The 5 Pieces I’m Buying (Fall Trends, 2024: Shana’s Edit)

A list of Fall Trends is one thing. These kinds of lists can be found everywhere: Vogue has some (informed by runway shows, trade shows, and, theoretically, ‘market research’), Pinterest has a search-data-driven list, and – oddly enough – even Forbes has jumped on the Fall Trends game, predicting the rise of bubble skirts and the verrrry specific, “short-shorts and long jackets” trend, which, honestly, I don’t necessarily disagree with.

Ok, Forbes.

We’ve even come out with our own list of Fall 2024 Trends. Frankly, I like our list best, not only because it was hotly debated by 3 generations of fashion-lovers (Gen X, Millenial and Gen Z’ers), but we also narrowed it down to the trends that are not only the most exciting, but also the most wearable and shoppable. Nobody cares if bubble skirts are trending if you have to make your own*, ya know?

*I see you sewing machine owners. High fives to you.

leopard jeans (more sizes here) | tank (s) | bag | sunglasses

But the more interesting part, I think, is how an actual person is supposed to look at a list of 25 wearable trends (that’s a lot, right??!!) and decide which ones are worth incorporating into their existing wardrobes.

So that’s what we’re focusing on this month: A series of really personal takes on Fall Fashion, 2024. Each contributing editor is currently going through the process of evaluating their own wardrobes, checking out the fall trends (or even the newer silhouettes that have been coming on for years), and taking an educated guess at which exact pieces will transform their existing closets. We’ll follow up these educated guesses with some proof, in the form of follow-up articles.

Shana’s Fall Edit: The 5 Pieces I’m Adding To My Closet

Figuring out which trends to add – and which exact pieces you want to pull off that trend – is so subjective. It’s based on style preferences, what pieces are already in your closet (nobody is suggesting a complete closet overhaul), and what you, personally, find inspiring.

The process we’re using looks a little like this:

• Start with a moodboard – where is your head at this fall? Our list of Fall Trends (the *New* Fall Essentials) can help.
• Look through your existing closet – what are your most-worn pieces??
• Do a little research, try a bunch of things on, and then decide on a couple pieces that seamlessly integrate in, pieces you know you’ll actually wear.

Start With A Fall Mood Board (Here’s Mine)

Looking at my Fall moodboard, I’m definitely seeing romantic, whimsical vibes – a touch of old Hollywood, even – offset by some decidedly masculine energy. Boyish, oversized jackets next to delicate, lacy tops, then bold lips and big earrings vs. those safety goggle-esque glasses??!! OMG SO FUN.

It matters not if I’ll actually wear any of this stuff (bold lips are few and far between these days), but understanding the vibe I’m drawn to does help set direction:

• Boyish, oversized anything
• Leopard
• Lacey details
• Quirky and/or colorful accessories

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Next: What’s In My Closet?

This is not a complete snapshot of what’s actually in my closet, it’s just a handful of pieces I KNOW I’ll wear on the daily. If I’m purchasing a new piece for everyday…it’s gotta work with some of my go-tos, otherwise, that new purchase may not be as useful as I’d hoped.

left: hoodie (s) | tee (s) | barrel jeans (26, size down) | Sambas | right: sweater (s) | bag | jeans (27, TTS) | Gazelle sneakers

If you’ve been around a while, this list shouldn’t surprise you. I’m 110% a jeans-and-a-tee kind of girl, and that rag&bone tee has been my top white tee pick for the last 4-5 years. It’s great. I wear black turtlenecks all winter long and hoodies probably more than I should (sorry not sorry).

My denim tastes have shifted over the last few years, and those barrel jeans are my new skinnies – aka they look amazing with sneakers. I do love a good pair of wide-leg jeans, although I keep cuffing that cargo pair so I can wear them with both sneakers and heels (I hate having to commit to one length).

And while I have plenty of colorful sneakers…those two neutral ones are the ones I’ve been wearing the most.

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A Fall Trend Edit: The 5 Exact Pieces I’m Adding To My Closet

For this series, I gave the team some rules. First and foremost, our job here is to communicate the *exact* pieces we are actually adding into our closets. Not the pieces we are “thinking about”, not the pieces that “caught our eye”…but the real life pieces that we have already ordered, tried on, loved and therefore have *SOME* assurance of their power to transform our wardrobes this fall and winter. These pieces don’t have to be fully tested, but they’ve gotta pass some in-person tests of fit, comfort, and quality.

In short, I want the unicorns.

brown leopard pants | leopard jeans (more sizes here) | boots | similar overalls | jacket

How I Picked These Pieces: Despite my (admittedly boring) list of most-worn pieces, I do actually have some romantic, frilly stuff already in my closet. My Fall Trends moodboard ended up being a pretty good reflection of my style in general (not just the trends), and I suspect that I’m SO excited about the 2024 Fall trends precisely because they’re such a good blend of gamine + boyish…aka exactly my style.

For the purpose of this article, I decided to skip accessories. Partly because I haven’t yet decided which ones I’m adding, and partly because I want to get my outfits figured out first, before I commit to bags/earrings/etc. I tend to spend less money on accessories pieces anyway (I’m not really an It-bag kind of girl).

Since my basic daily uniform is some sort of jeans-sweater-sneakers, I wanted pieces that could elevate this exact uniform (jackets are great for this), or pieces that could provide a twist on my usual (swapping leopard print pants or overalls for jeans). The moto boots are a stretch piece – we’ll see if they pay off.

Let’s get into it.

1. Damsen Madder Leopard Print Pants

leopard jeans (more sizes here) | tank (s) | flip-flops | bag | sunglasses

I’m obsessed with the idea of wearing leopard print pants casually. So much so that I actually bought these pants back in June, when they were only available via pre-order, knowing they were likely going to be a cornerstone of my Fall wardrobe. To my happy surprise, they actually arrived in August, and I’ve been wearing them constantly – even on the plane, overseas.

They’re 100% cotton, and a heavier, sturdier fabric, yet wash and dry beautifully, and are plenty soft (see: overnight plane flight mention, above). You can see that I’ve flipped the hem up and the waistband down to wear with flats – but they can also be worn with heels (just reverse the flips).

leopard jeans (more sizes here) | tank (s) | bag | heels

I like that these pants look like a softer, more casual take on leopard print. They have denim vibes, but a looser silhouette that feels really fresh.

One of my next articles will be sharing all of the ways I’ve been wearing these pants. I highly recommend them – one of the best things I’ve bought in years.

For a similar vibe but without a pull-on waist, I recommend these Pilcro Leopard Print Pants. The print and shape are verrrry similar, but they’re also available in petite, tall and plus sizes!

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2. Topshop Silky Leopard Print Pants

tank (s) | pants (6) | sneakers

Do I need two pairs of leopard print pants??? Probably not, but here we are. In my defense, there’s definitely a similar-but-different thing happening, and I am a girl who loves a uniform.

This Topshop pair is a little darker, silky, and reads a little dressier. Yet these pants still have the drawstring waist and I plan to wear them casually, with sneaks, tees, and/or sweaters once the weather cools. However, I do think these pants have some serious dress-up potential for the holidays.

cashmere sweater (s) | pants (6) | sneakers | bag

These Topshop pants came about because I originally fell in love with Favorite Daughter’s dressier (and silky) leopard print trousers. Those pants are freaking fantastic – the fit is perfection. The color, however, didn’t work with my skintone and just looked…odd. That said, if you can pull off warmer colors, give ’em a try. They’re a much better pant.

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3. Ivory Overalls

overalls (xs) | tank (m) | similar tank | UGGs

This is another piece that has been REALLY well-tested. I actually bought these last winter, thinking they would be great for the upcoming Spring/Summer season. It turns out that ivory overalls look freaking amazing with winter boots and puffer coats – who knew??? I’ll obviously follow this up with an article proving it, but if you want a sneak peek, I do style these overalls up in the video I made last winter, A Guide To Cute Apres Ski Outfits (ivory overalls are at the end, FYI).

similar cardigan-coat | overalls (xs) | tank (m) | similar tank | UGGs

While I’ll always love a good denim overall, I can’t quite get over how much easier it is to wear ivory overalls. They just feel so much more elevated, and I literally NEVER get those Down Home on The Farm Vibes that can sometimes come with blue denim overalls.

Annoyingly, Free People stopped carrying this exact pair of overalls. But I’ve been discussing overalls with Abby – who has her own beloved pair of ivory overalls that are ALSO FREAKING SOLD OUT – and we have many thoughts on sourcing a pair:

similar tee | similar overalls | same overalls in a different color (L) | sandals | bag | sunglasses

First of all, we think the ivory overalls should be full-length (not cropped), and either straight leg, barrel or wide-leg. We don’t want overalls to taper anymore! Fun fact: Not only is the wider, longer leg a fresher silhouette, but they’re easier to style with boots, too (even winter boots). And you can adjust the length of overalls by messing with the straps, so this is a piece that works with both heels and flats.

Secondly, size up! Both Abby and I ended up going with one full size larger than our usual size, even though we’re each wearing different pairs from different brands.

Lastly, we both prefer a true, clean ivory, one that doesn’t have messy details like contrast stitching (like the FP replacement for mine) or strange acid-washing (like Levi’s replacement for Abby’s – actually that one isn’t bad). We also strongly prefer ivory over a true white – it’s easier to style with dark colors. We’d both rather switch to black overalls (also very chic) rather than settle for a messy (or pure white) pair.

That said, even though our exact overalls are sold out, there are several pairs we can recommend that are still in stock:

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4. Reformation Francesca Moto Boots

boots | cashmere sweater (s) | denim maxi (27) | bag

Arguably one of the most exciting boot trends, moto boots are inherently practical, too. I know this because I remember wearing boots like this the first time around, when Raines was a baby. I loved them: walkable, indestructible, and decidedly unfussy. I suspect moto boots can fit into my lifestyle now simply because they were so useful when I was walking around Denver with a baby and a stroller and all of that new-mom angst.

My only issue now is…styling. Back then, I exclusively wore moto boots with skinny jeans and/or leggings, so I’m curious to see how they’ll translate to the silhouettes I wear now.

boots | cashmere sweater (s) | denim maxi (27) | bag

I’ll report back – good or bad – after more styling experiments and several more forays out of the house (sometimes I don’t really know how I feel until I’m stuck outside in something). If you already know moto boots are on your fall wishlist, I can tell you that this pair of Reformation moto boots are great: comfortable, walkable and really sexy on. The leather upper is a tiny bit stiff (as tall moto boots are), but it’s still a soft, high quality leather, and will soften up with wear.

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5. Reformation Oversized Leather Bomber Jacket

bomber

Ok, so. After I basically threatened the entire team that the pieces they recommend in these initial articles have to be pieces THEY HAVE ALREADY TRIED ON (not fully tested with everything in their closets, but tested enough to know the piece is comfortable, well made, etc)…I realized that this freaking navy leather jacket is only pre-order, and isn’t actually arriving until the end of September – gah!!!

But! But but but! I think it miiiiight be worth the wait, so here is what I can offer you:

A. The *Exact Same* Leather Jacket, In Black W/Stripe

bomber (s) | jeans (26, size down) | sneakers | bag | sunglasses

Ok. If you are thinking this jacket looks too big, you’re right. I ordered my usual size small, and it’s way too big. However! It still looks okay with my loose barrel jeans (the trickiest denim silhouette to pair with jackets IMO), which gives me hope for the smaller size.

I can report that the leather is decently soft (not IRO jacket soft, but pretty good, especially for less than half the cost), although I found the red stripe to add stiffness and bulk. The plain navy leather should be better.

B. The *Exact Same* Jacket, But In Canvas

bomber (s) | jeans (26, size down) | sneakers | bag | sunglasses

Ok, so this is another Ref jacket, same exact style (the ‘marco’), but in canvas. I sized down one size to an XS. This one fits much better (and the canvas is almost bizarrely soft). This jacket is incredibly comfortable, and so freaking well made. If you don’t want a leather jacket, this is a great option. And the fit gives me hope for my navy leather one, whenever it comes in.

Although…

If I’m going to be picky (and we should be very, very picky)…after looking at these photos…is this jacket a liiiiitle long for my 5’3″ self? I didn’t notice it in person, but….hmm. It might be the barrel jeans, but I kind of want this jacket to be shorter.

Hang on a sec.

Here:

bomber (s) | jeans (26, size down) | sneakers | bag | sunglasses

I flipped the hem under, just to spoof a shorter length. Do we like this better???

Hmmm. Ok. Honestly, I can’t really tell. It’ll be interesting once the navy leather comes in.

If anyone remembers my brown, corduroy bomber jacket from Topshop (bought 2 years ago at the NSale), it has a really useful shape and looks good with everything – even dresses. I was hoping to find a leather version – this overall shape is perfection.

And while I was disappointed in the new, faux-leather version (wayyy too stiff – heartbreaking), Nordstrom *just* got a new Topshop shipment in and oooooo…yes: There’s now a canvas one in burgundy (I’m always a sucker for that color) and – HOLD THE PHONE BREAKING NEWS THERE’S LEOPARD.

OMG. This Topshop leopard bomber at ASOS is the *exact* same style as my beloved brown cord bomber, which means it’ll fit over allllll the sweaters AND look good with dresses. It also means SIZE DOWN. I ordered it immediately.

Maybe I can wear the leopard bomber with all of my leopard print pants. As a SUIT. HAHAHAHAHA.

No but seriously.

I might.

Ok Gang – if you’ve made it this far, you’re a hero. A FASHUN HERO. In any case, I hope this peek/deep dive into our process was helpful, and I know I’m seriously excited to see what the other TME editors are thinking: their Fall moodboards, most-worn closet pieces, and the few items they’re buying for Fall.

It’s become clear that I need to follow up with a full bomber jacket try-on, once all of those ordered jackets actually come in. And I’m already working on some articles about the styling of the leopard print pants, overalls and moto boots. That’s kinda the whole point of following fashion bloggers, I think. We do the work, and then you guys get to make more informed purchases.

That’s the hope, anyway.

xo,

S

ps. I’m also deeply curious to see what you guys are adding to your closets this fall. Did we miss a trend, or did anyone find a unicorn piece? Don’t be shy about leaving a comment – you guys are a constant source of inspo for us, and we love hearing from you.