If you're the type to shy away from new trends out of fear they're too eccentric, welcome Fall 2018 [1] with open arms. At New York Fashion Week [2], all we saw were familiar patterns, colors, coats, and layering tricks, perhaps just worn in new ways. The five most prominent style statements are ones virtually anyone could pull off — and they're all ridiculously flattering, too [3]. Brush up on the standout takeaways from the Spring 2018 season [4], then read our fresh report from start to finish, and prepare for an eye-catching wardrobe this year [5] that's actually remarkably comfortable.
- Busy, Busy Prints [6]
- Animal Print [7]
- All I See Is Red [8]
- '80s Western [9]
- Sugarcoated Shearling [10]
- Plenty of Plaid [11]
Busy, Busy Prints
The key to working this trend is to splice a handful of prints together that might not make sense on paper. But if you add at least one neutral shade or solid accessory to your outfit, you can pull off anything — and these mishmashed looks prove it.
From left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Michael Kors, and Anna Sui
Michael Kors Fall 2018
3.1 Phillip Lim Fall 2018
Gabriela Hearst Fall 2018
Anna Sui Fall 2018
Creatures of Comfort Fall 2018
Animal Print
What lady doesn't love leopard print? This season saw the revival of classic leopard coats, but we were also introduced to tiger print, and these patterns could be spotted from a mile away when worn down to the shoes. It's a throw-on-and-go, eye-catching outfit for the new season.
From left: Proenza Schouler, Victoria Beckham [12], and Michael Kors
Victoria Beckham [13] Fall 2018
Proenza Schouler Fall 2018
Calvin Klein Fall 2018
Michael Kors Fall 2018
All I See Is Red
This monochromatic look is firey, but not angry. When you work varying tones from your head down to your toes, the result is actually quite pretty, and there's no chance you won't be noticed by passersby.
From left: Tibi, Oscar de la Renta, and Sally LaPointe
Tibi Fall 2018
Oscar de la Renta Fall 2018
Sally LaPointe Fall 2018
'80s Western
Take the exaggerated shoulders, kitten heels, and statement earrings that made a big return to the '80s [14] a few seasons ago, and mix in Western accessories — think snakeskin booties, cowboy prints, and fringe — and you've got a happy meeting of two very different, yet appealing vibes.
From left: Calvin Klein, Zimmermann, and Tibi
Zimmermann Fall 2018
Tibi Fall 2018
Calvin Klein Fall 2018
Coach Fall 2018
Sugarcoated Shearling
This season was all about layering, so while a look might not necessarily call for more volume, designers went the extra mile anyway. A jacquard dress topped with a fuzzy vest clearly calls for a just a little more texture, so introduce a shearling coat into your wardrobe, and make sure it's the final statement piece.
From left: Proenza Schouler, Tory Burch, and Coach
Tory Burch Fall 2018
Coach Fall 2018
Proenza Schouler Fall 2018
Michael Kors Fall 2018
Plenty of Plaid
While you're obviously familiar with check print, we've graduated from the return of the simple tartan coat [15] to unexpected pairings and plaid worn in new ways — like asymmetrically across a dress or from head to toe in varying shades. This season, try mixing your plaids, not just by color, but by material (think wool scarves with nylon tote bags).
From left: Derek Lam, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs Fall 2018
Michael Kors Fall 2018
Derek Lam Fall 2018
Calvin Klein Fall 2018