The Only 5 Fall Trends To Care About In August

Fall is all about layering, which means you have a lot to shop for in the months ahead. While you still may be in vacation mode, before you know it September will be here, so it's not too early to begin investing in Fall/Winter 2019 fashion trends to shop now, and plan to wear them as much as possible in the months ahead. Luckily, said layering will make that refreshingly easy. The allure of rich textures and sleek silhouettes should be a welcome change from the light, breezy staples you've worn all summer.

You may not remember every trend that came down the Fall/Winter 2019 runway — it was nearly six months ago, after all — but you might still recall the fact that rich leather head-to-toe was a trend everywhere, from New York to Paris. “Leather is a focus, especially in clean silhouettes,” says Claudia Mahoney, Head of Content at The Outnet. “A leather dress is going to be a non-negotiable must-have.” Or perhaps your focus was on the prominence of a pared-down aesthetic. “Minimalism is the perennial and breakout trend that I am already shopping,” she notes. “I’ll be opting for slip dresses, crisp white shirts, and luxe fabrications in neutral, buttery tones and the freshest whites.” Either way, ahead you'll find a refresher on the major fall trends to get a head start on now. Yes — in the middle of humid August.

Salt Of The Earth

After a long summer of bold colors and neon hues, earth tones are a breath of fresh air. Soft neutrals, rich browns, and a subdued splash of burnt orange took over the season's runways. While fall is about layering, designers like Michael Kors above, found ways to still show a bit of skin with styling. A taupe blazer is a great way to ease into earth tones, or opt for a neutral pleated skirt that can effortlessly be carried from summer to fall.

Loads Of Leather

Take a cue from Mahoney and invest in a fall-forward leather dress or leather separates. Despite the common misconception that dresses are better suited to warm-weather months, a leather dress in a longer silhouette can be layered with other sweater-weather pieces. Or, opt for a belted leather jacket with a snake-embossed texture in a moodier tone, as seen on the Fall/Winter 2019 runways of Tod's and Versace.

Slip Back

Slip dresses were a huge hit last fall due to their throw-on and go aesthetic, and they'll continue into the coming season too. While a slip can serve as a summer staple too, wear it underneath a sweater or tailored jacket for a fresh take. Or, as suggested by Mahoney, layer a crisp button-down shirt with a tie-dye slip dress for a mix of cool and classic.

Small Wonders

While the micro bag took the streets by storm in the spring, its fall transformation is based on a simple styling trick: layering. Consider combining a micro bag or two together to add color and texture — and more storage space. Brands like Jacquemus and Complét have created trend-forward yet whimsical small bags featuring snakeskin, bright pastels, and geometric silhouettes that will be just right for the undertaking.

Strong Suiting

While a suit seems like the clear choice for fall, it's time to reframe the tried-and-true classic. Suit jackets with strong shoulders and puffed sleeves made their way down the Fall/Winter 2019 runway, paired with chic skirts and go-to trousers. Try an oversized menswear-inspired option for something more minimal, or try suit separates in rich velvet or corduroy for a seasonal spin.