From espresso-coloured coats to thigh-high leather boots, our wardrobe choices are quickly transitioning along with the seasons. As autumn rolls in, we at The Varsity have got you covered with the season’s top fashion trends that will keep you fashionably warm while staying on budget! 

This year’s fall is less about buying new clothing and more about recycling past trends and pieces. Visually, think Park Avenue Princess, Downtown it-boy, Frazzled Englishwoman, and bring these characters to life out of your closet. Whether you’re exploring softer textures, embracing vintage accessories, or simply hoping to put your random, one-of-a-kind thrift finds to effective use, 2024 fall fashion is all about making old clothes feel new again.

Luxe layers 

Starting quite literally from the top, we have lots of layers to work with. For warmer fall days, hold onto last year’s off-shoulder sweaters because they aren’t going anywhere. 

As for the rest of your rotation, bring out your oversized knits, crewnecks, and of course, cardigans. In the jacket department, suede and wool are the prominent materials these days, acting as both statement pieces and great insulators to the fall chill. If you’re looking for something even warmer, the classic leather jacket — preferably a bit oversized — is the way to go. For waterproof choices, you can always rely on barn coats and trench coats, which are staple fall options. 

This season’s colour palette is made up of different shades of brown, burgundy, beige, and black, even beyond the top layers.

Stepping up 

While we’re still enjoying shorter footwear — notably leather loafers, strapped ballet flats, and resurfacing Ugg slippers — the boot-pant hybrid boots are taking over this season. At this year’s fall Sacaï show, models strutted down the runway in striking wide-leg pant thigh-high boots, perfectly paired with knee-length dresses and skirts. Although they are a newer dimension to a familiar pairing, any knee or thigh-high boots will do the trick in creating this chic equestrian-style look.

Bottom line 

If you’re also obsessed with the summer-trending mori-style skirts, it may please you to know that they’re still in fashion this fall. Baggy skirts and tight minis are both suitable for the season, depending on the look you’re going for. Wear a mini skirt with some black tights to achieve an office siren — or should I say “lecture siren” look — or try something different and try wearing jeans under a flowy dress. 

Crowning glory 

To elevate your look, get creative with trendy hairstyles and personalized accessories. Effortlessly chic hairstyles are must-tries right now — low French braids, knotted buns, French twists, barrette half-ups, and even the classic headband. 

There’s a lot to play with when it comes to accessories: rustic watches, Bayonetta-style glasses, and bulky scarves are just a few popular pieces to work with this fall. Similar to jackets, think suede and leather material for handbags and totes, along with unique vintage handbags to add character and charm to your overall look. 

Bringing it all together 

In a world where fashion trends come and go, this season brings our focus to the beauty of reimagining the past. Just as autumn stirs mixed feelings of fresh starts and earnest reflections on your past self, the season also offers a chance for renewal and revamping. So go ahead, open up your closet and indulge in nostalgia. 

Maybe you’ll find your old high school uniform, the outfit you wore on your first college date, or maybe your dad’s vintage jacket that you “borrowed” and never returned. Amid these cherished remnants of the past, you might even find the perfect pieces to put together this year’s fall outfits. By next fall, these outfits will carry more memories from which to draw new inspiration.