The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is over, but it clearly got us all in the mood for fall fashion because I keep getting questions about the latest fall fashion trends. Everyone wants to know what’s in and what’s out, as we assess our closets and determine what stays and what goes and what we may want to add in preparation for the fall season.
I feel like this fall, we’re seeing a lot of the same trends that we saw last year, but we are leaning into the ones that were on the fringe last season. There’s a lot of crossover from last season’s fall fashion trends list, but some were hard to find in the mainstream stores this early last fall, and I’m seeing those everywhere now. And of course, there are a few fresh new trends as well… Ahem, leopard.
A Word About Fashion Trends
As always, I have to make a few disclaimers when discussions fashion trends. First of all, I’m looking at mainstream stores where the everyday women who read this blog tend to shop. Depending on where you live, you may feel like some of these are already on their way out, or you may not see anyone wearing them yet, but they’re all prevalent in the mainstream retail stores such as Evereve, LOFT, Anthropologie, etc.
Of course, just because something is “having a moment” doesn’t mean you have to wear it. This is just information to do with as you will. Stylish women know what’s trending, and then selectively choose to incorporate into their wardrobes the ones that best align with their personal style, body type, lifestyle, etc.
Finally, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list of fall trends. Plenty of items that I don’t list here are still current, but these are the ones that stand out to me so far, and the ones that most resonate with my style preferences.
At the end of the day, you should wear what you love, no matter what the “trend reports” say. But if you enjoy knowing what is current, here are 12 wearable 2024 fall fashion trends for the everyday woman.
Fall Fashion Trends: What’s IN For 2024
The widgets at the end of each section provide more examples of each trend for your shopping convenience, and I tried to include a variety of retailers and price points. You can click through on those for more details. As always, I appreciate it when you support my work by shopping through my links!
#1. Wide Leg Jeans
photo credit: Anthropologie
I mean, you knew I had to start here, didn’t you?? Yes, my friends, wide leg silhouettes continue to dominate the denim departments at my favorite retailers, and I’m slowly starting to see more everyday women embracing them. I’m also noticing more full length styles arriving on the scene for fall, and I’m very happy about that because I find them much easier to style with boots and other closed toe shoes. Plus, they’re elongating and flattering on most women.
We will discuss more denim trends later this week, but if you aren’t a fan of wide leg jeans, pretty much anything goes right now. Looking current is more about how you style your jeans than what style of jeans you wear.
#2. Cropped Jackets
photo credit: Neiman Marcus
Outfit completing jackets are essential to my fall wardrobe, and this year cropped jackets are making a comeback, probably because they pair so well with wide leg and high rise denim styles. I also like how they look with flares and straight leg jeans. I’m seeing everything from twill to wool blends, and denim is around too.
#3. Skirts
photo credit: Evereve
After being on the back burner for quite a few years, skirts are back as an important wardrobe category for fall 2024. I’m seeing lots of denim skirts in all lengths, but the long straight styles are everywhere. The satiny bias-cut skirts are still around, and pleated skirts are gaining traction. Mini skirts are popular too.
You can wear your skirts with everything from knee boots to sneakers, and from to pointy toe slingbacks to squared-off Mary Janes; and they can be worn for both dressy and casual purposes.
#4. Vests
photo credit: Evereve
Vests came in strong for spring, but they were a little hard to find and the good ones sold out fast. This fall, they’re everywhere. I’m seeing a lot of suit vests, like the one shown above, and sweater vests are still going strong too.
Wear your vests now as stand-alone tops, and layer them over a tank or tee this fall. As far as what to pair with them, I’m seeing a lot of vests (both sweater vests and suit vests) worn with denim skirts, as shown above. They also look great with jeans, or you can wear them with trousers (matching, or not) for a suiting look for work or dinners out.
#5. Breton Stripes
photo credit: Gap Factory
Stripes are still going strong into fall, especially Breton stripes. This is such an easy way to add a current piece to your existing wardrobe, and there are lots of options for different widths and placement to flatter any body type.
#6. Pop of Red
photo credit: Evereve
We’ll talk more about color trends later this week, but red is dominating all of the trend lists. While you can find plenty of red tops and dresses, I feel like it’s more relevant to incorporate a red accessory as a pop of color. Try a red sneaker, a red Mary Jane (as shown above), a red sling bag, a red belt, or even a red ball cap.
#7. Trousers
photo credit: LOFT
Relaxed trousers still going strong this season, and the most fashion-forward way to wear them is with sneakers for that chic element of juxtaposition, but this is also good news for those who need work wear. There are so many good non-denim options out right now.
If you don’t like the relaxed silhouettes, you can find straight and flared styles, as well. The LOFT Sutton Flares that I styled last spring are back for fall in a subtle brown and black checked pattern.
#8. Ladylike Shoes
photo credit: Evereve
Pointed toe flats and kitten heels, especially slingback styles, are big again this season, as are Mary Janes and ballet flats. Wear them with jeans for a chic element of juxtaposition, or pair them with skirts or dresses to lean into the “era of elegance” that is gaining momentum.
#9. Textured Knitwear
photo credit: Nordstrom
I haven’t seen this cited in any of the trend lists I read, but I noticed as I was perusing all of my favorite retailers, that there’s a lot more texture and pattern in knitwear. The trend pendulum is definitely swinging back to more interesting details and less minimalistic styles.
#10. Brown Footwear & Accessories
photo credit: Evereve
Shades of brown, and especially rich chocolatey tones are taking over in the footwear sphere this season. I noticed this last year, but it’s really coming in strong for fall 2024, and I’m all about it. After years of wearing so much taupe and light beige, I feel like these deeper, warmer tones are really fresh and fun. They also pair nicely with the darker denim washes that are coming back this season.
#11. Leopard Print
photo credit: Evereve
Yep, leopard was gone for all of a minute, and it’s back. I simply can’t ignore it. It is on just about every 2024 Fall Trends list I’ve seen, and all of the major retailers are carrying leopard prints in some iteration or another.
Now, you may be thinking: Leopard was never gone. It’s a classic.
Well, yes, leopard a classic print that is always out there, but it was having such a major moment a few years ago that it suddenly all but disappeared from the major mainstream retailers. That’s usually how it goes when a style is suddenly everywhere all at once. And as with most trends, when it is re-introduced, it looks a little bit different than it did the last time it was having a moment.
Leopard prints this time around look slightly more sophisticated to my eye, a little more abstract and elegant. So if you have leopard print pieces in your closet, and you’re wondering if they look current or not, the best advice I’ve heard is to compare them to what you’re seeing in the stores that best represent your personal style.
I pretty much gave all of my animal prints away, even my beloved ATM cheetah tee that I kept for quite a few seasons, so I’m starting from scratch in that department. I don’t plan to buy a ton of leopard this season, but I might add one or two carefully chosen pieces to my fall wardrobe.
Final Thoughts on What’s IN for Fall 2024
There are definitely more 2024 fall fashion trends, but these are some of the most prominent ones that I’ve noticed so far. I will dive deeper into more shoe trends, color trends, denim trends, and accessory trends in subsequent posts.
Just remember, trends are just that. They come and go, and some stick around longer than others. If it’s not your style, just skip it. Not sure? Test it with something less expensive before you commit to a higher priced item. But if any of those trends feel like your style, you might want to lean into those a bit more over the next few months.
Fall Fashion Trends: What’s OUT For 2024
I almost deleted this section this year because the trend cycles are moving so quickly, nothing is really “out” exactly. Rather, certain styles may look tired to some of us, or they may not be as prevalent in stores. So just like “What’s IN for 2024”, this list should be taken with a grain of salt.
No one is telling you not to wear your favorite low shaft taupe ankle boots with the cut-outs on the side. You do you. But if you want to know some of the styles that are taking a backseat to the top trends right now, I feel like this is a pretty good place to start.
circa 2018
#1. taupe shoes and boots // It’s not that you aren’t seeing any of these options, and they don’t necessarily look dated, but the deeper browns and warmer tones are more on trend right now. They’re also an easy way to update your footwear because you can find almost any style of shoe in brown right now.
#2. low shaft booties // They worked well with the ankle-length skinny jeans that dominated the fashion scene for so many years that we got used to thinking of lower shaft booties (3″ or 4″ shaft) as the default, but they’re really not as classic as the ankle boots with the more traditional 5″ or 6″ shafts. And now that wide legs and flares are predominant, we’re seeing the return of higher shaft ankle boots.
#3. jeggings // You may be hearing the buzz that low rise skinny jeans are coming back, but they are very much on the fringe right now, and whether they make it back into the mainstream remains to be seen. If you do wear skinny jeans, a modern way to wear them is with a higher rise and with more of a slim straight cigarette leg, not the skin-tight legging style (jeggings) that we were wearing with long tunics and low-shaft ankle boots in 2010s.
#4. tunic tops // Tunic tops went the way of the skinny jean, probably because they pair so well. This look wasn’t flattering on most of us, so I’m more than happy for this one to stay a thing of the past, although I’m sure it will eventually come around again in some way, shape, or form.
#5. long cardigans // Long cardigans aren’t fashion-forward right now, but sometimes they just make sense. Like any other classic style that isn’t exactly trending at the moment, if you love them, wear them with modern pieces.
#6. moto jackets // I’ll probably get some flack for this one, but while moto jackets are something of a classic, they’re looking tired to me at the moment. I also noticed that the iconic AllSaints Dalby was part of the #NSale this year, and it usually sells out lickety-split, but it was fully stocked all the way through the sale. A more current alternative is a bomber jacket or a boxy cropped jacket.
#7. shackets // I still see some shackets around, but most are not the big oversized ones that were all the rage a few years back. The boxy, cropped shirt jackets such as this KUT from the Kloth Zinnia look more current to my eye.
#8. leggings as pants // They should have never been a thing, in my humble opinion, but they really aren’t something I see right now, unless they’re worn as athleisure. Of course, the teenagers still wear them, but this blog is geared to grown-up women who want to look polished and put together. If that is you, I would save my leggings for the gym. Or, if you want to wear them out and about, top them off which a chic trench or wool car coat. A more current look would be a pair of quality ponte pants.
And that’s a wrap! I’d love to hear your thoughts. Just remember that trends exist on a spectrum, and it’s totally okay to wear a variety of styles and phase them in and out of your closet as your budget allows. You don’t have to stop wearing any of the things on this list, and you may still see them in stores. I just wouldn’t recommend investing in more of these this season, unless it’s something that uniquely defines your personal style.
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49 Responses
I agree, I’m so excited about all the deeper and warmer shades for fall! I love brown, caramel, and cognac! I’ve never been a fan of gray, and even though I like the lighter taupes they get boring fast. And these shades are easier to wear by the face without being washed out!
I look forward to these posts, oh Intrepid Fashion Scout! Seriously, fashion trend IS moving so fast. I’d rather make smart purchases than waste dollars and still feel frustrated getting dressed. I’ve read that statement necklaces are trending and small ones and layered are not. Will you cover other areas in your trend analysis posts? 1.are hip length “band” jackets used as third pieces, out?
2. Remember that grey leather moto jacket with the lapels that would not lay flat? It was a huge investment for me that sadly just didn’t work out. What resale vendor would be my best bet? I’ve had zero luck with poshmark.
Thank JoLynn. I’m 70, 5’1”. I love to dress in style. Your insight gave me the confidence to remember to wear what looks best on me! Thanks.
Your posts are incredibly helpful – thank you!
I’ve been looking for a leather jacket more along the lines of a jean jacket style, spotted a beautiful one on Northstrom website in green but price is way out of my reach. The moto style never quite looked right on me, seemed to make me look larger in the middle than I already do for my 5’2″ 142lb frame. The bomber style is cute too.
I’ve been looking forward to your fall fashion report so thank you!! I have a question about wide leg jeans/pants. I don’t care for how wide leg jeans look on me; I think because the fabric is on the stiff side. Are the Spanx stretch twill wide leg pants still current? Also, at what time of year would you stop wearing linen? Thanks!
What a fun post!! I LOVE the wide-leg jeans trend now that I’ve figured out which styles work for my body shape. Have you tried Pilcro jeans? I’ve never seen the name and the style featured in the photo immediately caught my eye. I love the shorter jacket trend, too. Because I’m short-waisted, I think they balance out my shape better than the longer jackets. The Devin Houndstooth at Evereve is so me that I may order it right away. I have a feeling it will sell out quickly as it looks similar to the Veronica Beard blazers with the sweatshirt inserts. I love the VB look but no matter how hard I try, blazers just don’t look good on me. The warmer colors in shoes/boots are fun. I still plan to wear my taupe sandals– flat and heeled– because they give a barely-there look, but I bought a pair of brown boots in the Nordy sale. Thanks for all your work on this post, Jo-Lynne!
I have not tried Pilcro jeans, I believe they’re Anthropologie’s in-house brand.
Great post! I love how you remind us to take certain newer looking pieces and incorporate them into our wardrobe.
I enjoyed reading this post. There are so many factors that each of us should keep in mind when we’re deciding whether or not we are going to participate in any of the trends. In my opinion, the fashion industry works hard to keep us ladies thinking that we need to buy new clothing and or accessories every season to stay current. How many men do you know that has a boat load of shoes and has to buy new clothes for every season because the fashion police has encouraged them too? I know that my husband takes a lot less clothes and shoes when we travel and he still looks nice and put together.
Well said Ginger
I think it’s less nefarious than that, lol. The fashion industry is responding to what people want to see, and retailers cater to what sells. Women who enjoy fashion get bored and want something fresh and new with the new seasons. That’s why these posts are so popular. I’ve written trend posts in the past, where the trends weren’t changing much, and then I get complaints that it’s too much of the same. Sure, we as a culture may have a short attention span and like new and shiny things, but I won’t blame the fashion industry for capitalizing on that and figuring out how to stay profitable. Also, it’s not just women, my husband has a boatload of shoes and likes to buy new clothes every season. There’s a big men’s fashion industry as well.
I have everything except red shoes for fall/winter. I have seen women and girls wear more wide leg jeans and pants in my area. I still see skinny jeans and leggings even in 100 degree temperatures. I didn’t wear my leopard pieces last year but kept them because they’re classic. The shade is a classic color found in nature. I even have leopard slingback kitten heels and leopard flats with a black cap square toe. The only thing I want is more chocolate brown pieces and footwear. I’ve been able to find cognac and camel for years but not a dark brown. I hope this coming season I can. Fashion is fun and I don’t stress about it. I enjoy these posts.
1000% agree, leggings are not pants!
You always have such a great take! Thanks you for all your do!
Ever since you mentioned you’d be doing fall trends this week I have been so excited! I know some folks give you flack for talking trends but I really appreciate all the posts you do covering the “ins” & “outs” for upcoming seasons. I never feel like you are pushing me to buy the trends and I find it helpful to know how to adapt my wardrobe to keep my look young(ish) and fresh. To me, refusing to go with any trends at all in your wardrobe is the fastest way to become frumpy as we age.
I think all the things you mentioned as trending are very wearable and not too out there for my lifestyle. I’m sure there are some things I will think cross the line as you get deeper into the details but so far I feel encouraged! One trend I am curious to know if you see making it through this fall/winter is woven handbags. I finally found one that I like that’s in my budget but I don’t want to get it if they are on the way out of the spotlight. Thanks!
I just love your posts! The “you be you” mantra is so gracious! Your whole approach to fashion is just the best. Thanks for always making my day. Heart emoji!
(P.s. I love the format of your samples – the area where you show products with brand and price. So helpful.)
I love a trend report! Whether I buy them, or not, I want to be in the know. I like all these trends and agree with what’s out. When will women stop wearing leggings as pants? Pet peeve of mine!
I have a pair of dark brown suede booties but wanted to find a pair of that are more pointy toe and in leather with a low heel that fits a narrow foot. Hard to find but I might have better luck this year with dark brown trending.
I read somewhere that cropped pants are on the way out. If this is the case, I will wear some this year but not buy anymore, opting for full length.
Thank you for putting this together with inspiration pictures.
I do feel like cropped styles are on their way out. There are still a lot out there, and I love them for summer, but this fall I feel like it’s going to be more about the full length jeans and pants.
This was a well-thought out, informative and fun post. I’m sorry your experience has made you feel you had to include all the caveats. You’d think people would realize a fashion blog is about fashion! 😉
Thanks, as always, for your detailed explanations and numerous links. Both very helpful.
I thought the same thing about the caveats! We are all here to learn and try something new. It is not offensive.
I do enjoy your fall posts! I’m excited about full-length jeans, whether wide-leg, flare, boot-cut, etc. I love full-length jeans with pointy-toe shoes/boots. I think it’s an elegant look.
I’m also liking the textured knits, but I will skip the mary janes…not a fan! I do want to add some dark brown to my wardrobe, either boots or a sweater. I am a brunette so chocolate brown is one of my colors.
Thanks Jo-Lynne. I love your trends report. It’s fun to see what’s new, even if I don’t buy everything, it’s great to see what’s out there. I’m already thinking I need something in red, an animal print, deeper browns ,and a textured sweater looks like so much fun! I’m not sure about the vests, but I will try one on!! I’m also very happy to see pants in longer lengths! As a long legged girl, I didn’t love the cropped leg look!
I personally like a Ponte pant with an oversized button up blouse that covers the back end. I like to wear with mules. I usually like black pant, white blouse and black mule or loafer. I struggle with the brown boots and shoes now that my hair is grey. I use to wear cognac ones but now even those seem off with my hair and clothes color selection. But, the lighter boits like taupe aren’t seen and I don’t care for black with dark denim.
This is so much fun! Thanks, Jo-Lynne. 🙂 I can’t wait to read more of your thoughts on how to pair jeans with sneakers, flats, and booties for this fall/winter. This is one of my biggest challenges when there are shifts in the denim trends. Still cropped 27”/28” inseam with sneakers? Or is there a better Jean/sneaker combo arising? Trying to figure out how to best pair jeans with flats, too. Thanks for all you do!
Leopard…..WHOOP WHOOP!! you know me, I’m all over it. I also still love my long cardigans just I think cause I’m tall with long legs im just drawn to these longer version
Love this look into Fall trends. Thanks. As for what’s out, I couldn’t agree more: leggings are not pants. Hope this memo gets around. LOL. Mostly when a style fades away, I will donate that piece. But. It took me years to find “skinny” jeans that were skinny on my even skinnier legs. When I did, I bought them in dark wash, light wash, medium, white, stone, black, gray. LOL. Two years ago, I switched to straight leg jeans that are slim through the hips and thighs. They look great on me and go with such a variety of tops and shoes. I’ve added a couple of pair of wide legs and trouser cut, too. However … I did not donate my skinnies. They are folded neatly and stacked in the top of my closet. If they come back, this time I’m ready. To me, fashion and trends are fun, but I pick and choose. (I will not be wearing that orangey mid-brown that several sites call camel. I did buy a sweater in what my mom called camel. Can’t wait to wear it with charcoal wide-leg pants.) Thanks again for this post, both useful and fun.
Great post!
I’m here for all of it, except the wide leg jeans (too baggy for my build) and the vests (just not my style). Especially loving the chocolate brown, one of my best colors! And in style or not, I’m keeping my long cardis. 🙂
I am on board with pretty much all of these, especially the pop of red, ladylike shoes, and brown shoes/boots. I personally had so much leopard print that I was sick of it and got rid of most of it.
I always look forward to these trend posts. Thank you for putting them together!
This fall fashion round up has me excited for fall! I love the cropped jackets (I have been binging on jackets lately), brown and red colors, and I’m a little surprised that leopard is back…so soon? But I think I can get into again, especially that cute leopard tank from Evereve. I might get into some stripes, too, but I feel like it was sooo overdone in the 2010s. I might be able to do it if it’s not black stripes. And I just love the vest trend. I might get the black vest at Evereve, and there’s also some bloggers modeling cute knit vests from Amazon that look a little more casual but still nice for going out. And they have stripes, two birds with one stone! The textured sweaters are intriguing. I just have to say I really like your outfit from 2018, even now! I think I had those booties, too! I feel like it was a really great outfit back in the day!
Oh, yes, I LOVED that outfit! 🙂
Jo-lynne, the best trend you pointed out was choose what is right for you. Women seem to feel pressured into thinking I MUST wear this outfit from head to toe…so much pressure.
There are so many pieces to choose from..maybe you just LOVE the boots, or a trendy new jacket that will go with so many of your skirts..I say go for it.
I am not into wide leg jeans, they look great on others but not me. So I wear straight legs, and something new that I love
PS
About 15 years ago I raided my brothers closet,
After visiting my tailor I have 3 of the best vests and a magnificent tweed jacket. Just sayin
It’s rare, but I really like all of the trending styles! I just ordered a leopard belt yesterday and am looking forward to injecting it into my fall looks. I’m 61 and feel that all of these trends are very wearable for me. I’m excited to read your incoming posts this week! Thanks, Jolynne!
This is getting me excited about fall fashion! I am so happy to see full-length pants again, and a good pair of cognac boots? Yes, please.
I just ordered my first pair of wide leg full legnth jeans, from Everlane. I’ve been in to straight leg, but not yet wide. We’ll see! And now I really, really want a pait of leopard shoes. Thank you for this report and for broadening my/our horizons!
I really enjoy your posts and look forward to your thoughtful insight. These help me really look at trends both in and even on the way out. I refer back to many of your perspectives, selected photos & links(Were going to Italy and your ideas helped me tremendously)
What jeans are featured in the pic of wide leg jeans from Anthropology?
Oh that’s weird. They’re gone! They were the Pilcro Rylan Relaxed High-Rise Flare Jeans.
I am in the middle of packing for a quick trip to Europe, and I was like, “I don’t know what to pack,” but your list was the inspiration I needed. I have most of these things already as they are classics/”old money,” and I have always loved that silhouette/ style. I got wide-leg jeans and a jean skirt in winter/early spring before it got warm, so they will be perfect for colder temps across the pond.
Great summary!
Thank you for researching the fall trends for us!
Hi Jo-Lynne, I am SO GLAD you didn’t omit “what’s out” for fall 2024.
No need to sugarcoat either.. we need to know! 😊 I like your blog, your writing style, and your sense of humor. Keep up the great work!
I love your fashions, this just the sight, I need
I look forward to more fashion updates. Thank you!
I really appreciate your information. It’s fashion forward, ahead of the game, on point, and honest.
Thank you!
Thank you for all this. Keeping it simple and sophisticated is often how I approach style, albeit way behind the trends. Not sure I’m ready for leopard ever but I do like seeing it.
Thanks for your balanced perspective. As a young-ish woman in early 60s I appreciate knowing the trends and being able to integrate them into my wardrobe judiciously to stay relevant but not appear to try too hard.