Fall dressing is all about the art of layering. Of course, that usually means piling on lightweight jackets and sweaters, but the same idea applies to accessories. A drop earring here, a statement ring there, or even the right socks can completely change the feel of an outfit, no matter how small the detail may seem.
This idea was especially clear on the fall/winter 2026 runways, where accessories felt more like an essential part of the looks rather than finishing touches. Designers such as Prada, Isabel Marant, and Dries Van Noten played with tall embellished socks, adding a playful touch to preppy-chic ensembles. Footwear trends like jazz and cap-toe shoes, dramatically long beaded necklaces, and cocktail gemstone rings also dominated the fall lineups of leading fashion houses. But that’s not all.
What makes these accessories trends so compelling is how quickly fashion insiders across NYC, Los Angeles, London, and Paris have integrated them into their daily street style, providing practical inspiration for incorporating runway concepts into an everyday wardrobe. For example, Who What Wear’s L.A.-based associate editorial director, Eliza Huber, styled a pair of Chanel cap-toe pumps with a leather skirt and a white tee for the office. London-based content creator Marilyn NK also took to Instagram to show off her new jazz shoes, which she styled with cropped black trousers and an oversize blazer.
The easiest way to update your wardrobe for fall is with one of these fashion person–approved accessories trends. Keep scrolling to discover the top 10 styles.
Top Accessories Trends of Fall 2026
Distressed Leather Bags
One bag trend designers agree on right now is distressed leather. With a worn-in finish and vintage appeal, these bags feel as though they have a story to tell long before they’re fully integrated into one’s life. The beauty of the style lies in its imperfections. Scuffs, creases, and fading only add character. Keep scrolling to discover the chicest options, from Charles & Keith’s Ginevra bag to styles by Liffner and Satin Laurent.
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Cap-Toe Shoes
Classic ballet flats, slingbacks, and pumps are making way for Chanel-inspired cap-toe styles. They’re appearing in the same classic footwear silhouettes, but the colorways make them noteworthy and sophisticated. Across every style and price point, cap-toe shoes bring dynamic contrast and versatility, making any outfit they’re worn with impactful and chic.
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Cummerbunds
Cummerbunds may not be for everyone, but they’re definitely one of the most talked-about accessories for fall 2026. They were spotted across the fall/winter 2026 runways in collections from designers such as Valentino, Issey Miyake, and Ralph Lauren, styled with everything from trousers and a sweater to a skirt and a bodysuit. If you want to experiment with the trend but aren’t sure how to wear it, try styling the cummerbund the way you would a silk scarf tied around your waist.
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Exotic-Leather Clutches
No fall accessories trend report would be complete without talking about animal-print pieces. However, traditional leopard and zebra aren’t stealing the spotlight this season. Instead, far more luxurious and expensive-looking textures—such as eel, ostrich, and croc—are on the rise, leaving a major mark in the form of sleek rectangular clutches. We saw examples on the runway in Proenza Schouler’s F/W 26 collection, including a standout clutch featuring ivory-and-black eel-print stripes that is already predicted to be an It item. COS and Reformation are also leaning into the trend, incorporating similar designs into their newest collections.
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Embellished Socks
After appearing throughout Prada’s F/W 26 runway collection, embellished socks are making a big splash as fashion’s next big styling obsession. The look hasn’t fully taken off yet, but it’s already on the radar of many fashion insiders, including Who What Wear editors. As we get closer to the official start of fall, expect other designers and the street style set to tap into the trend. While there are many ways to style them, we suggest keeping the outfit simple and letting the socks do the heavy lifting.
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Jazz Shoes
Ballet flats and loafers are still in for fall, but true fashion insiders will prioritize jazz shoes, often called derbies or brogues. These sleek lace-up styles first appeared in Michael Rider’s debut collection as Celine’s creative director, evolving from their sporty, dance-inspired roots into everyday fashion staples. They’ve already been spotted on Gracie Abrams, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Simone Ashley and are expected to appear on more of the celebrity fashion set.
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Long Beaded Necklaces
Long beaded necklaces are already having a major moment. Draped over a simple blouse, long-sleeve shirt, or sweater, the accessory instantly adds personality and polish and makes even the most understated outfit feel more intentional.
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Sporty Sunglasses, Cont.
If you bought oversize sporty sunglasses this year, I have good news: They’re not going anywhere anytime soon. For those who haven’t, it’s not too late to add a pair to your rotation. The Khaite x Oliver Peoples 1967c has been one of the most popular styles, but the 223 Butler St by Side Eye is quickly competing for the top spot after being spotted on Kendall Jenner, Kaia Gerber, and Vittoria Ceretti. Zara and Madewell also offer chic styles that will help you get the look for less.
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Open-Top Bags
From Fendi’s Way Way to Loewe’s Amazona, the season’s It bags embrace a softly structured, open-top design that feels sophisticated yet effortless and undone. Their generous proportions and relaxed shapes look elegant with anything, especially tailored separates, thanks to the juxtaposition between the styles.
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Statement Gemstone Rings
Statement gemstone rings, from lapis-stone pinky rings to amethyst cocktail styles worn on the middle finger, have been steadily gaining popularity across Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, making them impossible to ignore. The chicest dressers are coveting them and wearing them with everything from a sweater and jeans to a formal dress and heels.
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