Soon we will say a bittersweet goodbye to “hot girl summer” and reunite with the crisp air of autumn. As the sundresses and sandals move to storage, it is time to look at this year’s anticipated fall fashion trends.
Each person has a unique fashion sense, and the variety of styles accommodated by the 2021 autumn trends will encompass many tastes. Whether you prefer to strut down city sidewalks in a dark academia outfit or enjoy rocking sequins and bright colors to stand out, this season’s trends have got you covered.
Here is a list of some highly anticipated fall 2021 trends based on a continuation of summer styles and the current nostalgic fashion takeover from the ‘80s and ‘90s.
1. ACADEMIA
Sweater Vests
For both the light and dark academia aesthetics, sweater vests are a staple. They stood the test of time from the ‘70s through the ‘90s, and 2020 brought them back for good. They’re the perfect fall sweater because they give the illusion of comfort and cool weather, even if it is early autumn and 85 degrees outside.
They can be easily styled with a collared shirt or a turtleneck underneath as well as gold, sophisticated jewelry. Loose jeans and trousers pair well with the top, and depending on the type of pants, can change which occasion the outfit is appropriate for.
WHERE TO SHOP: NORDSTROM.COM BLACK AND WHITE PLAID SWEATER VEST
Chunky Gold Jewelry
During the fall of 2020, delicate gold pieces like simple chains and stud earrings reigned supreme. As Sharpay Evans from “High School Musical” would say, “It’s out with the old and in with the new.” While gold is still preferable to silver, chunky, bold pieces of jewelry are in.
A common trend with this year’s fashion is items that stand out and make a statement. For those who are tired of canceled events and closed buildings due to COVID-19, now is the time to walk into parties in show-stopping outfits. Wearing bulky gold jewelry is one way to blend sophistication with a little bit of noise in one’s ensemble.
WHERE TO SHOP: TARGET.COM GOLD EARRINGS
Tailored Trousers and Skirts
Wearing tailored trousers or skirts is an easy way to incorporate comfort with a cosmopolitan look. Whether they taper at the bottom, are a cigarette pant leg or flare out at the bottom, they usually pair well with white tennis shoes or Oxford-style shoes.
The dark academia look is polished and appropriate for the fall season. All you need now is a hot cup of tea, an old book and a pair of circular glasses.
WHERE TO SHOP: ASOS.COM HIGH WAISTED SLIM PEG PANTS
2. REVENGE DRESSING
Sequins and Sparkles
The trend of wearing clothes that would stand out at a party, or “revenge dressing,” began in May and remains impactful. When businesses began to reopen, Gen Z and millennials practically already had their shoes on to leave the house and take revenge on the pandemic for delaying their fun.
This year, many expect “revenge dressing” to rear its head through the excessive use of sequins and sparkles. The places that each person takes the sequins out for a spin will differ, but they can be worn to the club, to a birthday party or perhaps to a “Friendsgiving.”
WHERE TO SHOP: NORDSTROM.COM GOLD SEQUIN BACKLESS MINIDRESS
Saturated Colors
When most people think of autumn tones, they imagine a rich, burnt orange or a muted forest green. This year’s colors will leap out of that traditional box. Instead, lime green, sunny yellow, mustard, lavender, royal blue and bubblegum pink are some of the colors that will be represented in public and on your social media feed this fall.
These colors will likely be worn in the form of pantsuits, dresses and knitted sweater and skirt sets.
WHERE TO SHOP: NORDSTROM.COM OVERSIZED WOOL TWILL JACKET
Quilted Textures
As the weather begins to cool, coats and jackets will find themselves getting dragged out of hibernation and dusted off. If you consider expanding your wardrobe, you will find that the fashionable jackets on the racks are quilted.
In the same vein, quilted purses are on the rise. This texture seems to be limited to coats and purses thus far, but the look of quilted fabric is growing in popularity. Other accessories may be made in the same fashion later on.
WHERE TO SHOP: SURPRISE.KATESPADE.COM BLACK QUILTED PURSE
3. ASPEN STYLE
Wool Blend Sweaters
It may be too early in the year to pull the tote of winter sweaters out from under the bed, but when the weather drops, wool-blend sweaters will be on the rise. These sweaters pay homage to ‘80s fashion and can be styled with a pair of loose jeans or a mini skirt and tights.
These sweaters are associated with Aspen because of the cold weather and the snow sport culture. If you live in a cool climate like Aspen, these sweaters may already be in your closet. But those who live in hotter areas may need to purchase this item or skip the trend altogether.
An important fact to remember about these trends is that they are fleeting. Most of them changed since last year and will change again next year. If you like them and they fit your style, this will be a great year for you to shop since the clothing racks will be stocked with your favorite pieces. However, if you do not like these new items for sale, you do not have to follow the pointing finger of fast fashion.
If you have the resources to do so, wear clothes that represent YOU. Show people what YOUR fall 2021 fashion is.
