5 Trends to Invest in This Fall

Fall is in full swing now. The shadows are long, and Daylight Savings Time ends soon. Kids are back in school, and the shopping malls are starting to crowd up in anticipation of the holiday season. Fall is indeed our favorite season, at least among us white folks.

If you want a little light-hearted look at the white woman’s obsession with all things fall, check out this spot-on article from Vox: Meg Ryan Fall and Unsettling Joy of Another Pandemic Autumn. Yes, when fall arrives, I want to buy more stuff. I used to chalk it up to me celebrating two major events in my life: one in October and one in November. But it may be more deeply rooted than that.

Fashion Girls Love Autumn

The fact is any good fashion girl loves fall fashion. The return of boots and booties, sweaters, and jackets are all opportunities to flex your style. Every year, I find myself drawn to the new fall trends, and this year is no exception. But this year, in light of the times we are living in and the fact I have committed to making more thoughtful purchases, I want to invest in pieces that, despite being trendy at the moment, will last from season to season.

I have rounded up the five items worth investing in this fall. These are pieces you can confidently buy, knowing you will have them for the long run. Surely, I will buy other trends, but I will try and limit the amount I spend on them. The fact is many of them will be fads that quickly fade. The sweater vest trend is a perfect example. It is hot right now, and I have purchased a couple of vests to wear this winter, but I picked them up at Zara. When I am over the fad item, I will donate them.

5 Trends to Invest In

The five trends I suggest you invest in are:

• Oversized Blazers
• Knee High Boots
• Faded Black Denim
• Western Boots
• Satin or Shiny Pieces

These pieces are sure to stand the test of time, and therefore you can justify investing in the best quality you can afford. For example, I have knee-high boots from a few years ago that were packed away and now I can bring them back out and wear them again.

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Oversized Blazers

Blazers have been hot for a few seasons now, but this year the vibe is more “wearing my husband’s or BF blazer” than “just left the office.” Of course, a well-fitted blazer is a classic and a crucial part of many women’s personal style. For a modern update, pick up an oversized style. Right now, there are so many great options on the market.

The proportions of the jacket are larger, but the sleeves remain proper length. Another option is to buy a bigger size of your favorite fitted blazer. For example, I included the J.Crew Summerset Blazer (#3 below) as a fitted option that you can wear in a bigger size.

My favorite oversized blazer is from Everlane (#8). I have it in three different fabrics, including the tan one above. The jacket is large but still slim cut in the body. It has a great longer length that you can wear with jeans or leggings. As a general rule I size up in blazers but when “oversized” is in the title, I generally go with my normal size. I am wearing the Everlane blazer in size Medium. If you are looking for a completely oversized blazer, check out the Good American Oversized Blazer (#7). I am seriously considering investing in this blazer.

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Knee High Boots

I have a long love affair with knee-high boots. I got my first pair in high school, a fabulous pair of brown leather riding boots. I wore them with my Guess jeans tucked in. From then until now, boots have been a significant part of my fall/winter wardrobe.

As I got older, I invested in higher-quality boots. My BAE boots are Frye Boots. My collection has grown over the years as I rarely get rid of a pair. The quality is impeccable, and the styles are timeless. I have some of the currently available styles I purchased over ten years ago (see #7 & 9 below). Plus, I know what size I will be in all Frye Boots. The sizing is always consistent, making them worthwhile to pick up on the second-hand market.

This year, I am all about the lug sole boot. I just ordered the Sam Edelman Larina Boot. Sadly, even though I am a size 9 in all of their shoes, the boots are too big. However, lug sole boots fit my style, so I want to invest in a knee-high pair. I will be reordering in a smaller size. If lug sole boots feel too trendy for your style, consider a pair of block heels or classic riding boots.

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Faded Black Denim

This fall, a faded pair of black wide or straight-leg jeans feels fresh. Make sure to pick up a pair that is faded, not dark black. I doubt I have to explain in detail the virtues of a pair of black denim. They are a must-have for any closet. But this year, the trend is more vintage or aged. So a pair of jeans that look well worn is the look you are going to want.

I am wearing the Agolde Lana Crop in Rhyme. The crop shows off all your favorite boots and booties. More about my fabulous boots later. When I picked these up, I tried them on with all my winter boots to make sure they would work. I suggest you do the same. The width at the bottom of the jeans can vary significantly. I have a pair of straight-leg denim that honestly look more like skinny jeans than straight-leg jeans. They work better with the pant leg tucked into the boot.

FYI – I didn’t include any ripped or torn jeans in my picks below because who wants cold air hitting their legs in the winter. If you do, many of the jeans below come in a heavily distressed version (meaning with holes).

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Western Boots

Adding western boots to my list of trends to invest in has been controversial. And by controversial, I mean my daughter didn’t agree. But she is young and hasn’t been through many iterations of fashion. I genuinely believe western boots are a worthy investment.

I have a Laredo pair of boots I bought on Melrose back in 1992. I still wear those boots when the occasion arises. They were $200, and I remember begging my dad to loan me the money to buy them. I wore them so much the cost per wear (CPW) is pennies. Plus, they still look great. I have had the sole replaced a couple of times, and they come back looking as good as new.

This time, my goal was a subtle pair of western boots: maybe western leaning or western-inspired. I found the perfect pair at Free People. The We The Free Montage Boots, come in both a tall version and a short version. There are so many great colors available. I opted for the warm chestnut color to go with all the fall color trends. They work as a neutral and also look great with distressed black jeans.

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Shiny Items

My daughter didn’t balk at this one which surprises me. I thought this would be more controversial. Shiny or satin pieces are having a major moment right now.  Silk items are always a good investment. With proper care, they will last you forever.

But consider satin items too. Today’s polyester is luxurious and durable. It can be more affordable than silk, but quality pieces will still be an investment. Over the years, I have invested in several essential silk and satin pieces, including camisoles, slip dresses, and pants.

This year, I picked up the Vince Drawstring Lounge Pants and an oversized satin blouse by Aritzia. Both items are on-trend but will last for years in my wardrobe. We all need a bit of shine in our life. I add a bit of shine to my evening looks all the time. Having a quality shiny shirt for evenings out and the holidays is a must.

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These are the five key pieces I suggest you invest in for the fall. They have the potential to move from a trend to a classic. But, even if they do not become a classic immediately, they are recurring trends that will be back quickly. I feel like we just gave up tall boots for ankle or mid-calf, and here they are back again. Choosing which items you invest in for fall allows you to maximize your budget and get the most long-term bang for your buck.

Yes, fall is my favorite season. It is partly my obvious whiteness but also the season of my birth and rebirth. It is a season of change. There is anticipation in the fall. One of my favorite sayings about fall is, “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let things go.” 

You can keep your pumpkin spice everything (except maybe a good candle); I’ll take all the fall fashion trends and apple pie (my birthday treat every year).

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