The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale might be over, but the excitement for fall fashion is definitely still in the air! Many ladies are eager to refresh their wardrobes with the latest trends for the upcoming season. Figuring out what’s current is key to making smart choices about what to keep, discard, and add to our closets as we get ready for fall.
This fall, many familiar trends from last year are continuing, but with a stronger emphasis on styles that were just emerging last season. There’s significant overlap from last year’s fall fashion forecasts, but some trends that were harder to find in mainstream stores last fall are now widely available. And, of course, there are some exciting new trends making their debut – like leopard print!
Understanding Fashion Trends for Ladies
When we talk about fashion trends, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. We’re focusing on mainstream stores that are popular with everyday women. Depending on your location, some of these trends might already be common, or they might be just starting to appear. However, these are all styles you’ll find in major retail stores like Evereve, LOFT, and Anthropologie.
Just because something is “trending” doesn’t mean every lady needs to wear it. This is just information to help you stay informed. Stylish ladies understand current trends and then carefully choose which ones to incorporate into their personal style, considering their body type, lifestyle, and preferences.
This isn’t meant to be a complete list of every fall trend. Many other items not listed here are still fashionable, but these are the trends that stand out and resonate most with current styles.
Ultimately, the best fashion advice is to wear what you love, regardless of trend reports. But if you enjoy staying up-to-date, here are 12 wearable fall fashion trends for 2024 for the modern lady.
Fall Fashion Trends for Ladies: What’s Hot in 2024
Each section below provides examples of each trend to make your shopping easier, including a range of retailers and price points.
#1. Wide Leg Jeans for Ladies
Wide leg jeans are still a leading trend in denim for ladies! They dominate the jeans sections at popular stores, and more and more women are starting to embrace this silhouette. Full-length styles are becoming more common for fall, which is great because they are easier to pair with boots and closed-toe shoes. Plus, wide leg jeans are generally flattering and create a lengthening effect for most body types.
We’ll explore more denim trends later, but for now, know that almost any jean style can work. Looking fashionable is more about how you style your jeans than the specific cut.
#2. Cropped Jackets for Ladies
Jackets are essential for fall outfits, and cropped jackets are making a strong comeback this year. They pair perfectly with wide leg and high-rise jeans, which are also trending. Cropped jackets also look great with flare and straight leg jeans. You’ll find them in various materials, from twill to wool blends, and of course, denim.
#3. Skirts for Ladies
After being less prominent for a few years, skirts are back as a key category in ladies’ fashion for fall 2024. Denim skirts in all lengths are popular, especially long, straight styles. Satin bias-cut skirts are still around, and pleated skirts are also gaining popularity. Mini skirts are also in style.
Skirts can be styled with everything from knee-high boots to sneakers, and from pointy-toe slingbacks to Mary Janes. They work for both dressy and casual occasions.
#4. Vests for Ladies
Vests became popular in spring, but good styles were often sold out quickly. This fall, vests are everywhere. Suit vests, like the one pictured, and sweater vests are both very trendy.
Wear vests now as tops on their own, and layer them over tanks or tees in the fall. Vests (both sweater and suit vests) look great with denim skirts, as shown above. They also pair well with jeans, or you can wear them with trousers (matching or contrasting) for work or evening looks.
#5. Breton Stripes for Ladies
Stripes continue to be a strong trend into fall, particularly Breton stripes. This is an easy way for ladies to add a fashionable piece to their current wardrobe. There are many options with different stripe widths and placements to flatter various body types.
#6. Pop of Red for Ladies’ Outfits
Red is a dominant color trend this fall. While you can find red tops and dresses, incorporating red as an accessory is a very relevant way to embrace this trend. Try red sneakers, red Mary Janes (as shown), a red sling bag, a red belt, or even a red baseball cap.
#7. Trousers for Ladies
Relaxed trousers are still trending this season. The most fashionable way to wear them is with sneakers for a chic contrast, which is also great for workwear. There are many stylish non-denim trouser options available now.
If relaxed fits aren’t your preference, you can also find straight and flared styles.
#8. Ladylike Shoes for Ladies
Pointed-toe flats and kitten heels, especially slingback styles, are back in style, along with Mary Janes and ballet flats. Wear them with jeans for a chic contrast, or pair them with skirts or dresses to embrace the “era of elegance.”
#9. Textured Knitwear for Ladies
While not always highlighted in trend lists, textured and patterned knitwear is very popular this season. Fashion is moving away from minimalism towards more interesting details.
#10. Brown Footwear & Accessories for Ladies
Shades of brown, especially rich chocolate tones, are dominating footwear this season. This trend started last year and is even stronger for fall 2024. These warmer, deeper tones feel fresh and pair well with the darker denim washes that are also returning.
#11. Leopard Print for Ladies
Leopard print is back! It’s featured on almost every 2024 fall trend list, and major retailers are offering leopard in various forms.
Leopard is a classic print, but it’s experiencing a significant resurgence after being less prominent in mainstream retail. This time, leopard prints appear more sophisticated, slightly more abstract and elegant. If you have leopard pieces, compare them to current store offerings to see if they still feel current.
Consider adding one or two carefully chosen leopard print pieces to your fall wardrobe this season.
Final Thoughts on Fall 2024 Fashion Trends for Ladies
These are some of the most noticeable fall fashion trends for 2024. More detailed posts on shoe, color, denim, and accessory trends are coming soon.
Remember, trends are just suggestions. If a trend doesn’t suit your style, skip it. If you’re unsure, try a less expensive item first. But if any of these trends resonate with your personal style, consider incorporating them into your wardrobe this fall.
Fall Fashion Trends for Ladies: What’s Less Trendy in 2024
Trend cycles are moving fast, so nothing is truly “out.” However, some styles might seem less fresh or are less common in stores right now. This list offers a general idea of styles that are currently less dominant.
#1. Taupe Shoes and Boots: While still available, deeper browns are more on-trend for footwear. Brown shoes are an easy way to update your look.
#2. Low Shaft Booties: Low shaft booties (3-4″ shaft) were popular with skinny jeans, but higher shaft ankle boots (5-6″ shaft) are returning as wide leg and flare jeans become more common.
#3. Jeggings: Skinny jeans are less dominant. If you wear them, opt for higher-rise, slim straight cigarette legs instead of skin-tight jeggings, which were popular in the 2010s.
#4. Tunic Tops: Tunic tops, often paired with skinny jeans, are less fashionable now. This silhouette wasn’t flattering for many and is currently less trendy.
#5. Long Cardigans: Long cardigans are not fashion-forward at the moment. If you like them, wear them with modern pieces to update the look.
#6. Moto Jackets: Moto jackets, while somewhat classic, feel less current. Bomber jackets or boxy cropped jackets are more fashionable alternatives.
#7. Shackets: Oversized shackets are less trendy. Boxy, cropped shirt jackets are a more current style.
#8. Leggings as Pants: Leggings worn as pants are generally less fashionable for everyday wear, except for athleisure. For a more polished look, consider ponte pants or top leggings with a chic trench or wool coat.
This overview should help you navigate fall fashion trends. Remember to wear what you love and gradually update your wardrobe as your budget allows. You don’t have to stop wearing anything on this list, but consider focusing on newer trends for fresh style.
