Best Fall 2018 Fashion Trends

It’s about color. Wine, cognac, olive, mustard and persimmon. It’s also about fit. Jackets and coats are roomier and pants are slouchier.

By Stacia Friedman

Seventh Avenue says the 80s are back. Padded shoulders, over-sized coats, animal prints, vinyl raincoats, maxi skirts, faux furs. Balenciaga says wear multiple coats and blankets. We say, not so fast! Rather than march in lock-step, we’ve curated the best looks (at the best prices) with the NYCitywoman in mind.

Entrenched

Anthropologie’s Cabernet Trench Coat reinvents a classic. They call the color French Mauve, we call it delicious. Who would’ve thought of adding an ingenious flair to the bottom of a coat associated with British spies and Colombo? In silky, lightweight lyocell, with deep pockets and a tie belt, you may be tempted to wear it as a dress. $178 at Anthropologie.

Nothing is as versatile as a Twill Trench Coat that hits just above the knee. Worn belted or loose, this double-breasted classic with epaulette detail pairs well with skirts, dresses and pants of any length. 100% cotton, fully lined. In cream, navy and black. $250 at Massimo Dutti, 689 5th Ave.

Thinking ahead to the first cold snap? Wrap yourself in the cozy warmth of a virgin wool Harris Wharf London trench coat with over-sized collar. It has all the snuggle comfort of your favorite bathrobe. Look familiar? When Megan Markle wore a similar version in white it went viral. This one is in black. $675 at Saks Fifth Avenue.

A Little Night Dressing

Florals and polka dots dominant. With a nod and a wink to Ms. Von Furstenberg, the Picollo Print Wrap Dress moves easily from daywear to a night on the town. This midi black paisley floral with touches of white and yellow in viscose has buttoned cuffs. $110 at Article& in Brooklyn.

Speaking of wraps, we love the vintage look of the Bernice Polka Dot Wrap Dress. It looks like something worn by Joan Crawford in a tawdry 1940s film with it’s sexy V-neck and shirred sleeves, which hit just above the elbow. This faux wrap has a side zipper and removable tie belt. Over-sized white dots on café au lait viscose with rayon lining. Note: the hem hits mid-calf in front and dips lower in back. $168 at Anthropologie.

Feeling romantic? Set the mood with a Floral Print Crepe Dress that plunges down to there, cinches your waist and flutters dreamily to your ankles. Tiny button closures down the front allow you to determine how much leg you wish to reveal. Elasticized back gives you an hour-glass figure. Oversized flowers in shades of pink, rose and chocolate look as if they’ve been snatched from a Victorian garden. Viscose with sheer polyester lining. $160 at Massimo Dutti.

Blouses Go Big
To say blouses are big this fall is an understatement. They are HUGE! Often with sleeves so full and long they not only threaten to dip into your soup, but drag on the ground. We’ve paired down this season’s top picks to three styles that will update your wardrobe without causing any catastrophes.

Oversized bishop’s sleeves and elongated fitted cuffs set the pace. You’ve got them with Hazel Plume Blouse in a stunning floral paisley print of cognac/white/grey and black. Great with black or cognac trousers or skirt. Key-hole back. Polyester. $78 at Article&.

If you buy just one shirt this season, make it this larger-than-life Textured Cotton Overshirt. Cut like an artist’s smock with voluminous sleeves, wear it over leggings and skinny jeans with ankle booties to scoot around town. $110 at Massimo Dutti.

You’ve seen wrap blouses. You’ve seen asymmetric blouses. But you haven’t seen anything as stylish as this Knot Front Asymmetic Blouse by TopShop. This London-based knock-off company is known for its affordable take on couture fashions. They hit it out of the park with this versatile top in pumpkin, green, black, white and cinammon. Yes, it’s polyester but for $55 who’s complaining. (Psst: $33 on sale in red at Nordstrom)

Pants

Yes, you can still wear skinny jeans and leggings, but the cognati are moving on to fuller cut trousers and wider cropped pants.

Prime example? These softly draped, slouchy, wide-legged Limited Edition Checked Wool Trousers with pleats and cuffs. Wear with a cashmere crewneck or crisp white shirt. Brown and tan check. $160. For a more tailored look, try loosely styled Flannel Wool Trousers in dark grey. $120. Both at Massimo Dutti.

Think palazzo pants aren’t sexy? Wait till you slip into Cami NYC Side-Slit Silk Pants. They fall to your ankle but are slit on the side to your knee for an unexpected show of leg. All the more seductive paired with an animal print silk blouse and strappy heels. Elasticized waist. $286 at Bloomingdales.

Frankly Faux

Tiger, zebra and cheetah prints prowled the catwalks of New York, Paris and Milan. We think Bloomies captured some of the best, at oh là là prices.

Imagine stalking your prey in a fabulous Aqua Cheetah Faux Fur Coat with concealed closures and side pockets. This three-quarter length coat perfect for topping skinny jeans or black satin trousers. $148, exclusive to Bloomingales.

We love Apparis’ Goldie Banded Hooded Coat in noir or chestnut (not shown). $185. But the hottest trend in faux furs are colors that are anything but natural. Look for maroon, marigold, and teal with Michael Kors Faux Fur Jacket. $395.

The steal of the season? Bagatelle’s Draped Faux Leather Jacket in seven luscious colors: aubergine, emerald, mahogany, midnight, steel blue, granite and rouge. With zip pockets, angled front hem, hit just below the waist. Pairs well with jeans. $98. Bloomingdales.

Bag it

The newest bag shapes are retro. Bucket bags, cross-body and satchels. From minis to humongous. Here are three we think deserve a second look.

The Beale Leather Pocketbook will look familiar. Chances are your grandmother or aunt owned one just like it. You almost expect to find Necco Wafers and a Coty’s lipstick inside. Very 1950’s with its leather croc texture, gold tone clasp and removable shoulder strap. In cognac. $158 at Article&.

For those who like a softer touch, we recommend a Split Suede Crossbody Bag of Spanish leather in the newest shape—round like a mini hatbox with zipper closure, silver hardware and removable shoulder strap. In brown. $150 at Massimo Dutti.

In case you haven’t noticed, bags aren’t just accessories anymore. They have accessories. Check out this Lucite-Handled Tote Bag that comes with a tortoise handle, dangling tassel and removable shoulder strap. Magnetic snap closure. We like it in moss, raspberry and black. $68 at Anthropologie.

One of the many pleasures of being on the right side of 50, is that you no longer feel obliged to follow the dictates of designers who have never navigated the Manhattan subway system, taken a crosstown bus or cared for grandkids on a rainy afternoon.  That’s why we made a special effort to feature neighborhood stores, rather than the usual suspects. Shopping should be a pleasure, not an ordeal. Let us know what you think!

Stacia Friedman is an award-winning Philadelphia-based journalist who writes on health and lifestyle for regional and national magazines. She also contributes humorous essays to NewsWorks.org and PurpleClover.com.