Fall 2026: Soft Boots Are Back: Online Sales Rise While Fashion Slows

Although there were signs of improvement, exports of core sectors such as textiles, clothing, leather, leather goods, and footwear decreased by 2.3%. Retail sales are also struggling; in July, the category comprising footwear, leather goods, and travel goods recorded the steepest year-on-year decline among non-food goods, at -2.8%.

Boots are once again the protagonists of autumn

Despite slowing consumption, trends continue to influence demand. Vogue Italia listed sheepskin boots among the key styles for Fall/Winter 2026-2027, alongside fitted versions and slouchy silhouettes. Furthermore, in September, the return of the UGG Mini to street style was relaunched following a look by Bella Hadid at New York Fashion Week.

The success of these models is primarily due to an increasingly popular combination: comfort and recognizability. Soft footwear is no longer relegated to cold days, but is paired with casual clothing and worn even in the transitional seasons.

Among the simplest combinations for autumn are:

1. Straight or slightly flared jeans with soft knitwear
2. Wide trousers and short jackets
3. Midi skirts with opaque tights and cardigans
4. Leggings or technical trousers for more informal looks

The palette remains dominated by natural tones, from camel to dark brown, easy to incorporate into autumn wardrobes.

Discounts and promotions are becoming increasingly important

In a less dynamic market, price inevitably becomes more important. Thanks to all the digital channels, it's easy to monitor price differences, check out promotional campaigns, and wait for the best time to buy.

This is where platforms like Zalando Privé tap into a well-established practice: seeking out well-known brands through limited-time sales and flexible discounts. Availability isn't constant, and campaigns change, so the approach is different from that of a traditional, always-on catalog.

This behavior is also consistent with the trend toward purchasing less today. The 2026 Coop Report found that 65% of respondents consider it important to reduce consumption and combat waste . For fashion, this means that purchases are more thoughtful, focusing on garments and accessories perceived as truly useful or easy to use over multiple seasons.

The change of season is more reasoned and studied

Fall 2026 ushers in two coexisting trends. On one hand, there are highly recognizable trends, such as the return of slouchy boots and 2000s silhouettes; on the other, there's a more careful consumer, who compares prices and spends more time evaluating before purchasing.

E-commerce data shows that digital continues to grow even as some fashion sectors slow down. The result is a less impulsive seasonal change; a completely new wardrobe isn't necessarily necessary; just a few, more carefully chosen purchases are enough. The search for the right balance between trend, comfort, durability, and price is key.