As the leaves start to change and the air grows crisp, fashion fanatics begin to load their carts and hit the stores to catch up with recognizable fall trends. Every year, there are subtle but noticeable changes to the fall fashion attire. Earlier this semester, The Hustler featured student’s fall looks, and now I’ve compiled a list of the top trends to watch out for this season. From scarves and metallic shades to leather coming back, this season’s fashion trends have something for everyone. The world of fashion begins in the fall, setting the tone for the rest of the year, and it’s just begun. 

Cherry Red

The color of the fall season: cherry red. It’s no secret that cherry red has emerged in the fashion industry at an astronomical level. Whether it be a bag, shoes, jacket or nail polish, this color is the perfect touch to any outfit. Historically, red has always been considered a classic addition to an outfit, but never to the extent that it is taking over now. This eye-catching shade was all over the runways during New York Fashion Week 2023 and has now infiltrated everyday fashion. Keep an eye out for cherry red pieces — the fashion world’s secret weapon to a perfect trending outfit. 

Scarves

For the first time since the 2010s, scarves are making a rapid comeback. From lightweight cotton neckerchiefs to luxurious cashmere wraps, scarves are in. They are great because of their immense versatility. Throughout the day, you can change your style just by changing the way you wear a scarf. You can wear them around your neck for warmth in the morning, over your head for style in the afternoon or across the neck and hanging in the back to look chic at night. You can amplify your basic look instantly with the addition of a scarf. Invest in a scarf — they’re trendy, versatile and practical, and you will not be disappointed.

Tall boots and short skirts 

Once again, coming back from 2010 is the boot right under the knee and short skirt look. Everyone’s inner Serena and Blair from “Gossip Girl” are coming out this fall. However, the resurfacing of the tall boots changed from flat riding boots worn over skinny jeans with a longer sweater, and evolved into gogo girl-looking boots paired with a short mini skirt. This resurfacing has had a face-lift, and I am here for it. When the weather gets colder, you can pair your mini skirt with sheer black tights for warmth and style. This style, I predict, will be short-lived, but just-under-the-knee boots and short skirts are prominent — for now.

Leather 

Leather, leather, leather! This fall we continue to see leather be a dominant trend, especially in the streetwear style. The biker style trend was prevalent in the fall and winter of last year with items like oversized leather jackets, boots, dresses, bags and fingerless gloves. This style is continuing to surge this season, and leather is a wardrobe essential. Leather is timeless and versatile, making it a staple in the fashion industry for years. Currently, leather is all about mixing classic pieces with contemporary elements, creating a unique and edgy style. Invest in some leather this fall — it will never go out of style.

Quilted patterns

It’s time to dig through your grandparents’ closet and discover their no-longer-ugly quilted patterns. Quilted jackets are the ideal piece due to their sleekness, versatility and buildable nature. The quilting trend reemerges every about 30 years, as seen on New York Fashion Week’s runways. This trend is still relatively new, so be sure to get your quilted pattern piece before and be trendy before the trend!

Metallic

Back to the future — or the past? The metallic trend is shimmering back into our daily lives. One of the biggest trends from the 2023 MTV VMAs red carpet was metallics, particularly silver. This trend was first introduced in the 1930s when evening-wear designers invented lines to distinguish nightwear from daytime wear. Metallics were considered special, exclusive, rare and futuristic. This fall, the current trend is metallics being paired with everyday basics, making these colors extraordinary yet sophisticated. Look out for these shining pieces sneaking into the everyday wardrobe.

Ribbons

Whether you wear ribbons in your hair, tie them on your cowboy boots or tie them in a bow on your jeans, ribbons are here to stay. Following the ballet aesthetic trend, ribbons have remained a prominent touch to enhance fall outfits. Earlier in the year, the trend was to dress like a ballerina, with ballet flats, leg warmers, ribbons, buns and tights. Now with the cooler weather of fall, the ribbons remain. You can spice them up with different types of ribbon like lace and sparkly or wearing a big bow.

Flat sneakers

Last year it was all things Nike dunks, this year it’s all things flat sneakers. From Adidas sambas to Gola Badminton Court shoes to Reebok Club Cs, flat sneakers are shoes worth the investment. Flat sneakers can be paired with baggy jeans, skirts and tall socks or simply any outfit. Emerging from the ballet aesthetic trend, flat sneakers are a chic way to encompass this goal. Be sure to add a pair of flat sneakers this fall to enhance any outfit.

Trends seem to always resurface, so never throw away pieces and start digging through your old clothes to find resurfaced trendy items. This fall, many trending looks have resurfaced from the 2010s with a few additions to them. Fashion for the year starts in the fall and is only continuing to expand. Be sure to check out the thrift stores for some throwback items that are now trending again.