The Autumn/Winter 2020 fashion trends [1] are shaping up to be a pretty important forecast for your closet, and who would we be if we didn't share them with you? Here at POPSUGAR, Fashion Week [2] is not just about creating cute outfits [3] so we can immerse ourselves into the street style scene [4]. We're actually going somewhere — you know, to all those runway shows [5], where we keep our eyes peeled for recurring trends that will help us advise you, dear reader, on your wardrobe for next season.
When we got together to discuss the 75+ new lines we had just been introduced to in New York alone, we were a little overwhelmed to say the least (we always are — that's a lot of clothes!). But it soon becomes easy to narrow down the styles that won't just stick because they're exciting, but because they're wearable, and easy for anyone to pull off.
While the past few seasons have taken strong influence from the '80s and '90s, we're at a point in fashion where looks seem to hark back to more than one decade all at once. We're championing the trends below because they can be integrated into anyone's closet and they'll appeal to a wide range of tastes. Also, they're just plain fun. Asymmetrical sleeves and cutouts lie ahead after all, so who's down for some experimenting?
- Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Jewel Tones [6]
- Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Cutouts [7]
- Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Shearling Outerwear [8]
- Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Asymmetrical Sleeves [9]
- Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Coloured Leather [10]
- Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: '80s Rocker [11]
- Fall Fashion Trends 2020: Like a Boss [12]
- Fall Fashion Trends 2020: '80s Prep [13]
- Fall Fashion Trends 2020: Modern Equestrian [14]
— Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley, Nikita Ramsinghani, Dana Avidan Cohn, and Laura Lajiness
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Jewel Tones
How regal you'll feel in this season's colour palette of jewel tones, which includes amethyst, ruby, deep jade, sapphire, and citrine. Whether you're picking out a wedding guest dress (see Christian Siriano and Area for inspo) or an everyday suit like the ones we saw at Rachel Comey and Christopher John Rogers, you'll want to shop for pieces that make you feel luxe simply because of their colour treatment. Go for bold, beautiful, eye-opening shades like the ones ahead and you're bound to turn just as many heads as you would if you were wearing neon. Jewel tones are quietly impactful, and they set a magical tone.
From left: Jason Wu Autumn 2020, Area Autumn 2020, Off-White Autumn 2020
Christopher John Rogers Autumn 2020
Christian Siriano Autumn 2020 [16]
Off-White Autumn 2020 [17]
Stella McCartney Autumn 2020
Alexander McQueen Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Cutouts
If you're wondering how to show off just a sliver of skin, designers Dion Lee, Proenza Schouler, and Monse are giving you outfit inspo galore. It doesn't matter whether you're heading out for a date night with your SO or meeting friends for brunch, there's a cutout outfit appropriate for every occasion. Think: sleek cutouts in unique places like your shoulder, your collarbone, or your ribs. These looks are an easy way to add a touch of sex appeal to your look.
From left: Dion Lee Autumn 2020, Off-White Autumn 2020, Burberry Autumn 2020
Proenza Schouler Autumn 2020
Oscar de la Renta Autumn 2020
Victor Glemaud Autumn 2020
Prabal Gurung Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Shearling Outerwear
Picture being cuddled up in shearling this Autumn, because that's exactly what designers are delivering in next season's outerwear. Layered up in tough, bomber-style jackets and '70s-feeling lapels, shearling is set to become a staple.
From left: Stella McCartney Autumn 2020, Khaite Autumn 2020, Sandy Liang Autumn 2020
Stella McCartney Autumn 2020
Dries Van Noten Autumn 2020
Michael Kors Collection Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Asymmetrical Sleeves
While you'll see bare shoulders and cutouts in Autumn 2020, the newest way to show some skin is with totally asymmetrical sleeves and necklines. In some cases, one sleeve offers full coverage and the other is completely sleeveless. It's fashion-forward, but it becomes more wearable with easy silhouettes and fluid fabrics. In fact, there's a kind of nonchalance to it.
Hellessy Autumn 2020
Proenza Schouler Autumn 2020
Victor Glemaud Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Coloured Leather
The best part of Autumn, in our opinion, is the fact that it's officially leather weather. This season, designers like Sally LaPointe, Saint Laurent, and Coach gave us something fresh and even more exciting to look forward to: coloured leather. These designers created luxurious separates in bold hues like ultraviolet, royal blue, and caramel that were simply too gorgeous to resist.
From left: Ulla Johnson Autumn 2020, Mugler Autumn 2020, Sally LaPointe Autumn 2020
Sally LaPointe Autumn 2020
Gabriela Hearst Autumn 2020
Saint Laurent Autumn 2020
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: '80s Rocker
If you're more into the edgier styles from the '80s, think of Debbie Harry aka Blondie (who performed at this season's Coach show) and Joan Jett as your new style icons. Leather on leather is an easy way to channel this energy, but platforms, strong shoulders with a cinched waist, and rocker-chic printed scarves are other easy, subtle ways to send yourself into "Cherry Bomb" territory.
From left: Coach Autumn 2020, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Autumn 2020, Saint Laurent Autumn 2020
Marc Jacobs Autumn 2020 [18]
Alberta Ferretti Autumn 2020
Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini Autumn 2020
Saint Laurent Autumn 2020
Isabel Marant Autumn 2020
Louis Vuitton Autumn 2020
Jonathan Simkhai Autumn 2020
Saint Laurent Autumn 2020
Salvatore Ferragamo Autumn 2020
Bottega Veneta Autumn 2020
Stella McCartney Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: '80s Prep
Blending the best elements of '80s prep — think argyle and Fair Isle sweaters, polos, cardigans, plaids, pleats, and parkas — with contemporary streetwear, designers gave us a new riff on beloved nostalgia. It's all about the way you layer vests, blazers, and belts, and finish the look with loafers and tall boots to further the effect. Very Sloane Peterson.
From left: Alberta Ferretti Autumn 2020, Dior Autumn 2020, Chanel Autumn 2020
Alberta Ferretti Autumn 2020
Autumn Fashion Trends 2020: Modern Equestrian
It's not just the more literal riding boots and hats or horsebit belts you'll see from the Autumn 2020 runways, but a full-on equestrian mood, thanks to slim pants tucked into boots, sharp tailoring, and leather accents. It's polished, but cool and easy to wear.
From left: Hermes Autumn 2020, Brandon Maxwell Autumn 2020, Rejina Pyo Autumn 2020
Brock Collection Autumn 2020
Oscar de la Renta Autumn 2020
Gabriela Hearst Autumn 2020
Isabel Marant Autumn 2020
Brandon Maxwell Autumn 2020
Self-Portrait Autumn 2020
Veronica Beard Autumn 2020