorite, and Zara's vintage-looking robe coat is the kind of effortless layer that can make a jeans-and-tee outfit feel special. But that's far from all. If there's one thing years of professional trend-spotting and a little too much online shopping have taught us, it's this: When a piece starts popping up everywhere, it rarely stays in stock for long. Take from that what you will.
Which pieces are so good they land in the closets of Who What Wear editors? A handful are taking over the wardrobes of our fashion team, from the office to the streets of NYC and L.A. Nearly everyone on the team owns a great tote, and timed perfectly for the takeover of lived-in, Birkin-ified bags, our editors are filling them to the brim with outfit changes for morning workouts and evening events. Top picks from the team include Bottega Veneta's Andiamo bag as well as DeMellier's New York tote. For wallet-friendly finds, brands such as Aritzia, J.Crew, and Staud are winning out. Tennis bracelets and sculptural earrings are also a hit and starting to dominate in the jewelry space. We're seeing the pendulum swing from super-oversize everything to fitted shapes, especially in the pant department—Lafayette 148's cigarette pants and Citizens of Humanity's Zurie jeans take on tapered shapes that are increasingly winning over our editors.
Don't get us wrong. We love a designer piece, but dressing well for fall doesn't have to come with a designer price tag. As much as we're eyeing Prada's new arrivals, we're also making room for affordable brands like Zara that are getting it right. What are the specific attainable fall finds, you ask? There's a new everyday bag from fashion editors' favorite brand, Freja, that looks very similar to The Row's viral Agnes bag—only with long straps that make it especially practical for bulky jackets and knits. Sézane's canvas tote, meanwhile, is quickly becoming a favorite among the fashion set because it looks like something you'd find at Toteme. The same goes for Uggs, which are once again proving their worth beyond winter with the brand's new Tasman Deconstructed Slippers. Sleek enough for everyday wear and easy enough to slip on at the airport, they're a fail-safe addition to anyone's wardrobe, offering the comfort of your trusty boots without the signature shearling lining. Whether you're tempted by runway favorites like Miu Miu's zigzag headbands or Celine's jazz shoes, there are plenty of ways to try the looks courtesy of Madewell and Kitsch without fully committing—or spending as if you did.
Photo Credits: @courtneygrow; Ethan O'Grady; Getty Images; @laraworthington; @bobbyschuessler
Photo Credits: @ioziefina; @elizagracehuber; @katcollings; @thechichio; @nicoleakhtarzad; @anna__laplaca
Photo Credits: @nlmarilyn; Backgrid; @aniyahmorinia ; @nikki.chwatt
Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply want to treat yourself for no reason at all, you've come to the right place. A treasure trove of investment-worthy buys awaits, with everything from jewelry and watches to handbags and shoes just a click away. Interested in a sweater that'll make you want to donate every other knit you've ever owned? We've got a link for that. What about a blouse that'll pay for itself in compliments? We have a link for that too. And then there's the Chanel bag that will be referenced decades down the line and conveniently fits a laptop. Let us be that friend who always says, "Yes, you need that" because you really do. You've worked hard all year. You deserve it.
Here at Who What Wear, we're admittedly picky about what earns a place in our closets. Between weekly in-person previews and the constant stream of new arrivals and news hitting our inboxes, we see a lot of fashion. However, only the pieces that truly stand out make their way into our lives. While our team members across NYC and L.A. each has their own personal style, one thing we can all agree on is the importance of investing in high-quality, timeless pieces with modern touches and a range of price tags. For fall 2026, this means a gorgeous pair of satin ballet flats from COS, a shrunken sweater from Morgan Stewart's Renggli, and a versatile wide-sleeved button-down from The Anteros. And because the right accessories are an important part of the outfit, not just an afterthought, investment pieces like KBH Jewels' diamond pinky ring, Jimmy Choo's printed slingbacks, and Prada's highly coveted Route Bag have won our editors over.
There's plenty to talk about when it comes to the shoes defining fall. Rather than overwhelm you with endless options, we're narrowing the season's mood down to 10 pairs. Even if you don't buy these exact styles, though, still take inspiration from the silhouettes because they're the ones to know. For sneakers, the focus continues to be on sleek, narrow silhouettes that blend sporty comfort with elegant details. Ballet flats will remain a key player, especially those with high-vamp designs and block heels, and close-toe mules and loafers are arriving in sumptuous fabrics like satin and rich, deep-toned leather in burgundy and navy. And then there are boots. Since they have a starring role in our fall shoe rotations, it's worth paying attention to sexy skintight heeled styles. If you're still wondering which pair belongs in your wardrobe, the edit ahead is for you.
Photo Credits: Backgrid; @thebettinalooneyedit; @elizagracehuber
Photo Credits: @jameaynee; @haileybieber; @elizagracehuber; @ellymcgaw; @annabelrosendahl
Gone are the days when the arrival of fall meant packing up any clothing item that didn't fit into an autumnal palette. These days, there's far more freedom when it comes to color all throughout the year, and vibrant shades find their way into our wardrobes whether it's gloomy out or blazing hot. This fall is already shaping up to be especially color-friendly, with shades of fuchsia, teal, and aquamarine all somehow making sense for the season. If you're color-averse, keep scrolling or blame Celine, Chanel, Prada, and Alaïa—not us. Dip a toe in with a pair of satin mules or a classic poplin shirt if need be, but if you're ready to dive right in, a pop-of-color belted jacket or crossbody bag will add intrigue to any fall outfit.
Some items in your closet work harder than others: the boatneck T-shirt you wear every time you don't know what to wear, the ankle boots that always get paired with jeans, and the drop earrings that never seem to make it back into their spot in your jewelry box. They aren't for special occasions, but they are special for other reasons. They're the pieces you rely on the most and the ones that never fail to get the job done. This year, your newest workhorse might be an investment-worthy trench coat that becomes your only trench coat, or maybe it'll be the anti–ballet flats that just so happened to be Sarah Pidgeon approved.
We've gotten very good at copying outfits. If you scroll through Pinterest, Instagram, Substack, or TikTok, you'll find the same looks re-created almost exactly. But in 2026, fashion is pushing back against that kind of formulaic dressing, asking for something more personal. That's where personality pieces come in. These are statement accessories and sometimes clothing items that prompt you to figure out how you would wear them. A personality piece can be anything, but for fall 2026, key items include royal purple ballet flats, which add an element of surprise and an IYKYK factor to any outfit; bold, '70s-inspired tortoiseshell sunglasses; and embellished socks, like the Prada ones spotted all over its F/W 26 runway collection. There's also the paisley scarf, a signature styling trick à la Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. It turns an understated uniform into something that feels unique.
It might feel like you finally put away the last of your holiday decorations from 2025 just yesterday, but it wasn't. In fact, this year's holidays are just around the corner, which means it's time to start shopping for outfits to celebrate in before all the cool party pieces sell out (which they will). This year's selection is top-notch, and there are particularly festive finds at Des_Phemmes, Carelli, Rosie Assoulin, and Colleen Allen. Think metallics, feathers, and lots of velvet, as well as embroidered satin and interesting ways to integrate faux fur. Grab a glass of champagne and your wallet because this is a holiday curation worth cheersing over and pressing purchase on.
Once the temperature drops, outerwear often becomes the most memorable thing people see, setting the tone for everything underneath, so knowing which styles will add edge and interest to your outfits is important. A trench coat and a leather jacket are classic fall options, but instead of sticking to traditional styles, consider leathers with a funnel neck or elegant details like fringe. For trench coats, skip predictable hues like camel and black, and choose green or navy—colors fashion people who "get it" are buying right now. These styles still strike the balance between elevated and wearable, and they're classic enough to last in a capsule wardrobe but feel fresh for 2026. This season is also all about jackets with unique fastenings, like a row of buttons—more than your typical three to four—or frog closures, as well as rich textures like satin and jacquard embroidery. From Mango to Magda Butrym, you can't go wrong with one of our carefully selected jackets for fall. Each of these is a dominant layer that will do all the talking. The rest will simply follow.
Photo Credits: @lindatol_; Backgrid; @laurenegg
Photo Credits: @themillenialdecorator; Backgrid; @arianatapsell; @nlmarilyn
Photo Credits: @abimarvel; @elizagracehuber; @sylviemus_; @monikh
Stretch Boots
$23OO
MIU MIU
Kimono
$339
zara
Fishhook Earrings
$4OOO
AFLALO
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
$198
j.crew
EVERY FALL 2O26 ITEM TO SHOP THIS SEASON
Satin Ballet Flats
$149
COS
Silk-Cashmere V-Neck
$395
RENGGLI
Olina Cropped Pants
$198
REFORMATION
Eyla Slingbacks
$1O95
JIMMY CHOO
Straight Button Blazer
$149
ZARA
Lief Cotton Shirt
$275
THE ANTEROS
Route Bag
$46OO
PRADA
Kayden Jeans
$158
PILCRO
Swoop Pear Diamond Pinky Ring
$135O
KBH JEWELS
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
2O
Shopping Bag
$86OO
CHANEL
Jenia Skirt
$315O
LORO PIANA
Mini Crown Amethyst Earrings
$262O
ileana makri
Oyster Perpetual 28
$31,6OO
rolex
Sofia Pumps
$11OO
BOTTEGA VENETA
Theodore Shearling Coat
$5295
twp
Large Boston Bag
$345O
GUCCI
Candy Sunglasses
$96O
jacques marie mage
Ornella Blouse
$125O
KALLMEYER
Cain Lofty Cashmere Sweater
$24OO
khaite
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
4O
77 Boots
$24OO
saint laurent
Ava Cap-Toe Pumps
$268
j.crew
Romy Mules
$56O
leset
Gianni Satin Pumps
$995
versace
Soft Nappa Mules
$78O
TOTEME
Denim Japan Sneakers
$12O
adidas
Fay Flats
$92O
the row
High-Heel Ballerinas
$2OO
massimo dutti
Stretch Kitten-Heel Boots
$129
ZARA
Aura Slippers
$99O
celine
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
5O
195Os 7O1 Jeans
$325
levi's
Long Funnel-Neck Trench Coat
$2OO
mango
Coto Cardigan
$69O
Lauren Manoogian
Maxwell Earrings
$365
dorsey
Colt Loafers
$118O
khaite
Lauren Sleeveless Turtleneck
$14O
leset
Slim-Fit Denim Shirt
$168
polo ralph lauren
Elle Leather Skirt
$528
veda
Charlie Heeled Ankle Boots
$475
tory burch
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
6O
Prince Street Ballet Flats
$228
alex mill
Faux Fur Hat
$935
magda butrym
Poisson Slingbacks
$11OO
jacquemus
Running Horses Belt
$199O
chloÉ
Vienna Coat
$65O
chan luu
Embroidered Over-the-Knee Socks
$135O
prada
Paisley-Print Silk Scarf
$395
ralph lauren collection
Alace Necklace
$4O4
ab.c
V Logo Sunglasses
$580
valentino
Long Fringe Gloves
$595
tibi
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
7O
Trio Flap Bag
$165O
celine
1OO% Leather Skirt
$269
zara
Stella Satin Coat
$428
REFORMATION
Octo Flower Brooch
$39O
chan luu
Sleep On It Velvet Mules
$138O
herbert levine
Le Couer 55 Satin Mules
$125O
alaïa
Wish Silk Duchesse Pouch
$132O
prada
Fishnet Scarf
$395
altuzarra
Croc-Effect Leather Envelope Bag
$149
cos
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
8O
Velvet Shawl Top
$118O
coleen allen
Wrap Skirt
$33OO
saint laurent
Rosa Jacket
$45O
carelli
Smoking Coat
$134O
toteme
Feather-Trimmed Lace Top
$675
des_phemmes
A La Mode Dress
$3995
rosie assoulin
Firework Earrings
$35O
oscar de la renta
Eve Satin Clutch
$295
staud
Satin Pants
$119
zara
Fortan Flats
$1O15
manolo blahnik
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
9O
Fringe-Trim Leather Jacket
$1998
polo ralph lauren
Funnel-Neck Leather Jacket
$179
mango
Adeline Coat
$3465
by malene birger
Wool Trench Coat
$12OO
tory burch
Demi-Couture Vintage Robe
$8849
conner ives
Plush-Trimmed Nylon Coat
$295O
magda butrym
Leather Jacket
$269
zara
Lucien Car Coat
$196O
kallmeyer
Freya Coat
$375
solaqua
1OO% Wool Long Coat
$269
zara
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
98
99
1OO
Bromer Shorts
$7OO
aflalo
Pleated Cummerbund
$46
ZARA
Soft Symmetry Bag
$229O
O1
O2
O3
O4
O5
O6
O7
O8
O9
1O
Zigzag Headband
$1O
KITSCH
Elodie Bag
$328
FREJA
Deconstructed Tasman Slippers
$90
ugg
Satin Frog Fastening Jacket
$119
zara
Paule Tote Bag
$120
sÉzane
Low-Rise '9Os Jeans
$71
GAP
The Greta Oxfords
$148
MADEWELL
Lace-Trimmed Skirt
$9O
h&m
Tiny Rollneck
$98
J.CREW
Snug Boat Neck Top
$9
old navy
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
3O
York Jacket
$798O
KHAITE
SAVETTE
Photo Credits: Getty Images
Antiqued Leather Pumps
$165O
PRADA
Phoebe Wrap
$295
BEAUFILLE
Striped Cotton Shirt
$99
cos
223 Butler St Sunglasses
$29O
SIDE EYE
Kite Bag
$845
strathberry
Photo Credits: @lboscamp; @smythsisters; @lindatol_; @mimixn; @christietyler
