The "Boring" Trend That Will Dominate This Fall

Bourgeoisie: a French word that, by definition, refers to members of the middle class. Of course, like many things, it doesn’t stop there. As you may know, the term has a place both in Marxism and the long history of fashion, the latter of which I’d like to focus on today.

If you remember back in February, (just when Phoebe Philo's devotees were ready to mobilize against Hedi Slimane’s new Celine—hold the é), Slimane's F/W 19 runway collection for the house became the poster child for bourgeoisie dressing’s modern resurgence (and an overall fashion week favorite). The trend, which Vogue succinctly described as "separates-based dressing [that] celebrates personal taste over a single must-have item” and CR Fashion Book recently defined as "an elevated take on minimalist dressing,” was everywhere. It marked a symbolic shift from frivolous to feel-good fashion, and, alongside Celine, countless brands from emerging to established subscribed to this new wave of style for the season ahead.

Nobody is abandoning the party dresses or occasional It shoe any time soon, but there’s a clear-cut shift from statement looks to refined separates for everyday dressing that includes but isn't limited to skirts, suiting, heritage prints such as plaid and tartan, refined ruffles, button-down shirts, and overcoats.

Which brings me to the other B-word of this story: boring. There’s no denying that all of the above descriptions of bourgeoisie dressing are a far cry from much of what we’ve seen over the last several years, both on the runways and in street style, where it seemed like It items (no matter how outrageous) were the keys to sartorial and financial success all around. However, while this new era can clearly seem boring in comparison, I like to think I’m not alone in feeling that it is in the best way possible.

As someone who has been in New York for the last five or so fashion weeks, I’ve seen firsthand how fatigue over wearing (not to mention sourcing!) the coolest new statement coat or It shoe just to feel "fashionable” has grown and grown. This can also be seen on Instagram, where It items have historically prevailed; in recent months we've seen more nondescript and pared-down pieces and outfits start to compete for the spotlight.

To wrap things up, there's no denying that the bourgeoisie trend is on the up-and-up for fall, but before you write it off as too dull or repetitive and wait for the next wave of fads, I implore you to give it a chance. After all, I, for one, am hoping that it sticks with us for some seasons (if not years) to come. I think if you see some of the below runway looks (and shopping picks), you might just join me in that desire.

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Celine F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of Celine)

This was one of the most-shared looks on my social feeds this past fashion month.

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Louis Vuitton F/W 19
(Image credit: Victor Boyko/Getty Images)

Taking notes of Louis Vuitton's ruffle shirt, belted blazer, and leather skirt pairing.

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Giambattista Valli F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of Giambattista Valli)

Is the utilitarian-inspired leather bomber gearing for a comeback?

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Max Mara F/W 19
(Image credit: Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Max Mara's layering of checks and houndstooth is done just perfectly.

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Adam Lippes F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of Adam Lippes)

A delicate blouse is the perfect complement to a checked miniskirt.

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Dior F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of DIor)

Dior's take on the trend also includes a matching bag and bucket hat moment.

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Salvatore Ferragamo F/W 19
(Image credit: Estrop/Getty Images)

This darker approach by Ferragamo is ideal for the more modern, minimal dresser.

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Chloé F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of Chloé)

Subtle retro vibes mesh with bourgeoisie dressing seamlessly. 

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Maryam Nassir Zadeh F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of Maryam Nassir Zadeh)

We all own some version of this outfit; all you have to do is put the pieces together. 

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Zimmermann F/W 19
(Image credit: Courtesy of Zimmermann)

Zimmermann's beret is the Parisian touch that ties everything together.

Up next? Summer's It top (which you can actually later repurpose for your fall bourgeoisie look) is probably buried in your drawer somewhere.

Senior Market Editor

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here at Who What Wear, and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2020, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch 90 Day Fiancé.