Look Forward To: Fall Fashion Trends

Officially, we may be in the dog days of summer, but mentally we're already in the middle of fall. It is true that the seasons won't change for another two months, but who cares about facts like that when you can fantasize about all of next season's gorgeous trends now? Not us! We have a feeling you might agree, dear readers, so we're giving you a little head start on all of autumn's must-have items. From fabulous fifties-inspired silhouettes to outrageously cool animal-print accessories, today is the time to plunge headfirst into next season's delightful offerings. Get ready to get inspired...



Bow Shoes
Around this time last year, the buzz was all about extreme shoes like thigh-high boots and heavy hardware booties, but this season you can expect more feminine footwear. The must-have heel for fall is the bow-bedecked pump and it's available in a surprisingly wide range of iterations and materials. Whether it's decoratively ornamented per Miu Miu or simple and structured like Louis Vuitton's Beauty Pumps ($1500, 866.VUITTON), there are loads of runway examples you can try. Personally, we're obsessed with the sharply sweet style seen at Isabel Marant, as it's an un-saccharine variation of this trend, perfect for the non-girly-girl.
Images from left: Isabel Marant, Miu Miu

Chunky Knits
This isn't the first time chunky knits have warmed up the fall runways, but what is notable is the way they were layered together. At Prada, models showed off cozy cable-knit sweaters paired with thickly woven skirts and tights, while the Rag & Bone and Paul and Joe shows made bundling up for winter appealing via oversized scarves, sweater dresses, and nubby socks.
Images from left: Paul and Joe, Rag & Bone, Prada

Animal Accents
Animal prints are everywhere this fall! That said, though we completely understand the desire to invest in a leopard dress or cheetah coat, the easiest and most cost-effective way to get into the autumnal spirit is with animal-print accessories. Of all the things we're craving this season, Mulberry's new Neely Bag ($2650) is at the tip-top of the list because it combines the key cat print with a ladylike boxy shape—perfect for fall. Additionally, we love the look of Dries Van Noten's the Leopard Print Scarf ($851, 832.201.2700), as it offers a quick way to add a little luxury to any look.
Images clockwise from right: Mulberry, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Dries Van Noten

Shearling Jackets
A little leather jacket is one of those everyday essentials, but if you're looking to update your outerwear for fall, start searching for something in shearling. Seen in a number of colors (including gray, black, brown, and white), these comfy coats look oh-so cute paired with straight-leg trousers or over a delicate frock. While we love all the runway versions—like Burberry Prorsum's Cropped Aviator Jacket with Funnel Neck ($3595), as well as the styles shown at Pringle of Scotland and Paul and Joe—our eyes are on Helmut Lang's amazing interpretations, like the Chasm Shearling Jacket ($1140), which is available now. It's perfect for keeping warm this fall and definitely a wardrobe necessity!
Images from left: Burberry Prorsum, Paul and Joe, Pringle of Scotland

Jewel-Tone Velvet
When it comes to "it" fabrics this season, velvet definitely tops the list. And although black velvet is certainly a key player in the season's most covetable collections, we're more intrigued by the jewel-tone iterations. These royal hues are popping up on loads of pieces this fall—including jackets, pants, and dresses—infusing each item with a playful romanticism that's anything but gloomy goth. Designers like Charlotte Ronson, Alexander Wang, and Ralph Lauren demonstrated that the best way to wear these pieces is with restraint, so pair these rich colors with dark neutrals to make the trend wearable.
Images from left: Ralph Lauren, Alexander Wang, Charlotte Ronson

Camel Coats
A major component of our autumnal wardrobe is the eternally chic camel coat—a must-have for any fall season. If you've yet to invest in this essential, we recommend looking for something with a menswear vibe, like Chloe's Double Face Angora Coat ($2684), or a slouchy style, like Salvatore Ferragamo's Cashmere Double Face Cape Coat ($3743). Or you can brave the chilly weather in a more structured, fitted shape per Marni. Whatever you decide, this luxurious coat is a worthy investment indeed!
Images from left: Salvatore Ferragamo, Marni, Chloe

Red Leather
Sure black leather is an essential fall staple, but why not take it up a notch and incorporate a sexy pop of color into your daily rotation with red leather? There are a number of designer options in the clothing department—Balmain's Stretch Leather Biker Trousers ($4648) and Guilty Brotherhood's Leather Trousers ($1792) are both covetable items—or you can easily vamp up your look with a hot red accessory. We'll be saving up for some memorable shoes like Givenchy's Laced Ankle Boots ($1404) or a luxe carrier like Celine's Classic Medium Box Bag ($3400, 212.872.2526) in Lipstick. Images clockwise from left: Celine, Balmain, and Givenchy

Maxi Skirts
We were thrilled to see floor-length skirts power-walking down the fall runways this season; there's something so enticing about the dramatic effect of this chic trend. Look to the straight and fitted styles from Dries Van Noten, Michael Kors, and Aquascutum shows for the right vibe, or you can always start your collection with Ann Demeulemeester's Long Jersey Skirt ($853), which is available now.
Images from left: Dries Van Noten, Michael Kors, Aquascutum

Fifties Redux
Though we definitely enjoyed the brazen statement of last year's eighties inspiration, this season we're going a little further back in time for a full-throttle fifties redux. That's right, we are talking circle skirts, Capri pants, and ladylike accessories. You can go the sweetly conservative debutant route per Fendi and Louis Vuitton, or try Isabel Marant's sexy siren look, which is so very Olivia Newton-John as Sandy in Grease (after the makeover, of course!).
Images from left: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Isabel Marant

Baroque & Roll
At first glance, the title baroque and roll might be unclear, but take a closer look, and you will discover a highly elaborate fashion display that mixes 17th century royalty (we're thinking Louis XIV) with some sexy rock 'n' roll touches. The luxurious frock coats and gilded pants are bold ensembles choices, to say the least, but daring readers should reference the styling at Emilio Pucci, Balmain, and Roberto Cavalli—all offer perfect examples—when emulating this trend If you can't wait to try out this decorative look, Balmain's Lurex Jaquard Jacket ($3867) and Roberto Cavalli's Velvet Devore Trousers ($2394) will add the right amount of ornate appeal into your wardrobe.
Images from left: Emilio Pucci, Balmain, Roberto Cavalli

Straight-Leg Pants
Set aside your skinny pants (they deserve a break) and elongate your legs with tailored, straight-legged trousers that have a certain seventies sophistication. These high-waisted bottoms can give you a savvy, office-appropriate look when paired with a fitted blouse or blazer—just look at the Rochas and Akris runways for ideas—or a chic rocker vibe if you opt for this silhouette in leather.
Images from left: Gucci, Akris, Marc Jacobs

Metallic Dresses
Last year's shine fest is still going strong, and while we suggest you add a few lamé and metallic separates into your fall wardrobe, we also like the idea of stepping up the glitz factor for your high-fashion moments with a metallic dress! The Salvatore Ferragamo show contained a few excellent examples that are sure to make a big impression this season (already spotted a gorgeous gown on Dree Hemingway). Additionally, we are confident that Marc Jacobs' Sequin Embellished Gown ($5200)—last seen on Nicole Richie at the Met Gala!—will be an instant crowd pleaser as well.—Jessica Baker
Images from left: Salvatore Ferragamo, Lanvin, Marc Jacobs

Runway images of Isabel Marant bow shoe and Moschino Cheap & Chic, courtesy of Imaxtree; Runway images of Rag & Bone, Dries Van Noten, Ralph Lauren, Chloe, Marni, Aquascutum, Isabel Marant, Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, Akris, and Lanvin, courtesy of Firstview