It’s that time of year. Fall fashion season! Whether you’re looking for a whole new look, or just a few key pieces to update your wardrobe, now’s the time to start looking. The good news is that the look of the season is luxurious, refined and confident silhouettes. Perfect for Boss Women everywhere. (Wonder Women will even find chic capes to don for their adventures). Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has broken down the top trends you need to know in fall-winter fashion for 2019-20. Here’s what to shop for this fall.
what to shop for this fall
The best cure for the summertime blues– whether you’re mourning the end of a long- anticipated vacation or closing up the beach house for the season- is undoubtedly the ritual of shopping for fall fashion.
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Though some of us have been out of school longer than we’ve been in school, there’s nothing like picking out a few of the latest trends to make us feel the promise of a fresh start. As kids, we felt ready to conquer the classroom and cafeteria in brand new sneakers and a patterned backpack full of sturdy binders and brightly colored notebooks. And as adults, Fall brings a welcome elegance and polish to our wardrobes that gives us a renewed sense of purpose. And the unmistakable feeling of being . . . well, a badass.
So enjoy the last days of peeling your legs off of those plastic outdoor chairs while wearing breezy summer dresses and cut-off denim shorts. Because September is coming. And it’s bringing the drama (and the coverage).
More in Fall Winter 2019-20 Collections
the luxury designer brands you need to know this fall
Fall-winter 2019-20 is moody; it’s luxurious; and it’s refined. It’s grown up, polished and authoritative.
And perhaps most importantly, it’s versatile. Most of here at Dandelion Chandelier are working moms. So we need a wardrobe that takes us from early-morning flights to client cocktails, and from back-to-school night to the boardroom. We’re over the moon about the chic practicality of the offerings this season. These are clothes you can live in. And do business in.
We covered the highlights and trends of the 2019 Fall Fashion Weeks last Spring. And now that the clothes are hitting the stores, we couldn’t be more excited to update our wardrobes with selections from the top 10 trends in fall-winter 2019-20 fashion. If you want to be on-trend without going over the top, here’s what to shop for this fall.
The Top Trends in Fall-Winter 2019-20 Fashion You Need to Know
1. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Animal Prints
Whether it’s inspired by a stealthy leopard, sleek python, or confident zebra, we are firm believers that animal prints are, in fact, neutrals.
This season, unleash your inner beast by going head to toe in this Le Superbe jumpsuit ($545). 3.1 Phillip Lim’s A-line zebra skirt ($550) can work with all the staples already in your closet – just add black boots and a chunky sweater.
We love the pattern clashing of Altuzarra’s silk dress ($1,795), subtle and sexy. And APC’s burgundy button down ($260) with a gathered yoke brings a relaxed vibe to this wild cat print.
2. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: The Plaid Blazer
Get ready to relive the prep school days or channel your inner grandpa. Because the heritage plaid blazer is going to be everywhere.
Go full bourgeoisie, country club mode with a tea length pleated skirt or give it some punk styling with distressed jeans. Givenchy’s wool blend blazer ($2,865) would go perfectly with jeans to bring out the pops of blue in its classic check. Gabriella Heart’s mulberry toned blazer ($1,890) epitomizes the polished and elegant style she is known for. And Isabel Marant’s slouchy boucle blazer ($630) just might replace your favorite cardigan. Layer it over a t-shirt for that fashion-editor vibe.
3. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: The Belted Blazer
More blazers?? Yep- if you haven’t noticed, it’s all about power dressing.
This version is cinched at the waist for a feminine, hourglass silhouette. We pity the fool who dares to get in your way while wearing this studded sleeve Prada blazer ($4,390). Natalie Ratabesi’s crimson blazer ($1,965) with effortlessly blends the utility of a safari jacket with the sexy vibe of a smoking jacket. Pair Low Classic’s tan blazer ($515) over a long, diaphanous dress to ease the transition into Autumn.
4. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Leather
Few things makes us feel as impenetrable and edgy as leather (or faux leather, as the case may be.) Head to toe leather looks were all over the runways.
Cedric Charlier’s ladylike shirtdress ($1,195) silhouette is toughed up with olive green faux leather. Fine knife pleats lend a sharp structure to Prada’s cognac leather skirt ($4,920).
Alexander McQueen’s structured leather blazer ($3,795) is expertly tailored with a pleated waistline- perfect to layer over a floaty dress or skirt. If you’re ready to go head to toe, check out Nanushka’s vegan leather jumpsuit ($665) which manages to be casual and chic at the same time.
5. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Moody Florals
Blooming blossoms typically announce the arrival of spring and summer. When you’re deciding what to shop for this fall, though, the bloom will still be on the rose. This Autumn, florals take a dark turn. And we are loving the moody romance of it all.
Dries Van Noten’s easy pullover jersey top ($245) with painterly red petals were inspired by the flowers at his home garden in Antwerp. We love Prada’s rose placement graphic on this sleek leather skirt ($2,980), which will be an iconic piece in seasons to come.
Paco Rabanne’s exotic floral velvet trousers ($900) have a vintage-inspired look that recalls the best of hippie dressing. If you dare, pair with a leopard print top like it was shown on the runway! Giambattista Valli’s flouncy silk georgette mini dress ($3,490) is fit for the heroine of a Gothic romance novel.
6. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Dramatic Collars and Necklines
There’s something about a high neck and statement collar that brings out a regal posture even in the slouchiest among us. Throw back those shoulders and channel your inner queen.
The Row’s exaggerated high neck organza tunic ($990) adds a layer of drama to any outfit. We love Sies Marjan’s frothy powder blue cashmere sweater ($905), styled with tailored trousers for a stunning look that transitions easily from day to night. The Elizabethan-inspired collar of Chloe’s beige silk crepe de Chine blouse ($1,250) is high drama and high fashion. This Victoria Beckham silk crepe blouse ($990) features an allover hand drawn chain print with a side swept tie neck for instant glamour.
7. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Capes
We all know women are the real life superheroes. Is it any wonder that the cape is one of the must-have items this Fall? It might seem intimidating to wear, or perhaps overly theatrical for real life. Just think of it as a substitute for a trench coat and you’ll know just how to style it.
Chloe’s retro cape ($2,595) in navy wool with red piping has a preppy vibe that will elevate any cable knit sweater and denim ensemble. Fluid and dreamlike, JW Anderson’s wool and cashmere cape ($1,400) is the epitome of luxury.
Leave them in the dust as you sashay down the street in this perfectly draped Max Mara camel hair cape ($5,490). A classic black cape gets the Valentino treatment ($4,690) with a subtle yet recognizable V hardware embellished belt.
8. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Patchwork
In terms of what to shop for this fall, some of the trends are carrying over from prior seasons. For example, the prairie girl look is still going strong. This season, designers are mixing patterns and prints to create patchwork that lends a more worldly, Bohemian vibe to this trend.
First up, Gucci combines paisley, floral and of course, their iconic animal, the tiger, in a shirtdress ($2,980) that exemplifies the house’s signature luxurious eclecticism. Stella McCartney’s stunning geometric floral dress ($3,415) can be worn on its own or as an outer layer.
Etro always nails it when comes to global inspired patterns. This oversize wool blend sweater ($1,225) is as cozy as it is memorable. Altuzarra’s patchwork captures our favorite Autumnal hues in this pleated chiffon shirtdress ($1,695).
9. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: Asymmetrical lines
Although there was a big emphasis on tailoring this Fall, designers also favored asymmetrical lines that brought fluidity and movement to balance things out. An asymmetrical neckline on a new top is a small tweak that can make your entire look totally fresh.
For one and done dressing, consider this bold floral print on Dodo Bar Or’s sweeping dress ($615). We’re thinking of ditching evening gowns for this thoroughly modern and elegant Alexander McQueen draped jacket ($3,675).
For a more everyday look, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s angular hem sweater ($450) has an effortless appeal. Monse’s draped merino wool dress ($1,990) with cut out shoulders and handkerchief hem is undeniably edgy and mysterious.
10. Fall-Winter 2019-20 Trends: 70’s Metallics
Metallics always seem to be current. And there are lots of ways to play them – just a bit of sparkle in a glove or clutch. Or head to toe bling.
In recent seasons, metallics have been incorporated via rock and roll hardware, like studs or rhinestones. This season, though, it’s all about that ’70’s disco vibe. In terms of what to shop for this fall, think loose and languid silhouettes, where fabrics look like liquid gold.
High-rise waist, long, wide legs with sharp pressed creases, Sara Battaglia’s gold trousers ($409) will have all eyes on you. Cut from fluid metallic velvet, this bottle green dress is Balmain glamour ($1,995) at its finest.
You can’t channel the 70’s without a jumpsuit and this one from Badgley Mischka ($695) with pewter sequins is gorgeous. Galvan’s shimmering halter ($995) is the going out top you need, dancing queen.
The Top Trends in Fall-Winter 2019-20 Fashion You Need to Know
That’s it! Our thoughts on what to shop for this fall. What’s your favorite? And what are you buying first?
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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, fitness and even investigating police misconduct. Julie lives in NYC where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing and spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.