The best bestsellers are the kind of finds you keep for a lifetime. They combine popularity, wearability, timelessness, and personality—often with a dash of innovation and wit. When it comes to fall, strong outerwear, statement accessories, and layering pieces usually take the top spots. And this season is no exception.
In the words of the iconic Linda Fargo, SVP of the Fashion Office & Store Presentation at Bergdorf Goodman: “Fall can’t come soon enough from a sartorial perspective. The style forecast looks compelling, and we’re anxious to put away the summer thong sandals and get dressed again—and we mean really dressed! Polished, detailed, lush, and plush will be calling us.”
Featured in this article
The Updated Trench
The Row Amapola long coat
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$3,950 NET-A-PORTER
The Great White Shirt
Hommegirls tuxedo shirt
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$325 NORDSTROM
The Pop of Purple
Tory Burch Ella drawstring pouch
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$350 NORDSTROM
The Statement Shades
Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1974C sunglasses
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$589 ELYSEWALKER
The Layered Top
Staud Sera sweater
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$345 SHOPBOP
The Camo Pant
Nili Lotan Tribeca pants
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$470 FWRD
The Personality Pump
Herbert Levine Sitting Pretty mules
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$975 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
Indeed, dressing up for the sake of dressing up has never looked better, and seasonal bestseller predictions already hint at the idea that more is more. It’s early days for fall, with retailers just beginning to release their new collections, but things are looking more fun, personal, and decorative than in seasons past. Eye-catching little details, like beadwork on a pair of Prada chartreuse heels or the distressing on a Tory Burch pouch, lend themselves to a tactile quality that we’re probably all craving in our digitally saturated world.
“Traditional fashion tropes like ‘power dressing’ and ‘prep’ have evolved this fall, with the idea of personal style—the genuine, human, anti-algorithm kind—taking center stage,” adds Brooke Bobb, VP Fashion Director at Nordstrom. “It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of season, whether you want to experiment with a new silhouette like the drop waist or take a skirt suit out for a spin—read: not your mother’s skirt suits!”
It’s true: personality dressing may just be at an all-time high. So, before you dip your toes into beaded satin shoes and dive headfirst into racks of perfectly distressed leather jackets, read on for retailers’ top bestseller predictions to inspire your new season wardrobe.
Net-a-Porter
A Dries Van Noten jacquard top here, a Valentino silk jacquard dress there: luxurious, high-quality pieces that feel vintage-inspired and over-the-top special dominate the Net-a-Porter predictions. “The fall season has felt polished yet expressive, with lots of slim tailoring and structured silhouettes, balanced by luxurious textures and fabrics including velvet, charmeuse, and head-to-toe leather,” says Brigitte Chartrand, Net-a-Porter’s chief buying & merchandising officer. “Second-skin silhouettes, western influences, and gothic romance shaped the season, alongside ’80s refined and archive-inspired collections. Color became more expressive, with chartreuse in particular being popular across many of our favorite designers.”
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Dries Van Noten
strapless metallic top
$1,065 NET-A-PORTER
“Dries was definitely a team favorite from the fall runway shows, and we can see that our customers feel exactly the same way. I personally loved this bustier—it’s in my cart, and I would pair it with my vintage Levi’s.”
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Valentino Garavani
jacquard midi-dress
$5,300 NET-A-PORTER
“I absolutely love the shade of this dress. A standout dress for the fall season.”
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Versace
stretch-cotton jersey tank
$650 NET-A-PORTER
“I love this entire look from Versace. It’s the perfect colOr a combination!”
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Saint Laurent
floral brocade midiskirt
$2,500
NET-A-PORTER
“You can never have too many statement skirts. This one is easy too, thanks to the elasticated waist. The fabric and color are great!”
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Gucci
stretch-jersey minidress
$1,300
NET-A-PORTER
“This minimal bodycon dress from Gucci is the perfect transitional dress for the end of summer.”
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The Row
Amapola long coat
$3,950
NET-A-PORTER
“Rain is coming soon in London, and this is definitely my personal favorite.”
Nordstrom
At Nordstrom, fall is all about the little details. Think small ruffles and tiny stripes! “The bestsellers this season probably won’t be the ‘It’ items. Instead, they’ll be the pieces that give you the most value for your style, rather than a one-and-done trend,” says Brooke Bobb, VP Fashion Director at Nordstrom. “It’s all about investing in pieces with character,” she says. That includes cool henley tops and cashmere polos—classics that feel instantly fresh but that you’ll keep in your closet forever.
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Free People
Cool Down Henley
$78
NORDSTROM
“No one should overlook Free People. The label has some of the coolest separates right now, and their new, slightly cropped striped henley is definitely one of them. Wear it over a slip or with a barrel-leg pant this season for a sporty vibe.”
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Marni
contrast collar polo sweater
$1,395
NORDSTROM
“There’s nothing better than a classic polo, and this color-blocked Marni version feels like a completely fresh take on a tried-and-true sweater. Playful yet elevated, it can be dressed up with a printed skirt and statement jewelry, or kept effortless with jeans and a jazz shoe. Be sure to check out Celine’s must-have versions in select Nordstrom stores this fall.”
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Diotima
cheval peplum pants
$1,595
NORDSTROM
“I am obsessed with these Diotima trousers from designer Rachel Scott—they’re sharp and romantic at once, perfect for day or night and dancing, of course!”
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Hommegirls
tuxedo shirt
$325
NORDSTROM
“One of the standout items on the fall runways earlier this year was the classic white button-down shirt. This one from Hommegirls does everything you want it to, with sleek tailoring that works with any skirt or pants, like Diotima’s peplum pair.”
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Tory Burch
Ella drawstring pouch
$350
NORDSTROM
“It’s all about a pouch this season, and Tory Burch has made a perfect little carryall in a deep shade of fall’s most desirable hue: purple.”
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Prada
jewel slingback pumps
$2,050
NORDSTROM
“It’s an investment, but Prada’s embellished kitten slingback is the only shoe you need this season. Be daring and wear them with something unexpected like denim, cotton T-shirts, or even an anorak.”
Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue
At Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, the more texture the better. There’s never been a better time to go a little over-the-top: a duchess silk dress, satin mules, and don’t forget your animal print coat. “There is an unapologetic sense of glamour in the fall collections, which has energized us toward a more exuberant approach to dressing,” says Chloe King, fashion director, women’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. We all want to feel something, and fashion that doubles down on touch—in more ways than one—may be your next best investment come fall, per King. “Our customers are craving emotional fashion and this season delivered.”
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Marni
leopard knit coat
$4,900
NEIMAN MARCUS
“Meryll Rogge’s first collection for Marni will be a hit for its sophistication and wearability—this fabulous leopard coat is acActually knit, earning extra points for comfort and packability.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistNeousBerenices shoulder bag$1,095 NEIMAN MARCUS “The eel-print leather adds a sleek texture to fall’s accessories, and this style from Neous is a great way to add dimension to a minimal, carry-everywhere handbag.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistValentino Garavanirouched cummerbund waistband$1,750 NEIMAN MARCUS “For fall, designers conveyed an inescapable glamour, stirring a desire to dress up. Add unexpected polish with a silk cummerbund belt.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistBottega VenetaGino lace-up shoes$1,250 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE “A slim silhouette somewhere between a boat shoe and a moccasin, this super chic shape is the new must-have flat.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistPradaduchesse silk dress$7,900 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE “Prada’s impossibly perfect black dress, cut in a ’60s silhouette, is both sublime and not precious—layer away.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistHerbert LevineSitting Pretty mules$975 SAKS FIFTH AVENUE “The viral Herbert Levine mule in a refreshing shade of pool blue, the perfect unexpected punch of color.”
Bergdorf GoodmanAt Bergdorf Goodman, getting dressed for the fall season is a serious sport, and one that we should all relish. “Layering is important and accessories will take on a much bigger role,” says Linda Fargo, SVP Fashion Office & Store Presentation, Bergdorf Goodman. “We’re not looking in the mirror and taking one thing off, we’re adding on. A pulled-together style, starting with the newly narrowed silhouette in jackets, pants, and slim skirts feels fresh and chic.” Over-accessorizing has never looked so good either: it starts with over-the-top texture, peaks with copious stacks of jewelry, and ends with beautiful gloves.Save to wishlistSave to wishlistLoeweshearling-trim midi-dress$6,750 BERGDORF GOODMAN “Touch-me shearlings and dramatic, fur-esque details are high on our shopping list.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistBalmainfaux-fur jacket$3,990 BERGDORF GOODMAN “Designers elevated luxe with unprecedented levels of workmanship and highly unique and crafted surfaces.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistPradabutton-down shirt$1,790 BERGDORF GOODMAN “A sky-blue shirt will be your go-to ‘goes-with-everything’ piece.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistBalmainstrong-shoulder maxidress$3,450 BERGDORF GOODMAN “Body-goddess dresses which caress, drape, and celebrate [the form] are also at the top of the list.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistRanjana KhanThe Veloria earrings$450 BERGDORF GOODMAN “Can’t-miss necklaces and earrings, belts and pins, hats, long top-handle bags, shield shades and higher heels all work together to complete the look.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistGrazia & Marica Vozzaebony and pearl necklace$8,065 BERGDORF GOODMAN “Rich espresso and chocolate hues will be welcome newcomers in every closet.”
FWRDIf you’re stuck on where exactly to start when shopping this fall, think in terms of personality dressing. This season, FWRD predicts that camo print will be the new neutral, along with a resurgence of the going out top, and shoes with a clear heel for everyday situations. “FW26 is about embracing fashion again,” says Rebecca Brewer, buying director at FWRD. “Rich textures, feminine silhouettes, and statement-making pieces are bringing a sense of drama back to everyday dressing, but it’s still very wearable. It’s a return to dressing with attitude—choosing pieces with personality that instantly make an outfit feel more considered, elevated, and done.” Getting dressed should be about having fun, after all.Save to wishlistSave to wishlistKhaiteLotus nano tote$3,100 FWRD “This Khaite bag is poised to be the It bag of the season. It’s not simply a fringe bag—it’s a true fashion piece with a highly photographable moment. It delivers drama without feeling difficDifficult to wear, it becomes the statement piece that instantly makes an outfit feel more styled, directional, and current.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistSaint LaurentFrida Bob sandals$1,450 FWRD “The heel height on this chic satin Saint Laurent shoe is just right—elevated but still incredibly wearable. The clear heel with the subtle logo detail makes it feel special, while the ’90s influence feels modern rather than costume-like. It has that effortless-but-styled quality that makes it incredibly versatile and is the perfect transitional shoe for right now.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistSaint Laurentcashmere cardigan$5,900 FWRD “This piece is an investment, but it feels both classic and incredibly current. It’s the ultimate quiet statement piece—the luxurious fur detailing elevates it while still feeling effortless. Equal parts cozy, chic, and statement-making, this is the cardigan that becomes the entire look.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistNili LotanTribeca pants$470 FWRD “You should actually run to buy a pair of camo pants—they’re the new neutral. The print is having a major comeback for 2026, showing up everywhere from street style to the fashion runways. Camo instantly makes an outfit feel cooler, while the barrel-leg silhouette keeps it feeling modern and directional. Style them with a chic loafer for day or swap in a heel to take them effortlessly from day to night.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistNour HammourSima shearling coat$3,500 FWRD “This Nour Hammour jacket is the ultimate statement layer for fall. It’s dramatic, tactile, and undeniably luxurious, but still incredibly wearable. It’s one of those rare pieces that can completely transform the attitude of everything underneath it.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistFrançoiseGracie top$1,245 FWRD “You can never have too many ‘going-out tops,’ and this one from new label Francoise is the perfect addition. The leather instantly gives it a luxe feel, while the gold hardware adds just the right amount of drama. It’s the kind of top that does all the work—pair it with jeans for an effortless night-out look or dress it up even further.”
ElysewalkerLush outerwear, rich textures, and familiar staples dominate the fall predictions at elysewalker. “Fall’s strongest pieces strike a balance between personality and practicality,” says Courtney Grant, SVP Buying elysewalker. “Our clients are still looking for wardrobe staples with longevity, but increasingly, those essentials need to bring something more to the table—whether through a distinctive silhouette, rich texture, unexpected proportion, or a strong point of view. The common thread is individuality and modernity: pieces that feel directional enough to define a look, but versatile enough to earn a permanent place in the wardrobe.” Sometimes all you need is a little lace skirt and an iconic pair of sunglasses to make your look.Save to wishlistSave to wishlistRùadhLennox jacket$1,350 ELYSEWALKER “Outerwear is becoming more considered, with customers gravitating toward jackets that can serve as the focal point of an entire look. Rùadh’s dark denim Lennox jacket uses a sculpted, close-to-the-body silhouette to transform a familiar wardrobe staple into something far more directional.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistBottega VenetaBarbara tote bag$5,900 ELYSEWALKER “The everyday bag is moving toward a more generous scale, with practicality—including the increasingly important zipper closure—becoming just as important as polish. Bottega Veneta’s Barbara tote pairs the house’s signature intrecciato leather with a spacious silhouette and rich rust suede finish, making it both a statement and a true wardrobe investment.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistMiu Miulong-sleeve shirt$1,520 ELYSEWALKER “The strongest basics this season are the ones with a subtle twist, and Miu Miu continues to make the familiar feel modern. This fitted striA boat-neck tee is the kind of versatile piece customers will wear again and again, adding polish and personality to everything from denim to tailoring.
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistSaint Laurent Jill booties $1,800 ELYSEWALKER
“Saint Laurent’s Jill bootie has become a customer favorite season after season, proving that the right silhouette can feel both bold and timeless. Its sleek shape and classic appeal make it a shoe that works just as well with denim as it does with dresses and tailoring.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistSaint Laurent lace floral skirt $3,400 ELYSEWALKER
“Fall is taking on a darker, more sophisticated mood, with lace worn less for special occasions and more as part of the everyday wardrobe. Saint Laurent’s floral lace skirt captures that shift perfectly, bringing a sense of femininity and drama that feels especially striking when paired with something unexpected.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistKhaite x Oliver Peoples 1974C sunglasses $589 ELYSEWALKER
“This season, accessories are doing more of the work when it comes to polishing and defining the fall wardrobe. Khaite’s 1974C oversized wraparound frames balance a bold silhouette with classic tortoiseshell, making them an easy way to add instant attitude to even the simplest outfit.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistDries Van Noten Carfys top $980 ELYSEWALKER
“Clients are responding to pieces that bring individuality back into the wardrobe, especially when the styling is almost built in. Dries Van Noten’s scarf-inspired top combines mixed prints and draping into a single statement piece that can anchor an otherwise simple look.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistHaikure Flora jeans $376 ELYSEWALKER
“Clients are gravitating toward denim with a greater sense of polish, especially silhouettes that are more fitted through the thigh before opening into a softer flare. Haikure’s Flora jean fits the bill, offering a flattering, elongated shape that feels current without being overly trend-driven.”
Shopbop
Sometimes, the easiest way to shop the new season is by using the capsule wardrobe method. Think: pieces that can be styled endlessly with what you already have and love, which Shopbop predicts will become fast bestsellers. “Fall 2026 is all about getting more mileage out of your wardrobe, with pieces that feel polished but never too precious,” says Caroline Maguire, senior fashion director at Shopbop. She suggests rich textures, easy layers, and familiar silhouettes with a little more personality. “Clothes and accessories that make getting dressed feel effortless but still give you something that makes an outfit click.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistSource Unknown Egizio jacket $772 SHOPBOP
“Fall is the season to have fun with outerwear, and this puffer brings the drama in the best way. I love the exaggerated volume and removable fur collar. Source Unknown is such a cool new addition to our outerwear mix at Shopbop.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistNili Lotan Shon jeans $450 SHOPBOP
“Dark denim is always a classic for fall, and the Shon feels so much more interesting than your standard jean. I love how the exaggerated silhouette plays with proportion and structure; it makes even a simple sweater-and-denim look feel instantly more styled.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistRodebjer Yuna short jacket $620 SHOPBOP
“Heritage plaids and flannel are the patterns of the season, and this jacket takes those classics somewhere unexpected. It’s part barn jacket, part poncho, with fringe that gives it amazing movement.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistAligne Rain jacket $215 SHOPBOP
“The anorak might just be fall’s ultimate throw-on-and-go layer, and the pop of color this jacket offers makes it even more fun. I love the oversized, off-duty attitude, especially styled against something unexpected and feminine to make the whole look feel cooler.”
Save to wishlistSave to wishlistCourrÃgesmedium Three Sixty bag, $1,265, SHOPBOP: “Plum is the standout color this fall, and this bag is an easy way to wear it. The rich color and oversized shape make it stand out. I’ll be carrying this one everywhere this season.”
Staud Sera sweater, $345, SHOPBOP: “Who doesn’t love a two-for-one? This sweater makes layering easy because it does the work for you. You get that cool, piled-on knitwear look without having to figure out the layers yourself.”
Moda Operandi: Maximalists, rejoice! Big, bold, statement pieces—like 1920s-inspired silk robes trimmed in fur or chic little silk pouches—will rule fall. “This season is opulent, rich, and unapologetically maximalist,” says April Hennig, president at Moda Operandi. “It’s driven by surface, texture, and materials that demand a second look.” In other words, don’t shy away from highly specific pieces, like a sculptural tassel belt or a chic silk pouch for the evening. They’re the kind of unique finds that are all about personality.
Conner Ives fur-trimmed robe, $11,300, MODA OPERANDI: “It feels like something an eccentric 1920s socialite would have worn to receive guests at midnight—only reimagined for 2026. Conner Ives’s fox fur-trimmed silk robe is vintage glamour with a distinctly modern appetite for excess.”
Colleen Allen draped shawl top, $1,180, MODA OPERANDI: “Never underestimate the power of a great top with jeans. Colleen Allen gives this winning formula a rich update in red velvet, and as one of fashion’s most exciting emerging talents, she’s a designer we’re proud to champion at Moda.”
The Row Ray pouch, $950, MODA OPERANDI: “I love the irreverence of carrying a pouch for day or evening. It’s the opposite of an obvious designer bag—it almost feels like a wonderful vintage piece you happened upon. In the hands of The Row, of course, that effortless simplicity is perfectly considered.”
Le Sundial Palais tassel belt, $365, MODA OPERANDI: “I love an accessory that does all the work. Add Le Sundial’s gold tassel belt to the simplest look and suddenly it feels special. Designer Silvia Dusci is the name to know right now in accessories—she’s creating pieces that feel both artisanal and glamorous.”
Saint Laurent boxy suede jacket, $7,000, MODA OPERANDI: “Everyone needs an excessively luxurious suede jacket, and this season I’m trading leather’s toughness for something softer and more sumptuous. Saint Laurent’s funnel neck adds just the right amount of drama—and has the added benefit of forgiving a bad hair day.”
Prada embellished slingback pumps, $1,950, MODA OPERANDI: “Chartreuse may be the most unlikely neutral. Prada pairs it with intricate beading for a touch of eccentricity—the kind of unexpected detail that makes someone stop and ask about your shoes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs Whats a MustHave for Fall Top Retail Buyers Share Their Fashion Predictions
1 What is a fall fashion prediction
Its a forecast from retail buyers about which styles colors and items will be popular in the fall season
2 Who are retail buyers and why do their opinions matter
Retail buyers are the people who decide what stores sell Their picks matter because they influence whats actually available in stores and online
3 What are the top musthave items for fall this year
Common picks include oversized blazers chunky knit sweaters wideleg jeans trench coats and ankle boots
4 What colors are trending for fall
Buyers often point to warm tones like burgundy chocolate brown olive green and cream plus classic black and gray
5 Why do certain fashion items become musthaves
A mix of runway trends social media buzz celebrity wear and buyer demand pushes some items into the spotlight
6 Do I need to spend a lot to follow fall trends
No Affordable stores and secondhand shops often carry similar styles at lower prices
7 How can I tell which trends will actually last
Look for pieces that fit your personal style and can be worn multiple ways Classic shapes tend to outlast fast trends
8 Whats the difference between a trend and a musthave
A trend is a general direction in fashion A musthave is a specific item buyers expect to sell out fast
9 Can I wear last years fall clothes this season
Yes Many staples like denim jackets boots and neutral sweaters stay in style year after year
10 Whats the easiest way to update my fall wardrobe on a budget
Add one or two trendy accessories like a scarf or bag instead of buying a whole new outfit
11 How do retail buyers decide what to stock for fall
They study past sales data runway shows social media trends and customer feedback months in advance
12 Are there any fall trends that dont work for everyone
Yes Bold prints or oversized fits arent for everyone Adapt trends to your body type and comfort level
13 What fabrics are best for fall
Wool cashmere corduroy leather and heavyweight cotton are popular