Fall Trends You Already Own - Nada Manley

You know how I like to say that trends look different every time they come around? Well, that’s true. Except when it’s not. Let me explain.

This season, in addition to the usual fall frivolity, there are a lot of classics and timeless pieces dressing up as trends, but they’re not fooling anybody. A button-down in fall 2022 looks just like any other button-down purchased in the last few years or so. It just has a new label. Last season it was an essential, but this season it’s a trend.

Pretty clever, right? That means we can keep wearing many of the same items we’ve already worn and suddenly be considered hip and trendy. We might have to do Tik Toks or something, I don’t know.

Because many of these items are pieces you likely already have, you can “update” your wardrobe just by bringing them into your regular rotation, and by yourself a latte or a car or something with the money you save.

So here, fall trends that are probably already hanging in your closet!

Moto Jacket

One of the staples on my fashion essentials list, a moto jacket adds edge and interest and flattery to many outfits. Whether yours is leather or suede or fabric, black or a bright or a soft, with hardware or without, this is the season to break it out and make it part of your regular rotation, or find a fresh style here.

My favorite hot pink moto from 7 For All Mankind

Bomber Jacket

The bomber is back, and I’m glad, because it offers the versatility and flattery or a moto, with a softer look. Break out your old favorite, because this season’s options are diverse, from leather to velvet to puffers and more. You’ll find a few options for these right here.

Strong Shoulder Blazer

A blazer with sharp shoulders adds height, attitude, and even helps balance out a curvy lower body, so dust yours off or add shoulder pads to an existing favorite.

Platforms

Height without the, well, height, platforms are every petite girl’s best friend. They are comfortable and walkable and so much fun. If you have a couple of old favorites, like mine from BCBG (shown), now is the time to pull them out, or shop a new style here.

Ballet Flats

Who doesn’t already own a ballet flat? They are timeless and chic and feminine and all the things, and this season they move from classic territory and are suddenly trendy. Miu Miu brought these back into the forefront and now we are seeing pretty pairs at every price point.

Maxi Skirts

A little unexpected for fall and winter, the maxi skirt and dress are turning up this season in fall-friendly colors and silhouettes. Clearly best on days when it’s not snowing or raining, these are a fun and relatively warm choice to mix up your outfits for the season. You can find new styles to choose from here.

Brights & Pastels

Most of us associate fall and winter fashion with dark neutrals and deep jewel tones, but this season, in addition to the usual palette, bold brights and soft pastels are also showing up, allowing us to wear the full rainbow of colors in our wardrobes. You can find some bright options here.

Tank Top

This rather boring basic has suddenly found itself in the limelight, thanks to the strategic placement of the Prada logo at the front. Prada or not, tanks are trending, and the higher-necked styles are this season’s key piece. You can find more options here.

Scarves

If you shelved your scarves during the pandemic, now is the time to pull them out and try them on. Use them to update any outfit and add color, interest, and style.

Signature Silk Scarf, $30 (sale) Banana Republic

Riding Boots

This classic boot style is part of the overall equestrian trend. Many women never stopped wearing their riding style boots, but this season, we’ll be seeing them everywhere and with everything. You can find these and others right here.

Leather (Faux & Real)

Leather of every description is turning up on dresses, pants, blazers, motos, etc. Whether you choose faux or real, it adds instant edge to your outfit.

Sequins

This fall you have permission to sparkle all the time, day or night. Sparkles, sequins, and other forms of glittery garb are seriously trending, showing up on everything from purses and shoes to full-on sparkly outfits. You’ll find plenty of ways to sparkle right here.

Trenchcoats

The classic trench is another item on my fashion essentials list, and it’s the perfect transitional coat and fall layer. You’ll find short and long versions in every neutral this season as well as colors, or pull out your favorite and throw it over all of your fall outfits.

Plaid

This fall classic pattern is trending this season, but isn’t it trending every season? Chances are you have something plaid in your wardrobe, so pull it out and pair it with your faux leather this season for an instant update.

High Low Hemlines

This trend is not the most petite-friendly, but for those of you taller ladies, a high-low hemline is stylish again this season and a fun compromise when you can’t decide on a dress length. 🙂

Button-Downs

As basic as they get, these have been an essential on my list for years. Try wearing them a bit oversized this season and you’ll be right on trend.

Slingbacks

Another classic making a comeback, this feminine style is so pretty and can be worn as a flat or a heel. The Natalie Slingback from Sarah Flint is a great option for those of you with narrow feet.