As Fall gets into full swing, color is still the name of the game. While neutrals are important (AND a very exciting neutral is again rapidly gaining popularity among designers (yay!)), wearing color is on trend!
There are a few delightful surprises as you’ll see in the Bewitched section as well as a few that make me shake my head and have me totally bewildered!
Trends do not have to be outlandish – although there is certainly plenty of those around – but can heighten the popularity of certain classic styles. This can make them easier to find and perhaps give you a few fresh ideas about how to wear them.
I also love that when it comes to pants and jeans, there are so many choices for pant leg style, rise and length. Trousers are big this season and in denim you’ll see a lot of bootcut as well as one style that I can’t imagine too many people feeling great wearing (as you’ll see below…or maybe I’m the only one who won’t wear it)!
And now…drumroll please…let’s explore the possibilities with fun Fall fashion to inspire you or make you laugh! (Click on any of the photos below and they will take you to the website so you can learn more about that particular item.)
BEWITCHED
Colors
Many of the Fall colors are rich and deep although not all. The most exciting color is dark brown. A deep perfect brown (Pantone calls it ‘hot fudge’) that works on a lot of people is in and it’s everywhere. Sometimes they tell us a color is in and then we get a dribble of it…not this time. Yay…it’s about time!
This gorgeous brown jacket is going to be one of my Fall favorites:
Pretty much every shade of red is in which will make many of you happy. You’ll also see a variety of shades of yellow which you’ll either love or ignore. There are greens – everything from an emerald green to olive to a light icy green and a tricky one…bright yellowy acid green. I’m seeing some periwinkle and hopefully that will continue. You’ll also find a nice lighter brown that is between taupe and camel. And, no surprise…Barbiecore pink is hot. Lastly, one of my favorites is metallics. We’re seeing lots of gold, silver and even rose gold and not just for evening.
The most fun, current way to wear metallics is your pants! (Click on the photo below to learn more about this item.)
Fitted Styles
Yes! Is anyone else tired of all the boxy, oversized tops and jackets we’ve seen for what seems like forever? More fitted styles are coming back. Don’t be surprised if it takes a while to see a lot of them. Trends tend to go to an extreme (hugely oversized) and then head in the other direction. But I’m already seeing more blazers, in particular, that have some shape to them. Let’s hope the trend continues!
Strong Shoulders
Think 80’s power dressing and I know some of you are rolling your eyes. For me, someone with narrow, sloped shoulders, I LOVE this trend because it makes my clothes hang better and balances my hips which is my preferred style. Yes, there are some more extreme shoulders out there and there are still plenty of natural-style shoulders, but now I won’t have to add shoulder pads to all of my jackets!
Even a casual corduroy jacket like this one (which also comes in navy) is more fitted and has more structure to it than we’ve seen in the past few years. It’s a welcomed change.
Sweater Dresses
It’s been a while since we’ve seen so many sweater dresses and it’s still early in the season so I expect more will come as the season progresses. What’s even better about them is that we are seeing color rather than only black or gray as in past seasons. One of the tricky parts about sweater dresses is that they can sometimes be a bit clingy. If that concerns you, be sure to get one with some weight to it so it won’t feel as snug and revealing. Here’s a pretty example below. (Click on the photo below to learn more about this item.)
Prints
There are a lot of prints to choose from. Once again, florals are on trend for Fall and rather than the light, bright sweet florals we see in the spring and summer, most are deeper, richer combinations. We are also seeing all kinds of art prints and animal motifs (not so much animal prints although there are plenty of those still around) as well as the traditional Fall plaid—what would Fall be without plaid!
This rich floral pattern is lovely if you wear these colors.
And here’s a pretty bird print top.
Fun Faux Fur
Faux fur is super on trend right now and, while neutrals are always lovely, color is in! You’ll find classic styles as well as bomber jackets, cropped jackets and even robe coats that tie (not sure that’s my favorite, but if it works for you, have fun with it)! This gorgeous blue bomber is amazing and it’s reversible so you can choose to have the fur against your body. I have 2 coats from this company (both of mine are longer styles and only one is faux fur) and they are known for sustainability (using recycled polyester).
Peplums
Peplums can be gorgeous, adding a touch of elegance and the style can bring softness around the tummy area. Of course, they have to fit just right (see Peplums in the ‘Bothered’ category for more on this). The nice thing is that this peplum trend does not have to be overly dressy as you can see by this beautiful peplum jacket below. (Click on the photo below to learn more about this item.)
Whimsical Sleeves
You’ll either love or hate this trend. I know that sleeve detail has been in for a while with lots of different styles. This time the trend goes to a new level.
What’s fun about these sleeves is that while they have ruffles down the length of the sleeve, because of the print, the ruffles are less overwhelming (and they can easily be slimmed if the width of the sleeve is too much for you).
Structured Turtlenecks
For years we’ve seen a lot of cowl necklines so it’s nice to see a turtleneck with some body to it! Yes, I know these aren’t for everyone, but if you’ve been missing this style, now is the time to stock up. And they come in gorgeous colors like this blue violet (this one also comes in a rich teal and black).
Chunky Earrings
As you’ve probably noticed, I’ve been a fan of big earrings for a long, long time. It’s definitely my signature look. The nice thing is that pretty much all sizes and shapes of earrings are available now so you can choose what’s right for you.
What’s interesting about the chunky earrings we are seeing more of now, is that they sit right on the earlobe rather than dangling (although dangling earrings are still around). Here’s a really pretty pair by one of my favorite jewelry designers – a slightly more unusual design but more traditional chunky, on-the-ear earrings are also in. (Click on the photo below to learn more about this item.)
Shoes
Your Fall shoe options are varied so there’s something for everyone. Chunky loafers are back (see an example below). You can have the sole be as understated or thick as you want! Ballet flats are still in vogue. They’ve been popular in recent years even when they haven’t been ‘in,’ but now they are a go-to trend especially if you wear them in red or your favorite metallic.
A surprising addition to the shoe trend is clogs. While I know some of you are cheering because clogs tend to be comfortable, they can also look super clunky and can veer towards frumpy in a heartbeat so watch how you style them.
Perhaps my personal favorite shoe trend this Fall is that riding boots are back. I love knee high boots and didn’t wear them as much last fall and winter because ankle boots seemed more current. But I’m looking forward to wearing them again. The one thing that has changed is how to wear them. It’s not that you can’t wear them with skinny jeans, you can. But skinny jeans aren’t as in style as they were and the way to wear your riding boots now is with any length skirt or dress. I tend not to wear a lot of dresses in the cooler weather but maybe that will change this year!
BOTHERED
Peplums
Maybe you’re surprised (or not!) to see peplums in two categories. As I mentioned, I really like peplums, but, like any style, you have to find just the right fit and style for you. What’s happening with peplums right now is that many of them run short and are designed to be worn that way. Be careful. These can make you look like you’re 12-years-old and often the vertical balance is thrown off because of the odd length. Or, take a look at this one. There’s pretty much nothing that works about this top (except that it’s sustainably made…but we can do better!).
The good news is that because peplums are on trend, there are a variety of styles and lengths so if having a peplum top or jacket is something that intrigues you, look for the one that fits you perfectly and enjoy!
Boxy Blazers
Aren’t we over this trend yet? Well, at least shapless blazers aren’t the only option anymore. Slightly oversized is one thing, but, at least for me, if they have enormous, droopy shoulders (which seems to be what they are showing) I, for one, drown in all the fabric. I’ll leave this trend to someone much cooler than I’ve ever been!
Boots
This one is laughable. Tall slouchy boots instead of pants. I haven’t seen this anywhere (what a surprise!!) other than in trend reports, so I doubt too many women will be wearing it. The only thing I can attribute this trend to is that they are getting desperate for new looks or just like the shock value!
BEWILDERED
Sheer
The sheer trend is still going strong. I can understand it for summer around here, but beyond that I’d freeze and either way, I’d definitely need to wear something under it! That said I love this sheer kimono.
Super Plunging Necklines
While plunging necklines have been around for a while, these go to the extreme. But I’m mostly seeing them on more trendy sites like Shein or Forever 21.
Knitted Blanket-sized Scarves
It is so easy to be overpowered by scarves in general, but a blanket-sized scarf, while cozy, can be a lot of fabric and bulk to pull off! Have fun with it if you enjoy this look and feel comfortable wearing it. Otherwise, why not select something lovely, handmade and more contained like the mobius scarf below (it comes in a lot of colors).
Duvet Coats
Along the line of blanket-sized scarves comes ‘duvet’ coats. Yes, we want cozy, but who wants to navigate a giant puffy coat? Even in the shorter version (below) it’s a lot of coat to pull off!
Low-Waisted Belts
I, personally, have never felt comfortable in this look. I don’t like the way it looks or feels on me, but I can see where others find it appealing. It’s not a surprise belts are heading in this direction since they’ve been at the waist for a while. Let’s hope they continue to give us choices. And have fun with this look if it makes your heart sing!
Horseshoe Shaped Denim
Really? Talk about bewildering! I suspect the coolest person on the planet can pull this off, but that’s definitely not me. I can only surmise that designers have run out of shape options for jeans and are just left with this? I’d love to hear if you plan to wear it!
There is a lot to love about the new Fall styles. And, as always, search your own closet first to see what you have that feels on trend and perhaps find a new way to wear what you already own.
I’d love hear your favorite fashion trends this season!
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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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