10 Fall Fashion Trends for Real Women

Tis that time of year for thick magazines sporting the latest fall fashion which can be both inspiring and overwhelming. Fall is a time for new beginnings but not necessarily for couture fashion in our everyday lives, so I’ve scoured the mags and pins and bring to you 10 fall fashion trends for REAL women that you can find at the thrift store and wear in real life!

Fall Fashion Trends #1 – Animal Print

It seems to me animal print always makes an appearance as a Fall fashion trend but this year it seems to be particularly prominent. That does not mean you have to wear head -to-toe leopard print. Rather, wear an animal print top or skirt with a neutrals or choose shoes , a belt, or a bag in animal print. I have leopard print flats and a leopard print belt and a couple long sleeve tops. I am looking for a tank top in animal print since that’s what one wears in Houston in the “Fall.”

Fall Fashion Trends #2 – Metallics

I love metallics but, like animal print, find them more wearable in small doses or in my accessories. Silver is particularly popular this Fall so I’m keeping my eye out for a silver top and a bold silver bag. I already have silver shoes otherwise that would be on my thrift-hunting list list too!

If those metallic green shoes had been in my size, they’d be on my feet as I type.

Fall Fashion Trends #3 – Tweed

I am not exactly sure how I can translate this trend into Houston-appropriate attire. I do have a couple tweed blazers and coats which I love but wore maybe once last winter. But for everyone else, there is plenty of tweed at the thrift store and I think it would look great with a plain tee and ankle boots. I might just have to look out for a tweed bag or break out my tweed flower brooches.

Fall Fashion Trends #4 – Plaid

Plaid is another Fall staple but I saw more variety in colours this year in the fashion files. My husband LOVES me in plaid – I guess I look rustic, snuggly and lovable or something. I wasn’t really paying attention but apparently the plaid tops sold out in a jiffy at the Nordstrom sale so there will be a bunch of people with the same top walking around and the rest of us can look in the thrift stores for something more original.

Fall Fashion Trends #5 – Rust, Brown and Pastel Blue

Fall colours are another “trend” that seems to repeat itself though, this year, I noticed that green wasn’t as prominent. I decided to focus my search on 3 colours that I’d like more of in my wardrobe: rust, brown and pastel blue.

Fall Fashion Trends #6 – Statement Sweaters

At first, it seemed this trend was only about logos which I think is nonsense. Wearing a garment with the brand name boldly depicted seems like attention-seeking to me. BUT I can get behind the idea of “statement” sweaters – sweaters with some kind of graphic that makes some kind of ‘statement’ that speaks to your personal style. Now, there weren’t many sweaters in the Houston thrift shop, but I bet there are plenty up north. The mags showed them half-tucked which is an interesting notion (one that I prob won’t try during the 2 days per year I wear a sweater).

Fall Fashion Trends #7 – Scarf Prints

This is one of my favourite Fall fashion trends because there is plenty of room for interpretation! What is a scarf print? Well, think of your scarves as tops, pants, dresses, skirts. I like it!

Fall Fashion Trends #8 – Pleats

Pleats are fun and sexy and classic! I have one pleated skirt and always keep my eye out for more! This year, I’ll be looking for pleats on tops too but not pants – that’s still a hard no.

Fall Fashion Trends #9 – Statement Bags

One article called this trend “Carrie Bradshaw” bags! Fun! How I interpret this trend is this: carry your “fancy” bags every day. Don’t save them. Just do like Carrie and use them. There are plenty of cool statement bags at the thrift store, not necessarily designer but most real women don’t care about that.

Fall Fashion Trends #10 – Slouchy Boots

I did not spot slouchy boots on this thrift trip but it really is early for boots in Texas, however, I have thrifted them in the past…

There are some trends that are too ridiculous for real life – for example, apparently wearing 2 coats is trending, and no I’m not talking about a jean jacket worn like a blazer under your winter coat. I’m talking two substantial coats worn together for fashion as opposed to arctic living. NO. I am Canadian and though I missed one winter, I can still attest that wearing two coats at the same time will be too hot and will likely render you unable to bend or move. I also had to pass on the leather dress trend because just looking at leather dresses makes me feel like a hot sausage stuffed in casing, however, IF I find a leather dress at the thrift store for a good price, I might buy it anyway just to give it a try.

I found more laughable trends but I’m saving those for something I have up my sleeve… maybe just maybe there might be some pinspired weekend posts coming soon! Stay tuned because it is going to be VERY high fashion.

Which of these Fall fashion trends are YOU going to try this year? No matter what you wear, go forth with confidence!

xoxo Nicole

PIN this post to your CLOTHING board and remember to

follow THE SPIRITED THRIFTER on Pinterest!