Fall Fashion Trends

Faux Leather, Red, Blazers, And Everything ‘80s

These Main Line Boutiques Have Looks You’ll Love

by Diane Oliva, style editor

Fall will be here before you know it and with it comes my favorite season for fashion! While past fall seasons have ranged from fabulous to ho-hum, 2023 fall promises to be a winner. This season’s trends are full of new bold colors, updated classics, more structure, and a modern nod to nostalgia. I shopped local Main Line boutiques, and they did not let me down. All are carrying the latest trends, and I was able to put together tons of outfits incorporating multiple trends in one look. Let’s dig in.

The first thing that comes to mind with fall are the changing leaves. This season’s designs are full of autumn’s color palette – but not the usual muted tones of olive, brown and tan. If there is one color to update your wardrobe with this season, it’s red! Whether it’s a bold jacket, or just an accent piece, red is the “it” color for fall. Red is the confident bad ass sister of last season’s Barbie pink.

Red, a blazer and ’80s-style power suit. Styled by Diane Oliva at Skirt in Bryn Mawr.

Power red, faux leather and an ’80s vibe. Styled by Diane Oliva at Polka Dots in Paoli.

Yellow is also big this season, in all shades from butter yellow to chartreuse. Think you can’t wear yellow? Pop it under a neutral jacket or add a fun yellow handbag to your outfit. Another hot color for fall is orange, which is a natural paired with denim, navy, and cream. And, orange is a great transition color from late summer to fall.

Orange and peplum make this a perfect fall ensemble.
Styled by Diane Oliva at Refinery in Phoenixville.

Kaleidoscopes by Bungee Brand

TNC2 by Bungee Brand

Red, yellow and orange make this a fashion standout.
Styled by Diane Oliva at Skirt in Bryn Mawr.

The 1980’s are making a resurgence in a big way. Power dressing is back, in the form of power suits and blazers, both oversized and fitted. Blazers are being seen in rich and bold colorways. They can be single or double breasted, have statement buttons, and are a bit longer than prior seasons.

Blaze through fall in blazers like this one, from Refinery in Phoenixville, paired with a yellow sweater, denim and heels. Styled by Diane Oliva.

And after many years, the fashion gods have answered my prayers. Shoulder pads are back! You don’t need an office job to make these pieces work (pardon the pun). Blazers will instantly add polish and style to any outfit, whether its over a pair of jeans, or your leggings and sneakers.

Power suits are all the rage. This is from Skirt in Bryn Mawr, styled by Diane Oliva.

Another 80’s trend is the return of the peplum. Don’t let the word scare you. We are not talking about the exaggerating flouncy circus pieces donned by Joan Colins. This time around, we are seeing a subtle tailored flair that gives just the right element of style. They are being seen everywhere from jackets to skirts to tops. And peplums are universally flattering on every body type and size.

Peplum perfection. Styled by Diane Oliva at Polka Dots in Paoli.

From the runway to the Main Line, faux leather is being seen everywhere this fall. Coming in different patterns and styles, faux leather is the trend to rock this season. Today’s faux pieces focus on the highest quality of materials and are designed to provide a genuine leather look and feel. Styles range from playful and fun to incredibly chic. Channel your city cool girl with a faux leather pant, trench coat or skirt.

Fall for faux leather. Styled by Diane Oliva at Polka Dots in Paoli.

Faux leather with a pop of yellow. Styled by Diane Oliva at Refinery in Phoenixville.

Faux leather plus peplum. Styled by Diane Oliva at Polka Dots in Paoli.

Our local Main Line boutiques are brimming with all the newest trends, and they are getting new shipments daily. You will find all these trends and, as usual – the most helpful, knowledgeable stylists and store owners! Happy Fall!

Want more stories about style and shopping? Read Amazing Consignment Stores and Main Line Antique Shops We Love.

Connect with Main Line Tonight!