If you read Who What Wear regularly, you’re probably already well-versed in the biggest fall trends we have to look forward to this season. Mock-croc boots and belted blazers at the ready! But the F/W 19 runways also presented some trickier trends that looked super cool on the models sashaying down the runways but—let’s face it—can feel pretty daunting when faced with wearing them IRL. I decided to tackle these tricky trends head-on to see which ones I would actually feel comfortable stepping out the door in. As a fashion editor, I always love giving a new trend a whirl, but as I test-drove some of the most popular styles from the F/W 19 collections, I realized that even I can’t pull off a meringue dress on the regular. Below, I’m highlighting the cool (but tricky!) trends that I actually am able to pull off with ease. The key is styling them in a way that feels accessible and uncomplicated. Scroll below to see how I did!
Elizabethan-Inspired Ruffle Collars
From, Roksanda to Rochas, old-timey ruffled collars were seen all over the F/W 19 runways in the form of dresses, sweaters, and blouses. While the whimsical detail might look straight out of a Shakespearean play, fashion girls know the power of a bold collar to demand attention and make a statement.
The trend is actually much easier to pull off than you might think and is a great option to take you from desk to drinks in style. I opted for a slightly less extreme collar (which I found a little easier to wear) and went for a chic day-to-night print dress. For an even subtler look, I paired a ruffle-collar blouse with skinny jeans. The look exudes sophistication, polish, and modern-vintage vibes.
Hot Pink & Tiger Orange
We've already talked in depth about the color duo we're about to see everywhere this fall, and while you might be surprised to witness such bright and vibrant hues during the colder months, we believe the color couple could do wonders to our fall 2019 wardrobes. Orange and pink were paired together in all their bold glory on dresses, suits, and knits alike. And while this trend definitely takes some confidence to pull off, mark my words: It's well worth the effort for the number of compliments you'll be lavished with.
To make the trend wearable for a weekend look, I paired a hot-pink fitted sweater over a cute orange minidress, allowing the dress to poke through the longer-length sweater. I also liked wearing the sweater nonchalantly tied over the orange dress for a cool evening look. Wear with a pair of nude minimalist sandals to simplify the look and allow the two colors to be the main focus.
See-Through
While there were unquestionably plenty of sumptuous layers on the fall runways, there were also just as many sheer and see-through fabrics (many worn under those layers—it is fall after all). There’s no doubt sheer shirts, dresses, and tops can look incredibly alluring, but put a see-through dress in front of me, and we probably agree it can be a little daunting. For a modern and simpler way to nail the trend, I’m opting for a see-through polka-dot shirt with voluminous sleeves worn with a simple white tank, and when the weather turns cooler, I’ll layer a tissue-thin turtleneck underneath. For the more adventurous, try a bra or bandeau. Throw the shirt on with high-waisted jeans for a super-easy and wearable take on the trend.
Colored Tights
Yes, colored tights are a thing this fall. We particularly loved the whole matching-your-tights-to-your-shoes look, as showcased at Sally LaPointe's show. Other designers, such Anna Sui, Versace, and Dolce & Gabbana, showed us that the only way to show off your pins this season is with a pair of tights in every color of the rainbow. Yes, this might be one of the trickiest trends to pull off, but it's also a fun (and relatively affordable) way to make a statement this season.
A neutral gray tone works great with purple, so I opted for a gray check skirt to complement a pair of lavender tights I picked up on Amazon. Then I was going to add a basic white tee to finish off the look, but something inside me said go bold or go home! So I went with a lime green sweater that contrasts beautifully with purple. Tricky to pull off? Yes! But it sure is fun.
Leather
Leather dresses and separates are a huge trend for fall and certainly one of the user-friendliest trends to tackle. But before your head goes to Ross and his leather pants in that Friends episode, don't panic! Leather separates are a lot roomier this season, with plenty of pleated, flowy, and A-line skirts; looser trouser silhouettes; and shirts that aren't skin-tight reigning supreme.
For an easy look, I'm pairing a leather shirtdress with jeans and gold accessories, and a leather skirt with an oversize sweater.
Up next, five unexpected color trends you're about to see everywhere.
