Written by Ashley – Flagler College

fall 2012 fashion trends
Alexander Wang, Burberry Prorsum, Preen, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


It’s that time of year again, CF readers — fall is just around the corner! Soon enough, classes will be back in session, and if you want to pick up some trendy back-to-school duds, you’ve come to the right place. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be putting together our annual fall shopping guide, so be sure to check back to get the scoop on the trendiest colors, clothes, shoes and accessories for Fall 2012.


First up, we’ve compiled a list of the hottest trends for autumn, with inspiration coming straight from the runway. Simply scroll on down to check out six major fall trends as well as some college-friendly pieces that you can rock on campus:

leather on the fall 2012 runway
(L to R) Alexander Wang, Theysken’s Theory and Derek Lam Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


While good leather jackets, boots and handbags will always be classic wardrobe staples, this season’s leather offerings have been amped up style-wise. Be on the lookout for leather (or faux, depending on your preference) pieces that incorporate unexpected shapes, colors and textures, like the items below.

Fall 2012 Fashion Trend Leather
Product Info: Dress- ASOS, Blouse- Forever 21, Skirt- Warehouse, Gloves- Mango, Shorts- ASOS, Jacket- H&M

military trend on the fall 2012 runway
(L to R) Burberry Prorsum, Max Mara and Victoria Beckham Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


The military-inspired trend seems to make its rounds every few years and it’s back again in a big way for Fall 2012. Items like army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace-up boots are easy ways to wear this trend and, of course, you can never go wrong by incorporating some olive green into your look.

Fall 2012 Fashion Trend Military
Product Info: Backpack- Topshop, Dress- Alloy, Sunglasses- ASOS, Necklace- Topshop, Pants- Mango, Jacket- Old Navy, Bustier- Topshop, Boots- Forever 21

peplum on the fall 2012 runway
(L to R) Jill Stuart, Elizabeth & James and Preen Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


Spring’s hottest silhouette is still holding strong for fall, so if you haven’t tried the peplum trend yet, get on it! For fall, stores have begun to roll out cozy peplum jackets, coats and items in darker, fall-appropriate colors. Any one of the pieces below would be a stylish and practical choice for fall.

Fall 2012 Fashion Trend Peplum
Product Info: Jacket- H&M, Sleeveless Blouse- Topshop, Dress- Forever 21, Long Sleeve Top- ASOS, Skirt- Warehouse, Blazer- Kohl’s

geometric prints on the fall 2012 runway
(L to R) Kenzo, Prada and Miu Miu Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


Many designers played with loud, colorful and almost dizzying geometric prints in their fall collections, making these bold patterns another hot fall trend. If you’re a little pattern-shy, either start small with accessorizes or try wearing a geometric print that only incorporates two colors. Also, remember that wearing geometric prints with neutrals is always a safe bet, but for a more daring look, try mixing and matching several prints together.

Fall 2012 Fashion Trend Geometric Prints
Product Info: Scarf- Nordstrom, Dress- ModCloth, Top- Forever 21, Pants- Gap, Belt- Buckle, Bag- Lucky Brand, Skirt- Forever 21

luxe details on the fall 2012 runway
(L to R) Karen Walker, Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


The Fall 2012 runways were also filled with luxe, lavish and somewhat over-the-top looks — think ornate jewelry, brocade prints, intricate beading and pieces made out of rich fabrics such as silk or velvet. Make this trend campus-appropriate by pairing a brocade print top with jeans for class or by accessorizing with an intricately beaded clutch for a fun night out.

Fall 2012 Fashion Trend Luxe Details
Product Info: Clutch- Forever 21, Jacket- Piperlime, Beaded Blouse- Warehouse, Dress- ASOS, Printed Blouse- Nasty Gal, Earrings- Dorothy Perkins, Loafers- Zara

classic menswear on the fall 2012 runway
(L to R) Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE


Menswear-inspired looks were huge last year and they’re coming back for round two this autumn. For their Fall 2012 collections, designers looked towards classic menswear for inspiration, meaning that impeccably tailored coats, blazers and trousers will be über-trendy this season. When it comes to rocking this trend, you could go for an androgynous look à la Marlene Dietrich or pair menswear with more feminine pieces to create a balanced look.

Fall 2012 Fashion Trend Classic Menswear
Product Info: Blazer- Forever 21, Blouse- ASOS, Hat- Macy’s, Bag- Debenhams, Oxfords- Endless, Pants- Madewell, Coat- Urban Outfitters