11 Fashion Trends Are Ruling This Fall

Although fall is almost, we are still anticipating the cozy cashmere, plaid skirts, and pumpkin spice everything. We were happy to work from home in sweatpants and fancy pants last fall, but this year, we are creating outfits that are more fashion-forward as we gradually add more restaurant visits, office day and socializing with friends. These are the top 11 fashion trends for fall 2021 that you can still shop for (and wearing) right now. Here’s everything you need to know about fall, including the style icons Rachel Green and Doug Funnie’s signature item.

1. ’90S REVIVAL

The ’90s are back in fashion. And we expect this trend to continue. This fall, people are wearing the staples of the decade from head to foot, instead of using them as accent pieces. Your new baguette bag looks great paired with tall, square-toe boots, and maxi-length cardigans. You can also wear a cropped cardigan over a miniskirt, and sneakers with ankle socks. Layer white T-shirts with grungy boots underneath silk slip dresses. You can also wear a plaid shacket over skater jeans, or a cute overall with a polo shirt. If you are unsure, channel Rachel Green.

2. SATURATED HUES

The transition from summer to autumn usually involves swapping pastels and bright tropical colors for shades of navy, blue, khaki, burgundy, and other moody hues. However, vibrant colors are still king this year with an autumnal twist. Think rich colors like mustard yellow, deep magenta and boosted jewel tones. Mixing and matching unusual combinations like bright blue and peachy orange, or marigold and bubblegum pink, is the best way to achieve this look.

3. LOOSE-FITTED DENIM

We will forever treasure skinny jeans. But for fall 2021 we recommend looser styles such as mom jeans, flares or bootcuts. For a fun twist, cross-front waists and mom jeans are both very popular. We recommend a slim-fit tee with a tailored blazer, cropped sweater, or elegant blouse to balance the extra fabric at the bottom.

4. SWEATER VESTS

This Doug Funnie-approved style first appeared in 2020. However, it is still in fashion in Fall 2021. These styles are more popular than those made of plain cashmere. You can wear it with no top (except for a bra if you prefer) and loose-fitted jeans while the weather is still warm. Layer your vests with shirtdresses or button-downs, turtlenecks, and other sweaters as temperatures drop.

5. MIDRIFF-BARING SETS

Wrap-around strings were seen last summer on bare midriffs, in the form bikinis and crop tops as well as midi dresses. The trend for fall is simpler with skin peeking out between coordinating tops, midi or maxi dresses. You have two options: show off your midriff in a bold way, as Lorde did with Solar Power’s music video. Or keep it subtle by showing a small amount of skin while you’re moving.

6. PRINTED PANTS

There are a lot of new styles in jeans and trousers, including checkerboard, zebra stripes, snake prints and punchy florals. These styles are not as lightweight and wide-leg as the summer’s floaty style. They have heavier fabrics such wool, denim and corduroy, and a more tailored fit. You can pair them with vibrant prints, or keep it simple and let them shine under a plain black or white sweater.

7. QUILTED, PUFFY AND TEXTURED HANDBAGS

Crossbodies can look like puffer coats or intricately woven leather clutches with ruching. Some bags may combine all three. The best thing about this trend is the flexibility you have to choose from a variety of styles. You can carry your laptop in a large bag, or you can use it as a crossbody for weekends. Or you can keep just what you need for a night out with a smaller, more compact version. Monochrome leather is the most fashionable, but you can still wear a nylon clutch or a zebra-print shoulder bag.

8. LAVENDER

Although most shades this fall will be richer and more saturated, there’s also a lot of lavender and pale lilac. This pretty shade was seen on runways across the globe, including Lacoste as well as Jonathan Simkhai, Roksanda, and Salvatore Ferragamo. There are many styles to choose from. You can pick up a few statement pieces like a lavender jacket, wide-leg trousers, or a floaty, midi dress. Then mix and match them to other purple shades or classic basics like jeans and T-shirts.

9. PLATFORMS & FLATFORMS

Flatform sandals and ’90s-inspired sandals were the top trends in summer shoes. These elevated styles will be a big trend for fall and winter. You’ll find a chic lift in platform loafers and lace up boots. Clogs and heels that look like the ’70s will also be a great option.

10. SEQUINS AND SPARKLES

We haven’t been out in public for over a year, so we are determined to make it up. Pairing these statement materials with casual basics like a button-down white shirt, raw-hem jeans, or a simple T-shirt is the best way to make them work.

11. DARK ACADEMIA

You can think of The Heathers, but with a punk twist. Or Harry Potter for chic adults. Although this moody trend was first seen on TikTok by Gen Z, it can be worn by anyone of any age and style. Pleated mini and midi skirts with dark colors, tailored leather jackets and blazers, and preppy plaids that are deep in green, navy and burgundy, as well as a blazer or jacket in leather blazer or jacket in black are standout pieces.