It’s that time year to once again assess our wardrobes and see what we have — and don’t have — for the upcoming season. It’s a great time to take a few hours and try on all your fall dresses, sweaters, blouses and pants, make sure that there are no holes, stains, etc., and see if they need any alterations. You know, in all your extra time (wink wink).

After that, many of us will want to add a few items to update our wardrobes. Most can’t afford a complete closet overhaul each year, which is why StyleBlueprint tends to concentrate on bang-for-your-buck items. What items can be added to your closet to modernize an outfit and breathe new life into older pieces? We’ve got just such options today.

The Fall 2017 Fashion Trends Report

Split-seam hem jeans or pants

With the emphasis on hems in the past few years (think frayed and fringe), it’s no wonder that the split-seam hem trend is rising to the top as one to embrace. Yes, you’ve seen this style in the past, but it’s really strong this year. And, just like a pointy shoe or a “v” at your waist, the split-seam hem is flattering. It also shows off your shoes nicely.

You’ll see this trend in jeans, high-end pants and everything in between. Add a pair of pants with a shorter split for a more classic look, and add a pair of split-seam hem jeans for a more trendy look that may not last as long.

Split hem inspiration:

The split seam shows off shoes really well as seen in this all-black outfit. Image: Jasmineandorchid.com
Here is a split-seam hem on jeans that also have a released hem with a bit of fray. This whole look with jeans is highly on-trend. Image: themomedit.com

Frayed wide-leg jeans, cropped a bit

Speaking of hems and denim, another great look is a wide-leg jean that hits above your ankle and is frayed. It’s super stylish and fun. Buy a pair and see how much you wear them!

Mules

We went into depth about mules this past spring as there was no denying this was THE SHOE to have. Things have not changed in the past few months, and as expected, the mule continues to rule as the shoe-du-jour. Wear with jeans, pant suits (yes, they are back) and dresses. But, wear them.

Frayed hem and mule inspiration:

Wide cropped, frayed jeans and mules make for a stylish outfit. Add a graphic tee and a blazer and you are all set! Image: Songofstyle.com
The key is to get a pair of these jeans that are not too short. Your seamstress may be your best friend on this quest. But see how fun this is? Perfect for fall. And just look at those mules. This outfit would look great with flat mules as well (think loafer-style). Image: @samiorenelda
Frayed hem jeans with a Gucci embroidered flower mule, which brings us to our next trend to look for … Image: @styler_au

Embroidery and embellishment

As mentioned in the caption above, embroidery and embellishment are big trends again this year. A couple of years ago, everything was plain jane and very simple. No embellishments of any kind. And, while that is still a look, each year more embellishment is added to the playing field of fashion. This year, the embroidery options, in particular, are stunning. Whether on a velvet background, denim or leather, embroidery, and embellishments are making quite a statement.

Embroidery and embellishment inspiration:

This velvet band jacket combines the trend of velvet and embellishment into a fun jacket that makes a statement. Image: the-middlepage.com
A heavily embroidered floral jacket would be right on trend this fall and winter. Image: thriftsandtrends.com

Pantsuits

Pantsuits have been threatening to come back for a couple of years, but they really are back now. They really never went anywhere, as if you need to wear a suit, you wear a suit, on trend or not. Nothing says, “I’m a contender” better than a pantsuit. Perhaps the political climate of the past year has added to this fashion statement as well … fashion and politics sometimes go more in hand than first glance suggests.

The new silhouette includes ankle pants and wide leg pants, but no worries as a classic suit is always a great choice. And, you get triple the bang for your buck as you have a great pair of pants, a fabulous blazer, and a suit. So, your options soar with one or two pantsuits added to your wardrobe.

Pantsuit inspiration:

Either in Paris, where this photo was taken, or in a city in the States, the pantsuit is worth considering adding to your wardrobe. Image: the-atlantic-pacific.com
This pantsuit, by Tory Burch, showcases that if you find a pantsuit that you like — with the pieces worn together and separately — it will greatly expand your wardrobe options. Images: Vogue | MarcusTondo

The color is red (or some variation of red)

Think red and all of its iterations. Pink, burgundy, orange, red. Add these to any traditional “fall” colors, like brown and olive green, and you’ve got this year’s favorite fall color palette.

Red iteration inspiration:

Max Mara paired two different reds together at the Fall 2017 runway show. In general, the matchy-matchy look of shoes and bags matching is also seeing a resurgence. Image: Vogue.com | Luca Tombolini / Indigital.tv
Kate Spade showed off tons of embroidery, floral, red and pink at her Fall 2017 runway show. Image: Vogue

Bold sleeves and bold earrings

This is not brand new, but it’s still kinda new and definitely still on trend. Bold sleeves and big earrings. Something about the two go hand in hand. They don’t necessarily need to be paired together, but hey, if you can, go for it. Find a sweater with ruffled sleeves or a bell sleeve and the chill of winter will not take down your style.

Bold sleeve and bold earring inspiration:

Earrings and statement sleeves pair oh-so-nicely. This combo was strong for spring 2017 and it’s just as strong as we head into fall. Image: luellajune.com

Other trends to watch include fall florals (just like we mentioned last year, they are still strong this year), midi-length skirts are still going strong, as well as backpacks and pretty buttons.

Happy Shopping!

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About the Author
Liza Graves

As CEO of StyleBlueprint, Liza also regularly writes for SB. Most of her writing is now found in the recipe archives as cooking is her stress relief!