5 Fall Trend Predictions From a Personal Stylist

There's a certain magnetism that draws me into trend forecasting each season. I've always liked puzzles and pattern-spotting, and trend predicting feels like a less gamified version of that. I get so excited to look at content from Copenhagen Fashion Week (my favorite of the fashion weeks!) to see what the Scandinavian girls are wearing each season. I find that attendees of CPHFW are on the precipice of what I start to see more and more in the States shortly thereafter, so it's always my mission to identify patterns from Scandi street style that will eventually make their way across the pond. The level of creativity and confidence these girls have is truly unmatched. The best news about fall '26 trends is that the ones we'll see this season are, in my opinion, easily wearable. There is a certain letdown when I see trends that I know my clients will want no part in (looking at you, "no pants" trend), so it was a relief to see some of this year's patterns seem easily accessible to the everyday girl trying to look current. So let's chat trend predictions, but also, and perhaps more importantly, how to decide if you want to partake or not. As a personal stylist, I've seen one too many clients get overwhelmed by trends, spend all their money on trend-forward pieces, and then donate those items by the same time next year because they didn't align with their true personal style. Most people want to look current, and that's not a bad desire at all, but I challenge my clients to also consider what patterns they see in their own style, and if a trend fits into those consistencies. For example, for someone who mostly wears neutrals, adding in turquoise may feel a bit out of left field. But incorporating some animal print feels more natural and accessible—a value-add to what they're already comfortable with. For the five top trends we're clocking, we're also sharing practical ways to incorporate that piece into your existing wardrobe and dressing patterns. This article may contain affiliate links or paid partnerships. We may earn a commission or compensation at no extra cost to you. All products are chosen independently by our editorial team and reflect our genuine recommendations. Turquoise Temptation I saw pops of turquoise on so many of my favorite influencers at Copenhagen Fashion Week, and it immediately felt like an unexpected but also somehow expected evolution of last year's Western-inspired obsession. Last year, fringe, suede, and oversized belt buckles were everywhere, and honestly, they still are. In my stylist opinion, fringe and suede are classics and shouldn't necessarily be considered "trendy," but the emergence of turquoise, from street style at CPHFW to new collections from brands like Jennifer Behr , feels like a fresh extension of this love affair with Western style. What I love about turquoise, though, is that it doesn't have to feel overtly Western if that's not your vibe. It works just as well as a pop of color in a simple cardigan as it does in a pair of seriously cowboy-esque statement earrings. Best For: The girl who loves statement earrings or a colorful wardrobe. Styling Tips: Swap your standard cream or black silk going-out top for turquoise to add an unexpected pop of color. It pairs especially well with yellow, animal print, red, and purple. Or, add a turquoise statement necklace to your jewelry rotation to instantly spice up a monochrome outfit. & Other Stories Mohair-Blend Brushed Cardigan, $129 Jennifer Behr Aneira Earrings, $498 Belk Brahmin Small Mona Bag, $207 Bandana Bonanza Another extension of the Western theme is bandana print. It's everywhere. I've seen it at Madewell and Aviator Nation as well as from designer brands like Prada and Miu Miu. I love that brands are making a more traditional print feel fresh with modern silhouettes like this Nili Lotan silk top . The rise of this traditional print feels like it contributes to the larger breaking away from sleek minimalism. I couldn't escape content surrounding the brand Call It By Your Name this summer, a brand that feels like an ode to the bandana. The return of the bandana feels like a broader beckoning to Americana, vintage, locally sourced, and the art of giving a secondhand item a new lease on life. Best For: Anyone, especially as an accessory because the print comes in virtually all colors and styles. You can get bandana-printed sweatpants as easily as an actual bandana. Styling Tips: If you're hesitant to take the plunge but are bandana-curious, try tying a bandana on your bag or grabbing a chic bag from Call It By Your Name , use it for a while, and see if it feels authentic to you before investing further. GUEST IN RESIDENCE The Wild Rag Cotton and Silk-blend Jacquard Scarf, $145 Call It By Your Name Seau Bag Vintage Red / Real Red, $210 We The Free Good Luck Printed Barrel Jeans, $128 Hair Apparent When I saw searches for "how to tie a bandana in your hair" and related terms had jumped 200–250%, I knew I was onto something with the hair accessory trend I'd been noticing. More and more, consumers seem to be rediscovering the oft-overlooked art of adorning their hair. We've spent the past few years piling on anklets, stacking earrings, and embracing increasingly statement jewelry, so it feels only natural that hair would be the next frontier for maximalists obsessed with accessorizing. I'm seeing everything from head scarves to rhinestones meticulously placed throughout an extravagant hairstyle. Even the simplest pop of a metallic ponytail cuff can add interest to an otherwise simple look. Best For: Anyone! This is by far the most accessible of the trends. It could not be easier to pop in a metallic claw clip or a funky ponytail cuff for an instantly elevated look. Styling Tips: Look at the brand Lelet NY , the queen of hair accessory brands. From sculptural pieces to simple ponytail cuffs, they provide the perfect jumping-off point for women wanting to expand their hair accessory collections. Lelet Esme Crochet Bandana, $168 Lelet Vega Clip Set of 3, $188 Anthropologie Textured Metal Hair Clips, Set of 5, $34 Cotswolds Countryside Grandma's curtains are so back. The tapestry print craze has hit hard, and it's part of the bigger shift away from quiet luxury and toward pieces that feel personal, inherited, and storied. I'm seeing tassels, florals in muted tones, and really anything that you could imagine seeing in your grandmother's house on a couch or a curtain take center stage. However, this trend feels less about the print itself and more aligned with the continued breaking away from minimalism and quiet luxury. Best For: Girls who gravitate toward plaid or houndstooth and want to freshen up that pattern in their closet. A funky tapestry print blazer is easily swapped for your beloved plaid one. Styling Tips: Starting with a bag or statement top to pair with your favorite jeans feels easiest here. Tessa Fay , a clothing brand based in Nashville, is the literal embodiment of this trend as she started her career by making clothes out of her grandma's curtains. Avec Les Filles Floral Brocade Pleated Mini Skirt, $88 Reformation Matilda Jacket, $428 ASOS LUXE Barrel Leg Pants in Jacquard, $129 Get Wild I'm happiest to report that animal print is not going anywhere, zebra in particular. According to Google Trends, searches for zebra print are up 80% vs. the same period last year. I've loved animal print since I was a little girl and I truly believe that it is a neutral and shouldn't even be considered a trend. However, what I do view as more of a trend is the expansion beyond the typical prints and patterns of cheetah, zebra, and snake, into more unique ones like Bambi, cow, and Dalmatian. Best For: Girls with a slightly edgy style. Perfect also for someone with a mostly neutral wardrobe, adding animal print is an easy way to add interest without adding unnecessary color. Styling Tips: Start small with a bag or shoe. I personally would not buy anything that's not calf hair or sometimes canvas in an animal print accessory. I think the printed-on look can very easily look cheap and unpolished. Veronica Beard Calf Hair Prism Bag, $375 Peppermayo Lirena Fitted Zebra Coat, $165 Margaux The Fonteyn, $375 What's most important to consider when digesting any content related to trends is how that new piece is actually going to complement your existing wardrobe. Trend chasing and mass adopting are not the goal; rather, it's understanding which pieces genuinely add value to your closet, while accepting the fact that you can admire from afar without explicitly partaking. Every piece you bring into your wardrobe should serve a purpose. Ask yourself: "Does this feel authentically me, or can I see myself putting this in the donation pile this time next year?" Other helpful and more practical prompts include thinking about how you would actually style turquoise or animal print in your everyday looks. Don't underestimate the power of spending even just a few dollars on a trend to make your look more interesting. A $3 bandana from your local thrift store can go a long way to update your look without draining your wallet. At the end of the day, the goal isn't to "trendmaxx"; it's to develop the self-trust to determine which ones are worth making your own.