My Fall 2026 Women’s Fashion Preview

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale always kicks off the fashion pre-fall season, giving us a sneak peek at what we’ll actually be wearing in 2026. I spent hours browsing and shopping the sale, and also reading trend reports, and here’s what I think will be the most stylish pieces for fall…

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links/images which enable me to earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you).

Stand Collar & Funnel-Neck Outerwear

Stand Collar and funnel neck jackets were very popular in the early part of the year, and will continue to be popular in the fall. You’ll find both lightweight jackets and heavier wool coats in this funnel neck style. I bought this Rails Cotton Blend Utility Jacket from Nordstrom. It’s currently sold out, but if you like it, keep an eye out for restocks. You’ll also find it in Sage Green at Rails.

(My boots are these Waterproof Suede boots).

You’ll also stand collar and funnel-neck outerwear in leather, wool, and suede for colder days. J.Crew’s Toscana is another option that is on sale right now.

Elegant Shoes & Boots

After several years of chunky lug-sole boots and heavy sneakers, elegant styles are trending in footwear. Low-profile sneakers, ballet flats, pointed-toe boots, and soft loafers are all going to be popular this fall.

I bought two pairs of shoes for fall: these Adidas Low Top Sneakers and these Reiss Flats. Both are very comfortable! If you are looking for new ballet flats, look for ones with a high-cut vamp (i.e. so that you can’t see your toes), as this style looks more current than low-cut ones.

For boots, I opted for these classic Tory Burch Chelsea boots because I need a pair of low-heeled boots, but if I were buying a trending boot, I would choose a suede pointed-toe pair like this Marc Fisher Pointed Toe Bootie.

If you are looking for loafers, take a look at these Sam Edelman Moc Toe Loafers or the Loraine Bit Loafers. I haven’t tried these on, but I have bought several pairs of Sam Edelman shoes lately, and found them to be comfortable and durable.

Polished Pants & Jeans

Dark jeans are trending in fall 2026, which is wonderful, as they are so versatile! You’ll find jeans in the traditional dark blue, but also in colors like espresso brown.

I bought these Kut From The Kloth Kick Flare Jeans, hoping that they would be full length on me, but they were just an inch too short. The slanted pockets are a fun detail, but they did make my hips look wider, which I don’t really need right now! (My sweater jacket is this Merino Wool Jacket).

So I’m considering these other dark jeans and pants for fall:

Brown Or Olive Suede Jackets

Last year, I noticed a lot of leather jackets in the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and in other stores. This year, I’m seeing more suede.

I bought this All Saints suede jacket (currently available on their site in Khaki Green at full price). While I love the style, I may have bought one too many funnel neck jackets, so I’m debating keeping it. I’m also checking out a few on the All Saints website as they have suede jackets on sale.

If you’re shopping for a suede jacket, you’ll find that they’re mostly cropped jackets, but there are a few longer ones too. Most are in shades of brown or green.

Short Sleeve Cashmere Tops And Dresses

Short sleeve sweaters (and sweater dresses) have been in fashion the last couple of years, and continue into fall 2026. I bought this Short Sleeve Sweater Dress to wear to fall and winter parties with knee-high boots. (Mine are these in brown).

I also have this J.Crew Merino Wool Ribbed Sweater and this Cashmere T-Shirt, both on sale, but still very relevant for fall 2026. I plan to wear them under jackets and blazers to stay warm without the bulk of long sleeves.

If you’re looking for a short-sleeved sweater in wool or cashmere (or a blend), here are some options:

Skinny Silk Scarves

I love skinny scarves as you really can’t overthink how to tie them. I’ve seen them tied like a men’s tie or just tied in a simple knot. I ordered this one in two colors as I couldn’t decide on one!

Suede Or Patent Leather Handbags

While woven leather and smooth leather will continue to be relevant this fall, I’m starting to see glimpses of shiny leather, too. I bought this All Saints Shoulder Bag and love the deep red color. It looks a little bigger on me than on the website, so I just ordered the smaller version to compare. (My dress is this one, and my boots are these).

Suede handbags are trending too, and most of the popular ones have both shoulder straps and crossbody straps.

Which of these Fall 2026 Fashion trends are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments…

P.S. I’ll be updating this post with new arrivals and emerging trends. If you’d like to be in the loop, join Fashionipa & Friends below. That way you’ll get my weekly-ish newsletter and weekend updates!