From Tang jackets to vinyl coats, the fall 2026 trends to know now

There is a palpable shift in the air when autumn approaches, a collective sigh of relief as we trade in the flimsy, flowy fashion for the rich and tactile drama of cool-weather dressing. This year, fall fashion is not merely whispering updates; it is making a bold and unapologetic statement. Gone are the days of playing it safe with muted neutrals. This season’s runway and street-style consensus proves that wardrobe reinvention is an art form. Whether you are looking to completely overhaul your wardrobe or simply inject a jolt of momentum into your rotation, these are the defining trends shaping the autumn landscape. Consider this your definitive guide to dressing for a season that refuses to blend into the background.

Chinese Tang Jackets

This fall, the websites of brands and designers—from Reformation to Zara—have seen multiple iterations of the Chinese Tang Jacket. Celebrating silhouettes of the Far East, this style can be identified through its structured form, symmetrical front opening and its use of Pankou, which is a knotted closure. The sharp cuts and use of timeless silks and satins give birth to a staple that deserves a spot in your wardrobe irrespective of its “trending” relevance. Many designers are breathing new life into the silhouette by playing with exaggerated proportions and rich colour palettes; on the other hand, the brand Shanghai Tang sticks to creating the most authentic version of this jacket.

Vinyl Coats

If you feel autumn styling can sometimes lean toward muted and predictable tones, the vinyl coat is here to shake things up. It’s glossy, reflective and unapologetically bold. The liquid-shine outerwear has dominated the runways in shades ranging from classic obsidian black to deep oxblood and vibrant pillar-box red, offering an instant elevation to your look. Let the coat do the talking by throwing a floor-length vinyl trench over a minimalist satin slip dress for your date night or a simple cashmere turtleneck and tailored trousers for maximum impact in the boardroom.

Animal Print Pants

Animal print pants have officially shaken off their flashy reputation to become autumn's ultimate unexpected neutral. Once reserved for the after-hours, ferocious patterns like leopard, zebra, and snakeskin now anchor everyday wardrobes with an unexpected and fierce edge. Designers are using these bold patterns across tailored trousers, relaxed cargo pants, and sleek stretchy bottoms. The secret to mastering the look lies in effortless balance: ground the wild statement piece with classic wardrobe staples like a crisp white button-down shirt, an oversized grey crewneck sweater, or a minimalist leather jacket for instant cool-girl execution.

Purple Power

One scroll through Instagram and you’ll know that purple is the new black. Ranging from moody plum to deep eggplant, these magnetic colours flood the runways across velvet blazers, satin midi skirts, and heavy monochromatic knitwear drenched in this dark and romantic tone. Fashion enthusiasts can embrace head-to-toe monochromatic styling using varying textures of purple for a truly immersive look or simply accent an understated all-black ensemble with a single statement aubergine accessory for maximum impact. Loewe and Celine championed the shade across statement garments and accessories, cementing rich plum as the ultimate luxury shade.

Lead image: Getty Images

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