For many people, there has been a renewed interest in shopping for clothes. Here in the U.S., we are out and about a bit more and our lives generally look different than they did last Fall. As a result, our wardrobe needs have changed—even if it’s just a slight difference or simply a desire for something fresh and new.
Have you found this to be true?
As I explore the anticipated Fall fashion trends, it’s always interesting to see what is new, what is regurgitated and what makes me shake my head in disbelief! This season is no different.
For example, plaid is a traditional Fall staple for some, leopard print is always popular and midi skirts and dresses are still everywhere. But, there are a few surprises, a few celebrations and some weird fashions out there as well (like flamingos all over your outfit)!
Here I divide them into categories and share my thoughts. I’d love to hear what you think as well and which are your favorite trends or trends you wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole!
BEWITCHED
Colors
Colors are all over the place this season and that’s actually a good thing. We see the usual deep jewel tones, lots of black, many shades of pink and deep brown has made a comeback (at least a tiny bit which is a big improvement over the last 7+ years!). What is surprising is the amount of pastels we are seeing. Lavender, soft blues and blush tones. I’m hopeful there will be something for everyone.
This kind of deep green brown looks good on many people with slightly warmer coloring:
And, this soft lavender is everywhere:
Whether you wear deep, light or bright colors you’ll have choices this Fall!
Monochromatic Outfits
Dressing all in one color (or to push it further, dressing all in one print!) has become a massive trend. I personally love monochromatic dressing. It’s elegant, somewhat understated (even in a bright color) and you don’t have to think about whether the colors blend or clash. If this is something you enjoy, have fun with it.
See how even in this vibrant pink, the look is simple and elegant (IF the color looks amazing on you and is not overwhelming), but you certainly can choose quieter colors with the same beautiful result.
An entire outfit in a print is trickier to pull off, but also very much in style.
Jeans
Finally! Bootcut, straight leg and flared jeans are all back in style and they tend to be very flattering. Everyone can wear at least one of these styles and look amazing. Hopefully as we get further into fall the lengths of these jeans will go back to long since cropped flared jeans are not always the most flattering! For those of us with curvier bodies, wide cropped pants can make us look and feel wider. Why they are SO popular is beyond me. Thankfully we can still find longer lengths. The good news about all of this is that there is something for every body and every preference and that’s the way fashion should be!
We are seeing a few like this one:
Printed Jeans
Printed jeans are popular right now. Of course, you have to find just the right print that is flattering and appealing to you. The tricky part here is knowing what you’ll wear on top with the print on bottom. Without knowing that you’ll find those printed pants sitting in your closet gathering dust. Generally, wearing a top in a neutral color is most on trend right now so be sure to know which neutral will look best both with the jeans AND on you since the color will be close to your face.
Puffer Coats
Puffer coats (at least in colder climates) are nothing new. What is new is the increasing variety and some that are a little more body conscious and not so blobby looking. I thought I’d share that if you are looking for something different, a leopard print (still as popular as ever!) puffer coat could be the perfect answer!
Long Blazers
We’ve seen cropped jackets, boyfriend jackets, oversized jackets and basic suit blazers. What we haven’t seen as much recently is longer blazers. Now they are everywhere. Just be sure they end at the right place for you (the Fashion Fit Formula (https://totalimageconsultants.com/services/fashion-fit-formula/) will help with that).
Here’s a great long jacket for a curvy body:
Dramatic Prints
I wouldn’t want dramatic prints to be the only print available since that would preclude a lot of people from wearing prints well, but having a few is fun—especially as the winter drags on. This one below is one that, while dramatic, is not overly so and the colors are medium toned so it’s very wearable:
Sparkles All Day
I love a touch of sparkle no matter what time of day it is although I know not everyone does. If you’re like me, you’ll love this trend (which has actually been around for a while). This top is so pretty although it won’t be particularly practical in colder weather, grab it now if you like it, while the temperatures are still moderate enough. Or plan to wear it under a jacket or cardigan as the temperatures dip.
Fringe
It’s still here! Fringe has been a popular trend for several years. You either love it or hate it, but it’s available if you like it. In this case, the fringe adds a fun component to this otherwise basic sweatshirt. If you’re larger busted you’ll probably want to avoid this specific style for obvious reasons!
Puffy and Textured Handbags
If you’re looking for something new to freshen up your handbag collection, this season’s puffy, quilted or textured handbags could be a fun addition. Check out this beautiful handbag (I own it in the saddle color and love it):
BEWILDERED
Some trends each season make my eyes cross and make my brain tired. Sometimes the bewilderment is more about how unflattering the style can be and sometimes it’s about how fashion is so youth-focused that we might not want to indulge in what they are showing us.
Of course, you can decide for yourself, but here’s my take on a few bewildering styles.
Oversized Sweaters
Shapeless, oversized, boxy sweaters have been in for a while – even before the pandemic. They are generally not flattering unless chosen and outfitted very specifically so if they appeal to you choose them carefully. Mostly they show them front tucked to get rid of some of the overwhelm, but I don’t know a lot of women (myself included) who want to add bulk to their tummy area. Here’s what this sweater looks like front tucked vs. worn as is so you can see why they front tuck it:
Sweater Vests
I have nothing against sweater vests although they can easily look frumpy. They are VERY in this season, but you’ll mostly find them worn as is – with nothing underneath. They are definitely adorable that way, but in the northeast US we’d freeze! Here’s an example of a very pretty one:
Two Questionable Dress Styles
Two specific dress styles are popular this season, but I doubt most of us will wear either one: 1) Very short ‘little black dress’ (with emphasis on the little!) and 2) flapper dresses. While the LBD is certainly a staple in many women’s closets, the micro mini length (sometimes referred to as the ‘Mini Black Dress’) is not. Obviously, you’ll choose what works for you (if you even own an LBD!).
As for the flapper dresses, they are a bit difficult to wear on a curvy body and tend to be somewhat revealing with the silky fabric and many of us don’t have a place to wear them anyway (or maybe I’m just speaking for myself!).
A historian friend mentioned that right after the pandemic 100 years ago, we saw the ‘Roaring 20’s’ and with that came the flapper dress. It’s back or so they are trying to convince us. An article in the APNews (https://apnews.com/article/ok-state-wire-migration-immigration-coronavirus-pandemic-business-361a9bf86ea3175194957b7550bb6051) can tell you more. They say, “As hope rises that the pandemic is ebbing in the United States and Europe, visions of a second ‘Roaring Twenties’ to match last century’s post-pandemic decade have proliferated. Months of lockdown and restrictions on social life have given way to dreams of a new era of frivolity and decadence. For some, it feels like party time.” The article goes much deeper than this—it’s not as simple or carefree as it sounds—and worth reading.
Clogs
Okay, so some of you will be mad at me about this. I KNOW they are really comfortable so I completely understand the appeal, but they are SO clunky and heavy. If these are your go-to shoes (for whatever reason), the best way to wear them is with a pant or jean that has a slightly wider bottom (at least a straight leg) so that the shoe is partly covered. Thankfully those cuts of pants are back in style (yay!). When you wear clogs with skinny pants the clog becomes the focal point of your outfit, which, as much as you might enjoy wearing them, is probably not exactly where you want the focus to go. Just an idea!
BOTHERED
I didn’t really see a lot of trends that ‘bother’ me. Many were just more bewildering than bothersome. But this one trend is something I’ve never completely understood.
Logo Dressing
Why anyone wants to be a walking billboard for a designer is beyond me, but if it makes you happy go for it. This is an example of a style that does truly bother me – why do we want to drown our bodies in oversized, shapeless designs and promote (is it really promote or a sign to stay away?) someone’s brand? I wouldn’t pay $29 for this let alone $1,250!
As we dive into Fall, have fun exploring what new pieces you’ll invite into your wardrobe and how those pieces will mix with what you already own. Doing a little shopping in your closet can be a fun way to rejuvenate what you already own as we head into the long Fall/Winter season.
Enjoy and I’d love to hear about your favorite trends!
With beauty, style & grace,
Ginger
Creator – ‘Create Your Personal Style in 6 Weeks’ Masterclass
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A Note About the Clothes: All of the garments pictured here are vegan (made from fabrics that did not harm any animals). Please note that I am passionate about ending animal suffering and choosing cruelty-free clothing is just one aspect of a vegan lifestyle. If you have any questions about being vegan or what fabrics are vegan please let me know. I am happy to help and will answer any questions with kindness and compassion.
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