Live From New York—8 Fall Accessory Trends Dominating the Street Style Scene

We've done plenty of reporting on 2021 fall trends, but now, it's time to see what passed the test and has made its way onto the fashion set. What better preview than New York Fashion Week? While the weather may not have been the chilly, autumnal time of our dreams, fashion folk did not miss out on an opportunity to pull out their leather, fuzzy accessories, and thigh-high boots. I took notes from the showgoers passing me by and took another deep dive into the street style photography to confirm the common themes surrounding everyone's favorite accessories.

In just a few weeks, you'll be seeing the accessories below on more than just those attending fashion shows. Keep scrolling to get your dose of fall fashion.

Statement Belts

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(Image credit: Paige Campbell Linden)

I've never been much of a belt person, but the standout belts I saw on the streets have me convinced. They're an easy addition to a simple dress or a cinched blazer.

"Fits Everything" Bags

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Tiny bags have their special place, but it's all about "the bigger the better" for 2021 fashion. I'm so used to seeing a plethora of small, less functional bags during fashion week, so it was a pleasant surprise to see so many fellow schleppers.

Large Sunglasses

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Retro sunglasses are no new feat for the fashion world, but the larger styles are starting to trickle into the scene. Whether it's a tinted lens or something boxier and out-there, it all goes.

Over-the-Knee Boots

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Ankle boots, who? I'm just kidding. I'll always love my ankle boots, but tall boots are the fan favorite this season—and not just one's that hit the knee. We saw thigh-high silhouettes on the runway and doubted whether they'd resonate with customers, but it's clear they have.

Silk Scarves

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

I wear a hijab, so while the "headscarf" isn't quite a trend for me, I'm still taking notice of the silk scarves that have plummeted their way into the spotlight. Most of them come in fun colorways, so I think they add a great pop of fun to any look. I've been switching out my regular scarves for silk ones when I want some added "jazz" in an outfit.

Shearling Bags

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

When the cold weather hits, it's hard to resist a furry accessory. You probably already have a cozy coat on deck, so why not take it up a notch with your go-to bag?

Berets

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

No, this isn't Emily in Paris, but with the right styling, I promise a beret isn't the basic accessory everyone makes it out to be for Lily Collins's character. It's a chic addition that polishes up a look, while other hats can tone things down.

Chunky Pearls

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(Image credit: Imaxtree)

Pearls are another accessory that has been around for a while but has been reinvented in many ways. While pearls mixed with fun beading were popular for the summer, I've been seeing chunkier and heavier pearls as the favorite pick for fall.

Next, 10 Brilliant Outfit Trends All the Coolest Fashion People Are Flaunting

Associate Fashion Editor
Yusra Siddiqui is an editor who resides in New Jersey but bounces between the suburbs and NYC. (She's a Jersey girl at heart.) After interning at Who What Wear in 2019, she found her way to the team after graduating from LIM College in 2022 with a fashion media degree. She's also spent time writing and working for publications such as Fashionista, Coveteur, and Nylon, but she always knew that Who What Wear was where she was meant to be. When she's on the job, she's perusing runway shows, analyzing the latest thing fellow Gen Zers are up to on the internet, and sharing what she can about the modest-fashion market. You can also catch her dabbling in entertainment, talking about the costume choices of the latest Netflix series or diving deeper into how the plotline affects the viewers in a myriad of ways. Lastly, she likes to create content for Who What Wear's TikTok. Her personal time is spent doing similar but also different things—deep diving into almost every new TV show (Bridgerton, Gilmore Girls, and Stranger Things are favorites), planning her next local getaway (whenever that may be), and reading the latest Emily Henry or Sally Rooney novel in one sitting.