Style

Tags: fashion trends 2015

9 Fall Fashion Trends

The first day of fall is September 23rd, but there’s already a hint of crispness in the air. So, just for fun, here are nine big fall trends…

1. Super high waistlines. Brands have been knocking it out of the park with their 1970s-style jeans all year, and I have spotted approximately 857,923,164 pretty girls in New York wearing them. Bonus: They make your waist look tiny and your legs miles long. Picks: These and these.

2. Plaid everything, from coats to dresses to backpacks. Plus, of course, tomboy shirts that look adorable on pretty much everyone. They make me want to head straight out for apple picking and a hayride. Picks: This and this.

3. Big bling. Sparkly earrings, chunky necklaces and cocktail rings. I mostly wear small jewelry, but Caroline, for one, is psyched. “My grandma brooches can finally come out again,” she says. Picks: This and this.

4. Fringe. A little cowboy, a little boho and a little sexy. Perfect for dinner with friends or a playful date. Picks: This and this.

5. Bucket bags. These bags were big in the 70s, but nowadays the shapes are simpler and more minimalist. Throw one over your shoulder and you have an instant look. Picks: This and this.

6. Faux fur. I’m not totally sold on shaggy pieces (this number looks like the rug in Toby’s room). But maybe a fur vest would make jeans and a tee look glamorous, like you just returned from a Swiss chalet? Thoughts? Picks: This and this.

7. Ponchos are fashion’s ingenious solution for how to wear a comfy blanket in public. These were cool back when I first moved to New York and I remember my friends saying they were just “poncho-ing around.” They’re so cute with rosy cheeks. Picks: This and this.

8. Slip-on sneakers. These streamlined numbers are the first sneakers in recent history to actually look good with jeans. They’re perfect for cool girls kicking it around town (obviously less so for actual jogging). Picks: These and these.

9. Loafers. Similar to nerdy glasses, these shoes are both smart and chic. (Think: Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face.) Plus, they’re equally well suited for work or play. Picks: These and these.

Thoughts? Would you wear these? Thumbs up or down? I’d love to hear…

(Photo from Madewell’s fall catalog)

Tags: fashion trends 2015

87 COMMENTS

WRITE A COMMENT

Name*

Email*

Website

87 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Liz

October 29, 2015 9:28 pm

Love the plaid Dolman dress. The high waisted jeans look fabulous if you are tall and skinny but sadly :( can’t wear them myself anymore. Loafers and sneakers and panchos would wear for sure – so comfy and easy to put on! Very interesting blog, Joanna, will come back for more.

Cindy Carrillo

October 29, 2015 12:06 pm

Happy many of these fav styles are coming back ( I wore most of them) except the high- waisted pants! They are not comfortable nor very flattering even with a nice figure. They cut in when you sit in not so comfortable places! Ponchos, loafers, bucket purses, vests, all good. Check out old pics of Sonny & Cher to see some great ponchos and vests with fringe that we young people all wore back in the late 60’s- very hot! Enjoy your blog very much, it is unique.

Abbie E.

October 23, 2015 2:28 pm

I love slip-on sneakers!!
Abbie E.
http://abulouslife.blogspot.com/

Isabella

September 27, 2015 5:03 pm

Some great fashion tips here – thanks for posting. Excited about the high waisted jeans, especially if flared. Bring back the 70s vibe! Love it. Off the shoulder tops and dresses are another fun 70s trend to look out for this season.

Paula

September 16, 2015 12:11 am

There was a reason us 80s girls stopped wearing high waists. THEY SUCK. They aren’t comfortable, and if you have even the tiniest bit of tummy, you will look fat.
I will keep my mid-rises and never look back, thank you.

Maria

September 15, 2015 3:37 pm

I am from the 70’s and I love these styles especially the high waist jeans and ponchos. So glad my comfort clothes are back in style.

Charlie (@charlielbl)

September 15, 2015 11:11 am

I think most of these trends are incredibly wearable! I have a poncho and faux fur vest and have worn both but the reaction I get from coworkers is quite annoying! “Are you the wife of Thor?” (the faux fur vest) and “You look cold.” (the poncho). I wish I could just smile and chuckle but I give a dead stare, “nope”. – Charlie, http://www.lemonbutterlove.com

Jaime

September 14, 2015 4:28 pm

LOVE this post, Joanna. What a fun way to get excited for the changing season – I’ve been getting anxious about Summer ending and this really helped make me feel like Fall will be fun :)

Kristi

September 14, 2015 12:45 pm

I’m not a huge fan of the 70’s revival, but I think it does look great on some people. I am however consider picking up a pair of loafers. There are some really cute prints out now. And of course, plaid will basically be my uniform this season. I can’t get enough. I actually just wrote a post all about the great plaid pieces out right now.

Kristi | Be Loverly

Sharon

September 13, 2015 3:08 pm

I’ve noticed that these things like bucket bags and slip on sneakers are coming back in style. I kind of like it because I feel like they are coming back in better/more perfected versions than from the 80’s. I have a pair of black leather slip on sneakers and they make me feel more dressed and chic than traditional sneakers do. I’m into it! :)

Emily

September 11, 2015 10:10 pm

I LOVE slip-on shoes like those for summer (although mine are a $5 Kmart version) and I am definitely going to stick with them into fall for as long as I can, although they are pretty unpleasant when it’s rainy, no?

And, I cannot get on the high-waisted jeans bandwagon! I agree that they look pretty awesome, but it’s a comfort thing for me – I can’t stand having a waistband cut into me at that point on my body. Low-rise jeans 4evah, muffin top and all :)

Melissa

September 10, 2015 1:47 pm

Interesting post! I’m currently living in Madrid and I’m spotting the EXACT same trends! Looking forward to buying a pair of loafers this week.

Leah

September 10, 2015 1:16 pm

Loafers have never gone out of style for me, so bummer that they’ll be on everyone this fall. I prefer to be off trend and on classic. Haha!

Prudence

September 10, 2015 12:03 pm

Personally, I like the look of good faux fur designs as I think they add sophistication to an outfit! Fringe pieces are fantastic too, their boho chic vibe is so charming!

Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.com

Kate W

September 10, 2015 11:58 am

Wait, what? I’m “in-style”?
I just bought those exact Madewell jeans this past weekend. (and wearing them now!)
High-waisted pants are “normal waisted” on me, so I just thought I scored a great pair, which were on sale!

Don’t worry though, I’ll go back to wearing old yoga pants, a college tshirt, and mismatched sweatshirt this Fall to walk the dog.

Thanks for this post! And for the comment with the cheaper alternatives up above!

Annis

September 10, 2015 5:48 am

The slip on sneakers were a trend this spring and summer in europe. Now brogues are the new shoe trend. Funny how this is different in the states!

Natalie T.

September 9, 2015 4:49 pm

These JCrew loafers are EVERYTHING! I think I like them better than Everlane’s. Both were pinching my toes because of their narrowness but I was able to get them stretched. Anyways, t hey are the dream loafer. https://www.jcrew.com/ca/womens_category/shoes/loafersoxfords/PRDOVR~E0771/E0771.jsp?color_name=FADED%20EBONY&styles=E0771-GY5697

Alina @eclecticalu blogspot

September 9, 2015 3:55 pm

My “generous” backside is grateful for the high waisted jeans.

Alina
http://www.eclecticalu.blogspot.com

janine

September 9, 2015 3:05 pm

During the last Poncho Revival, a good friend of mine wore ponchos a lot, and guys were always hitting on her. I pointed out to her that guys always hit on her while she was wearing ponchos, which flew in the face of conventional wisdom. “It’s the mysteriousness of the poncho!” she said. “Guys love the mystery! They have to find out… what’s under the poncho?” LOL.

Anna

September 9, 2015 2:00 pm

absolutely in love with all these new trends!! Can’t wait to go shopping now haha

https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/

Laura

September 9, 2015 12:59 pm

I think it’d be fascinating for Cup of Jo to do an investigative article or analytical essay on dressing for trends in general. Like if clothing is an expression of yourself, what does dressing to fit trends say? Or why do some individuals care and some don’t? Is it something you do for yourself or others? Are you trying to fit in or stand out? I think women in general have a complex relationship with trends and it’d be interesting to explore it more deeply. Just a random thought :)

MissEm

September 9, 2015 12:32 pm

It’s so funny – I love good style but I don’t tend to look at fashion blogs and magazines (stresses me out), but somehow almost every one of these things was on my to-find list for fall! They get into our heads (or capture the zeitgeist, or a little of both)!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to MissEm

September 9, 2015 12:47 pm

it’s so funny, right? the collective unconscious is fascinating to me — when i was pregnant with toby, we were brainstorming baby names, and we really liked milo. i thought we basically came up with it out of thin air. but lo and behold, it’s one of the most popular names nowadays. so odd how that happens!

Rosie

September 9, 2015 12:26 pm

well because of this post I just pulled the trigger on a bucket bag on shop bop – hope I love it! eeeek. fall shopping is too much fun.

Jacquie

September 9, 2015 11:58 am

Ok, well, I love to dress well but I’m far from a fashionista. I typically dress in simple lines and basics but high waisted jeans? Isn’t that the same as “mom jeans”? I just can’t picture it although of course the models in the examples you provided looked far from mom jeans ;). Also, fringes were popular when I was in middle school and that’s what the “stoners” were really into. I have such a hard time getting into trends because of these preconceived ideas in my head (SNL “Mom Jeans” skit comes to mind immediately. Anyone else? )

I am always excited about plaids though!

I love the idea of trying these trends and posting them somewhere… maybe a hashtag that we could all use for Instagram? That would be fun. It would force me to actually try some of the trends…. maybe. I am so stubborn.

Paula

Reply to Jacquie

September 16, 2015 12:12 am

I agree! No high waists!

Jill Palumbo

September 9, 2015 11:03 am

Ugh! I guess I will be out of fashion, because except for the plaid (and maybe the loafers) I’m not ready to relive all these styles again. It’s funny, being older, seeing everything old become new and trendy again. Some of them I love, and some, I just can’t do again.

Ann

Reply to Jill Palumbo

September 9, 2015 1:35 pm

I could not agree more. I will be saving lots of $$ on the new clothes I don’t buy this fall!

Tara I

September 9, 2015 10:34 am

love! Could you do a fashion trends for the broke girls out there. (me) I can’t afford $200 shoes. I’m a old navy kinda girl. LOVE the jeans. xoxo

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Tara I

September 9, 2015 11:35 am

absolutely!! good question. here are a few, all under $50…

slip-on sneakers: http://bit.ly/1UBu9Va
slip-on sneakers: http://cupjo.co/1NpSgSx
plaid shirt: http://cupjo.co/1JVduDU
poncho: http://cupjo.co/1EV7Brd
poncho: bit.ly/1UBuUxB
cape (love this one!!): bit.ly/1VNtPj8
fringe bucket bag: http://cupjo.co/1JVdDap
loafers: http://bit.ly/1Q17f2E
loafers: http://cupjo.co/1hXsAz8

hope that helps!!! joannaxoxo

Tara I

Reply to Tara I

September 9, 2015 11:40 am

thank you, your the best<3

Twyla

September 9, 2015 10:14 am

As a size 14 lady – I’ve always worn higher-waisted jeans. Anything lower gives me a major muffin top! So I’m glad the fashion industry has finally caught up with me… ; )

jen

Reply to Twyla

September 9, 2015 12:20 pm

Size 12 here says amen to that!

Anna of Analog House

September 9, 2015 10:10 am

It sounds like the antithesis of Normcore (thank God!:-) I recently moved East from out West where I started wearing all of the above, and I love the hippie look. So bring on fringe, ponchos, and big bling!

Analog House
http://theanaloghouse.blogspot.com/

Thalita

September 9, 2015 10:09 am

Hello, I wear all the trends you mentioned without knowing it was a trend.
I love love love high waist line jeans, plaid shirts, loafers and slip-on sneakers. Everything you listed is so me!
Im going to NY and Im very happy that im trendy haha

Courtney

September 9, 2015 9:57 am

I had my first (and probably only) PSL of the season yesterday! I usually stick to my black coffee, but it made me feel a little festive :)

Anyway, I just received a pair of dark, high-waited flares in the mail and they are great! I included the link below for anyone looking for a great bargain. I personally have resisted the bucket bag. I have a leather bag in both black and brown that already serves that purpose, so it feels too excessive. Very tempting though.

I say no to the poncho. The farthest I will go is my Cuyana over-sized sweater, which I wear constantly.

Celeste

September 9, 2015 9:56 am

I made a faux fur vest a couple years ago that I love and wear as often as I can in the fall. It adds some weight to my top but I just counteract it with skinny jeans or a short skirt and tights! One of my favorite looks.

Danielle

September 9, 2015 9:27 am

I’m looking forward to wearing loafers and oxfords. Love the Dandy Loafers you found! I like their color very much!

http://www.spring2spring.com

bisbee

September 9, 2015 9:27 am

I took my 10 year old granddaughter shopping for school clothes the other day. Bought her 2 plaid shirts – I showed her how she could wear them over another shirt like a jacket. Adorable…and I had to tell her that I wore shirts like that when I was in college in the early ’70s…of course, those shirts belonged to the boy who eventually became her grandfather (my ex)!

Tawnie

September 9, 2015 9:26 am

I’ve been telling my husband for almost 2 years that ponchos are cool. Now they are every where! I savor that “I’m right!” feeling.

Alex Musetti

September 9, 2015 9:05 am

When a new season starts and I see the fashion trends, first I’m always in shock and think NO WAY, I won’t wear this… But after a couple of months it’s like I get used to see the new trends on the street and then I finally take the bait and buy some trendy jean, bag or boots that I’ll only wear that season and I will forget it in the deep of my closet the next year. Still, I go on and on…
I love 70’s boho trend by the way!

Allyn

September 9, 2015 8:59 am

Noooooo to high waisted jeans. I’m way too leggy/small hipped for those. I’ll stick with skinny jeans. Always a huge fan of plaid, though! That will be my one concession to the fall trends, mainly because it’s something I wear anyway. Some years just don’t speak to you a personal level, you know?

Daisy

September 9, 2015 8:52 am

I was just examining my leather bucket bag (that I scored at H&M about 3 years ago) and wondering if I still wanted it. Now it’s a keeper thanks to this!!

Also just purchased some ankle booties rockin the fringe. I had a feeling that would be in!

Cynthia

September 9, 2015 7:30 am

Uniqlo has just released plaid leggings that look like trousers are they are the rage right now in Paris, it’s incredible how quickly they fly off the shelves!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Cynthia

September 9, 2015 11:36 am

plaid leggings! i remember wearing them in high school. so crazy how trends always come back around.

Jenn

September 9, 2015 6:41 am

No to big earrings, and no to fur even faux fur.
But fringe…I will be covered in it!

Jenn | Jennifer Jayne

The slow pace

September 9, 2015 5:57 am

I love every single one of them but the fringe thing. Maybe I’m too European but it feels like a costume to me! ;)
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com

Laura C

September 9, 2015 4:34 am

It’s all so Nineties!! I don’t know if I like it…!
High waist is nice, but it is true, you definitely need a flat stomach to get into the jeans and look great.
Those loafers are wonderful.
xxx

Clarissa

September 9, 2015 2:29 am

Faux fur and plaid works for me!
http://ladiesandcroissants.blogspot.fr/

Dee

September 9, 2015 12:42 am

Definitely the high waist jeans! They are so flattering!

Caroline

September 9, 2015 12:29 am

Yes, yes, yes. I also love how people are experimenting more with mixing summer colours with dark fall ones to switch it up!
Creativity, what a beautiful thing.

http://www.mademoiselleaventure.com

Brittany

September 9, 2015 12:03 am

I’m all about the 70’s fashion hype right not. Loving the dark mustard yellow and bucket bags!

Taryn Potasky

September 8, 2015 11:38 pm

I love this list!
I’m planning a million outfits in my head as I go through it, and it’s making me so excited for fall.
Thanks for the inspo
xo

http://www.dyingindior.blogspot.com

Ms. Peony and Grahams

September 8, 2015 10:40 pm

Great list! I am all about the high waisted jeans. I have a pair I love from paige and a short woman they make me feel super tall (the heels I usually wear them with help too). I am also a big lover of plaid, especially that high and low look when you pair it with something bling or fancy like a tuxdo style jacket. I haven’t gotten into bucket bags (I think I have just too much to carry). I am excited for fall on one hand and terrified about the fact that it means winter is coming. I will switch out my capsule wardrobe on 10/1 to get me through December so this list will come in handy as I pick out my 33 items for Q4. http://www.peonyandgrahams.com/2015/08/the-dream-closetthe-simple-chic-capsule.html

Casey

September 8, 2015 10:22 pm

I think you have to be beautiful to pull off loafers. Otherwise they look too masculine. I can’t pull them off. That Farah F. puc in the Nikes, you know J.Crew sells those old school Nikes. I got a pair last year at Christmas and wore them with jeans all the time. Love them.

Heather

September 8, 2015 9:55 pm

I personally think way high waisted jeans require a flat stomach and ponchos look best with small busts… So I’m out on those! But I love loafers and I’m on the hunt for just right leopard print slip on sneakers!

Anne

September 8, 2015 9:45 pm

Oof. Not sure if I’m ready for 70s/90s part 2. Maybe I’ll just wear a lot of pajamas this fall

Amy

Reply to Anne

September 9, 2015 6:43 pm

Hahaha! I’m right there with you. Maybe plaid pajamas? ;)

Christie

September 8, 2015 9:14 pm

I just can’t get on board with fringes… fringes, tassels etc, they all feel too trendy for me when I’m always looking for timeless. Just today I bought a cute little bag and cut the tassel off because it felt too childish/silly.

Aga

September 8, 2015 8:58 pm

Faux fur vests (not the rug-looking ones) is how i survive winter!, loafers and a couple of plaid shirts i’ve had in my closet for years, but i’m not eager to jump on the 70s band wagon. I find it strange how all of the sudden seemingly everyone’s closet have been transported to the 70s and/or covered in plaid. I might try the flares but in the past i’ve found them difficult to wear, the high waist make my latin behind look huge, and the bottoms get yucky in the winter.

GoldenMoon

September 8, 2015 8:20 pm

I detest trends but I love classics that are comfy and smart. Digging the plaid for fall, love high waist-ed jeans for post baby wearing (miracle pants I tell you. I heart Madewell’s) and I love my ponchos since they look good and handy for transitional weather (plus they can warm up a child in my arms on a chilly day too). I’ll pass on the fringe, big bling and fur!

Darla

September 8, 2015 8:11 pm

I knew if I gave in & started wearing skinny jeans that flares would come back. You’re welcome. No thank you to high waist though. If you have any sort of stomach that’s a no-go in my opinion. Explain why I’m wrong, please.

Question: cape vs poncho? Cape = round and poncho = square? Will I be ostracized by fashionistas if my blanket garment is circular?

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Darla

September 8, 2015 8:35 pm

good q!! i think you’re right: capes are rounder, ponchos are more square. also i think capes might typically be shorter?

Darla

Reply to Darla

September 8, 2015 8:46 pm

This blogger answered the question very nicely. I’m going to assume she’s got it right.
http://theavant-gardist.com/capes-vs-ponchos/

Cape vs cloak vs. poncho. Poncho is rectangular, originated in South America. Cloak is European, circular. Cape is the shorter version of the cloak. #themoreyouknow

Reply to Darla

September 9, 2015 11:52 am

If you’re responsible for bringing not-skinny jeans back, thank you, thank you, thank you. (signed, another hold-out)

Désirée Fawn

September 8, 2015 8:11 pm

Kinda psyched to do the 70s thing this fall! <3

Susan M.

September 8, 2015 8:07 pm

Great picks — loved the first jeans. haha, rugby shirts. Rugby shirts!!! And remember rugby pants? Those will never come back. That fringe purse looks perfect! Plaid is always good for fall; it’s amazing how every year plaid looks fresh and different. That dress can work at the office.

Ainsley

September 8, 2015 8:04 pm

Crispness? It was 97 degrees in NYC today!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Ainsley

September 8, 2015 8:32 pm

Was it 97? Wow, didn’t feel that hot, crazy. But still, no humidity! This weekend had that awesome fresh clean air. So excited for fall.

Charlotte K

September 8, 2015 7:58 pm

70s Adidas were the first sneakers to look good with jeans ;-)

I know ’cause I was there!

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Charlotte K

September 8, 2015 8:01 pm

oh yes! and what about these old-school nikes in 1976: http://stargayzing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Farrah-Fawcett-Workout-Routine.jpg

Sarah

September 8, 2015 7:53 pm

You just described my high school wardrobe, and my mothers. Welcome back 1975 & 1995. Can’t wait to rock the high waisted jeans again. Don’t forget about rugby shirts and and signet rings?!?

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Sarah

September 8, 2015 7:57 pm

hahahaha you’re so right. i LOVED rugby shirts. i haven’t seen a single one since high school.

Mary Jenkins

September 8, 2015 7:53 pm

Slip on sneakers, high waists, plaid, bucket bags = YES. Big no to faux fur and fringe. But who knows I might be convinced. I hated Birkenstocks when I first saw them and now I have three pairs lol

Leah

September 8, 2015 7:30 pm

Yes to bucket bags! I bought one on sale at Madewell as a treat yo’ self gift and I use it daily. Perfect with every outfit and is so roomy. Looking forward to taking advantage of the poncho trend and all plaid everything.

Laura

September 8, 2015 7:19 pm

I could get on board with casual sneakers and the higher waist jeans… honestly I never really did get on board with low-waisted ones anyway. But other than that, I am just ignoring fall trends this year because I hate almost all of them. FRINGE? Are we serious?

Michaela

September 8, 2015 7:08 pm

I love those loafers and street shoes from Everlane. Has anyone tried them? They’re more of a splurge for my budget, I’d love to know if they are worth it!

Christie

Reply to Michaela

September 8, 2015 9:13 pm

I have the loafers and they are definitely worth the splurge! They make any of my outfits instantly 70% more chic. I am debating about the street shoe though – the price seems a little steep for something I’m expected to wear on the weekends running around with my kid.

Courtney

Reply to Michaela

September 9, 2015 9:42 am

I have the Everlane loafer in patent leather and I’ve heard they are a little tougher to break in than the original leather, but they are so beautiful! I say totally worth the investment.

I did order the street shoe when it came out but returned it. They were very tight around the tops of my feet, but extra long and narrow. Very light and airy, but maybe a little too “foamy” for my liking. I think I may just be too married to my Keds, which I went right back to :)

Erin @ Her Heartland Soul

September 8, 2015 7:00 pm

I’m not a fan of the 70’s and all the style that goes with it but I love high-waisted jeans! Those I’ll do!

Her Heartland Soul
http://herheartlandsoul.com

Jenny Rose

September 8, 2015 6:52 pm

Converse sneakers have always looked great with jeans in my style book.
As for the other trends, I can’t get my head around the faux fur (have too many Ikea faux fur lying around the house as decor to think of wearing it and high waist jeans just aren’t as comfortable on me as hip riders. The other trends are pretty good.

rachel.

September 8, 2015 6:44 pm

finally! fall trends that are (almost) all in my wheelhouse.

Maggie

September 8, 2015 6:33 pm

I can not wait to wear jeans and long sleeve shirts again. It is currently 92 degrees in my Los Angeles non air conditioned apartment. I am reading your site in undies with a fan blowing right on me. Warm air of course.

I love the jeans with the higher waist, much more flattering for anyone that isn’t shaped like a bean stalk. I would also love to see you guys try out all these ideas and write about how they feel and look on you.

Joanna Goddard

Author

Reply to Maggie

September 8, 2015 7:36 pm

That’s such a fun idea!! we will see if we can do that. And good luck staying cool! Xoxoxo

Jody

Reply to Maggie

September 8, 2015 8:01 pm

I love that idea Maggie!

Scribs Farm

September 8, 2015 6:05 pm

Oh man, I’m all about high-pants done right. They do great things for the tush!
I also love ruanas! I have one from a few years ago, dark green plaid with a fringe bottom, it’s perfect for trips to the pumpkin patch and baby wearing!
I hope you ladies have a dress up day and post wearing all the trends of fall. At once. I’m only half kidding.
I’m officially ready for sweaters, cold fingers holding hot drinks and pumpkin everything!

Sade @ #TeamVulnerable

September 8, 2015 6:02 pm

AGREED on the flared jeans! haven’t busted them out since the 90s, but looking forward to giving my wardrobe a 70s revamp ;)

teamvulnerable.wordpress.com

More to Love