If there is one thing the fashion set can agree on for fall 2026, it’s that minimalism has had its moment. After years of quiet luxury, clean lines, and wardrobes built around the idea of having less, this season brings a welcome appetite for something a little more extravagant and, crucially, a lot more fun. I tapped the stylish minds behind some of Substack’s most closely followed style newsletters to find out what they’re actually shopping for, and their answers point to a fall wardrobe that is rich in texture, ornament, and personality.

Art Deco is emerging as one of the season’s defining references, with its geometric patterns, beading, and tactile textures translating surprisingly well to 2026 dressing. Statement bags are getting the full treatment, too, from intricately beaded styles to fringe-covered designs that practically demand to be noticed. And then there are the fabrics: brocade and jacquard are back in a big way, adding a sense of old-world glamour to everything from jackets to dresses. The trick, as several of our experts point out, is not to make any of it feel too precious. A beaded bag with jeans and a white T-shirt? Suddenly, all that glamour feels decidedly of-the-moment.