7 Fall Trends to Have on Your Radar

The shoe of the season? The updated Mary Jane. Look for fun design details—like pretty patterns, glints of metallic gold embellishment or luxe fabrics like velvet or patent leather—to help individualize these always appropriate classics. And don’t worry, adding fall’s “It” shoe to your wardrobe doesn’t necessarily mean committing to painfully high heels. Switch out your beat-up ballet flats for this sleek, low-profile style in deep emerald. Styling tip: The dark green is unexpectedly easy to wear—add them to any ensemble you’d pair with a black shoe for a little extra dose of je ne sais quoi.

To buy: $69, marcfisherfootwear.com

The delicate jewelry trend may still be going strong, but statement pieces are also having a major moment. Luckily, after seasons of serious sparklers—that are also seriously heavy—the adornments du jour are silky danglers that make a big statement with none of the weight (your earlobes will thank you). Teeny beads add to the handmade charm of this shoulder-dusting pair, which beg to be worn with an off-the-shoulder top. But the backstory is the best part: Inspired by global culture, designer Beth Schaeffer works with local artisans in Peru, India, Guatemala and other developing nations to hand-craft each piece using ancient techniques.

To buy: $98, blumaproject.com

Trends in trousers tend not to be universally flattering—let’s face it, not everyone looks great in a skinny jean, an ankle cropped cut, or a to-the-floor wide leg style. Thankfully, the must-have pant of the season isn’t silhouette specific: Textiles with tons of texture are in. Since they’re not limited to one shape or silhouette, and the structured fabric won’t show any lumps or bumps, this trend is eminently flattering. Choose the cut that works best for your body type and the print or textile that suits you best (a busy pattern will balance out a top-heavy figure, whereas a darker style will flatter larger hips or thighs). Our suggestion—this traditional cut gets perked up by a pattern that’s anything but.

To buy: $28, target.com

So specific yet so ubiquitous, fall’s favorite bag is a comfortable cross-body look, with a heavy nod to the 70s. Inspired by embellished, embroidered guitar straps, these handbags take all the guesswork out of accessorizing—the same way a printed scarf instantly elevates a plain white tee or a black coat, these gorgeous straps help take even the most basic outfits to the next level. Feel like the look is a little too laid back? The strap pattern and the tassel may look far-out, but four interior organizing pockets keep everything in place, and will satisfy even the most extreme type A’s.

To buy: $88, lordandtaylor.com

Cozy and comfortable, sweaters are everyone’s favorite fall staple. The good news? This year they’re also at the top of the trend list. The simple addition of a dramatic sleeve (the current iteration: a bell silhouette) turns this wardrobe workhorse into what is sure to become your go-to statement piece. Think of it as fashion forward and fuss free—you can wear these warm knits any day of the week, just pair them with whatever you’d wear with the more basic version. The bell sleeve on this one adds drama to an otherwise simple ribbed wool sweater. And there’s an added bonus—if you’re self-conscious about your arms, flared cuffs have a slimming effect similar to that of boot-cut jeans.

To buy: $198, bcbg.com

Romantic enough for an evening out, but modest enough for the office thanks to the classic cut, these lacy, fanciful takes on the traditional sheath dress will be on heavy rotation come cooler weather. A truly universally flattering pick, this burgundy shade looks good on everyone—according to Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute: “Certain colors flatter all skin tones and hair colors because they provide an equal balance of warm and cool.”. Plus, the flared from the waist, A-line shape both flatters fuller hips and thighs, while creating a more hourglass-like silhouette on straighter or athletic bodies.

To buy: $60, hm.com

Summer may be slipping away, but that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to some of your favorite styles. Case in point: The prairie dress. With folksy details like floral prints, pintuck pleating and a secretary bow neckline, the flattering, cool weather version of a maxi has the same easy-going vibe as its warmer-weather cousins—and is just as easy to wear. Perfect for the season to season transition, slip this flowy frock on with flat sandals for the end of summer. As the temperature dips, add cozy tights and your favorite tall boots (the front slit will show them off).

To buy: $158, bananarepublic.com