While we reported fall 2020's runway trends [1] last season, a lot has happened since then, and the fashion world is taking it day by day [2] to figure out how to reinterpret these looks for events that are a little more casual. With a shortage of red carpets [3] and a capacity limit on parties and gatherings, this fall, you'll likely be experiencing far more two-person outdoor dining experiences and work-from-home Zoom calls [4] than anything else. But that's OK! Especially when our roster of trends includes "boss babe" — you can easily rock an oversize blazer with your biker shorts — and a jewel-tone colour scheme [5], which just happens to look great taking the form of romantic house dresses [6].
In order to pull off all 11 of the trends making the rounds, some of which have actually come to fruition through #OOTDs on Instagram rather than runway designers, you only need a few essentials. Ahead, get to know which pieces to pick up to pull off even more popular looks, including, but not limited to: '90s grunge, '80s punk denim, vintage prep, colourful crochet sweaters [7], and leather outerwear. At the end of the day, this fall's trends are perfect for date night and the office, even if the office is your kitchen table and date night is a socially distanced meal at the café around the corner.
Casual Boss Babe
The Trend: A casual twist on the sophisticated office look, this trend involves the smart suit separates you've been throwing on to take that Zoom call.
Outfit Essentials: Oversize blazer, power necklace, and a tailored, high-waisted trouser
The Must Have
Zara Oversize Double-Breasted Jacket [9] ($70)
'90s Grunge
The Trend: If you're still repurposing your oversize hoodies this fall, only this time, with a chunky combat boot, this trend is for you. It's a healthy way to mix plaid with leather, and maybe even incorporate that printed slip dress you wore all summer.
Outfit Essentials: Chunky combat boot, oversize plaid, and a slip dress
The Must Have
& Other Stories Chunky Platform Leather Boots [10] ($229)
'80s Denim
The Trend: While we saw a resurgence of '80s punk looks on the fall 2020 runways, the fashion world is showing off a more toned-down version of the look with acid-wash jeans, denim vests, and statement bags or jewellery.
Outfit Essentials: '80s earrings, acid-wash denim, and a tapered jumpsuit with strong shoulders
The Must Have
Rachel Comey Holt Jumpsuit [11] ($550)
Vintage Prep
The Trend: Many of us have been thrifting our clothing [12] for sustainability purposes, and the aesthetic (think grandpa cardigans and sweaters tied over the shoulder) makes its way into fall, polished off with preppy flats or loafers.
Outfit Essentials: Flat loafers, easy cardigan, and sweater vest
The Must Have
Mango Leather Moccasin [13] ($80)
Jewel Tones
The Trend: Jewel tones feel especially regal this fall, especially when worn from head-to-toe. Not only do they give your look a vibrant, saturated boost, they force you to stay in touch with your mood. Try thinking of it this way: what colour would your mood ring turn today?
Outfit Essentials: Silk, satin, or velvet pieces that come in deep purple, teal, burgundy, navy, or gold
The Must Have
ASOS Edition Satin Wide-Leg Pants [14] ($112, originally $140)
Animal Print
The Trend: Sure enough, wild prints are here to stay. We're seeing them take the form of house dresses with exaggerated sleeves or bowling shirts that look cool styled with a sports bra. Even a wild blouse in zebra or leopard fits right in.
Outfit Essentials: An animal-print house dress in poplin, a button-down, and a flat loafer or slipper
The Must Have
Ganni Leopard Cotton Poplin Dress [15] ($245)
Shearling
The Trend: As proven by the runways, many designers are churning out colourful coats and oversize pieces with hints of shearling — even sweaters are getting the treatment and allowing us to play with soft textures inside the house.
Outfit Essentials: A shearling coat, a full shearling flannel or jacket, and a sweater with touches of shearling or furling at the sleeves.
The Must Have
Topshop Tan Faux-Shearling Jacket [16] ($135)
Leather Outerwear
The Trend: The long leather trench is making a comeback, and we love how the slick silhouette looks contrasted with something sporty, like a baseball cap. You've got your pick of crinkled leather, something smooth, and cropped jackets that complete full trouser sets. Of course, we recommending purchasing faux or vegan [17]!
Outfit Essentials: A leather trench, a leather moto coat, and some coloured leather
The Must Have
House of Sunny Faux-Leather Trench Coat [18] ($97, originally $170)
Prairie Blouse
The Trend: This vintage-inspired look includes an oversize Peter Pan collar that's perhaps finished with a touch of lace or ruffles. Alternatively, get the look with a high neck and a bishop sleeve.
Outfit Essentials: A collared blouse, a shirt with a Victorian inspired neckline, or modest bishop sleeves and lace
The Must Have
Dôen Blythe Top [19] ($218)
Fringe
The Trend: A return to boho days, we're seeing dresses with fringe hemlines from the likes of Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent. The fringe is used to make a true statement this fall, finishing the back of a jacket or a mini purse.
Outfit Essentials: A bag or clutch with long fringe tassels, a fringe jacket, and a fringe dress or skirt.
The Must Have
Gerard Darel Lady Hair Bag [20] ($495)
Colourful Crochet
The Trend: Perhaps trickling down from this past season's celebrity style (think Harry Styles [21] and Blackpink's looks in the "Ice Cream" music video [22]), colorfully stitched crochet is all the rage, and you need little else to complete your outfit.
Outfit Essentials: A colorblock sweater or a quirky stitched cardigan
The Must Have
Alice + Olivia Multicolor Alivia Striped Crochet-Knit Sweater [23] ($99, originally $330)
