A Former Nordstrom VIP Stylist’s 7 Fall 2026 Trends and How to Wear Them

# The trends Sandy Koszarek, a former Nordstrom VIP stylist now behind Stylish Sandy, names seven fall 2026 trends she plans to wear. Each trend is presented with how she styles it and specific retailer examples mentioned as inspiration.

Funnel-neck jackets

A high-neck or mock-neck jacket refreshes outerwear without extra bulk. Sandy pairs funnel-neck pieces with denim or tailored trousers for a streamlined silhouette. Examples noted: H&M funnel-collar twill jacket, Steve Madden Fayden stand collar jacket, and Nordstrom's funnel-neck suede bomber.

Purple

Sandy treats purple as an unexpected, modern neutral for fall. She pairs violet tones with classic staples to keep looks current but easy to wear. Examples include a wool-cashmere cardigan and leather satchel in mulberry tones.

Satin pants

Relaxed, tie-front satin pants bring comfort plus a dressier feel. Sandy favors wide-leg or relaxed fits that read elevated because of the fabric. Cited options include Madewell Devon satin pants, COS satin wide-leg, WAYF Helene high-waist, and Reformation bias-cut styles.

Slingback kitten heels

Low-profile slingback kitten heels offer a feminine finishing touch to jeans, straight skirts, or trousers. They're small but intentional details that shift the tone of an outfit. Mentioned styles: Reformation Calista, Mango croc-embossed, Marc Fisher, and Sam Edelman.

Plaid

Plaid remains a classic pattern for tailored pieces and short lengths. Sandy notes she especially likes tailored short styles in plaid for a polished look. Retail examples include ASTR Cooper plaid jacket, Thread & Supply plaid zip-up, and rails or Lafayette 148 plaid pieces.

Dark denim

Dark denim is Sandy's go-to for transitional dressing. It pairs well with blazers, boots, and higher-neck jackets. Specific jeans cited: AGOLDE Arc high-waist wide leg, Joe's The Mia high-waist, Treasure & Bond high-rise, and WARP+WEFT straight leg.

Scarves

Silk scarves are her favorite accessory for fall because they quickly tie an outfit together. She suggests using scarves to add color, pattern, or polish. Examples: rag & bone Pop Geo silk scarf, Coach charms silk scarf, Burberry check silk scarf, and Madewell bandanas.

• Start with a dark denim base when you want a clean, season-ready outfit. Add a funnel-neck jacket for structure.
• For weekend or elevated-casual looks, swap denim for relaxed satin pants and add a silk scarf tied at the neck or bag handle.
• Use purple pieces sparingly (cardigan, bag, or scarf) to refresh neutrals without overpowering the outfit.
• Finish weekday looks with slingback kitten heels to keep them feminine and office-appropriate without high heels.

• Look for funnel-neck silhouettes at mainstream retailers (Nordstrom, COS, H&M) if you want the trend without a high price tag.
• Satin pants come in many cuts—choose tie-front or wide-leg if you prefer relaxed fits.
• Silk scarves are easy to find in small sizes (bandanas, squares) for subtle pattern or color.

# Bottom line These seven trends give a mix of structure (funnel-neck jackets, dark denim, plaid) and softer, modern touches (purple, satin pants, slingback kitten heels, scarves). Sandy's approach is practical: pick one or two trend items to update your usual outfits rather than overhaul the whole wardrobe.