8 Ways to Choose the Right Fall Trends for Your Wardrobe

I’ve been pursuing fall trends over the past few weeks.  I also poured over the Nordstrom website talking notes of sale offerings and have been updating blog posts from past years.  You might say I’ve immersed myself in fall and fashion over the past few weeks.

In one of my posts, I wore a white blouse, leggings, and monster boots.  Not because I liked the outfit, but because it was on-trend. As it happened my daughter had a pair of monster boots and the outfit was born.   While the look itself is fine, it’s just not “me”.   

I don’t have any problem adding trends to my classic wardrobe.  I’ve written numerous times that adding a or two to our wardrobes each season keeps our look fresh.  I prefer not to invest heavily in trends though, as I often donate them after the season.

It’s hard to weed through numerous trends, especially those that don’t inspire, or flatter.  This year, my focus is on looking for the specific trends that compliment my style, and providing a few pointers so you can choose the trends that work for you—since we are all different.

2020 Fall Trends

Knowing your style:

I’ve always been a combination of classic, with a little twist.  Sometimes I go for pretty super feminine, flowing dresses, especially in the summer, other times I want something a little sexy, and then there are times I want something elegant.  We all are a blend of styles and knowing which combination of styles we are helps us create a wardrobe that is unique and reflects who we are.

As the trends make their way from the runway to real people, they undergo many changes to make them more wearable for everyday women, and many never catch on.   I remember the year Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and wingtip shoes were in fashion, I eagerly collected the pieces to create the look. The first time and only time I wore the look, I was turning heads because no one else, on the whole planet had gotten the memo.  The trend never caught on, and I felt like I was wearing a costume.

This year, I decided that rather than just reciting the trends, an exercise others have already done,  I would provide tips on how to navigate trends so you can choose the right ones for your wardrobe.

1. Color.  One of the first things I look for is the colors being shown each season.  Specifically, I look for the colors I personally like and either has in my wardrobe or want to add.   Some seasons, I pass on color trends simply because I know I don’t look good in the colors being shown, and I won’t spend money adding items to my wardrobe I don’t like.  With that said, sometimes it’s a good idea to try a color that intrigues you or one you thought might not work.  Some are more flattering than you might think, while others will never look good.  Grey is one of those colors that simply does not look good on me.  If you are unsure of what colors look good on you, there are several ways to get color analysis.
2. Silhouette:  designers love to experiment with shapes, and each season heralds different shapes.  In recent years, multiple silhouettes are presented, giving us an opportunity to choose, thank god!  This year, sleek sheath gowns were shown as well as bubble dresses and huge ruffles.  I am unlikely to go for the bubble style but was inspired by sheath dresses, but several of my friends are going for bubble dresses or “doll” dresses as they are sometimes called.  Being tall and slim, oversized silhouettes overpower me.  But on shorter women of medium builds, the look is super great.  The moral: know your figure type and choose trends accordingly.
3. 3.  Textures.  One of my favorite things about good clothing is the texture of the fabric.  Slinky silks,  starchy cotton, rough wools, and soft cashmere.  Designers love combining textures in interesting ways.  While the texture is fun to play with, it can significantly affect how you look.  For example, certain silks can cling in all the right places—-but can also cling to the wrong places.  A boucle jacket can look chic and elegant, or it can make us look much bigger than we are.  Combining textures can be tricky too, though combining a silky slip dress with a Moto jacket can be a great look.  

As one who loves classics, I am on the lookout for the most recent interpretations of my favorite styles and fabrics.  For example, this season we have moved away from the western look of last year, to an equestrian look.  In addition, we will be seeing argyles, and depending on the color palette, I might add a few to my wardrobe.

This year, more than ever before, I am taking into account my lifestyle, and noting how much time I will be spending at home I plan my wardrobe.  Here are a few posts I’ve done already on styling joggers and work-from-home outfits.

I noted that this year, we aren’t seeing anything really new.  Many of the trends being shown are variations in fabrication from the last several seasons.  When I looked at jeans on Nordstrom, it appears that we are back to skinny jeans after a brief flirt with wider legs, flairs, and bootleg jeans.  The higher-end brands are leading the charge for change, and that’s where you can find a higher waist and more variety in leg styles.  

Cropped styles are popular and look great with the higher waist jeans.  Cropped jackets and sweaters look particularly good on Petites.

Here’s What I’m Excited About: 

1. Skirt suits.  I love flowing pleated skirts with a jacket.  Since I have lots of blazers already, I might add a pleated skirt rather than buying a whole suit, since I can style the skirt in other ways.  To note, the pleated skirt has been on trend for a couple of seasons now.  
2. Sheer overlays  are great for mature women, as they give the opportunity to wear something a little sexier while blurring what’s underneath
3. I am very inspired by the long sheath dresses we are seeing in various fabrications; but I won’t be buying one, unfortunately as I am unlikely to be going to events this season.  
4. Velvet jeans will be on my list.  They can be dressed up or down, and will be the perfect choice for small gatherings, but can also be worn for daytime wear.  
5. Biker jackets are still popular, and boy am I glad as I have three currently.  If you haven’t already bought one, I’d put it on the list, and take note of the many ways they are being styled.  
6. Thick belts worn over jackets to synch the waist are back. I love this style and have already picked up a few belts to wear over jackets and sweaters.
7. Dresses with dropped waists are very interesting to me, as they elongate the torso, so if you are looking to do that, you may want to give this type of dress a try.
8. Rushing continues to trend and looks good on just about everyone.  This year’s variation includes drawstrings.  
9. Equestrian looks.  I love the elegance of equestrian style, so I will be definitely looking at adding equestrian elements to my wardrobe.
10. Chains continue to be big, worn at the neckline, on glasses and handbags. If you aren’t planning on shopping too much this season, investing in a good chain can update your look and can be worn at home as well as out. (I know many of you are planning a light shopping season due to having fewer outings. I am in the same boat! I am definitely thinking very carefully about what I plan to buy the rest of this year.

A few trends I won’t be adding:

1. The bubble or doll dress. I’ve seen some of my more petite friends wear this look very well. With my thin limbs, the look would simply be too overpowering.
2. Massive ruffles.  In line with the doll dress and bubble dress theme, massive ruffles are not my jam at all. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be on your list.

One of the best things about fashion and style is making it our own. Passing on or adding trends to our wardrobes is a very personal thing. Because of my “long haul” approach to fashion, I will be continuing to wear my biker jackets, I love the thick belts and will likely add another chain to my jewelry collection and will be eyeing up the equestrian trend, as it goes with my classic vibe.

Let me know what’s on your wish list below!