If You're an Early Adopter, You'll Want to Start Wearing These 9 Trends Stat

If the runways are any indication, there are so many cool trends coming down the pike for fall 2021. After studying all of the cool F/W 21 collections, I’m already excited to start wearing a number of them and don’t see why we should wait. If you’re an early adopter and want to add some of the biggest emerging fashion trends to your closet stat, we’re on the same page, and you’ll want to keep reading.

Ahead, I’m highlighting some of the key fall 2021 trends that make sense to start wearing now. I’m leaving out weather-specific pieces, such as moon boots and cloud coats, and instead focusing on others that can really be added into your outfit rotation year-round. Whether you’re looking for the cool new color trend to adopt, the pieces to start getting dressed up in again, or the shoe trend that’s about to be everywhere, there are plenty of fresh trends you’ll want to know about. Here, shop my favorite fall 2021 trends to start test-driving now.

Saturated Shades

Yep, saturated shades are about to take over in every possible color. You'll want to wear one hue head-to-toe for maximum impact.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Prada)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Melitta Baumeister)

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Layered Tops

If you're looking for a new take on a basic, you'll want to add layered tops to your closet. This trend really takes your standard tee to the next level.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Chanel)

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Cropped Jackets

Each season, suiting seems to get reworked, and I'm especially loving the cropped jackets that were spotted everywhere on the F/W 21 runways and styled with everything from trousers to skirts. The key trick is to have a midriff-baring look.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Vetements)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

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Dark Denim

Ready for a denim refresh? You'll want to get your hands on the dark-indigo denim that will be replacing the lighter vintage washes that have been popular over the last several years.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ottolinger)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Hermès)

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Flashy Minidresses

Lots of designers debuted party-inspired pieces, including the flashy minidresses that are getting this editor excited to start getting dressed up again.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Lanvin)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Versace)

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Arm Warmers

Arm warmers are one of the freshest trends in recent memory. Look out for items like the dress from Isa Boulder, where arm warmers are built into the actual piece.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Blumarine)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Givenchy)

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Grown-Up Cutouts

Cutout pieces are getting a refresh this year. Instead of the majorly skin-baring pieces we've seen on the market, designers are reimagining the trend with looser silhouettes and subtler open backs.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Jonathan Simkhai)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Khaite)

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Platforms

Whether or not you're ready to slip into something other than cozy house shoes, platforms are officially back, so get ready to embrace them.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Versace)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Erdem)

Vests

Vests have been on the rise recently, but for fall, we'll be seeing them worn as standalone tops rather than something you style beneath a blazer. While knit versions have been popular this season, expect to see them in more tailored silhouettes and interesting materials.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Aliette)

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Calvin Luo)

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Next, shop 25 cool fashion finds I’m obsessing over right now.

Associate Director, Special Projects

Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.