Back to Work with Style
by Kelley Malott
Normally, September would mark the time to start investing in cool weather pieces for the fall season. As many of us continue to work (or learn) from home, the addition of new staples into our wardrobe may not be as much of a necessity. However, many workplaces are slowly opening back up, and our readers may find themselves going back into the office sooner rather than later. Thankfully, fall trends continue to draw from 90s inspired fashions that will allow many to recycle older pieces already in their wardrobe.
It will come as no surprise to fashion aficionados that as we move into September plaid will begin to return to clothing racks across the country. Designers for the fall season drew on equestrian-inspired style (think more East coast private club than Western cowboy) with classic plaid sport coats paired with knee-high camel suede or leather boots. A plaid jacket is a great staple for your fall wardrobe. It’s suitable for the workplace and can be dressed down with a pair of high-waisted jeans, as shown on the runway by Brandon Maxwell, for a weekend lunch.
Suit jackets continue to trend oversize, meaning that hip length (or longer) blazers with wide shoulders so often in style during the 80s and early 90s are still having a moment this fall. This style is a great opportunity for shoppers to explore vintage options through online retailers like Etsy. Another trend making a comeback is the skirt suit, including flat or pleated styles like the beige set from Gabriela Hearst.
Big, dramatic sleeves have been trending all summer long and will continue into the fall with balloon-sleeved sweaters and puff sleeve blouses. Dramatic tops will work perfect with high waisted, straight cut pants, or paired with a flared skirt like the one shown by designer Victoria Beckham.
Which leads to our trending color in September: beige. That’s right, retailers like Banana Republic are showing natural beige tones for your wardrobe staples. Classic tweeds will pair well with natural tones of beige and khaki, with high-rise cropped khakis staying on trend for the fluctuating temperatures of September.
For those looking for a pop of color, cherry red made an appearance across several designers, from statement ensembles to a layered look like the quilted jacket from Eltro. This color is already making an appearance at retailers like J.Jill and White House Black Market in the form of special occasion dresses, staple wardrobe pieces for the bold, and other accessories.
Suede and leather continue to be the leading materials for fall accessories (which is great for us since we can reuse them year after year). Tasseled leather handbags and slouchy suede bags will complement any fall outfit. Layered bracelets are on trend, as well as skinny belts to cinch blazered looks. Keep an eye out for leopard and other big cat prints as well. You will see the pattern on lots of accessories this fall, including face masks, which have become a much needed staple in many of our wardrobes.