If you ask me, the fall and winter months are my favorite. But why, you ask? I have two words for you – Fall fashion. It’s the time of year where you can bust out those vegan furs, thigh-high boots, and fabulous winter coats and accessories. It’s also the time of year when all your favorite looks from the February fashion week shows in New York City, London, Milan, and Paris come to life as these looks leave the runway and hit the streets. I love seeing how people in real life take a few staple pieces and create looks that are so original to them. Because that’s what fashion is all about, self-expression through owning your unique style.
So, what are the trends you’ll be seeing on the street this Fall/Winter 2020-21 season? Good question. In this article, we are going to identify a few key trends that are must-haves for this fall/winter season. Some resources used to compile this list includes my observations of the 2020 Fall and Winter Fashion Week shows that took place earlier this year, as well as what the top fashion publications such as Vogue and Elle are recommending. In addition to these resources, we will see things from the perspective of one of the top fashion influencers, Brittany Xavier, and what she’s noticing this season.
Fashion Trends You Will See in the Coming Months from the Fall/Winter 2020-21 Fashion Weeks
Full Silhouettes
This trend is one of the first things I noticed. Literally, all the major fashion houses are incorporating this trend in one way or another. From Louis Vuitton to Fendi to Balenciaga and more. Here are a few ways some of your favorite high-end designers are utilizing this trend this season.
- Louis Vuitton –
- Puffy, cropped winter jackets
- Long, voluminous, flowy black leather skirts
- Long, oversized coats
- Ruffled, sheer, billowy mini skirts
- Balenciaga –
- Full, oversized, floor length garments
- Suits are abnormally wider, not fitted
- Dresses and capes are reminiscent to graduation gowns, judges’ robes
- Aesthetics may be inspired by the Matrix starring Keanu Reeves, particularly when it comes to styling
- Fendi –
- Uses of various textures to create fullness
- Puffy sleeves on coats
- Full, round dress and coat silhouettes
- Dresses with A-line skirts, like popular 1950s looks
- Prada –
- Puffy, belted coats
- Rounded, broad shoulders
- Incorporates fringe to create volume and movement
Shoulders and Other Fine Details
- Balenciaga –
- Strong, horizontal lines with the edges tipping upward in cone-like shape
- Lots of black, very little print
- Fendi –
- Full, rounded shoulders, creating a downward bell-curve silhouette in the shoulders
- Puffy sleeves on
- Pastel color palette
- Gucci –
- Plays with the idea of layering
- Ruffles to create volume
- 1960s meets Victorian age aesthetics come out in the details
- Marc Jacobs –
- 1960s, Jackie Kennedy meets Audrey Hepburn vibes
- Pastel colors
- Rounded shoulders
- Full silhouettes
What the Major Fashion Publications Are Recommending Right Now
Vogue.com
- Wearing Brown – When you read through the current articles on vogue.com under the trends section, it becomes obvious that browns in its full range (lights to darks and everything in between) is the color of the season. Perhaps part of the reason why has to do with the rise of leather or faux leather garments on the rise. However, browns are being used in various forms.
- Leather – This season leather is king. Traditionally, leather in fashion is associated with fine handbags, luggage, belts, and jackets. This year, however, you will see it being featured more in garment-form, like pants, skirts, and dresses. Of course, with the popularity of sustainability comes the use of vegan or faux leather. One thing I like about faux leather, apart from the fact that I feel as if I’m doing my part to help save the environment, is that it’s much more giving than real leather. That way I don’t have to worry about feeling uncomfortable when I reach for that extra cookie at whatever holiday event, I’m at, all while still looking like a 10.
Elle.com
Here’s a list of “The Biggest Trends for Fall 2020” according to Elle Magazine’s online publication.
- Fringe – on boots, midi skirts and longer length dresses
- Snoods – also known as unique, decorative head coverings
- Horse Girl – the incorporation of leather from subtle details to fuller garments
- Opera Gloves – bright and pastel colors are on the rise
- Nouveau Grunge – plaids, Doc Martin-like boots
- Shag – fur lined-everything, from full-on fur coats to fur-lined shoes, accessories, and dresses with fur-trim collars and shoulders
- Column Dress – often seen with a turtleneck and figure-hugging fit and floor-length cut
- Evening Cutouts – formal wear dresses and jumpsuits with front cutouts is a fresh alternative to a backless gown
- Skirt Suits – typicallya cropped blazer and mini skirt combo but other variations, but blazer dresses fall under this category as well
- Capes – the fuller the better seems to be this year’s take on capes
- 1940’s – think midi dresses with puffy, fuller sleeves
- Bubble Hems – seen primarily in sleeve and shoulder details, but also in the cut of many skirts and dresses
Fall/Winter Trends to Watch Out for According to a Fashion Influencer
Brittany is a fashion influencer and blogger who got her start on Instagram in the mid 2010’s. She began posting photos of her favorite style trends and how she would style her own looks and slowly grew a following. Although she never intended to work in fashion and only created her Instagram page for fun, she now works as a full-time style blogger/influencer and travels internationally to regularly attend all 4 of the major fashion weeks shows in NYC and throughout Europe. Below are some trends to look out for right now according to her fashion blog.
- Plaids – dresses, skirts, blazers suit this style best
- Blazers – cropped, paired with a mini skirt, or in the form a mini dress
- Statement Coats – really add a pop to your wardrobe
- Bold Shoulders – there is such a variety of unusual shapes available
- High waisted/wide leg pants – so comfy, a nice departure from fitted, skinny jeans
