Cheryl Shops

It feels a little weird writing about trends on several levels. For one, I didn't really do my annual spring trend report, because we were newly in lockdown and all anyone could think about was comfort clothing: sweatpants, sweatshirts, slippers, and so on. On a deeper level, I'm realizing there's something about fashion that almost requires you to be seen out in the world; to paraphrase that old philosophical question, if a person wears an outfit and no one sees it, is it still fashion? The good news is that things here in San Francisco are slooooowly starting to reopen: hair salons, gyms, restaurants, and even movie theaters. I'll still be working from home for the rest of the year, if not longer—and if I'm being honest, dressing for the office has a certain agenda—but I at least feel like I'm venturing out into the world again, and thus I can get out of my jeans-and-sweatshirt rut. I've been really inspired by the street-fashion photos from Copenhagen Fashion Week, and while there's definitely a hygge element to fall fashion, I'm really excited about the micro-trends I'm featuring here and to shopping again. Who knows, I might even be compelled to shop in an actual store! Here's what's on my shopping list for fall. 

Coatigan

Sweater jackets—or swackets—have been around for awhile, but this season, they've evolved into the cardigan coat, or coatigan. The silhouette is long and structured, with more of a tailored look; it's not as soft as your garden-variety duster cardigan. For now, it's a perfect transitional layer. For later in the season, it will add extra warmth under your winter coat, which will come in handy when we're still eating outside in December. Bonus points for making you look good on your Zoom calls. 

Mango Fine-Knit Cardigan $129.99

More coatigans I love: 

Chunky chain necklace

Jewelry has been having a delicate moment for the last few years, but delicate doesn't show up on Zoom calls (sense a theme here?), so it has evolved into a more large-scale yet still somewhat minimalist thing. It's all about the chain necklace, just on a much more exaggerated scale. 

Pixie Market Gold Chunky Chain Necklace $29 

More chunky chain necklaces I love: 

Pleated trousers

So, I know, we've all been wearing soft pant, i,e. leggings and sweatpants, for the last six months. No one is making you stop. But imagine putting on a pair of proper trousers and feeling like a human being again. There are a ton of high-waisted, wide-leg trousers à la Diane Keaton out there right now, and yes, most of them have pleats, which can be scary in theory but are actually quite flattering if you have a stomach pooch like I do. A lot of the options I've featured below have an elastic inset in the waistband, which makes them way more comfortable (and flattering) than the pleated-front trousers of yore. So slip into a pair, pretend you're in a Nancy Myers movie, and wait for your real-life meet-cute. 

Reformation Mason Wide-Leg Pants $176

More pleated trousers I love: 

Chelsea boots

We may be venturing back out into public, but ain't nobody messing around with heels. This fall is all about the Chelsea boot–combat boot hybrid, a sleek pull-on style with a chunky lug sole. It's practical and comfy, with a thick layer of rubber to raise you up above it all. 

Alexander Wang Andee boots $695

More Chelsea boots I love: 

Sweater vests

Full disclosure: I don't think I've worn a sweater vest since the early '90s. But since Gen Z is driving fashion and everything old is new again, sweater vests are back. And if you think about it, it's the perfect layering piece, especially for fall—not too lightweight, but not too warm either. I personally prefer a pullover to an open front, and I'm particularly intrigued by textured knits, but there are literally all shapes and kinds out there, so find the one that works best for you.

Ganni Rib-Knit Sweater $195

More sweater vests I love: