Get Ready: 1800s Fashion Is Having a Moment Thanks to These Badass Characters

Before you go all Miranda Priestly on us (“Plaids for fall? Groundbreaking.”), listen up. This year, we’re forgoing basic buttondown flannels and plaid shackets in favor of a more elevated take. Like channeling Abby Walker and her cozy tartan wraps, wearing your blanket scarf as a belted poncho, or leaning way into the trend with a tartan trench. Just keep everything else neutral: Black, leather and denim pair well with the bold stripes.

These aren’t your (great great) grandmother’s hoopskirts and lace-up bustiers. While we’re taking inspiration from 1800s frontier characters like Kate, burlesque-dancer-turned-federal-agent in The CW's Walker Independence, expect a new take on the undergarments-as-outerwear trend, as evidenced by attendees at fashion weeks from Paris to New York, Kerry Washington, Ashley Graham, Beyoncé… Our advice? Don’t be intimidated by the form-fitting fashions, and style it over a button-down or under an oversized blazer for a more mature take on the playful party look.

Bolo ties, belt buckles and cowboy boots, oh my! We’ve moved onward (and westward!) from the days of cottagecore and Coastal Grandmother, thanks to the fun fashions in Walker Independence. The trick is to not overdo it and lean more toward Western silhouettes (like Abigail Walker’s character in the show) over full-blown cowgirl. Think: fringe on jackets, pointed-toe boots, a silk neckerchief and lots of natural-feeling fabrics like denim, suede, leather and wool.

First they were skinny. Then they were wide-legged. And now for the goldilocks jean: bootcut. Before you cringe away from the style that reigned supreme in the mid-aughts, consider this: With their slightly flared ankle and fitted thigh area, this style of denim is extremely flattering (and elongating). They also provide plenty of room for our cold-weather footwear of choice—ankle boots—hence the name. Pair with pumps or heeled booties so that your jeans skim the top of your shoes, and wear with a tucked in blouse for the ultimate hourglass silhouette.

Whatever you’re wearing this fall, don’t miss the new CW series Walker Independence, Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT, or stream free next day on the CW App.