As we gear up for fall and review the runway trends [1] that will surely lead us to shop for new essentials, there's no harm in setting up your mood board. Some of us have probably already invested in clogs [2], sweater vests, lug-sole boots [3], cutout knits [4], or mesh long-sleeves, styling them at first over swimwear or with shorts. But the transitional season means we'll need a few hacks for layering when the temperature drops or the sun goes down, so we've come prepared to provide you with trusty styling advice that will take you straight to winter. Read through to find the wearable, universally flattering trends you're about to see everywhere — not just on celebrities [5] — and learn how to pull them off for yourself.
Loafers
Style your loafers with socks and straight-leg pants that you can roll up to show them off.
Printed Pants
You'll see checkered-print pants everywhere this fall. Whether the pattern on your high-waisted slacks falls into that category or otherwise, try coordinating them with a neutral crop top and another burst of colour to categorize this look as playful.
Sweater Vests
When temperatures drop, choose an oversize knit sweater vest and layer it over your boyfriend shirt or button-down blouse.
Corsets
While they allowed us to show some skin in the summertime, try styling these over a work short with a newsboy cap in the fall.
Mesh Tees
Choose one in a vibrant colour and tuck it into your jeans, then style with a bunch of chain-link and beaded layered chokers.
Minidresses
Knee-high boots come in handy with a shorter hemline on the rise. You can play with proportions by adding on a full-length trench coat if you're looking for warmth.
Baggy Cargos
These are best styled with a hoodie and heels to polish off the grunge effect.
Marble Print
While the pattern showed up on lots of bikinis and maillots toward the end of summer, look for mesh tees in a marble-effect swirl this fall, and tuck them into your high-waisted tailored trousers.
Cutouts
The latest version of a need-now, ribbed sweater dress likely comes with cutouts at the neckline or back, if you're shopping in fall 2021.
Shapewear
Consider stylish shapewear the new athleisure when styled underneath an oversize blazer and jazzed up with some heels and jewellery.
Chain Link
Chain-link chokers feel fun styled with beads and pearls this season, and if you prefer pendants, oversize monograms are on the rise.
Pink
Yes, sugar pink is one of the biggest colour trends of fall, and we say go all out by wearing the colour from head to toe in the form of a suit. You can add a touch of sportiness with trainers and a ribbed tank underneath.
Headscarves
We wore our silk patterned scarves as tops this past summer, but tying them around our heads and working them with transitional dresses, sneakers, and chunky knits is key this season.
Skirt Sets
Especially when they come in miniskirt form, this is the perfect opportunity for you to show off a pair of platforms or loafers and prove you're in tune with the latest trends from top to bottom. Also cool? Crochet knit co-ord sets.
Wide-Leg Pants
Show off 2021's new casual twist on workwear by teaming these with retro sneakers that will peek out from under your pants.
Clogs
Your inner bohemian is showing this fall. Style clogs with knitwear and socks if your hemline falls above the knee.
Crop Tops
Yes, it's true; these are sticking around through fall and smartly styled underneath oversize silhouettes — think blazers, roomy cardigans, and puffer vests — and matched with a pant with a higher rise.
Lug-Sole Boots
It's all about the lug sole. Balance out the toughness of a thick boot with a miniskirt or shorter hemline, and opt for feminine details up top.
Tinted Sunglasses
Tinted lenses, especially in warmer tones like orange and red, are the best update made to your shades stack this season. Look for retro shapes, like squares and circles, to really pack a punch.
