Tie-dye, wide leg denim and...cow print? Here's a guide to staying in style this fall.

Emily Day
Sep 30, 2020
4 min read

Stay ahead of the fashion curve with some hot looks to get you through the cold days ahead.

Oh, fall. You came so fast. Anyone else’s subconscious still stuck in March? Just me? Nonetheless, I welcome the colder weather and festive spirit with open arms. As far as fashion goes, we have officially reverted to the early-2000s with our style choices. Banana clips, tie-dye, leather, wide leg jeans! Perhaps we’re all just dreaming of simpler times. Yes, I was practically a toddler in the early-2000s and life sure was easier back then.

What I love about the hot trends this season is that they aren’t what you would typically expect for transitional, autumnal pieces. There’s bright colors. There’s funky tops. There’s knee-high boots. It’s not your run-of-the-mill turtlenecks and skinny jeans. I think society has officially progressed past the need for skinny jeans. Can we all agree? Anyway, let's jump into it. Without further ado, here are the biggest trends of fall 2020:

1. The Asai "Hot Wok" Top

After appearing on November 2019's M le Monde cover, the Hot Wok top has since become a staple in all influencer closets. The sheer fabric, tie-dye panels joined together by wild & wavy hems could perhaps be a nod to 90s Jean Paul Gaultier and his fabulous, Renaissance mesh tops.

Designer A Sai Ta is influenced by club wear and Asian iconography. His clothes are bright and joyful while referencing his roots in Vietnamese history. Now, you might be wondering how to get your hands on one. Well, the original Hot Wok tops currently retail for a cool $260. Luckily, I've scoured the internet for some more affordable dupes just for you as well.

Asai, Tie-dye Long Sleeve Top ($260)

Kikiriki, Turtleneck Long Sleeve Blouse ($56)

Pretty Little Thing, Mesh Long Sleeve Top ($30)

2. Leather, leather, leather!

It's grunge galore as leather is back and by that we mean it's back BIG TIME. Faux leather, preferably I've been seeing leather coats, leather boots, leather shoulder bags and leather pants all over my Instagram feed lately. Sometimes worn separately; sometimes all at the same time. In my personal opinion, the best place to find leather goods are thrift stores as leather clothing, like a lot of things, looks and feels better with age. Plus, there's always leather coats at my local Goodwill. I hadn't really paid any attention to them in the past, but I'm definitely going to start.

Express, Vegan Leather Jacket ($158)

ZARA, Faux Leather Mom Fit Pants ($45.90)

ZARA, High Shaft Heeled Leather Boots ($169)

3. Cow Print

We're channeling Alabama Worley this fall, ladies. Yep that's right, leopard print (and all other animal prints for that matter) is taking a backseat this season and we're going to back to the barnyard with good 'ole cow print. Either take advantage of this bold print by adding it to drab outfit in the form of a shoulder bag or cowboy boots, or go all in with a pair of flare pants, a mini skirt or oversized blouse and you'll be feeling like a cowgirl in no time.

Free People, Dagget Printed Western Boot ($315)

Nasty Gal, Just Cow We Like It Oversized Button-Down Shirt ($45)

SHEIN, Cow Print Baguette Bag ($11)

4. Sweater Vests

Ah, the sweater vest. What was once the universal symbol of the geek and often synonymous with thick-rimmed glasses and high school bullying is now being worn by Instagram influencers and Tik Tok stars alike. Worn over an oversized blouse or t-shirt, these autumn essentials are now flying off the racks at big name retailers like Zara and H&M. Pair your sweater vest with a tennis skirt or some leather pants to transform an otherwise uncool staple into too cool for school.

MANGO, Chunky Knit Gillet ($60)

H&M, Cable-Knit Sweater Vest ($30)

ZARA, Oversized Knitwear Vest ($40)

5. Wide Leg Jeans

Now we all know skinny jeans have been dead for years, but what if I told you the very antithesis to the skinny jean has hit the streets as the biggest denim trend this fall. That's right, we're busting out the WIDE leg jeans (high-waisted, of course) for the colder months. Relaxed silhouettes have become popular this season following months of wearing nothing but pajamas and sweat suits. Absolutely no one wants to wiggle themselves into skin-tight jeans anymore. So why bother? Paired with an oversized sweater, ankle-length coat and some heeled booties or platforms, this look will have you oozing "model off duty" vibes.

ZARA, Wide Leg Jeans with Darts ($50)

Everlane, The Super-Soft Wide Leg Jean ($78)

New Look, Wide Leg Jean in Mid Blue ($44)

6. The Oversized Suit

I realize you're probably way too familiar with the word "oversized" in this article by now. As previously stated, we've all grown so accustomed to the idea of being comfortable 24/7 that there's no going back now. One way to stay looking chic without feeling restricted by your outfit is with an oversized matching suit. I've seen these being worn in just about every color under the sun. A dusty, olive green is a particularly popular color this season and the perfect pop of color amongst a backdrop of falling leaves. Try it with a graphic t-shirt, bralette or a simple tank top worn underneath and a banana clip hair-do for your own playful yet practical take on the trend.

ASOS, Extreme Dad Suit ($196)