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Fall is here, and with it a new season of style. The staples of this time of year persist (dark tones, tall boots, knits…duh), and microtrends flash in and out faster than packages can be delivered to our doors. So how do we make the old styles feel fresh? And how do we avoid filling our closets with pieces we’ll wear once and never pick up again? I’ve scoured the internet and magazines, dug through the dominant “aesthetics,” and put together a thousand look-books. Based on my extensive research (read: chronically online behavior and semi-unhealthy shopping addiction), I’ve compiled a list of trends for the season that feel fresh and interesting, but still doable and timeless.

Before we get into it, let me say this: I don’t believe in following trends for the sake of looking trendy. Your personal taste should be prioritized above all else when getting dressed in the morning. So these “trends” are a few things that I love, that feel seasonally appropriate, and reflect a little bit of what’s going on in fashion at the moment. I am in no way a source of authority, but maybe I can be a little bit of inspiration.

Sweaters: Again, duh. But when it comes to knits, which are always in style, I find that silhouette is crucial in capturing a look that feel current and cool. Right now, I find fitted sweaters catching my eye over a classic oversized knit. 

Cardigans with cinched waists, crew necks that hit just above a low rise jean, a ‘60s-esque body hugging mock neck with a mini skirt.

The oversized sweater will never not be a cute and easy outfit, but I find I feel more stylish and on trend when I opt for a more fitted look.

Layering: Another obvious one, right? But that’s one thing I love about fashion: the core styles never really disappear, they’re just evolving. And speaking of evolving, my favorite way to layer this fall is a modern version of one of the most prominent styles of the early 2010s. Think Abercrombie lace tanks layered under a fitted long sleeve. Think Elena Gilbert’s signature look in the Vampire Diaries. 

So how are we making that style feel current and fresh? I love playing with different neck lines: pairing a boat neck or off shoulder top with a crew neck or mock neck. Keeping the lines clean is key to pulling off this style. Creating dimension through color and style, while still keeping things simple. 

Example: the black and white layered tops,

Maxi Dresses: Cooler weather means longer hemlines, and this season, I’m looking towards maxi dresses that make a statement through silhouette, texture, or color. There’s no simpler way to put together a cool outfit than throwing on an eye-drawing long dress and letting it be the focal point of your look. I’m thinking of structured denim dresses, colorful boucle knits, and lacey slips. 

Pairing a maxi dress with fall staples like a knee high boot and a leather jacket or cardigan is the perfect way to look like the coolest girl on your Pinterest board without having to shop a ton of new pieces.

Boots: Another obvious one. But like I said, it’s all about how the trends evolve. Kitten heels have dominated recently, and they’re still a great way to keep your boots wearable and walkable and still fashion-forward.

But for the season, I’m drawn back to slightly higher heels, and even chunky boots in interesting shapes. You’re probably wondering what the hell I mean by that. Think the Charles & Keith Robbie Platform Knee High Boots. A slightly weird shape to your boot makes your whole outfit cool, no matter how simple the rest of your look is.

Purses: We all love a little black purse that goes with every outfit, but my favorite thing to do right now is style purses in unexpected colors or interesting textures with outfits you might not necessarily think they work with. It’s all well and good for your purse to match your outfit perfectly, but I’m obsessed with outfits where the purse stands out.

A lime green purse with a navy sweater, an animal print purse with a different animal print pant, a beaded bag with an otherwise simple outfit. Letting the purse draw the eye adds intrigue to a look that few other pieces are able to achieve. Because the purse isn’t something your wearing like a pant or top, I feel as though there’s more room to play, and add a bit more contrast to the outfit itself.

Colors: Fall colors are classic for a reason. Burgundies, rusty oranges, browns, navies, etc. They’re beautiful colors that suit the season, and I wouldn’t dream of cutting them from my closet. But I do think that the bright and brilliant colors that dominated the summer have a place in our wardrobes through the fall. I love the unexpected pairing of fall tones with pops of bold colors: chartreuse with navy, cobalt with deep orange, pink with burgundy, pale blue and olive. Unexpected color combos bring about some of the most harmonious outfits I’ve ever seen, and people who are brave enough to play with color always look the chicest to me.

Trying to master the most current trends of every season has always felt like a losing battle to me. It’s a quick and expensive way to fill your closet with one-hit wonders that you’ll try and fail to sell on Depop three months from now. The coolest people are the ones with their own tastes who figure out how to integrate what’s current and seasonally appropriate into their style. These are a few things that I find interesting and exciting about Fall 2024 fashion. As always, take what you like and leave what you don’t. If all you’ve gotten from this is some inspiration for what you definitely don’t want to wear, that works for me. Style is one of the most personal things there is, and I’m just here to share a little of what I, personally, am most obsessed with right now.