5 Fall 2021 Micro-Trends Fashion People Are Already Wearing

As fashion editors, it’s part of our jobs to always be looking ahead in fashion. While we’re deep in the summer style scene right now, wearing pieces like yellow sunglasses and sporty swimsuits that are having a major moment, we’re also thinking about what fall fashion will look like. We’re already seeing early signs of what fashion insiders will be wearing for the season ahead, and there are a number of fall micro-trends set to define 2021 that have been adopted by the fashion set.

So which pieces are already winning out? Many of them are trends that take inspiration straight from the runways, including the midriff-baring knit skirt sets that made a statement at Fendi and the saturated shades that we saw pretty much everywhere. Ahead, see five fall micro-trends we’re expecting will be huge in 2021, and shop our edit to start wearing them now if you’re an early adopter.

Table of Contents

Cargo Pants

Introducing the controversial trend that’s definitely happening for fall: cargo pants. No matter your opinion on the pocket-heavy pants, they’re set to be huge for the season ahead.

Shop the trend:

BDG Kate High-Waisted Baggy Cargo Jeans ($74)

Good American Good Cargo Pants ($139)

AllSaints Frieda Denim Cargo Pants ($185)

Urban Outfitters Low-Rise Cargo Pants ($69)

Saturated Shades

Whether you opt for a subtle touch of color with a pair of shoes or a full look centered around high-impact shades, you’ll definitely want to add some bold hues to your wardrobe this fall.

Shop the trend:

Gia x Pernille Teisbaek Leather Slide Sandals ($415)

The Frankie Shop Melody Shirt ($135)

Urban Outfitters Croc Baguette Bag ($39)

Zara Satin Effect Pants ($40)

Midfriff-Baring Skirt Looks

Bare midriffs are huge this summer and will continue into the fall months. We’re especially loving the matching skirt sets that are just popping onto the market.

Shop the trend:

Reformation Janice Knit Set ($180)

Open Edit Sweater Tube Top ($21)

Open Edit Rib Sweater Skirt ($32)

Tall, Slouchy Boots

While there are many boot trends coming up for fall that we spotted on the F/W 21 runways, tall, slouchy styles feel especially fresh and cool. They have an almost pant-like look that mimics leather trousers, and we’re here for it.

Shop the trend:

Staud Aimee Boots ($495)

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini Over-the-Knee Boots With Buckle ($695)

BY FAR Gwen Boots ($236)

Proenza Schouler Boyd Boots ($975)

Striped Pants

If you’re looking for a transitional piece to wear instead of jeans, striped pants are already winning out among the fashion set. Look for pieces with thin vertical stripes, and style them with a tee, blazer, and loafers.