Fall Fashion: 7 Upcoming Trends

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Within weeks, summer greens will begin to give way to autumn reds, yellows, and browns. The crisp feel of impending change will begin creeping into the air.

If you’re like most people, this is an exciting feeling. The human mind loves change—our brains are wire to pay special attention to new things. Change helps us feel alive.

This is why new seasons aren’t just about the weather. They’re about cleaning house and meeting new people. They’re about seeking new experiences and trying new things. And while all those things are exciting, they’re not what you’re here for.

We’re going to talk about clothes.

So you want to look good this fall? You’re in the right place. We’ve studied a few of the emerging trends that have shown up on catwalks this year just so you can get ahead of the pack. Take a look at these 7 upcoming autumn fashion trends, to start looking good right now.

Off the Shoulder Cuts

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Last year, off the shoulder cuts exploded in popularity, and so designers are upping their offerings this fall.

You might not expect a style that bares the shoulders to be an icon of fall fashion, but trust us—it happens. Off the shoulder dresses and tops are a great, dramatic statement piece, and flatter a wide range of body types. The shoulders are one of the few areas that most people can bare without embarrassment or self-consciousness—not many people loathe their shoulders.

It’s also a look that can range from fun and flirty when paired with jeans, to fairly formal, when layered—this is a look you can rock in the workplace as well as the club.

The one-shoulder top is also on the rise, and although this trend is just beginning to grow, expect to see it cropping up this fall, as well. Try either look for a fun addition to your wardrobe this fall.

Plaid Outerwear

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Plaid overcoats are going to be huge this year. Several designers, most notably Calvin Klein, have taken a new approach to plaid, presenting it in a subtle, muted, and clean manner.

Now we’re truly in the autumn category, with the plaid coat being a classic wardrobe staple of the season, and an essential piece of outwear that everyone should own. Even those who are normally more conservative in the style of their outerwear can use a plaid coat as their “statement” piece rather than the furs or metallic golds we’ve mentioned—plaid is simply more interesting than monochrome outerwear, and will draw more attention than that plain, brown jacket.

It’s also easy to fit into your existing style—it’s arresting without being over-the-top, and goes well with a wide variety of outfits.

If this interests you—which we hope it does—head to your local clothing store and try out some plaid outerwear in preparation for the fall season, and enjoy your pumpkin spice latte in style.

Shearling Bomber Jackets

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The 1970s classic is back. Aviator-style shearling jackets are poised to pop up everywhere this year, for both men and women, with countless designers getting on board with this trend.

Stylish and warm, shearling has a suede surface on one side, and a clipped fur surface on the other, and can be made from real sheepskin or from synthetic materials.

Shaggy or elegant, long or short, these coats come in an endless variety of designs and price points—there’s something for any taste, and can be paired with anything from jeans to dresses. Again, this year is about breaking the rules, so pair this timeless piece of outerwear with stylish, contemporary choices.

Shearling jackets can sometimes be difficult to find for a bargain, so for an idea of where to go to find yours, take a look at this Faux Suede Moto Jacket from Forever 21, and this Denver Jacket from Nastygal.

Grab your shearling jacket now before they disappear!

Gold Metallic

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A big step up in boldness from those shades of tan, gold metallic attire has had a strong showing at fall fashion shows this year.

Far from the over-the-top Vegas styles of the past, these new designs are sleek and classy, and have been most often being paired with black. To make this look stand out from the crowd, try white or cream-colored pants with your gold metallic top—the white will make the metallic fabric really glisten. Pinks and greys also look great with metallic gold.

Metallic gold accessories such as bags and clutches can make a minimalist outfit look amazing, drawing the eye from the simplicity of, say, a plain, black dress. If you want to shine and sparkle without a chance of gaudiness, this is the way to go.

If gold isn’t your thing, other metallic looks have been popping up as well, most notably silver, which goes better with cooler skin tones. Metallic silver goes well with blacks, greys, and whites, creating a sophisticated air.

Don’t miss out on one of this year’s hottest trends—incorporate metallic gold fabrics into your wardrobe.

Shades of Tan

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Tan and its many shades are fall favorites, and this year is no exception. As soon as the leaves start showing hints of color, expect to see lots of knits, skirts, pants, and outerwear decked out in shades of tan.

Shades of tan create a classy—and classic—style. While they can be tricky to wear, you can swathe yourself in these hues in any number of chick ways. And remember, it’s time to forget the safe and traditional—experimentation is in. Mixing tones and textures, as well as donning traditionally heretical color combinations will no longer get you ousted by the fashion police.

While tan and light browns tend to pair best with other neutrals, don’t be afraid to add eye-pleasing pops of color! A tan dress can be nicely complimented by a pair of turquoise shoes and matching bag, for example. Add a splash of black in for a bolder look. Experiment!

Statement Fur

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Fur coats and accessories have been popping up on runways from Paris to New York—they’re sure to be big this year. But these aren’t your run-of-the-mill furs. Rather, these furs have gone full post-modern, and we’ve seen a rainbow of hues from pink to blue to pastels to creative combinations of all of these, patched or stitched together.

These coats pack a serious statement punch while keeping you seriously warm, so if you’re craving some attention this fall, don’t miss out on this style. If you’re environmentally friendly, there is no end of high-quality faux fur options that look and feel just as fabulous as the real thing.

If you’re like many, unsure of where to start for your fur fix, check out this Nasty Gal Night Dazzler Jacket for something dark and dazzling, or this Oui, Odile! Angelique Coat, for something adorable. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, try out this Topshop Faux Fur Snake Print Coat.

Be daring this fall and try something new—you won’t go wrong with statement fur.

Turtlenecks Under Dresses

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Think wearing a long-sleeved turtleneck under a dress sounds like a major fashion faux pas? Think again.

The turtleneck has a bad reputation as an unattractive wardrobe piece, and the mark Steve Jobs wannabes. So how can you pull this look off?

We’re glad you asked! Layering a dress over a thin turtleneck is a great way to wear those plunging dresses you may have been afraid to bring out of the closet. Many designers are clashing bright colors, or going intense with reds and blacks and whites, so don’t be afraid to be bold.

This is also a great way to wear much of your summer wardrobe through the fall and winter—keep that pretty, summery slip dress within arm’s reach, because you’ll need it for this style.

This is a pretty simple trick, but it allows you to combine what is a usually drab piece of clothing with pieces you’d normally only wear in the summer, creating a unique, layered winter look. Try it now and be the one people talk about.

In a good way, of course.