Get a jump on fall’s fashion trends with these style tips for autumn 2024.
Fall fashion is self-explanatory, a mere tautology. Fall fashion is about clothing that we will befriend as the weather cools, and if we play our cards right, every fall after the next one. Nothing is better than experiencing and celebrating these sublime transformations dressed in the most elegant, comfortable, and sustainable fashion.
Pieces like cargo or chino trousers, lightweight smart knits, classical sweatshirts, and hoodies, comfortable joggers and of course, the extremely extended range of denim garments, are not just one-season bets but blue chip long-term investments.
This coming fall, all trends, tendencies and collections will have a single common denominator — and this will be an even greater shift toward eco-consciousness. The sustainable methods of production, marketing and delivery of the clothing and accessories that are about to seduce us will be the real protagonists.
Sustainable fashion industry at a glance
The stats capture this pivotal change underway, but they also make clear that there is plenty of space for further improvements.
● The value of the ethical fashion market is estimated to reach a value of approximately $10 billion by 2025.
● The organic segment of the fashion industry, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 16.2 percent, is expected to be the fastest-growing segment.
● The ethical fashion market is segmented by type into fair trade animal cruelty-free, eco-friendly and charitable brands. The animal cruelty free was the largest segment of the ethical fashion market (by type) accounting for 43.3 percent of the total in 2022.
● Fast fashion is slowly being replaced by slow fashion. Consumers become more aware of the importance and ethics of sustainability. So much so that there has been an estimated 50 percent decrease in fast fashion sales.
● In the ethical and sustainable clothing scene, the plus size market is sometimes overlooked. However, the plus size clothing market is expected to grow by an average of 5.9 percent every year until 2027. Over this same period, the sector is projected to grow in value to a staggering $696.71 billion. To put this number into perspective, the value of the plus size or size-inclusive sector will outpace the seafood industry and the footwear sector by 2027.
Why shop sustainably?
The most en vogue approach? The sustainable approach!
Navigating in the vast ocean of trends, looks, brands, outfits, combinations and ideas it is sometimes easy to get lost (ask Ulysses!). The only compass that can safely guide us is sustainability. The kind that emerges from ethics and consciousness.
● The ethical fashion market includes revenues earned by the production of organic, natural, biodegradable, recycled or repurposed fabrics.
● Around 60 percent of the clothes we wear are made from plastic and materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetics. A lot of this plastic, coming from synthetic fibres, ends up in the oceans. Synthetic fibres from materials used to make low-quality, cheap clothing.
● Renting clothes is a wonderful alternative to acquire more pricey pieces. Instead of buying, renting can help you save up a lot of money while protecting the environment and employees in the fashion supply chain.
● At a summit in Gran Canaria, the European Fashion Alliance (EFA) discussed measures aimed at encouraging a more sustainable and inclusive future for the fashion industry. The EFA believes that sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, education and labour market measures, will transform the fashion industry and propel the production of more durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable textiles.
So, is sustainable fashion on the rise? No doubt about it; but much more has to be accomplished.
The latest fall fashion trends
If this fall’s clothing has a name this is: wearable! The fashion savants have made their ruling: women shall be offered clothes to be easily used every day and everywhere. Boxy, oversized ’80s cuts, delightfully colorful, glittery, flexible and vintagey (or vintageous?) garments is what we are to expect. Next fall will also be red, sneakery and tight; as tight as a pair of practical, trendy tights.
And now that we’ve laid down the general plan, let’s talk specifics!
Boho
From YSL to Chloé, boho looks are back and better than ever (if they ever really left, that is). Layer frills and lace, patterned skirts with flowy tops, wide-leg jeans or trousers, and lots of playful colors and jewelry to complete the look. Bring a little structure if you like with a loose top and fitted jacket or add a tall riding boot to bring a bit more edge.
Butter
Think yellow is just for spring? Butter is the it-color of the fall. Maybe it’ll make you think of buttery pastry crusts, mac ‘n’ cheese, spiced curries and other essential fall eats. Plus, this neutral color goes with everything from your traditional muted fall greens and browns all the way through to those tacky Christmas sweaters.
Country House
Country House chic is here. Get the look with voluminous midi and maxi skirts They are too easy to style and you will lose no time in front of the mirror. You can wear a white or black tank top, a wide long shirt tied with a thin belt and a cropped indigo denim jacket over it. You can also opt for a striped sweater and a blazer or for a tight body and an ’80s vintage jacket.
Dark Red
This fall won’t be dry brown and green, it will be filled with juicy deep reds, particularly burgundy. Red shirts, red trousers, red jackets, red sambas, red gazelles, red bags, red socks, red knits. If it has the word red in it, it is in fashion. Whether you go for a monochromatic look or pepper it in, get ready for red.
Riding Boots
Boots are essential this fall and the riding boot is at the top of the list. Is it because they are practical, or is it because they are stylish, is it because they can be dressed up and down? Who knows, really? In any case, wear them with everything.
Prep school
Prep style has made a major comeback. This fall, the trend is seen in full skirts, button-downs, sharp blazers, and of course, khakis from brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria Beckham. Classic colors — navy, khaki, burgundy, and gray — dominate the palette. The formula? A jacket over a collared shirt paired with relaxed jeans or a skirt. Throw in a necktie and chunky loafers to complete the look.
Faux
Fur has been dead for a while but that doesn’t mean our love for all things soft and fluffy is gone. Quite the opposite. The faux options today run the gamut and would melt your mink-loving grandmother’s heart. Brands like Bernardo make faux fur much more affordable, too.
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