Seasonal pieces I’m adding to my closet ASAP
Whether it’s the inner Libra inside of me or the nostalgia of back-to-school shopping, fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I love the crisp cooler mornings and the hint of fire in the air. But most importantly, I enjoy wearing more layers and switching over my wardrobe. Each year, I lean heavily into fall fashion with a closet full of cardigans and ankle boots but this year there are a few trends I have my eye on to include in my collection. Here are five key fall trends for 2021.
SHEARLING ACCESSORIES:
I know, “Shearling for fall? Ground breaking.” Last year, shearling and fuzzy faux fur look-alike fabrics were available in jackets, shirts, and even pants. This year the shearling trend continues in accessories. The fuzzy sheepskin is found not just in your traditional Ugg boots and slippers but in bucket hats, handbags and even sandals.
The most popular shearling trend can be found lining shoes. Yes, those hairy, Gucci slides are already on-trend again! Those Birkenstock class sandals and slides are back again this season and now in new styles and colors. So much so, that I have a full post dedicated to shearling shoes. Cool-girl tennis shoe brand, Golden Goose has included shearling-lined versions of their classic fall sneakers.
But most notably, high-fashion brands like Bottega, Prada, and Saint Laurent have included shearling handbags and hats in their recent lineups. Think bucket hats were just for summer, Prada makes us think again with an equally fun, fuzzy style for fall. Bottega’s it-bag, the Jodie, is now available in a shearling version that looks perfectly squishable while Saint Laurent has created fuzzy versions of its iconic Nikki and Loulou puffer bags. The trend is even in the form of the almighty Chanel classic flap! Here are some of my favorite shearling styles I’ll be adding to my closet this fall.
BELOW-THE-KNEE BOOTS:
Yes, I said it! For the past five years, over-the-knee and even thigh-high boots reigned-supreme. The iconic Stewart Weitzman style was popularized by off-duty models and became part of Ariana Grande’s signature look. However, the style could be tricky to wear for anyone over a size six or under 5’3 ft. For those of you out there that have struggled to find towering boots that fit your frame, look no further than the 60s inspired below-the-knee class boot.
Below-the-knee boots were seen all over the runway for the fall 2021 season including major French fashion houses like Dior, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton. The trend has reappeared during Milan and Paris fashion weeks for spring and summer 2022 so don’t worry about investing in a solid pair of black, heeled, below-the-knee boots or even a more edgy lug-sole boots that all the OG influencers have been rocking the past few seasons—thanks to the latest styles from Bottega and Valentino, they’re here to stay.
I don’t often encourage buying in multiples but for this trend, I think everyone needs one heeled and one flat pair. The sheer versatility of these in your wardrobe are undeniable—especially in black or a light neutral color. These will easily take you into spring paired with long, flow-y, Bohemian dresses. Here are a couple options I’m eyeing to purchase this month.
PREPPY PREP:
Whether you went to private school or lived through the school-girl styles in the late 90s and early 2000s, Clueless-inspired matching plaid skirts, vests and loafers are officially back. For those of you looking for a more casual work-from-home vibe, think oversized cozy sweatshirts and sweaters with a collegiate twist.
If you were never able to letter in high school, don’t worry, varsity letter jackets are everywhere in both mens and women’s collections. Preppy looks including collegiate sweater vests, rugby stripped polos, and pleated skirts were seen in recent shows from Celine, Dior, and Hugo Boss even did a collaboration with Russel Athletic hosting their Milan fashion week show on a baseball field. If you didn’t get accepted into an ivy league school or you just wish to channel your inner academic, combine a few of these items for a convincing look.
If a head-to-toe schoolgirl plaid Dior look isn’t quite your thing, focus on one hero piece to carry the trend for you. For an effortless wearable look, pair an oversized college sweatshirt with your favorite 90s straight jeans and a pair of New Balance sneakers. I’ve included a few prep-inspired pieces below that I am hoping to grab before they sell-out!
CARGO PANTS:
Cargo pants might be the most edgy item on this list I’m looking to reintroduce to my wardrobe this fall for the first time since… 2004! Cargos are officially back with an updated it-factor. Every 15 – 20 years, fashion makes a big loop—what was once on-trend is back in style again. Cargo pants are one of those making the loop back into the mainstream. Think early 2000s Abercrombie aesthetic.
For those of you that didn’t live through that late 90s and early 00s era, low, loose fitting, cargo pants with bungee cords, in olive green and bright orange reigned supreme. The former looks could be seen on everyone from Jennifer Aniston and her husband Brad Pitt. In fact, Aniston famously wore this style of cargo pants in a series of now iconic paparazzi captured photos in 1999 repetedly. The pants recently re-circulated social media last year after Jen joined Instagram and posted an infamous pap-captured photo of her giving the photographers the bird while out–in the bright pants. InStyle even did an entire feature on cargos inspired by the IG post.
The updated 2021 styles are seen almost daily on the street style queen, Hailey Bieber. These newer styles have a sleeker, more sophisticated edge to them. The cut is more refined with a straight or tapered leg rather than the 90s baggy, slouchy look relying on bungee cords to tighten the waist or cuffs. This style is the perfect go-between a traditional trouser and a sweatpant. Wearing these will bring edge and class simultaneously to any streetwear fit.
I’m thrilled these are back this season and I anticipate they will stay for a while purely due to comfort. A key theme throughout all these fall 2021 picks is comfort.
A major difference we will see between the original 2000s pants and these updated cargos is the sleeker silhouette, higher rise, and fabric choice. Pant and denim rises continue to be high for practicallity and a higher-rise defines your waist. The original fits were dramatically oversized with belly baring rises. The fall 2021 version will be lovely fit throughout the legs while more fitted in the hip to help define the waist and butt for a more flattering silhouette.
The materials used in the original cargos were often akin to a windbreaker or camp tent material. Whereas these current pants come in a variety of materials that hug and move with your body without your neighbors hearing your every move. Here are a few styles I plan on trying this season.
OVERSIZED WORKWEAR:
Oversized blazers made a big splash this past year but now the oversized workwear trend extends to trousers. The trend is perfect for anyone—like me—who may be a bit more squishy around the edges after working from home for the past 18 months. The borrowed from the mens department look is difficult to style. You have to get the proportions just right or else you literally look like you’re wearing your dad’s old suit. But, when done right, a jacket and trouser combination is versatile. The look is equally appropriate and comfortable for the boardroom and a girls night.
The key is a fitted shirt underneath that hints at your silhouette under the oversized pieces. Celebrities and fashionistas most frequently wear these oversized looks with cropped tops or bralettes. But let’s be real, a fitted tank or cami should do the trick. In the cooler months, a sleek turtleneck will look chic and timeless while keeping you warm. If you want a sexier more daring look, a lace bodysuit will do the trick. Here are the menswear inspired oversized blazers and trousers that are currently in my cart.
That’s my fall 2021 trend lineup! What trends are you most interested in and what are you looking forward to wearing the most this fall? Let me know in the comments what pieces you are adding to your collection this season. Have you have purchased any of the items that I have my eye on? And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram in your fall 2021 looks!