So trends, love them or hate them (or maybe just hate the word?) you do have to admit they are fun to look at. Or is that just me? Like even if you know you aren’t going to wear them, it’s still fun (and sometimes crazy) to hear what’s in style, and often what’s in style..again.

In the grand scheme of life and dressing for it, trends are a moot point and I wouldn’t actually suggest to build your wardrobe entirely around them. They are often disposable and in my personal opinion a versatile wardrobe built of staples is the way to live life. BUT, (let me just put my foot in my mouth a little more) some trends are great and there are often some really great ways to make a trend versatile and maybe turn it into a staple if you choose wisely. If you have a closet full of versatile staples, adding a few more trendy items each season will freshen things up just enough that everything will be hunky dory and feel all new again.

So here we go with my biannual trend report, breaking each one down so it can be wearable, and not a super trendy item for you to wear (or not wear and just admire from a far). [image via aritzia]

This post took me 1000 hours to create, almost quite literally. I fully planned to post this last week, but wanted to do it right rather than rush it. Which is something I’m going to try my best to stick to around here, quality over quantity because you guys are worth it (wink and a gun).

Related: Fall/Winter 2015 Shoe Trends, That Are Every Day Wearable

PLAID – but really, does it ever go out of style? Nope I’d say no it doesn’t. So this is an easy win, because I bet you already have a plaid shirt. The super trendy part of this very specific plaid trend is that plaid is coming up in not so common places, like pants, tee shirts, backpacks and coats — all things you can probably wear again, even after the season is over.

[one:quilted plaid coataritzia from aritzia] – [two:plaid pants from madewell] – [three:plaid tee from madewell]

MOM JEANS – I don’t know why, but whenever I read, hear or say the word “mom jeans” I hear Jimmy Fallon singing ‘Tight Pants‘ in my head. Which I think is a much better than the actual Mom Jeans visual, so I’ll take it — and maybe pass it on to you. Mom jeans aren’t actually Mom jeans, they are like a high-waisted boyfriend jean — so a hybrid pant. If you already own and wear high-rise jeans and/or boyfriend jeans, then just slip these jeans right in the middle and call it a day.

[one:slimmer cropped from the castings] – [two:straight leg cropped from rag and bone] – [three:rolled leg from levi’s]

FRINGE – Similar to the fringe from spring and summer, it’s just sticking around a bit longer. But in a more minimal, sorta clean and understated way, well as understated as really long fringe skirt can get.

[one:clutch from zara] – [two:sweater tank from need supply] – [three:mini skirt from zara]

PONCHOS – Basically keep that cozy blanket on all day, and look super chic doing it. And easy outfit topper, pop it over your outfit to finish it off and by default get extra cozy.

[one:blanket from aritzia] – [two:sweatshirt poncho from urban outfitters] – [three:blanket cardigan from need supply]

THE BOHO DRESS – actually the entire boho style is pretty “trendy” right now, I think I read somewhere that it’s called ‘new glam boho’ for fall — idk what that means, but I’d just go ahead and call it a modern 70’s vibe. If you aren’t hip on adopting a full boho vibe this season, the maxi boho dress is a good way to dip your toes — it also looks like a good way to get dressed on a cool day.

[one:sheer via zara] – [two:green tiered bottom from urban outfitters] – [three:black and white from asos]

  GREY – great, now all those awesome great basics you have are trendy. Look at you, super stylish and ahead of the trends and you didn’t even know it! [one:overcoat from zara] – [two:sneakers from puma] – [three:double-breasted coat from need supply] JOGGERS – the sweat pant, but in a dressy woven fabric. Basically a no brainer, everyone should own at least one pair — wear them with a dressier shoe to avoid feeling like you are wearing pajama pants or sweatpants to work. [one:olive twill from urban outfitters] – [two:black dress from need supply] – [three:printed from madewell] TAPESTRY – fits in with the boho theme; tapestry, embroidery and all the like. Add it in smaller details, or maybe just one token item. I bet, if I was the betting type, you could probably wear something like this for a few seasons, if the moment was right. [one:embroidered jacket from zara] – [two:embroidered vest from zara] – [three:printed pencil skirt from zara] DENIM SKIRT – you already wear jeans a ton, right? Why not just switch out a pair for a denim skirt, and voila you are with it for fall. Check that back of your closet first, I bet you 10 bucks you have one somewhere in there. [one:ripped high rise from one teaspoon] – [two:a-aline from madewell] – [three:mid blue from frame] FAUX FUR – okay, technically the trend is big bold fur. But I like to think that faux is always better, especially when you are buying it based on trends. And anyways, there is some faux fur out there that is super good and you can just feel good wearing it. [one:faux tan from aritzia] – [two:navy from zara] – [three:vest from aritzia] CAPES – this one has been sticking around for a while, it’s probably worth it to add it to your capsule collection. It’s a good outerwear option, a quiet statement piece that is great for making you feel all pulled together — even if underneath your outfit is a bit of a mess (hello, morning school drop offs). [one:tan wool from madewell] – [two:cape top sherlock coat from zara] – [three: gold button navy from zara] THE SHIRT DRESS – the fall version of the easy summer dress. Sorta like wearing a nightie all day, but no one has to know that. [one:long yellow from asos] – [two:plaid from aritzia] – [three:long high cut sides from need supply] CULOTTES – one of those trends that will get so many no’s and so many “I used to wear those!”. What can I say, the zeitgeist is alive and well and forever more alive in fashion. These pants will feel awkward at first, and then you’ll realize how crazy comfortable they are and you will probably just fall in love. [one:dress style from aritzia] – [two:denim from citizens of humanity] – [three:drawstring top from urban outfitters] SHINE – a little shine never hurt? no? I’m not the biggest fan of flashy shine myself, but I do love the idea of infusing it into unexpected closet items. Pair it with your favorite basics and that will help tone it down, while still allowing it to pack a shiny punch. [one:gold jogger pants from madewell] – [two:pleated maxi skirt from zara] – [three:copper tee from anthro] SHEARLING – again, maybe go with faux because it’s cool. And hey, maybe just pull out your old coat from your closet. A really great classic staple. [one:tan classic from zara] – [two:inside out track jacket from urban outfitters] – [three:cropped black from zara] FLARES – again with the boho, but this one makes so many people cheer. Yay flares are back! They come in some many shapes and bell sizes and are sure to stick around a while. So go a head, give them a try…again. [one:light bell bottom from urban outfitters] – [two:worn and washed from citizens of humanity] – [three:fitted with torn knees from rag and bone]

Related: Fall/Winter 2015 Shoe Trends, That Are Every Day Wearable

What do you think? Favorite trend? Hate them all, maybe love them all?

PS. My goal here is to help you cultivate your simple, stylish and content every day — because I know you’re busy. So if you want to easily stay updated with future posts (I’ll be doing a fall shoe trend post soon, prob don’t want to miss that!) sign up to have all our posts sent directly to your inbox

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