Top Fall Fashion Trends – Is There Anything Really New?

When it comes to fashion trends, is there really anything new? Sometimes it feels like nothing much changes from one year to the next. So, what about this fall?

Here’s a rundown of the Top Fall Fashion Trends for 2019 – what’s old, what’s new, and what’s worth a second look.

1. Moody Florals

Dark floral tops, pants, scarves, you name it. They were introduced a few springs ago, spilled over into fall, and they are still going strong. I was starting to get a little bored of them, but this fall, there are a few new twists.

Firstly, there’s a heavy grunge look to some moody florals. I’m not into that, but maybe you are?  Some dark florals have gone Little House on the Prairie, ( think western feel), and I’m also noticing a ton of dark florals with navy and dark blue backgrounds rather than black.

These are my favorite! The verdict?   A moody floral is still a great wardrobe staple to have in your closet, ( see above) but it doesn’t feel like a wow new trend.

2. Capes

This fall we’re being told to embrace our inner superhero by wearing a cape! While I do adore capes, I can’t really say they feel all that new. There have been a lot of ponchos and short capes in the last few years.

What does seem new are very long capes. I’ve seen them on the runway, but nothing in the stores yet. We’ll see if they turn up in stores for the average gal. Now, that would be exciting! Until then, here are a few cute short ones, I found.

3. Satin

Silky, shiny satin… Gorgeous, this trend does get me going! The last time I wore satin in any big way was when I a teenager (1975). I bought a pair of high waisted blue satin wide-leg pants that I wore with 6″ platform sandals, and I spilled nail polish all over my leg. I panicked and tried to remove the stain with nail polish remover! Yikes! Do you know what happened? I ended up with a huge hole burned through my satin pants!

There are heaps of satin in stores, even at this early stage. ( See above)  From satin camisoles to dresses, shoes and even satin jogger pants, satin rules, and you will see it in the most stunning jewel colors and metallic tones.

Satin maxi skirts (often animal print) are going to be huge. I must say I love this satin trend because it’s different. The only thing is that for me and most gals over 40 it is going to require wearing some shapewear to smooth out all those midlife lumps and bumps that show through when you wear something so slinky and shiny. I think it is worth it.

4. Slashed Asymmetrical Necklines

Over the last few years, we’ve seen the rise of off the shoulder, cold shoulder, and one-shoulder styles. The asymmetrical neckline has been going strong. Now we are seeing a more of an exaggerated version of that.

Some off-kilter necklines look like they have been slashed or weirdly sewn together. They are so avant-garde they look kooky. But then there are some asymmetrical necklines that appear to be more rounded and carved out. These are quite artsy and feminine. ( see above) I like them, but honestly, unless I’m headed south or I’m wearing a cocktail dress with this kind of neckline they just seem to bare for everyday wear in winter.

5. Teeny Weeny Bags

Really, yes they are cute….. if you are 16! (Lol) I like the look of these sweet little bags, but honestly, I think I would look silly carrying such a teenie bag, and more importantly, there is no way I could even fit my wallet in one! I need a good size bag.

Many of them have buckles on them, which seems fresh, so I am more apt to buy a bigger bag with a buckle than a teeny weeny bag buckle or not.  And you?

6. Maxi Coats

I talked about long duster coats last fall,  but this year we’re seeing heavier long winter coats. Am I a fan of the new maxi length? – Could be! The big oversize maxi coats seem overpowering but the more streamlined ones feel quite chic.  I love the green coat and also plaid one above. Interested to see where this trend goes.

7. Power Shoulders

Can you believe it? Dynasty days are back! I was in Nordstrom and tried on a short, quilted jacket, only to look in the mirror and realize I was staring back at me in the ’80s ( but with an older face lol!) I hadn’t realized when I pulled it off the rack that this jacket had huge shoulder pads – I mean huge!

I loved the bold shoulder look in the ’80s and felt like crying when it finally went away, but to wear it again?…. I’m not so sure. At this stage, bold shoulder feels kind of forced and cartoonish, …but then again, they do give you that whittled waist! I think I will try this trend again in the way of a blazer( see above). How about you? What do you think about the blouse?

8. Feathers

The feather trend is something that has never quite taken flight. Maybe this year it will? I touched on it in fall 2018, and it is dramatic for sure, but is it for me? Probably not, because it seems like too much hassle to have to drycleaned.

I’ d be more apt to buy a feathery bag to go with a holiday party cocktail dress- just for fun. Or, I’d wear these gold feather inspired earrings. How do you like the feathery footwear? (above). I  threw these in for the shoe addicts!  Even I can’t stop staring at them. They are so impractical, but what a work of art!

9. Renaissance Square Necklines

Romantic square necklines that remind you of Romeo and Juliet are trending, and they are fresh, modern, easy to wear, and sexy too! Let’s put a checkmark beside this one!

10. Animal Prints

What do they say? A leopard never changes its spots? Well, the same with this fashion trend. Animal prints have been in style forever because they consistently offer a modern edge to any outfit.  I just went back to look at a five-year-old post I wrote about a leopard print blouse and found the same blouse trending right now.

Animal prints may not be totally new, but a little leopard is a great classic to have in your closet.

11. Quilting/Patchwork

This homespun trend is amping up. Quilted pieces have been in the background of fashion, but this fall they are front and center. I’ve seen a lot of quilted jackets, bags, and boots as well as some cozy patchwork pieces too.

The verdict? To me, Quilting looks more modern than the patchwork, especially when you do it the way these pieces, including the leather, are done, above. Patchwork feels too hippie 70’s to me, and therefore old. But I’m open to seeing where this trend goes.

12. Layered Knits

Has someone been watching Grace and Frankie because I notice the way Jane Fonda ties her sweater around her neck ( like we all used to do years ago), is back again? Layered knits- sweaters layered over sweaters, tied around the neck, at the waist, or otherwise are popular.

Other ways to get the look? Sweaters over top of knit camisoles and knit bras are coming. This is one trend I have only seen on the runway, and not in the stores yet. I like the look of knits on knits and you may too, but is it realistic for gals our age who may be living in hot flash hell?

13. Neon

I don’t know about this trend. It was big a few years ago and had been hovering around mainly in sports clothes.  Neon feels so loud; it gives me a headache unless it is done in small doses or as athleticwear. …Not so new, and not my favorite, although a single item like this neon blue jacket with black can look sharp. To each his own.

14. Lovely Lace

Not too much here except all the deep, rich colors lace comes in this fall. There’s also a lot of lace inset into things like sleeves.  I like lace, but am I super excited about it? Yes, when I can find a color that looks stunning on me like this rust lace dress.

15. Puffy Shiny Metallics Jackets

You don’t have to go to the moon to look like an astronaut. Puffy metallic jacket with high shine and high collars remind me of space travel. It is new, notable, but would you wear it? I’m still in outer space about this one.

So what do you think? Do the fall trends feel new, or same old, same old. I’d love to hear what you think is Fab or Drab?

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