A virtual New York Fashion Week marks the beginning of another fashion month. Even though the shows look a little different this year, there’s still joy to be found in the sartorial season. For one, breaking out your favorite fall sweaters or boots begins the wardrobe shift from summer. But there are many ways to feel inspired when it comes to getting dressed this fall, whether it’s taking cues from celebrity style, a movie, or a show you’ve watched during quarantine, or simply leaning into the fall 2020 fashion trends we saw on the runways earlier this year.
Now that the collections have started to hit stores, many of our favorite pieces keep comfort, sustainability, and personal safety top of mind. There’s patchwork outerwear and blanket dressing, which offer a warm and comfy take on stay-at-home style, and there are less cozy but equally compelling trends, like skirtsuit tailoring and the supermodel-approved leather blazer. When it comes to accessories, one editor is converting summer sandals into fall footwear with the addition of a pair of socks, while others are choosing to add elevated loafers or chunky, no-nonsense boots to their wardrobes this fall.
From embellished slip-on loafers and dainty mask chains to the best of outerwear and knits, here are 21 fall fashion and accessory trends Vogue editors are shopping right now and wearing all season long.
Virginia Smith, Fashion Director
To be honest, a shearling Birkenstock has been my shoe of choice for the past six months. However, as we move into fall and the possibility of returning to work, these Givenchy loafers are the perfect transition—the appeal of a loafer with the comfort of a slide.
Chioma Nnadi, Fashion News Director
I’m a sucker for a maxi-length mesh dress, and Ottolinger always cover theirs with really interesting prints. I’m looking forward to taking this really slinky look into the fall with an oversized trench coat and some chunky boots. Finally, I’m ready to wrap my mind around wearing dresses again!
Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor
This fall I am looking forward to bringing the indoors out, rather than the outdoors in. My current obsession is all things patchwork, and as the weather starts to cool down, I can’t wait to test out the blanket dressing trend.
Sea Ditsy quilted poplin jacket
Steff Yotka, Fashion News and Emerging Platforms Editor
With nowhere to go, I’m looking for upcycled garments that are both comfortable and lovely this fall. This Imitation of Christ dress is all of the above.
Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Beauty and Living Editor
Sandals for fall? Definitely doable with a good pair of socks. My Eva Birkenstocks have been my most treasured possession since the pandemic started, so I’ll simply up the comfort as the weather chills by committing to a former footwear faux pas that’s been gaining steam since spring. A good friend recently gifted me a pair of Brother Vellies Cloud socks, which are available in a soothing array of colors. I’ll be cozying up with those, as well as a new pair of my favorite Kapital Smilie socks.
Madison Barker, Assistant Market Editor
Wraps, blankets, stoles, and oversized scarves will serve us well during this fall—a trend that appeared on the runways of Givenchy, Michael Kors, Jil Sander, and Tod’s (to name a few) and will be an effortless and cozy option for our WFH outfits on Zoom!
Laird Borrelli-Persson, Archive Editor
Something about seeing men in pearls at Casablanca and elsewhere has had me reaching for my own. This very 1980s Chanel bracelet and Jil Sander’s more modern take are updates on my traditional single-strand necklace.
Madeline Fass, Market Editor
I love a suit and suit separates. After the plethora of skirtsuits that came down the runways for fall, it’s only right I give the ladylike version of the tailored silhouette a try. I started to experiment and get comfortable with the idea of incorporating more skirts into my wardrobe earlier this year while we were still in the office, and I look forward to getting back into the groove again by wearing them for as many occasions as I can find this fall. Plus a midiskirt will showcase my favorite fall loafers and knee-high boots quite well.
Rachel Besser, Market Editor
One trend that I’ll be wearing for fall no matter where the next few months take me (Back to NYC? Into the office? On my parents couch where I am currently?) is a sweater-vest. I’ve found that my well-loved tees are getting new life when worn underneath vests in oversized, fitted, and even turtleneck silhouettes.
Zoe Ruffner, Beauty Editor
I usually stick to a uniform of cashmere sweaters and trousers when the temperatures drop, but Dries Van Noten’s floral lace tights—paired with a midiskirt and knee-high boots or simply a trench—have completely won me over.
Julie Tong, Commerce Editor
The idea of fall trends this year feels a bit strange, but even so I have found myself gravitating toward the same item I always do during the season—a new bag. This year my style inspiration comes from none other than Katie Holmes and her sidekick Khaite tote bag. Even though our team is not returning to the office quite yet, my obsession with work totes runs deep. Khaite’s version is one I can’t resist, even if it’s something I can only carry to the local bodega for now.
Alexandra Gurvitch, Editor
As the weather is getting cooler and our time at home is extending, I am transitioning into adding layers, specifically a trench coat to throw on for my infrequent outings. The Burberry Battersea trench is just long enough to perfectly hide my loungewear.
Alexandra Michler, Director, Fashion Initiatives
This fall I am interested in buying pieces that are functional and ethical. I also find great pleasure in collecting masks and coordinating them to my outfits. I love the mother-daughter team behind Royal Jelly Harlem masks. The burgundy floral version will be a nice autumnal complement to my gorgeous new Bode crocheted sweater.
Eliseé Browchuk, Editorial Business Coordinator
I’m gravitating toward pieces that feel groovy and timeless this season. Fringed jackets, flared denim, and faux leather boots all fit the bill. I’ve been eyeing these Stella McCartney platform booties, which look like they walked straight out of the That ’70s Show set.
Christian Allaire, Fashion and Style Writer
I’ve been waiting for the fall weather to creep in so I can finally wear my leather blazer. I love a nod to the ’90s, and, like any good coat, it does all the work for my outfit. I like wearing it with jeans and a turtleneck—but it truly looks good with just about everything.
Lauren Valenti, Senior Beauty Editor
As I rethink my style in this strange time, I find myself returning to the classics, and nothing gets me in the fall mood more than slipping on a pair of boyish penny loafers. The eternally chic Weejuns are comfortable enough for daily sanity walks but stylish enough to help me feel—relatively—put-together while grabbing a coffee.
Sarah Spellings, Fashion News Editor
I’m not normally a bold print kind of gal, but I’ve been drawn to wavy, abstract, colorful prints lately. And, of course, the master of such prints is Emilio Pucci. This is my kind of going-out top—seriously I would wear this turtleneck to a club. But given the world today, I would wear it with wide-leg trousers for work, and a miniskirt, structured blazer long enough to cover said miniskirt, and tights for fun.
Ciarra Lorren Zatorski, Assistant Market Editor
If there is one thing a pandemic-era summer has taught me, it’s that I am a minimalist through and through, as monochromatic looks have carried me through the dog days of the season. Crisp white shirts paired with denim shorts and sleek leather flip-flops (also white) have become my daily uniform, adding a bit of brightness to an otherwise dreary time. On the top of my list for fall are classic white pieces like denim trousers and suede sneakers, which will seamlessly transition into the colder months—or perhaps to hang onto the summer aesthetic I just can’t seem to shake off!
Akili King, Beauty Assistant
In the fall I always love a solid boot that will make any outfit sleeker. I’ve had my eye
on these from Eytys. They scream fall to me and look super durable but also chic at the same time. Comfortable and sexy, a win-win.
Charlotte Diamond, Assistant Market Editor
I never thought mask chain would be a phrase I’d ever utter, or an actual thing that I would want, yet here we are. The beauty of the mask chain is that it can do double duty as a PPE accessory and as a necklace!
Willow Lindley, Accessories Director
This fall, I’m all about investment pieces, even if that leads me more to staples instead of trends. I’m looking for statement gold jewelry to jazz up my Zoom t-shirt wardrobe, especially those that are made sustainably.
