Fall fashion is on it’s way and not a moment too soon. Jeans, layered outfits and all those lovely shoes that require even lovelier socks; to say fall style was missed is an understatement.
But what to wear? Magazines and fashion sites highlight the latest runway looks, but they aren’t necessarily accessible to the masses. High fashion is an art unto itself, but wearing the latest couture to work is generally frowned upon, unless you work in couture.
After eying the runways, scouring the lookbooks, and exploring all the stores to decipher what’s fall fabulous, we here at ShopWiki have hunted down trends you can actually wear this season. Let us show you what looks to rock, and maybe help you decide if that jacket is okay for one more fall fling or if it’s time to grab something fresh.
Transition Lens
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Going from spring to summer is easy. After a stark winter, it’s time for those cute, light layers that burst with color, which you can gradually remove until you’re enjoying the summer sun in a pair of shorts and an adorable top.
Going from summer to fall is a little trickier; you have to put layers back on, and the light shades of summer don’t exactly give way to autumn’s rich tones with ease. Fortunately, there are lots of transition trends out there to help you to gently get into the spirit of the coming season so you can still wear those espadrilles, as long as you wear them with the right knit dress!
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Wide Leg Jeans
The subtle creep of the 70′s style is working it’s way into our wardrobes. This season, look for wider legs on your denim with a fitted waist.

We Recommend: Gap Women’s Wide Leg Trouser Jeans (Dark Wash)
Mid-rise trouser jeans that will make everyone jealous come Casual Friday. Pair them with heels for the full effect.
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Stripes
This fall, stripes are about as big as plaid. Nautical stripes, colorful stripes, wide banded stripes — you can try this look a number of ways.

We Recommend: Women’s Vince Striped Pocket Tee
A layer-friendly tee that let’s everyone know you’re over summer and ready for fall with a fun, fresh look.
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Light Knits
Late summer and early fall is a great time for light knits, be they in sweater or dress form. Look for blends that are heavier than jersey.

We Recommend: Lace Front Zip Front Cardigan
This lacy cardigan will add a subtle hint of femininity to your wardrobe, a welcome change from some of this season’s masculine cuts.
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Scarves
Light scarves are inexpensive and can add a little pop to your style, changing up the color and texture of plain looks. Feel free to experiment!

We Recommend: Desert Print Eternity Scarf
The abstract pattern and warm colors of this eternity scarf make this a great holdover piece, definitely a keeper for fall. (Check out our Affordable Scarves guide for more!)
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Ankle Length Pants
Not interested in the baggier, wide legged jeans? No problem. Ankle length pants are a stylish, comfortable option for women, as a transition and beyond!

We Recommend: Level 99 Juliet Skinny Ankle-Length Denim
Ankle boot and bootie-friendly jeans that really anyone can rock. Make sure you get the right fit here, or you’ll look like you had a surprise growth spurt.
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Pencil Skirts
A style that suits every body type, pencil skirts are practically seasonless styles that looks good all year long; make sure you’ve got one for fall.

We Recommend: ASOS Ponti Pencil Skirt With Pleat Detail
A form fitting, mid-length pencil skirt with a high waistline that slims down the middle and creates a vintage look that will really turn heads.
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Click through to learn more about fall fashion, including popular colors, accessories, and our two featured trends!
Exciting Accents
Every outfit needs a last little touch to make it completely you — a signature piece of jewelry, a hat, a scarf, even shoes or a purse can make a a real difference in your outfit.
Here are some of our favorite fall accessory trends, which are sure to help you add that last little something to your look. |
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Boots
A good pair of boots will see you through the fall and into winter, barring any icy incidents. This season, keep an eye out for styles with wedges and platforms.

Deena & Ozzy Cutout Wedge Boot
This faux leather boot has a nice, tall wedge heel, and an almost sculptural wood cutout.
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Hats
Brimmed hats have been getting a lot of attention these last few years but there’s nothing like a knit cap to show your casual side.

Squall Slouch Fit Beanie – Women’s
A simple slouch beanie, for cool days and bad hair days, or, worst case scenario, both.
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Backpacks
Backpacks are a must have item this fall, especially in blue, tan, or brown canvas. Or all three.

Kimchi Blue Canvas Backpack
The right canvas backpack for serious day to day use, and has tons of pockets.
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Floral Scarves
Honestly, scarves are cute enough in general without fussing over trends, but if you must, try out a floral scarf this season.

Women’s Raw Edged Floral Scarves
It’s not all bold, popping colors this autumn. This scarf’s subdued floral pattern is a fall fashion through and through.
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Statement Jewelry
Statement jewelry has presence, just what you need to dress up plain or casual outfits. Look for oversized pieces, unusual colors, and intricate designs this season.

Marcia Moran Gold Druzy Stone Duo Ring
Inject a little glamor into your daily style with this seemingly encrusted rectangle duo ring.
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Fall Cleaning?

It’s just as important to renew your existing wardrobe as it is to try out a few trends if you want to be ready for fall. Our tips for the season are below.
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- Toss anything that’s worn out, stained or torn. Those jeans may look great on you, but the bleach stain on the waist is pretty noticeable. Now is as good a time as any to clear some room in your wardrobe.
- Donate ill-fitting clothes. If they’re in good condition, but no longer fit, someone else may find a good use for them. Plus, it’s tax deductible — yay free money!
- Stock up on hosiery! A summer of sandals and other sockless shoes may have freed your legs, but the oncoming cool autumn air says it’s time to cover up. After a wet spring and a harsh winter, your old stockings and tights are likely ready for replacement anyway.
- Fall is supposed to be all about the layers, and layers require basics to work. Troll the shops for basic tees, sweaters, and jeans to mix up with your new fall fashions. This is where the sale section really comes in handy!
- Shop your wardrobe. Fashion is ciclical, and some looks have enormous staying power (like flared jeans), so if you see stuff on the racks that looks similar to clothes you already own, don’t be afraid to exploit it!
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Trend Spotlight: Colorblock
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Fashions with a colorblock scheme have been creeping into style for a while now, but this season we’re seeing the most use of it yet. The style features two or more colors stacked on top of each other, creating a piece that’s part fashion, part pure visual sensation. This is different from stripes; one color tends to dominate the piece, while the other color swatches are smaller, and may provide contrast, complement, or even a create slight gradient effect with the main color.
Check out these colorblock pieces for the professional yet trendy working woman this fall!
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Color Scheme
The traditional fall colors are red, orange, brown and sometimes yellow; these can be sharp or muddy, earthy or brilliant, depending on the season’s specific trends.
This year, we’re seeing both warm, rich colors — like deep teal, coffee, and champagne — and bold bright colors like fuchsia, marigold, and fire engine red.
Not sure how best to approach the color trends this fall? As always, we have some suggestions that should help ease you into the spirit of things.
- Get a lot of color at once - Colorblock outfits and striped tops can give you a strong dose of color in a single piece.
- Accessorize with color – A scarf or a necklace can add just the right injection of color to an outfit.
- Limit yourself to a few colors - You don’t need a yellow rain jacket and a pair of bright yellow jeans. If you’ve already got a piece in a bold color, choose something different when you’re looking for new clothes.
- Look for inexpensive staples in hot colors - Those ballet flats would get a lot more wear if they were purple. Look for a few cheap basics in new colors to add a little pep to your wardrobe.
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General Trends
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Still need some fashion inspiration? Try these popular styles on for size!
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Ponchos
Building from last year’s cape trend, ponchos in coat, jacket, and sweater form are a great top layer.

Madwell Lin Striped Poncho
A very convenient poncho, with waist level pockets and a removable safety pin closure.
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Vests
Vests are a great way to layer without adding unwanted bulk to an outfit. Look for longer, more flowing scarves this year.

Gap Drapey Vest
A long vest that’s true to it’s name, draping casually on your form.
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Sweatshirts
An unusual style that’s popped up this season, distressed and heathered sweatshirts offer a sporty but chic look to the wearer.

Women’s Manic Pullover in Black Heather Sweathshirt
Simple yet stylish, this is the sort of hoodie you’d want to have on a rainy fall day.
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Midi Skirts
Between the length of a maxi skirt and a mini, we have calf-grazing midis that are best paired with ankle boots.

EXPRESS Women’s Back Slit Column Midi Skirt
A tailored, jersey knit skirt that screams for decorative tops and slouchy socks.
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Related Links
- Twitter – Join ShopWiki on Twitter for some fashion fun!
- Facebook – Get the latest savings and shopping news on ShopWiki’s Facebook page.
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October 18th, 2011 at 9:09 pm
You can definitely see your enthusiasm in the paintings you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.