Fall 2018 fashion trends

Fall 2018 Fashion Trends: Top 16

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It may be difficult to come to terms with the speedy change of seasons, but it is already time to discuss fall 2018 fashion trends. Fall tends to be generous in the number of trends offered. You may be surprised by some of the trends because they are different from past fall seasons, or even come to find that you have some lurking in your closet. You will also notice that there is much trending in the realm of footwear. While I do include the most common or stand-out fall 2018 fashion trends, do know that there are more out there. Do not limit your creativity by this list. I always sprinkle in pieces that I already own into these posts, just to keep them fun. Whether you are overwhelmed while out shopping, or are just trying to freshen up your wardrobe, I think that you will find this post of value.

fall 2018 fashion trends
fall 2018 fashion trends

Plaid

The first of the fall 2018 fashion trends is my absolute favorite- plaid! I am a plaid junkie during any season, but especially fall/winter. I make it a point to collect plaid of all colors and craft outfits. Needless to say, I am definitely pumped that plaid is back this fall, because I own way too much of it.  

Kmart Joe Boxer tie-front plaid top
Kmart Joe Boxer tie-front plaid top
Madison and Mallory ombre floral plaid tunic dress
Madison and Mallory ombre floral plaid tunic dress
Walmart No Boundaries plaid button-front blouse with caged t-shirt
Walmart No Boundaries plaid button-front blouse with caged t-shirt

Mustard

I am someone who does not own much yellow, or mustard for that matter. It is not a hue that you see often, or one that I naturally gravitate to. Admittedly, I am intrigued by the shade mustard and I have started to purchase and wear pieces in this color. I am starting to fall in love with it and hope that it stays around.  

Madison and Mallory ruffled sleeve sweatshirt
Madison and Mallory ruffled sleeve sweatshirt
rue21 mustard crochet-front off-the-shoulder top
rue21 mustard crochet-front off-the-shoulder top
Walmart No Boundaries mustard printed cage neck t-shirt
Walmart No Boundaries mustard printed cage neck t-shirt

Studded denim

In fall 2018 we are going to see plenty of studded denim pieces, from skirts, to jackets, and pants. Studs are a great way to add attitude and personality to your style, and I am a fan of this trend.  

Hot Topic Almost Famous black studded skinny jeans
Hot Topic Almost Famous black studded skinny jeans
Kmart Adam Levine destructed skinny jeans
Kmart Adam Levine destructed skinny jeans
Madison and Mallory Happy Accidents studded jacket
Madison and Mallory Happy Accidents studded jacket

Destructed jeans

Has there been a time when destructed jeans stopped trending? I really am not sure, but I do know that at a recent public event I saw so many destructed pairs of jeans running around that I felt my head spinning. Destruction is back to stay, but I like the attitude that it brings.  

Love Culture denim distressed cut-out low rise jeans
Love Culture denim distressed cut-out low rise jeans
Madison and Mallory aria fringe skinnies
Madison and Mallory aria fringe skinnies
Walmart No Boundaries destructed skinny jeans with frayed hem
Walmart No Boundaries destructed skinny jeans with frayed hem

Pullover sweaters

Next in this list of fall 2018 fashion trends is pullover sweaters. I cannot get over the instant style and glam that pullover sweaters bring. I have been plagued on social media with images of oversized pullover sweaters slightly tucked into jeans and skirts. The style appears to be so effortless, yet chic.  

Love Culture oatmeal turtleneck sweater
Love Culture oatmeal turtleneck sweater
Madison and Mallory wide neck ribbed knit sweater
Madison and Mallory wide neck ribbed knit sweater
H&M textured knit cotton sweater
H&M textured knit cotton sweater

Rust

Say goodbye to ordinary red or burgundy, and hello to rust red mixed into the fall 2018 fashion trends. Rust works well when paired with taupe, cognac, gold, and rose gold elements. I feel instantly stylish when I wear rust red.  

Love Culture rust side tie pointed tee
Love Culture rust side tie pointed tee
Forever 21 semi-sheer tulip maxi dress
Forever 21 semi-sheer tulip maxi dress
Target Universal Thread woven patterned cocoon cardigan
Target Universal Thread woven patterned cocoon cardigan

Statement earrings

Everywhere I turn I am seeing huge earrings, especially hoops taking center stage. The world of fashion is calming down on chokers and necklaces in general, which is slightly disappointing because of my choker addiction. I guess I will have to cope with large earrings for now.  

H&M hoop earrings with chains
H&M hoop earrings with chains
Charming Charlie beckinsale chandelier earrings
Charming Charlie beckinsale chandelier earrings
Madison and Mallory circle the stars earrings
Madison and Mallory circle the stars earrings

Animal print shoes

Animal print shoes may be a trend only for the bold. I tend to go with shoes that match my outfit, rather than stand out from it, but to each their own. It is refreshing to see some loud pieces take the spotlight for once.  

Walmart Time and True leopard mid booties
Walmart Time and True leopard mid booties
H&M sock style white leopard pumps
H&M sock style white leopard pumps
Madison and Mallory ankle wrap heels
Madison and Mallory ankle wrap heels

Party shoes

If you have been shopping recently, either in-stores or online, you should be noticing a lot of special occasions shoes/heels. Keep in mind that they are not limited for use with dresses, but can be used to spice up your favorite pair of jeans. When I think of fall I do not think of shoes so open and cool, but more so enclosed and warm. Maybe this is a trend that will die down fast?  

rue21 black rhinestone six strap stilettos
rue21 black rhinestone six strap stilettos
Walmart Big Buddha ankle strap heels
Walmart Big Buddha ankle strap heels
Forever 21 spiked stud translucent pumps
Forever 21 spiked stud translucent pumps

Cowboy boots

Believe it or not, but cowboy or western-style boots and booties are having their moment. My tastes do not personally align with this trend. I may have two pairs of booties that are somewhat western like. I do believe that with careful selection and thoughtful outfit pairing that anyone can make cowboy boots work.  

Peebles Roper Oakley western boots
Peebles Roper Oakley western boots
Walmart Time and True western booties
Walmart Time and True western booties
Forever 21 faux leather tasseled boots
Forever 21 faux leather tasseled boots

White boots

White boots are no longer for Halloween costumes, and I am in love! It used to be so hard to find plain white boots, and they tended to be costume-like in nature when you did. White boots are so chic and I am all about embracing this moment.  

Forever 21 Qupid studded ankle boots
Forever 21 Qupid studded ankle boots
H&M white ankle boots with zipper
H&M white ankle boots with zipper
Madison and Mallory stellar white booties
Madison and Mallory stellar white booties

Slouch boots

Slouch boots are totally the OG of fall and winter fashion, but they are here to stay for the fall 2018 fashion trends. So many of my boots fall into the slouch category. Does this trend ever truly go away? They work with anything, from dress-down to dress-up outfits and tend to never fail you by their comfort.  

Walmart Brinley Co women's slouch boots]
Walmart Brinley Co women’s slouch boots
rue21 taupe slouch boots
rue21 taupe slouch boots
Peebles Propet tatum slouch boots
Peebles Propet tatum slouch boots

Peep-toe booties

I feel as though everywhere I turn that someone is wearing peep-toe booties. They typically come in neutral colors, such as tan, taupe, cognac, gray, and green. I am finding myself obsessed with them and I have to try to force myself to stop pairing them with every outfit. They have the ability to add that extra pinch of pizazz to your style. Just like slouch boots, peep-toe booties go with any look.  

Walmart Time and True peep toe booties
Walmart Time and True peep toe booties
Madison and Mallory embroidered peep toe booties
Madison and Mallory embroidered peep toe booties
Peebles Not Rated santa clara ankle booties
Peebles Not Rated santa clara ankle booties

Crossbodies

Crossbodies are finally coming back in a big way in the fall 2018 fashion trends, which is good because my collection is stuffed with them. What is not to like about them? They are hands free and harder to steal from your body. There is no shortage of cute options out there, so go out and find one for every look.  

Forever 21 faux croc structured crossbody
Forever 21 faux croc structured crossbody
H&M small shoulder bag with tassel
H&M small shoulder bag with tassel
Madison and Mallory valeria convertible crossbody
Madison and Mallory valeria convertible crossbody

Transparent handbags

Over the past year or so it seems as though transparent items have been cycling in and out of fashion. We have seen transparent shoes, jackets, and more. Here in fall 2018 we are seeing transparent handbags pickup some popularity. These make me slightly leary because the world can see what you are carrying, but the style and concept is intriguing enough to me that I am trying it out.  

Walmart No Boundaries Faith transparent crossbody
Walmart No Boundaries Faith transparent crossbody
Forever 21 translucent faux pearl framed clutch
Forever 21 translucent faux pearl framed clutch
rue21 clear chain shoulder strap crossbody
rue21 clear chain shoulder strap crossbody

Berets

The last of fall 2018 fashion trends to take note of is berets. This one is kind of surprising to me simply because I would not have thought of these if asked to guess what the trends for this season will be. I am by no means a hat wearer because they will mess up my hair, but they may be stylish for certain tastes. They do look good on models and can function as that missing piece to bring your look together.  

Forever 21 wool blend beret
Forever 21 wool blend beret
H&M felted wool beret
H&M felted wool beret
Love Culture berets
Love Culture berets

Now that we are at the end of my list of fall 2018 fashion trends, I want to hear which you are liking and which are completely not your taste in the comments. The trends that I am getting into are mustard yellow, distressed jeans, transparent bags, and peep-toe booties. Plaid is an all-year-round trend for me, even when it is not officially trending. Cowboy boots and berets are not my cup of tea. I find fall fashion to be a lot of fun and full of versatility and options. I do look forward to all of the trends at hand and the opportunity to work with them. Until next time, continue to let your true beauty shine.

Compare the Fall Trends of Previous Years:

Fall 2021 Fall 2020 Fall 2019 Fall 2018
Fall 2017 Fall 2016 Fall 2015 Fall 2022 Fall 2023

In This Article

Amanda
Amanda
Hi, I am Amanda Vitale, the owner of The Aesthetic Edge. I am a beauty and style expert who has been writing reviews and advice for 10 years. I have had the pleasure of testing hundreds of products, and I have published countless lookbooks. You can see my expertise quoted in top authoritative publications such as Bustle and Real Simple. I have also worked with your favorite brands, such as CurrentBody and AXIS-Y.
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