The Fall Edit
From realistic buys to your greatest fashion fantasies, these four stylists have you covered.
- By: Camille Freestone
- Graphics: Ashley Combs
Getting dressed in 2020 can feel weird. There’s an ever-present dichotomy between what we want to wear and what we are actually putting on our bodies on a regular basis. So we called in four stylists who have their finger on the pulse to give us the inside scoop on their favorite trends for the upcoming season—which pieces are worth the investment and how to work them into your own personal style. We’ve even broken it down by category: realistic (your casual, everyday ensemble), achievable (a slightly elevated look for a social outing), and stretch (your absolute dream ’fit). Each title conveys its purpose—the “realistic” is what you would wear starting tomorrow, and while the “stretch” may be just that, a stretch, the opportunity to wear that far-fetched look will one day present itself in the future. Fingers crossed, and happy shopping!
Jump to Stylist:
I think fall fashion is all about protection, drama, severity, with doses of functionality and unexpected joy and whimsy.”
Stylist and creative consultant Rachael Wang has basically done it all within the realm of fashion, working with everyone from Vogue to Saks to Samsung. Wang can be found rocking uniquely modern silhouettes that toe the line between classic and cool. According to her, we can’t go wrong with a knit dress and a quirky sweat suit this season.
Her thoughts on fall fashion:
“Seven months into a global pandemic, with an election that might trigger a civil war just around the corner, the concept of fashion trends initially seems trivial. But as any fashion person knows, how we get dressed in times of crisis is symbolic of our perseverance, our resistance, and our luminosity to overcome. I think fall fashion is all about protection, drama, severity, with doses of functionality and unexpected joy and whimsy. Fall is about expressing oneself in an urgent and authentic way.”
Stretch
“Fall is all about the knit dress, and I love the ‘more is more’ drama of this Bottega Veneta iteration. Chartreuse! Fringe! A funky twisted neck! I’m not yet sure about any opportunities I would have to wear this fantasy look, but I’d certainly pair it with a textured pouch clutch and contrasting sandals, plus some gaudy earrings for the full dose of joyous self-expression.”
Shop the Look:
Achievable
“A strong tailored coat is always a fall must, and this season I’m really feeling layers of protective black. This Telfar knit dress will be a super versatile closet add—great over secondhand Levi’s or on its own. I’ll hang on to summer as long as the weather allows with an irreverent pair of white mules. Laura Lombardi’s repurposed metal hoops are the perfect finisher.”
Shop the Look:
Realistic
“The line between working and lounging has gotten really blurry, so this fall I’m stepping up my cozy uniform by choosing responsible brands like Ahluwalia, Collina Strada, and Jungmaven. Quirkiness makes a sweat suit feel more personal, so I’ll accessorize with a football scarf, a ’90s baguette bag, and the boot of the season—perfect for running across the street to the bodega to grab Oatly.”
Shop the Look:
“I think relaxed glamour is the key phrase this fall, whether it’s an elevated at-home ensemble or a practical approach to everyday wear.”
Micaela Erlanger is one of the top celebrity stylists in the business; her highly impressive client roster includes Meryl Streep, Lupita Nyong’o, Diane Kruger, and Shailene Woodley, among many others, and she has even forayed into both bridal styling and design. In terms of personal style, she gravitates towards polished items with fun and feminine accents. She’s dishing on items that are not only chic, but practical—perfect for the current moment in fashion.
Her thoughts on fall fashion:
“I think relaxed glamour is the key phrase this fall, whether it’s an elevated at-home ensemble or a practical approach to everyday wear.”
Stretch
“If I had it my way, I would be in couture loungewear. We have seen the tie-dye trend this season, and I love the color palette of this Ralph & Russo take on fancy pajamas. It is the perfect hybrid of glamour and at-home ease. Your look is complete with mink slippers for when indoors, but also easily dressed up with stilettos for a more glam approach. Consider your accessories—I love platinum because of its natural radiance and shine—the pieces that enhance any look.
Shop the Look:
Achievable
“I believe in wearing and investing in the classic staples in your wardrobe. For me, that looks like the perfect relaxed boyfriend blazer with polished accessories. When putting together a look, I like to build an outfit around a focal point. The lipstick-red color of this blazer is so punchy and fun and in many ways acts like a neutral. The relaxed fit is perfect for layering, so as the weather gets crisp, I can still add a cozy knit underneath. The ‘it’ bag this season is the new Celine bag—invest in your leather goods because you will use them the most. I like to wear this bag cross-body for a hands-free look, but the top handle feels very French and totally chic. Nothing says fall like a dose of an animal print. I chose these calf-hair flats from Margaux. The pointed shape is so pretty, and I can run laps in these shoes—they are the MOST comfortable. Throw your hair up in a cute knot or chignon using this pretty hair accessory, and finish your look with a wearable statement earring.”
Shop the Look:
Realistic
“My runaround uniform is stylish but practical. You will find me fully embracing the work-leisure trend this season. I love a set because they are so versatile—you can wear the pieces together for a full ’fit or break them up and wear them as separates. Pair one with sneakers and a baseball cap for running around town, or lose the jacket and add a blouse and a pair of pumps for a more dressed-up look. I launched a collection of versatile mix-and-match pieces with my new collection StyleList by Micaela on QVC. Everything is machine washable and perfect for everyday wear. I added a pair of lightweight platinum earrings that add brilliance.”
Shop Look:
“I like to keep things comfy and cozy for the fall—the thing everyone loves about fall is that you can mix your summer and winter pieces in with your day-to-day wardrobe.”
Kyle Luu actually began in art, not fashion, and it shows in her styling. Counting icons like Solange Knowles and Travis Scott among her impressive clientele, Luu champions cutting-edge silhouettes and new-era ensembles, pushing the traditional boundaries of fashion. She also has the perfect outlook on transitional dressing, stating, “The thing everyone loves about fall is that you can mix your summer and winter pieces in with your day-to-day wardrobe.” Sound intriguing? We thought so, too.
Her thoughts on fall fashion:
“I like to keep things comfy and cozy for the fall—the thing everyone loves about fall is that you can mix your summer and winter pieces in with your day-to-day wardrobe. I generally love something oversized for outerwear, while all my underpinnings still feel very summer. I still like seeing a little skin in the fall. I never really focus on trends, but I always say wearing what you like and being unapologetic about it is always on trend. During the pandemic, I’ve enjoyed dressing up more, having more time to be experimental and not be in a rush out the door. I’ve been able to try new silhouettes and merge loungewear and runway styles together and make it feel comfortable to wear out. In terms of key pieces, a nice coat and boot is always nice to start off the fall season with. I really enjoy seeing how people translate runway looks to the streets. I am constantly inspired by all walks of life, from downtown NY to Wall Street!”
Stretch
“I would wear something like this running around downtown all the way uptown. There is no right or wrong occasion to express and explore your fantasy through fashion—it’s all about living your best life.”
Shop the Look:
Achievable
“I love exploring young and upcoming designers. They are always bringing such fresh perspectives on design, and this feels like I could run around town and go from day to night without feeling restricted.”
Shop the Look:
Realistic
“There is nothing like a perfect jean! Levi’s even offers a custom denim experience in selected stores. On my off days, I like to be cozy with a twist. I think Telfar does that best. I also love a kitten heel—you don’t need to be in pain to look cute! These Doratymeurs are great for running all over town.”
Shop the Look:
“For me, dressing for fall and winter is about being cozy and feeling safe.”
Costume designer and stylist Catherine Hahn is known for her work with artists like Orville Peck and Post Malone, whose styles are so distinct they have transformed them into instantly recognizable icons. Collaborating with like-minded designers, she shows off her flair for the dramatic in the wearable works of art she creates for her clients. As the weather begins to shift, Hahn is leaning into rich fall tones and everything ’90s-inspired.
Her thoughts on fall fashion:
“For me, dressing for fall and winter is about being cozy and feeling safe. I want to feel comfortable but also find ways to still feel fashionable and confident when I am working and out in the world. I am loving all the fall colors—so many beautiful earth tones and jewel tones. I am planning to throw on colorful sweats and add layers like great coats, sweaters, and jewelry when getting dressed. I want my clothes to feel like a giant colorful hug in these strange times.”
Stretch
“The Saint Laurent fall colors are so beautiful—rich browns, yellows, purples—and I love all the great blouses with bows and leather trench coats. I love mixing and layering patterns, prints, and different textures!”
Shop the Look:
Achievable
“I love layering pieces over a turtleneck. I’m also really into berets for fall!”
Shop the Look:
Realistic
“My ideal casual/errand-running look for fall is a great oversize trench coat over a colorful pair of sweats with fun socks and Birkenstocks or Crocs.”
