You probably haven’t thought twice about reaching for your favorite pair of jeans when the temperature starts to drop. For years, denim has been the unquestioned default for fall dressing – the safe bet, the no-brainer. But what if the most stylish women on the planet have quietly decided that jeans no longer deserve that spot in your autumn rotation? As we sort through our closets for fall 2026, a surprising swap is gaining serious momentum, and it has nothing to do with another denim silhouette.
Why your go-to denim might be the thing holding your fall wardrobe back
Fall 2026 has us all reassessing what stays and what goes. Among the outdated fashion trends getting left behind this season, jeans appear to be losing their grip on cooler-weather style. It sounds almost counterintuitive – denim and autumn have been inseparable for decades. Yet the shift is undeniable, and it is being driven from the top down by some of the most watched women in entertainment and fashion.
So what exactly is replacing your trusty blue jeans? The answer is surprisingly classic: khakis. Instead of casual denim, fall 2026 is ushering in an era of fashionable khaki pants, reimagined with elevated fabrics, thoughtful color palettes, and styling that feels anything but boring. Could the most understated trouser in your closet actually be the chicest choice you make this season?
How three A-list women are making khakis the definitive fall staple
Oprah Winfrey set the tone in September 2026 when she was photographed posing alongside Emily Curl wearing camel suede khaki pants. The media mogul paired the trousers with a powder blue sweater featuring lace trimmings, grounding the outfit with simple white sneakers. Her hair fell in loose waves just below her shoulders, completing a look that felt both polished and approachable. Winfrey managed to layer two trends at once – channeling vintage vibes through the lace trim detail while simultaneously championing the move away from denim. The whole ensemble came across as effortless, which is precisely what makes it so compelling.
Supermodel Cindy Crawford offered her own interpretation of the trend at the European Masters in September 2026 in Switzerland. Crawford chose white khakis, styling them with a white V-neck shirt and a coordinating belt. She layered a light brown cardigan on top and slipped on loafers in a similar shade, creating a tonal palette that felt refined without trying too hard. Fans on Instagram were quick to take notice, with one user calling the look chic, refined, gorgeous, and classy.
Then there is Shailene Woodley, the actor known for her roles in Divergent and The Fault in Our Stars, who was spotted wearing khakis even earlier – back in July 2026. Woodley went with classic camel brown khakis, much like Winfrey’s choice, and kept the rest of her outfit minimal. She paired them with a black shirt and a light gray cap, a guitar case strapped to her back as she smiled at the camera. The look was casual in the best possible way, proving that khakis can anchor a laid-back outfit just as easily as they can elevate a dressier one.
Styling notes you can actually use this season
What makes these three celebrity looks so instructive is the range they represent. Winfrey dressed her khakis up with lace-trimmed knitwear and suede fabric, leaning into texture and soft color contrast. Crawford went monochromatic and streamlined, relying on a neutral palette and loafers for understated sophistication. Woodley stripped it all back, letting the khakis speak for themselves alongside simple basics. Three very different women, three very different contexts, and one shared conclusion: khakis work.
The fabric choices are worth paying attention to as well. Winfrey’s camel suede elevates the trouser well beyond its utilitarian roots, while Crawford’s crisp white pair feels fresh and modern. Woodley’s straightforward camel brown keeps things classic. If you are unsure where to start, camel brown appears to be the shade with the broadest appeal this fall, endorsed by two out of three of these style setters.
Footwear, too, plays a role. Sneakers and loafers are the shoes of choice here – nothing fussy, nothing overly formal. That accessibility is part of the trend’s appeal. You do not need a complete wardrobe overhaul. You just need to rethink which trousers you reach for first.
What this shift actually means for your closet
The takeaway is straightforward. Jeans are no longer the automatic answer for fall dressing, and khakis have officially stepped into the spotlight. With Oprah Winfrey, Cindy Crawford, and Shailene Woodley all gravitating toward the same trend independently, we are looking at a genuine style movement rather than a fleeting moment. You do not have to abandon denim forever, but this season, giving your khakis the starring role might be the smartest style decision you make.