Nobody could have predicted that a pandemic would force us to ditch most of our wardrobe for sweats and leggings, so how are we supposed to know which fall trends are actually worth buying, now that the world may be shutting down again after a shaky reopening? We turned to Randi Rahm— the fashion designer and couturier responsible for red carpet looks worn by Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé and Mariah Carey—to weigh in on the trends that we'll actually want to wear this September. And, because we care, we’re even sharing one trend you can skip for the time being.
4 Fashion Trends That You'll Actually Want to Wear This Fall (And 1 to Retire)
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Published Aug 18, 2021
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1. keep: The Nap Dress
Yep, you read that right. The ease of one-piece dressing has joined forces with our favorite pastime: napping. “In a time where so much is uncertain, people want to feel at peace and relaxed in their clothing,” Rahm says, granting us permission to lounge on the couch for hours at a time in a cute, comfy frock. But before you reach into your dresser to pull out your old nightgown, here are a couple of chic variations that you can actually leave the house in. To make them fall-ready, simply seek out long sleeve styles or those that can be easily layered under a chunky knit sweater or leather jacket.
Get the look: Lovefool dress ($74); Hill House Home dress ($110); Enzo Costa dress ($264); Soft Lounge Dress ($78); Parachute House Dress ($129)
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2. keep: Functional Fashion
Leaving the house but have nowhere to store your hand sanitizer and extra mask? This might explain why utility—think: convertible styles, lots of pockets—is still reigning supreme. But the desire for functional pants and tops goes beyond just extra storage space; “Our leisurewear needs to also function as our at-home professional wear,” Rahm reminds us. So, if you're curious about cargo pants, now's the time to give them a try.
Get the look: Rag & Bone Field Jacket ($276); Lovers + Friends Utility Jacket ($178); Melidress pants ($33)
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3. keep: Escapism By Any Means Necessary
Okay, so, speaking of hanging in the balance we quite literally have no idea what’s going to happen next. Will we be going back to the office? Will our waking hours loop à la Groundhog Day as we stay confined to our four walls? The bottom line is that in an interesting turn of events (and an intriguing look at human behavior) it seems many folks are going for looks that help us escape. We’re talking sequins, tailored suits, bold hues, you name it. And while we aren’t suggesting buying a three-piece suit for your next Zoom call, a shirt that makes you feel alive again won’t hurt.
Get the look: ASOS Tailored Suit ($214); Farm Rio Brazil Bodysuit ($125), Louella embroidered top ($78); Kai Sequin T-Shirt ($198)
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4. keep: All Knit Everything
“More and more, people will be gravitating towards feel-good, comfortable fabrics, like knits,” Rahm points out, confirming that we are allowed to stay away from actual waistbands for the foreseeable future. From matching knitwear sets to cozy sweater dresses, there’s no question that knits will definitely be making some frequent appearances well into the colder months. And, with so many options to choose from, you’re sure to find a few pieces that will effortlessly transition from bed to brunch.
Get the look: Staud midi sweater dress ($275, $165); Sollinarry knit set ($39); Halogen crew neck ($29); Majorelle jumpsuit ($195); Jonathan Simkhai rib pants ($177)
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5. Retire: Bedtime-worthy Loungewear
We know, we know. This feels like a borderline blasphemous suggestion, but hear us out. You have enough loungewear that doubles as pajamas. And because we truly don’t know what’s around the corner, opting for elevated loungewear that can take you anywhere you want to go is definitely the better option when it comes to getting bang for your buck. Sleek silhouettes, heavier (read: not flimsy) materials and smart sets will have you prepared for that official notice that you’re going back to the office…or an extended stay at your humble abode.
Get the look: & Other Stories Knit T-Shirt ($89); Mango Slit hem leggings ($60); Polo cotton knit sweater ($80); Pawnie blouson pants ($120)