They've Arrived: 5 Fall 2021 Micro-Trends Fashion People Are Already Wearing

As fashion editors, it's part of our jobs to always be looking ahead in fashion. While we're deep in the summer style scene right now, wearing pieces like yellow sunglasses and sporty swimsuits that are having a major moment, we're also thinking about what fall fashion will look like. We're already seeing early signs of what fashion insiders will be wearing for the season ahead, and there are a number of fall micro-trends set to define 2021 that have been adopted by the fashion set.

So which pieces are already winning out? Many of them are trends that take inspiration straight from the runways, including the midriff-baring knit skirt sets that made a statement at Fendi and the saturated shades that we saw pretty much everywhere. Ahead, see five fall micro-trends we're expecting will be huge in 2021, and shop our edit to start wearing them now if you're an early adopter.

Cargo Pants

Introducing the controversial trend that's definitely happening for fall: cargo pants. No matter your opinion on the pocket-heavy pants, they're set to be huge for the season ahead.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @aminamuaddi)

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(Image credit: @giorgiatordini)

Shop the trend:

Saturated Shades

Whether you opt for a subtle touch of color with a pair of shoes or a full look centered around high-impact shades, you'll definitely want to add some bold hues to your wardrobe this fall.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @pernilleteisbaek)

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Shop the trend:

Midfriff-Baring Skirt Looks

Bare midriffs are huge this summer and will continue into the fall months. We're especially loving the matching skirt sets that are just popping onto the market.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @handinfire)

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(Image credit: @champagnemani)

Shop the trend:

Tall, Slouchy Boots

While there are many boot trends coming up for fall that we spotted on the F/W 21 runways, tall, slouchy styles feel especially fresh and cool. They have an almost pant-like look that mimics leather trousers, and we're here for it.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @samimiro)

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(Image credit: @erinoffduty)

Shop the trend:

Striped Pants

If you're looking for a transitional piece to wear instead of jeans, striped pants are already winning out among the fashion set. Look for pieces with thin vertical stripes, and style them with a tee, blazer, and loafers.

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See the trend:
(Image credit: @josefinehj)

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Shop the trend:

Next, 5 Random Trends I'm Borrowing From Celebs

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.