As a new season dawns, it’s time for our sweatsuit-swamped closets to take a serious detox. This fall’s fashion trends have arrived—and they’re anything but boring. Say goodbye to your staple pair of joggers: autumn is marked by bold patterns, silhouettes and accessories. From classic ponchos to an overhaul of plaid and beige, each style leaves ample opportunities for you to make the look your own. Take on one of the following five trends to finally put your PJs to shame.

Schoolgirl Chic

Despite COVID, the classroom has inspired a wave of staple school styles that transcend through a Zoom screen. The trend was first introduced in the 1920s, when pleated skirts and sailor blouses began to be paired together. In the 1960s and 70s, the look transformed: although an uptick in Scottish tartan plaid occurred during the “mod” era, schoolgirl ensembles quickly took a punk turn, as pleats were featured in unlikely, often rebellious designs.

Today’s version combines several phases of its progression, particularly stemming from its pop culture adaptations in recent decades. “Remember Britney Spears’ schoolgirl video? This trend has a 90s influence, but with more of a 2000s, sophisticated edge,” says NYC personal stylist Cassandra Sethi. “I've been putting a lot of my clients in cashmere cardigans and incorporating plaid on structured blazers. The best part is that you can dress them up with a pair of heels for work or a casual t-shirt for running errands.”

Indeed, the designs are not solely reserved for middle-and-high-school students. “The trend is adequate for both people who are young and people who want to appear younger,” asserts Dallas-based personal stylist Hadassah Adedimeji. “It all depends on how you accessorize. A high-waisted plaid skirt with tights and Converse is such a cute back-to-school outfit. A collared, plaid blazer and skirt paired with mules or pumps provides adults with a young yet mature look.”

To modernize the ensemble, consider playing with length and layers. “Instead of wearing the classic, plaid mini skirt, sport a mid-length one, and add a Peter Pan collar shirt with some fun stilettos or dad sneakers,” suggests celebrity stylist Soneca Guadara. “If you're up for a short skirt, think pleated and tone-on-tone. I also love a statement jacket and shirts that tie with a bow. It‘ll definitely make the schoolgirl look feel chic and much more appropriate.”

Capes

The sudden shift to cooler weather calls for a comfy cloak, a signature autumn outfit topper. The design dates all the way back to 1066, when it was first spotted on a soldier or shepherd amid the medieval period. In the Victorian era, women began to wear capes as a symbol of wealth: often produced in a bold scarlet red, the garment signified that one was of a higher status in society. In the 1930s, tailored capes were even adopted as stand-ins for coats, complete with a collar, buttons and arm slits.

The 2020 cape draws from its roots in the preceding century, whether demonstrated through elegant, 1970s-style ponchos or utilitarian coverings. “Capes are classic yet super trendy and modern. You can wear them in a solid hue, plaid or animal print, depending on your style,” recommends celebrity stylist Ali Levine. “They add drama to the runway and can do the same when styled at home.”

Not to mention, the wrap is also an instant confidence booster—just look at Superman for proof. “We all need a superhero these days, and a brightly-colored cape is a fun, fresh way to show that,” says Andréa Bernholtz, owner of Swiminista and co-founder of Rock & Republic. “Sport a cute caplet with a pair of 90s-style trousers or jeans. If you’re feeling punk rock, throw on a bunch of pins from your favorite retro bands.”

Fringe

Whether Western-inspired or flapper chic, shredded hems, sleeves and waistlines have made a splash. One of the earliest fashion trends to emerge, fringe first appeared in Mesopotamia during 3000 B.C., used to decorate cotton or linen skirts and shawls. Metapotamians even used the fabric to sign contracts: instead of writing out their names, they’d press their fringes into clay contracts. The 19th century Wild West utilized the embellishment in western wear, particularly to accentuate buckskin jackets and suede skirts. In the 1920s, it found its way to glamor: flappers donned the Charleston dress (named after the dance), with fringe shaking along to signature moves of the decade.

Although contemporary garments have replaced the Charleston since, the impact of its standout shreds still linger. “Fringe has the ability to instantly turn an outfit from ordinary to head-turning,” declares Michael Kuluva, owner and designer of Tumbler & Tipsy. “I love when it’s left by itself on the hem of a dress or skirt, or even hanging down from a collar. You can definitely dress the look up or down.”

Although the festive embellishment is most familiar from equestrian runway ensembles, it has transformed to satisfy fall closet favorites as well. “Fringe has been brought to the streets. We’re seeing it on our sweaters and midi dresses for flair and texture, and also jewelry, especially dangle earrings,” asserts Levine.

If you’re on the fence about trying the trend, start off with an accessory rather than a clothing item. “Invest in a purse with some fringe, or even a pair of boots,” suggests Sethi. “Opt for a black, navy or tan to keep the look more subtle.”

Knee-High Boots

The classic statement shoe has ruled fall runways for several seasons; produced in varying heel lengths and toe shapes, the accessory instantly upgrades an ensemble. Knee-high boots can be traced back to the 15th century, when they were periodically featured in medieval paintings. Early models called “cuissardes” were worn by military men, as they provided significant coverage and protection in battle. It wasn’t until the 1960s that women got in on the accessory: Yves Saint-Laurent produced it in luxurious fabrics such as crocodile leather, and Herbert and Beth Levine created the iconic space-age boot.

Modern-day adaptations of the shoe show no limit in color or pattern, influenced by its most prominent decades. “Knee high boots can take you into the past and the future,” says Bernholtz. “A pair of trouser shorts with knee-high boots and a cardigan make a fresh and sexy statement, while bloused trousers, knee-high boots and a scarf around your neck will make you look modern and retro at the same time.”

To add an extra edge to the outfit, choose a boot in a bold print à la YSL. “Try a pair in a snakeskin pattern!” Guadara exclaims. “Feel free to also match your skirt or pants to the boot. A low-contrast look will not only lengthen the leg but also keep it looking fresh and modern.”

Beige Spectrum

Neutral shades are here to stay, with tan, camel, khaki, fawn and more featured in all-beige ensembles. At its core, the understated hue is closely correlated with outerwear: the trench coat, originally developed for the British Army, was often produced in beige to help camouflage the officers. What began as a military necessity eventually transformed into a street style statement, as the double-breasted design is now a signature autumn garment.

Beige’s influence doesn’t stop at the trench: varied clothing and accessories are now marked by the subdued shade, and the pieces are even being brought together into single outfits. “As demonstrated on the Paris runways, combining nudes has become more of a fabulous choice versus a faux pas. They complement each other yet also have their own look,” declares Levine. “The color also flatters many skin tones while creating more symmetry.”

To master the art of the mix-and-match, be sure that you style the beige tones thoughtfully. “Having your top color a bit lighter than your darker garments always looks sophisticated and chic,” explains Kuluva. “You can even do three hues of the same color, starting either with the jacket or top being the darkest color and getting lighter on the bottom garments. You can also reverse it and have the lower garment the darkest and the jacket the lightest.”

Bernholtz suggests bringing beige to the accessories as well to elevate your attire: “A brown, tweed newsboy hat with a tan tee and chocolate trousers will make you look delicious. Nothing is more timeless then a monochromatic look in a classic color.”

Fall 2020 Fashion Trends