The cool, crisp weather and the changing foliage mark the start of arguably the best season: autumn. The most notable difference of fall, however, is the wardrobe change. Mild, cool temperatures allow for a variety of different clothes like scarves, sweaters, long sleeves, boots, and other pieces that are not traditionally worn during the summer. Every year around this time, something new seems to become trendy. This year, popular pieces include the mini structured bag, everyday suits, and hiking boots. 

New York Fashion Week was held from Sept. 6 to Sept. 14, and brands and affiliated people flocked to Manhattan in order to showcase their designs and attend other shows. Similarly, Paris Fashion Week started on Sept. 23 and ended on Oct. 1. With these shows being at the start of the season, some predicted trends are clear to see.

Last year, fanny packs and belt bags were a staple piece to many outfits. This fall, however, a similar accessory has been seen both on runaways and with everyday people on the streets. This trend is the mini structured bag. It looks as if a regular leather handbag was shrunken nearly six times its original size. It is complete with small leather details, buckles, straps, and zippers, just as a regular bag would have. Jacquemus, a luxury fashion label, created the staple version of this trend. Mini structured bags were seen on countless celebrities and all over Instagram. Many brands designed multiple sizes and styles of this bag, as well as showcased them in their fashion shows, but the key factor is the notable petitness of it. This miniscule accessory can complete any outfit. 

The wearing of suits, especially by women, has become increasingly popular, and it is safe to assume it will be a trend of this fall. This garment is known as the power suit, and was seen in countless runaway shows in both the Paris and New York fashion weeks. Balmain, Balenciaga, Prada, and Yves Saint Laurent are some of the designers who have incorporated the suit into their shows. Some designers put their own spin on this trend and cinched the suit with a large belt or displayed blazers with broad shoulders. The power suit has become ubiquitous this fall, which makes it safe to assume it will be joining the structured mini bag as a top trend for this upcoming fall season.

This chilly season also calls for fashionable boots, a staple piece of autumn. Many people started to swap their cowboy or ankle boots for practical hiking ones. These shoes match with numerous pieces and hold the ability to complete an outfit. A long list of designers jumped onto this trend, creating their own hiking boots in differing styles, colors, and materials. Some notable creators of these shoes, specifically for this fall season, are Off-White, Louis Vuitton, David Bauer, and Doc Marten. A luxury fashion retailer, Net-a-Porter, proves this to be a fall trend. An article by Who What Wear (whowhatwear.com) states that Net-a-Porter stocked over a hundred different hiking boots this season. 

Fashion Teacher Karen Goulet commented on some of the predicted trends: “Of  the three trends that you featured, I am most intrigued by the hiking boots. I like it best because it is the most casual, and they pair well with the new pant styles. They especially look fashion forward and fresh with the elastic bottom pant. It has a military vibe and is reminiscent of the ‘80s.” Kayla Chico, a junior, also shared her opinion, “I would personally buy one of the mini structured bags because they’re different from normal bags, and it adds more of your own sense of style since you can dress it up or down.” Lastly, freshman Hannah Seidman weighed in: “My favorite trend that was mentioned was the mini bag. I recently just bought one!” Autumn is a season that offers tons of excitement. Seeing what new trends come about this time of year is among that excitement.