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Byrdie’s Fall Catalog Is Here

Real trends culled by real editors.

Published on September 16, 2026 08:40AM

The Catalog

Welcome to The Catalog, Byrdie’s seasonal trend report culled entirely by hand. At the start of each season, our editors are turning down the noise and presenting this thoughtful, curated guide to self-expression through the season. It’s our sincerest hope—and genuine purpose—that you find something that speaks to you.

Something about fall feels like a new start—a time for reinvention. As the air turns crisp and our calendars fill up again, we’re ready to trade summer’s easygoing energy for autumnal aesthetics that feel a little more experimental (and thus, all the more gratifying). For the fall 2026 edition of The Catalog, we’re spotlighting the beauty and fashion trends that put a fresh spin on familiar ideas. XXL hair is bringing the drama, while inky noir nails offer a moodier approach to manicures. In fashion, sporty style is getting a chic upgrade, antique pink is softening our fall palettes, and peekaboo layering is making getting dressed feel a little more unexpected. Together, these trends invite us to experiment and step into the new season feeling refreshed.

Sport Mode

Collage of fashion items and models in sporty and casual outfits styled for a fashion lookbook — Getty Images / Courtesy / Design by Sarah Kolmin

Fall has us irreparably nostalgic for our varsity days. And even if you never took to the field, you can’t ignore the fact that sporty style is everywhere right now. Whether you go vintage vibes with track pants and varsity tees, or wade into “gorpcore” with a windbreaker and utilitarian sneakers, you can’t go wrong with adding some sporty pieces to your fall rotation.

Gap Satin Straight-Leg Crop Pants

Pair of loose red pull on pants with side stripes

$34 at Gapfactory.com

Cou Cou Intimates The Raglan

$68 at Coucouintimates.com

Lioness Essential Windbreaker

model wearing a black and white windbreaker

$110 at Revolve

Zara Technical Fabric Jacket With Shoulder Pads

Plain lightweight zippered jacket with a high collar

$100 at Zara.com

Adidas Taekwondo Mei Elite Shoes

$110 at Adidas.com

Aritzia Tna Mighty Cotton Ramos Longsleeve

Longsleeve shirt with the number 12 printed on the front

$58 at Aritzia.com

Noir Nails

A collage featuring makeup products and models including Wei Son Charli XCX and Kate Moss — Getty Images / Courtesy / Design by Sarah Kolmin

Dark nails for fall… groundbreaking. But after a spring of soft nudes and a summer of neon brights (did anyone else try Baja Blast nails?) a lacquered dark nail does actually feel fresh. Of course, there’s the classic black, but we have more dark polish options than ever. Try a deep black cherry, cool navy, rich dark chocolate, or an unexpected evergreen. Whatever you do, pair with an ultra-glossy top coat for a chic patent leather finish

Gucci Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Crystal Black

$35 at Gucci.com

Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Rogue Noir

$34 at Chanel.com

Clinique Color Rich Nail Polish in Black Honey

$18 at Clinique.com

Essie Nail Polish in Odd Squad

$10 at Essie.com

Gelcare Nail Polish in Dark Teal

A bottle of nail polish labeled GELCARE with a dark tone featuring a simple black cap and glass base

$18 at Gelcare.com

OPI Midnight Mantra

$12 at Ulta

Antique Pink

Bring on the dark and moody manis and lips—but this season’s fashion is giving way to something lighter. Dusty and antique shades of pink were abundant on the FW26 runways, and now, they’re showing up in street style looks and accessories galore. (Think: less of a traditional pastel, and more of a vintage rose). The result looks and feels expensive—and is decidedly tailored for fall. It pairs seamlessly with traditional neutrals, too, so get ready for this trending shade to be your new staple.

Reformation Salome Silk Top

$168 at Reformation

Prada Karin Medium Antiqued Leather Tote Bag

$3,850 at Prada.com

16Arlington Liri Embellished Silk Midi Skirt

$990 at Bergdorfgoodman.com

Celine Triomphe 52mm Oval Sunglasses

$550 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Chloé Suzie Heeled Mule

Chloe Suzie Heeled Mule in woodrose pink

$1,090 at Chloe.com

Tove Penelope Trouser

$958

$269 at Tove-studio.com

XXL Hair

Keke Palmer and Gigi Hadid styled in various hair presentations included with hair care products — Keke Palmer / Olandria / Jasmine Brown / Gigi Hadid / Design by Sarah Kolmin

After seasons of chin-grazing bobs dominating the trend cycle, the pendulum is swinging in the opposite direction. “XXL Hair” is officially having a moment, with lengths becoming more dramatic than ever. (Think: hair looks that cascade past the waist and even skim the ground.) The appeal is all about maximalism: more length, more movement. At the same time, the beauty industry’s growing fixation on hair growth is fueling the shift, with a wave of new serums, supplements, and scalp treatments promising to support longer, stronger strands. Whether achieved naturally or with extensions, ultra-long hair will be a signature of fall 2026.

Redken Extreme Length Triple Action Treatment

$38 at Amazon

As I Am Long and Luxe GroHair Oil

$10 at Amazon

Rizos Curls Hair Lengthening Treatment Serum

$25 at Ulta

Yummy Extensions Raw Lao Lush Curly Weft Extensions

A bundle of curly hair extensions on a white background

View on Yummyextensions.com

Bellami Silk Seam Hair Extensions

View on Bellamihair.com

Heat Free Hair "Silk Press" Wefted Hair

A woman with long sleek straight hair wearing a strapless top facing the camera

View on Heatfreehair.com

Peekaboo Layers

A collage of various fashion items and styles including sheer socks bags layered outfits and styled models in different outfits — Courtesy / Design by Sarah Kolmin

Sheers are showing no signs of slowing down as we head into fall, but they are evolving. The latest iteration? Part-sheer, part-opaque pieces that we’re lovingly dubbing “peekaboo layers,” as they intentionally highlight certain areas with strategic coverage. From translucent, silky midi skirts to innovative button-downs and see-through totes, the look feels truly fresh and creates instant textural interest. Think of it as your shortcut to switching up your transitional style as lingering afternoon heat intersects with breezier mornings and evenings.

Brandon Maxwell Brett Layered Midi Skirt