The seasons are changing, and you know what that means… Time for a wardrobe refresh! Forget figuring out whether it's an ankle-skimmer or bootcut, short-dress or cozy jacket kind of day. Transitioning into fall fashion has never been more easy. We've curated a hit-list of Democracy's must-haves that make achieving that chic fall look as easy as pumpkin spice lattes. So go ahead, dress to impress this Fall!
Also, be sure to check out our other blog posts on:
- Body Type 101: Best Jeans for Apple Shape
- Body Type 101: Best Jeans for Hourglass Figure
- Best Shoes to Wear with Mom Jeans
- How to Style a Blouse
- How to Style Bootcut Jeans
- 8 Most Comfortable Women’s Jeans
How Did These Styles Make the List?
We’ve carefully selected these styles not only follow suit with the latest trends but also to showcase their versatility. Every top, bottom, and print we’re highlighting can be styled in a variety of ways, making this the perfect checklist for a Democracy-curated capsule wardrobe that will see you through this season and beyond.
Wide Leg Bottoms
Fashion icons have been slowly moving away from the restricting fit of a skinny jean and embracing the comfortable, chic vibe of a wide leg bottom. Not only do wider hemlines give you the room to move and breathe, but they can also be dressed up or down with ease.
Many think back to the late ‘90s and early ‘00s as a reference for the wide leg bottom trend. Another source of this style’s rise in popularity may be due to the pandemic, as many were staying at home and prioritizing comfort. So, whether the current wide leg trend has come from retro revival or the increasing importance of comfort, it’s now a look you see everywhere you go.
Styling wide leg bottoms this fall can be as simple as pairing them with a fitted tee or blouse. This helps balance out your silhouette by creating a flattering shape on top and allowing your bottom half to remain elusive. Add a belt and tuck in your top for a chic outfit, or keep things casual with a cozy layering item over the top.
Try on a new shade of vintage this season with these “Ab”solution® Skyrise V-Pocket Wide Leg Jeans. They give a well-worn and effortlessly trendy vibe with a faded grey wash, V-pockets, and a V-shaped back yoke. These denim bottoms also deliver incomparable comfort with a relaxed, wide opening through the legs and a hidden no-gap elastic waistband that forms to your figure.
Corduroy Bottoms
Corduroy bottoms always make an appearance in fall collections. The ‘60s and ‘70s saw corduroy become the go-to for workwear, and although they eventually became second best due to the increased popularity of denim, they’ve truly never gone out of style.
The soft fabric provides total comfort when the weather cools and they allow you to take a break from your usual blue jeans without having to completely change up your look. Today, corduroy bottoms are available in a range of styles and colors, including autumnal hues that, when paired with a trendy top, make for an effortlessly elevated seasonal outfit.
You can wear just about any top with corduroy bottoms. Tuck in a tee or blouse to dress up your look, or leave your top untucked and rock them with casual shoes for a casual-cool vibe. Adding layers can make them even more fall-appropriate, like a blazer or a sweater.
Make a statement this season with these “Ab”solution® Corduroy Bottoms in a classic straight leg design and bold, new colorways. Designed with six pockets, a sweetheart-shaped back yoke, and a hidden no-gap elastic waistband that hugs your curves, these pants incorporate everything you love about our signature fit technology, minus the denim!
Sweater Vests
Remember what we said about comfortable fashion taking over this year? The classic sweater vest is a style that lands under that category, giving you all the layering power your wardrobe needs this fall. The trend has been everywhere since the ‘70s, rising in popularity every so often due to the effortless style and warmth they add to any look.
The lack of sleeves on a sweater vest lets you show off the top you wear underneath, so opting for a long sleeved, button up blouse looks great. Wear your collar unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up for a relaxed look, or you can button up and keep the sleeves long for a classier style. It’s also a great idea to wear a blouse underneath that has fun detailing or statement sleeves to add some unique flair to your fall ‘fit.
Update your look with this sophisticated Sleeveless Knit Sweater Vest. Designed with a round neck and intricate floral embroidery on the front, this trendy top will keep you warm and stylish all season long.
Striped Sweaters
No fall wardrobe is complete without a warm sweater with an eye-catching stripe pattern. Not only is this a safe bet that you’ll be returning to again and again (because stripes literally never go out of style), but this layering staple looks great with just about any bottoms you pair it with. Celebrities have been rocking this trend all year, including icons like Jennifer Garner and Kate Middleton, and now that the weather has cooled, it’s time to embrace this trend for fall.
From blue jeans to maxi skirts and everything in between, a striped sweater offers so much versatility in terms of what you can wear it with. A classic look would be a bootcut jean, worn over your favorite pair of boots or sneakers, and a light layer underneath your sweater so you can take it on or off as you need. Alternatively, a straight skirt in a solid color, paired with tights and knee high boots is always a winning outfit.
Look effortlessly put together in this cozy and colorful Ombre Stripe Sweater. Whether layered or worn on its own, this top’s funnel neck, long blouson sleeves, and drop shoulders make this a true fashion moment.
Plaid & Checkered Print
Plaid and checkered print are back in a big way. A true indicator that autumn has arrived is when you start spotting shirts, jackets, and bottoms in this classic style that’s been around for decades.
Originally called tartan, plaid fashion took the world by storm in the ‘70s and became a significant staple over the years in ‘90s pop culture (think the movie Clueless or grunge music). This year, when you see comfy jackets, chic trousers, and oversized shirts in checker, houndstooth, or jumbo plaid prints, you’ll know that fall is in full swing.
It’s always best not to overdo your prints, so it’s usually best to stick with just one. If you opt for plaid ponte trousers, pair them with a basic top and let your bottoms draw the eye. If you’re rocking a checkered print shirt, it’s best to lean on a basic blue, black, or grey jean. We love this style but don’t do TOO much; less is always more.
Start off the first day of fall with a classic, earth-toned feminine Shacket in plaid print. This plush button down piece is a layering essential, with long blouson raglan sleeves, two oversized breast pockets, and two angled side pockets.