From Cargo Skirts to Ballet Flats, Shop the Top Fall 2023 Fashion Trends

These looks will take you through the chilly season in style.

With cooler weather coming and Pumpkin Spice Latte season already in full swing, it’s time to talk about fall 2023 fashion trends. From cargo skirts to biker shorts matched with fancier tops, trendy styles are more nuanced than just layering. This season, reach into the depths of your closet to create outfits that match your personality, with everything from cable-knit sweaters to bold sneakers. Need some inspiration? Start with some of these suggestions.

1. Light Academia

Women wearing a blazer and white sweater, next to a pair of pants, and a plaid skirt. — Credit: Reviewed / H&M / Everlane / Abercrombie & Fitch / Madewell / Dr. Martens

In the realm of fashion, trends often take inspiration from various subcultures and online styles, like Light Academia. This style draws inspiration from romanticized imagery like that of old libraries, classical literature, and the autumn ambiance of university campuses. Unlike its moodier sister, Dark Academia, Light Academia embraces soft fabrics and muted tones, and can be described as intellectual and preppy.

Styling yourself in the Light Academia style is akin to curating your own artistic canvas, where every element contributes to the overall elegance. Start with foundational pieces such as patterned, pleated skirts or tailored trousers in earthy tones like beige, olive, or tan. Two great outfit-starters are the Pleated A-line Skirt from H&M (sold in sizes XXS to XXL) and Everlane’s Tencel Way-High Taper Pant (sold in sizes 00-16).

When it comes to tops, opt for a cozy cardigan or cable-knit sweater. The texture of these styles can add depth to your look. The Notch-Neck Sweater from Abercrombie & Fitch (sold in sizes XXS to XL) is a great option that you can accessorize with a simple necklace or layer under a vest, blazer, or trench coat. For a slightly detailed blazer, try the Drapey Tie-Waist Blazer from Madewell (sold in sizes XXS to 4X), which pairs perfectly with the trousers mentioned above for a cohesive outfit.

When it comes to accessories, choose pieces that tell a story. Consider pairing your outfit with delicate jewelry like a vintage locket or thin gold bracelets. When it comes to shoes, choose vintage styles that are comfortable and bordering a business-casual vibe. The Dr. Martens Jorge II Archive Slingbacks (sold in sizes 5 to 11) are easy to mix and match with your outfits and can be casual and office-ready. Round out your look with a leather crossbody bag or a structured backpack.

2. Cargo Skirts

Three women wearing three different styles of mid-length skirts in white, denim, and a tan cargo skirt. — Credit: Reviewed / Banana Republic / Garage / Abercrombie & Fitch / Ragged Priest

As the seasons shift and leaves begin to fall, cargo skirts are making a major comeback. Reminiscent of functional military attire, cargo skirts can be dolled up and juxtaposed with ruffled shirts and silk tanks for a fun play on masculine vs. feminine. Whether you’re going for a lighthearted charm with a flowy blouse, embracing the coziness of fall with chunky knits, or extending the skirt’s wearability into cooler temperatures with tights and tall boots, cargo skirts provide endless opportunities to curate fashion-forward ensembles.

Incorporating cargo skirts into chic fall outfits means finding balance, both visually and metaphorically. Style these neutral, classic, lightweight skirts like the Cargo Midi Skirt from Banana Republic (sold in sides 0 to 18) or the 2000s Cargo Midi Skirt from Abercrombie & Fitch (sold in sizes XXS to XXL) with a tucked-in graphic tee or form-fitting tank top. The Poplin Parachute Skirt from Garage (sold in sizes XXS to XL) is another great option, and it comes in three solid-color shades that pair well with your patterned tops.

While you may think of cargo skirts as mainly beige or green, denim options are popular too. The Ragged Priest Combat Denim Midi Skirt from Urban Outfitters (sold in sizes 26 to 36) has character and plenty of pockets. We love functionality! Paired with a cozy knit sweater and chunky combat boots, the combination achieves a balanced blend of texture and style. To enhance the utilitarian appeal of these skirts, try a fitted turtleneck under a leather jacket for added warmth and edgy style.

3. Bike Shorts & Blouses

Women wearing different brands and colors of black biker shorts. — Credit: Reviewed / Girlfriend Collective / Beyond Yoga / Old Navy / Skims

Like Lady Di made famous in the 90s, biker shorts are chic when worn off the court, and there’s a reason they’re so widely loved. This fall, it’s all about pairing these trendy shorts with elegant tops that capture the essence of the season. Elevate your look by teaming biker shorts like the High Rise Bike Short from Girlfriend Collective (sold in sizes XXS to 6XL and a variety of colors) with a crisp button-down shirt, effortlessly fusing casual comfort with polished charm and a balance of compressive and loose fabric. Tucking in the shirt and adding a statement belt creates a tailored silhouette, while ankle boots or loafers provide a touch of sophistication.

Alternatively, opt for a flowing blouse to accompany your biker shorts. The combination of comfort and elegance is undeniable and suited for everything from weekend brunch with friends to a concert. For those seeking to embrace layering, biker shorts offer the perfect base when worn beneath a longline cardigan, rugby shirt, or oversized sweater. You can opt for soft fabric shorts like the High-Waisted Bike Shorts from Beyond Yoga (sold in sizes XS to 3X) or High-Waisted PowerSoft Biker Shorts from Old Navy (sold in sizes XS to 4X). This combination not only keeps you warm but also offers a stylish twist for fall strolls. Enhance the cozy-chic vibe by accessorizing with a chunky scarf, combat boots, or a classic dad hat.

You might even get away with bike shorts at the office, maybe the Outdoor Bike Short from Skims (sold in sizes XXS to 4X), by wearing them along with a blazer. Wear this OOTD with ankle socks, loafers, and a leather purse to keep things business-casual. Though this look might only be for casual Fridays, the blazer and biker short duo strikes a chic yet comfy note.

4. Ballet Flats

Ballet flats in the color's gold, black, and nude, perfect for fall. — Credit: Reviewed / Cole Haan / Madewell / Gap

Ballet flats are a classic shoe that’s experiencing a resurgence, especially in big cities like New York and Paris. The ballet flat trend brings a touch of grace to everyday looks, channeling the artistic spirit of dancers into casual outfits. With their simple yet sophisticated design, these flats bridge the gap between comfort and style, making them a must-have addition to any wardrobe this season. Heck, you probably already own a pair.

You can wear ballet flats like the Women’s York Soft Ballet from Cole Haan (sold in women’s sizes 5 to 11) with ankle-length trousers, a tailored blouse, and delicate accessories for an everyday elegance that’s suitable for office or city days. You can also team a pair of flats like the Greta Ballet Flat from Madewell (sold in women’s sizes 5 to 12) with high-waisted jeans, a tucked-in graphic tee, and a lightweight cardigan for a laid-back, collegiate vibe perfect for the weekend. Ballet flats also complement dresses or skirts of all lengths, adding an air of elegance or ease to your outfit depending on the style of dress.

You could also blend comfort and style by pairing ballet flats with athleisure pieces, such as jogger pants and a cropped hoodie or the bike shorts mentioned earlier. Together, the rougher elements of athletic shorts and the dainty elements of flats with bows like the Ballet Flats from Gap (sold in women’s sizes 6 to 11) create a unique outfit that’s ideal for the dog days of summer. In essence, ballet flats empower you to curate a range of looks that are sophisticated without trying too hard.

5. Colorful Court Sneakers

Step up your fashion with these different shoes, from Vans, Adidas, and more. — Credit: Reviewed / Adidas / Jeffrey Campbell / Vans / Onitsuka Tiger

Low, court-style sneakers in a range of eye-catching, non-traditional colors have taken social media feeds by storm. While white and black sneakers have long been the go-to choices for shoppers, these playful hues are arguably more fun. This trend brings a refreshing energy to footwear, allowing you to express your personality with every step, much like unique or colorful socks.

Court sneakers like the Samba Originals from Adidas (sold in sizes 4 to 15) are typically low-top athletic shoes that are just as ready for exploring an urban area as they are for stepping onto a pickleball court or cheering for friends from the sidelines. Whether you’re looking to elevate your casual streetwear or add a bold edge to your dresses and skirts, bright and bold sneakers are the answer. For a more modest shade, the Jeffrey Campbell Keys Sneakers from Anthropologie (sold in sizes 6 to 10) provide a nice pop of bubblegum, Barbie-pink.

When styling these sneakers, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild. Pair them with neutral basics to let the shoes take center stage, like with trousers or a cocktail dress for a “dress up but I didn’t try that hard” vibe. Another option is the Authentic shoe from Vans, a gender-neutral bestseller (sold in sizes 5 to 17.5). You can wear court sneakers with any trend on our list, and if you’re someone who likes color then we don’t need to convince you that another pair is totally worth it. If that’s you, try the Serrano from Onitsuka Tiger (sold in sizes 4 to 9).

6. Boat Totes

Four different brands of white totes bags, where some can get embroidery. — Credit: Reviewed / L.L.Bean / Lands’ End / Athleta / J.Crew

Let’s talk accessories. Initially designed for a nautical lifestyle, these roomy carry-alls have seamlessly transitioned from the seaside to practically everywhere. Boat totes, like L.L.Bean’s iconic Boat and Tote, offer a perfect mixture of function and style, with enough room for your iPad or Kindle, wallet, water bottle, and keys. You can use this bag for anything—an everyday carry, an incognito diaper bag, a snack bag for a picnic, or a poolside catchall. Their slightly structured sides help you arrange things easily, and some variations like the Extra Large Natural 5 Pocket Open Top Canvas Tote Bag from Lands’ End can be monogrammed or have a pocket on the exterior for easy access to items like your phone or keys.

The charm of boat totes lies in their ability to easily complement a range of outfits, whether you’re headed to the beach, the market, or a casual outing. Each tote has a sturdy yet versatile canvas design, making it a reliable accessory for any outfit. Whether you’re embracing the tote’s seaside origins by pairing it with a striped top and jeans or using the bag to tone down an event outfit, it’ll look great over your shoulder. Another great thing about these bags is they come in a range of sizes like the Going Places Tote Bag from Athleta for carrying smaller loads as well as the Medium Montauk Tote from J.Crew to hold everything for a long day or even a weekend trip.

Source : Reviewed