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Style > Fashion

5 Fashion Staples You Need This Fall

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Penn chapter.

Most of the time, the word “trend” is synonymous with something fleeting. They usually appear at the start of a new season and vanish by the next.

However, this isn’t always the case. Occasionally, a trend emerges and persists season after season, securing a permanent place in our closets. We don’t need to go shopping and spend our paychecks on new pieces to be fashionable; we can style the items we already own for a new season and appear like we know what we’re doing, while still saving money.

This autumn, everyone from your favorite celebs to Instagram influencers you’ve never heard of will be wearing these recognizable pieces. And the best part is that you most likely already have them sitting in the back of your closet. 

Trench coats 

Trench coats are a wardrobe essential that never goes out of style. They can be dressed up or down, and they go with almost anything. This year, like most others, trench coats were seen on runways, made of a variety of materials and in different lengths and being styled in multiple different ways — whether it be cinched with a belt for the silhouette or left open to frame the outfit underneath. Now, with temperatures dropping, it’s time to bring your trench coat out of the closet if it’s been gathering dust.

Loafers

Loafers are timeless and hip, and brands often tweak them to feel even more modern. This year, the going trend seems to be adding a lug sole to the show. 

Flat penny loafers are still a staple, however; not only are they comfy, but they also never go out of style. They come in a variety of colors and styles, and they work with everything by making any outfit look a little more stylish. A decent loafer is one of the few shoes worth investing in. This season, pair them with everything from midi skirts to your beloved boyfriend jeans.

Blazers

Although it may seem too good to be true, a simple blazer can elevate the elegance, style, and practicality of almost any outfit. On top of a cocktail dress? 100%. With mom jeans and a t-shirt? Yes. Even pairing a blazer with a sweatshirt and biker shorts can transform the outfit from frumpy to fabulous. 

A fitted, single–breasted jacket, which would formerly have been relegated to standard workplace wear, has gone beyond being a trend and has become a wardrobe must–have. A blazer is non–negotiable for your capsule closet this fall.

Midi Skirts

With the heat of summer gone and winter well on its way, now is the perfect time to put on an autumn skirt. The nicest part about wearing skirts in the autumn is the variety of styles available: tartan, checkered minis, striking midi–length pleats, leather pencil skirts, and flannel–like blanket skirts, just to name a few. 

Midi skirts and dresses are some of the most versatile items in your closet. If you find the right one, you can wear it anywhere, from the office to a cocktail party. To make them more weather appropriate, layer your favorite skirts and dresses with leather jackets and tights. 

Whether you choose stylish matching sets, denim, or satin slips, midi skirts are a simple, breezy way to merge summer and fall styles; even diehard pants aficionados may be persuaded to wear one this season.

chunky knits

Normally, we wear thick sweaters for comfort rather than fashion, but this season, they provide both. On the runways, chunky knits were seen layered with additional knits, believe it or not. Try sporting a sweater version of a Canadian tuxedo, or simply dust off your favorite giant sweaters for an extra warm and snug look for the cooling weather. If there’s one fall trend to get behind, it’s one that’s as stylish as it is comfortable: beautiful knitwear. It’s a style we’ve grown to know and adore over the last years. And despite their casual vibe, these items are far from underdressed.

Although the days may be getting dreary and seasonal depression may be starting to creep up on us, changing up your style for the new season is something I think all of us can look forward to. Navigating this season’s trends is tough, but with these staples, we can definitely avoid any fall fashion faux–pas. 

Aidah is a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a planning on majoring in Biology.