Fall is here, and with it we’re digging the color red (and its derivatives), fab knits and collars that take blouses from blah to BAM! We’ve rounded up designer takes on these three trends, adding in more affordable outfits picked to flatter every body shape.
First up, circle shapes, commonly referred to as “apples,” tend to be slim or narrow everywhere but the belly. So show off your legs and hide your middle with some strategic style options. Think drapey knits, red empire-waist dresses and loose-fitting blouses that offer a little more room where you need it.
Not sure of your body type? Take our Body Type Quiz to find out.
1The trend: Cozy knit-wits
The runway: 3.1 Phillip Lim. A sleek cape is a brilliant way to disguise a thicker waist. This sophisticated style is narrow across the shoulders—to highlight off your slim upper body—but hangs loose around the area you’re trying to disguise. Hello, new fall jacket!
2Your way:
We love the versatility of this knit poncho—belt it high to accentuate your narrowest part, pair it with a skirt and you’ve got a fashionable work look. Toss it on over a T-shirt and wear it with jeans for a lunch date with the girls. Either way, you’ll feel comfortable and stylish. Now, who wouldn’t want that?
Banana Republic gray pullover sweater poncho, $130, black leather skirt, $198, faux fur scarf, $69.50 and tall boot, $225, Banana Republic
3Your way:
Listen up, circle shapes: A drapey sweater will be your best friend when the temps start to dip. Look for a style that’s warm, but not too bulky, and that hangs just right in front to camouflage any belly bulge. Just add your favorite skinny jeans, a thin shirt and you’re good to go.
Sunday snap closure draped sweater, $88, anthropologie.com
4Your way:
Nothing says fall like a fair-isle sweater. Circle shapes should look for a looser-fit style that can be paired with skinnies to show off those thin legs. The colorful pattern on the sweater causes just enough visual confusion to disguise a thick middle. Warm, cozy and cute? Yes, please.
Old Navy fair isle crewneck sweater, $29.94, boatneck T-shirt, $12.50 and Rockstar cord, $34.50, Old Navy
5The trend: Fifty shades of red
The runway: Jill Stuart. Forget “Fifty Shades of Grey.” This season, red ruled the runways, ranging from subtle wine hues to the brightest screams of crimson look-at-me wow! The long jacket on this merlot-family suit provides just the right coverage to whittle a middle.
6Your way:
Dress for success in head-to-toe soft tones of red with this coat that manages to look slim and flowy at the same time. Toss it on over skinny pants and a classic sweater for an office look that commands attention.
Banana Republic crimson wrap coat, $225, turtleneck sweater, $59.50, and Sloan slim ankle pants, $89.50, Banana Republic
7Your way:
A sweater dress in a circle-friendly silhouette can be a fab addition to your fall wardrobe. This style features a flattering V-neck (to draw the eye up) and an empire waist that shows you off where you’re skinniest. Flirty enough to wear out, but easy to dress down? Winning.
Asos Curve knit dress, $61.57, asos.com
8Your way:
It’s definitely the season to dare to be the lady in red. This ruana looks luxurious—and so flattering—when belted below the bra line. Add in a soft cashmere sweater and slim trousers in tonal fire engine red and expect to stop traffic—in a really good way.
Talbots leather-trimmed ruana, $199, Audrey cashmere sweater, $139, Marianne ankle pants, $99, Talbots.com
9The trend: Hot under the collar
The runway: Marni. The basic white blouse gets a cool, edgy update with the simple addition of a black collar and cuffs. Wear the blouse loose and pair it with fitted slacks, jeans or a skirt for a trendy look that suits circle shapes.
Your way: Ring around the collar looks stylish when a contrasting color is used to punch up a basic shirt. All you need is your favorite pair of black pants to give an artistic vibe to your wardrobe staples.
10Your way:
Ring around the collar looks stylish when a contrasting color is used to punch up a basic shirt. All you need is your favorite pair of black pants to give an artistic vibe to your wardrobe staples.
Mossimo Supply white blouse with black collar and cuffs, $19.99, Target
11Your way:
By now, circle shapes should know an empire waist is your friend. Toss in a shiny, glittery collar and all eyes will be on your pretty face, while the black shape of this party dress helps hide any figure flaws. Holiday party outfit? Check.
Kate Spade jeweled collar Kimberly dress, $548, katespade.com
12Your way:
Circle shapes are wise to show off their slim legs with a flattering mini dress. The black stitching on the peter pan collar of this pretty number adds interest up by your face and the loose shape provides a little wiggle room. Say it’s a cooler evening out? Just pull on your black opaque Spanx and get ready to wow on date night.
Tinley Road A-line mini dress, $79, piperlime.com
13Triangle Body Shapes
Probably the most common of body shapes, the triangle—also known as the pear—is narrow on top, with fuller hips, booties and thighs. Emphasizing that small upper body and staying away from too-tight bottoms will keep you looking slim and stylish all season long in trendy shades of red, cuddle-with-me knits and collars that pop.
14The trend: Cozy knit-wits
The runway: Chloe. Ready for a cool down? As the air chills, warm things up with a chunky, yet not bulky, turtleneck sweater and full bottom that shows off a triangle shape’s lovely curves.
15Your way:
Balance your triangle proportions by pairing a fitted ski sweater with a full skirt. The thin belt shows off your narrow waist and a pair of pumps makes this look dressy enough for a holiday cocktail soiree.
J.Crew turtleneck sweater and full skirt, J.Crew
16Your way:
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wearing this sweater over and over again all season long. It’s chunky enough to keep you warm and toasty, the long length helps hide full hips and—bonus!—it’s totally comfortable.
Talbots wool tweed turtleneck sweater, $99, and Marianne ankle pant, $99, Talbots
17Your way:
Need a new fall outfit that goes from the boardroom to the barroom with ease? Here you go. A drapey long cardigan hides your rear view, while full slacks give you a little, well, slack in the thigh area and a printed blouse draws attention upward. Swap your briefcase for a little clutch and, when the clock strikes 5, hit the door running.
Worthington cardigan, $35, top, $20, and high-waisted pants, $30, J.C. Penney
18The trend: Fifty shades of red
The runway: Donna Karan. For a show-stopping fall purchase, look for a fire-engine red jacket or coat that nips in at the waist and flairs out in an A-line shape. It’ll flatter your triangle shape and brighten up your day. Seeing red can definitely be a good thing.
19Your way:
Wanna look long and lean? From its funnel neck to its belted waist to its skirt-style flare, this red triangle-perfect coat is so pretty you may never want to take it off.
Asos Curve fit and flare coat, $123.13, asos.com
20Your way:
Bring fall colors to your wardrobe with a red cardigan, orange A-line skirt and brown tights and ankle boots. Who knew Mother Nature was such a style maven?
Mossimo Supply Co. red shawl cardigan, $24.99, Merona Elevated ruffled blouse, $22.99, and Merona skirt, $22.99, Target
21Your way:
Show off your shapely triangle body type with a fitted light-colored sweater and a skirt with flare—and flair. This deep wine-hued pleated skirt is full enough to hide an ample bottom, but stylish enough to carry you through a season of work, parties and date nights. Pass the pinot!
J.Crew Collection cable knit cashmere sweater, $238, and burgundy leather skirt, $795, J.Crew
22The trend: Hot Under the Collar
The runway: Tibi. A white printed blouse looks fresh when the collar is done in statement-making blue. Plus, the pop of color will bring eyes up to your face—just where they should be.
23Your way:
Flatter your triangle shape by wearing dark denim on the bottom and a fun print—with a bright collar—on the top.
American Rag blazer, $45, shirt, $39, and denim, $49, at Macy’s
24Your way:
Bring some sparkle to your fall fashion finds with a short-sleeved sweater that features an embellished collar appliqué at the neckline. So sweet.
French Connection beaded Gina sweater, $128, frenchconnection.com
25Your way:
Ready to jump on the statement collar trend, but not willing to make a huge investment in new shirts? Grab a detachable collar by the—er—collar, and bring new life to clothes you already have. This gold studded number will fancy up everything from T-shirts to shift dresses. How easy is that?
Asos stud collar, $26.39, asos.com
26Inverted Triangle Shapes
Strong, athletic inverted triangles boast a broad chest and shoulders along with a tapered waist and hips. Red-hot skinny pants, fitted knits and simple shirts with standout collars will put you at the head of the pack when it comes to fall trends.
27The trend: Cozy knit-wits
The runway: Stella McCartney. When it comes to finding figure-flattering looks, color blocking is key. The patterns in this sporty sweater give the illusion of a narrower top, with the dark shades at the shoulders, pointing in to a lighter shade of gray. Black slacks dress it up. Game on!
28Your way:
A wide-necked sweater looks great on broad shoulders, and a kicky mini dress shows off those toned legs inverted triangle shapes are known for.
T by Alexander Wang chunky cropped cardigan, $240, and sleeveless Neoprene dress, $325, alexanderwang.com
29Your way:
If you want to downplay your broad shoulders, try a soft V-neck sweater and skinny jeans. Chill in the air? Knot a fun printed scarf at your neck to draw attention in even more.
Old Navy V-neck sweater, $24.94, Rockstar denim leggings, $34.50 and fair isle scarf, $18.94, oldnavy.com
30Your way:
Bring balance to an inverted triangle body shape by keeping things simple on top with a same-color knit sweater set and a printed maxi skirt on bottom. The long cardigan brings the eye down to those great gams. No knit-picking here!
Rachel Rachel Roy, cardigan, $139, top, $99, and skirt, $109, at Macy’s, Macys.com
31The trend: Fifty shades of red
The runway: Tommy Hilfiger. Shapely legs? Show them off in hot-red leather pants in a darker shade so you’ll look trendy, not trashy. A classic, narrow-cut jacket calms things down—and slims your shoulders, too. Match made in inverted triangle heaven?
Your way: Red pants are uber-trendy this fall, and, when worn with something simple and neutral on top, they’re lovely on an inverted triangle body shape.
Talbots cashmere sweater, $249, turtleneck, $79.50, and Marianne ankle pant, $99, Talbots
32Your way:
Red pants are uber-trendy this fall, and, when worn with something simple and neutral on top, they’re lovely on an inverted triangle body shape.
Talbots cashmere sweater, $249, turtleneck, $79.50, and Marianne ankle pant, $99, Talbots
33Your way:
Want to make waves with a fun, bright red party dress this season? This boat-neck lace mini dress is sure to do the trick.
Shoshanna Janelle dress, $398, piperlime.com
34Your way:
Watch your back, Anna Wintour. You’re bound to be the most stylish one at the office when you arrive in this gorgeous deep-red leather jacket and high-waisted skirt. Cubicle catwalk, anyone?
J.Crew Collection leather jacket, $695, and gray windowpane skirt, $425, J.Crew, Jcrew.com
35The trend: Hot under the collar
The runway: Preen. Whether you add a printed collar to a solid blouse or a solid color to a printed blouse, something interesting going on around your neck is a serious trend for fall.
36Your way:
A statement-print silk blouse is sweet and just a little sassy with a contrasting black peter pan collar.
Kate Spade New York Jessie silk blouse, $298, Nordstrom
37Your way:
This chic ensemble brings out an inverted triangle’s inner animalistic style. Black is, of course, slimming, and a crisp white collar commands attention away from your shoulders. Then, the animal-print mini flatters your slim hips and legs. Do you hear the call of the wild? Might as well answer it, now, huh?
Milly Ellie blouse, $270, and miniskirt, $225, millyny.com
38Hourglass Body Shapes
Hourglass body shape? In the fashion department, you’ve got lots to look forward to this fall. We’ve rounded up your top three runway trends and offered three affordable ways to wear them. Work that sweater like Marilyn by pairing it with a figure-hugging pencil skirt. Wear red with gusto and watch jaws drop as you pass by. Bring in a statement collar to add pep to your enviable shape. In other words, let your curves shine!
39The trend: Cozy knit-wits
The runway: Marc Jacobs. Although the proportions are exaggerated on this catwalk look, hourglass shapes can take inspiration from a knit top and slim skirt that work with your curve appeal.
40Your way:
“Mad Men” gets modernized with this thin sweater and fitted skirt. Add a belt to show off that tiny waist—and your hourglass shape—for a look Joan Holloway would definitely approve of.
Ann Taylor leopard-print sweater, $68, and flounce skirt, $88, Ann Taylor
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41Your way:
You’ve figured out a pencil skirt and a slim top are great options for your hourglass shape, now try playing with textures. This knit sweater looks fresh with a printed leather skirt. Unexpected, but in a good way.
J.Crew sweater and snake-skin pencil skirt, J.Crew
42Your way:
A sweater dress is a fun way to work the knit trend. This navy style clings to your curves just enough to make things interesting and adding a belt nips you in at the waist. Making it even better: Now you have the perfect excuse to nab some new tall boots and a great fall bag.
Lottie sweater dress, $148, bodenusa.com
43The trend: Fifty shades of red
The runway: Jason Wu. Va-va-va-voom! This red pencil skirt is accented with black seaming to really accentuate your curviness.
44Your way:
This color-blocking technique is super trendy for fall—the dark panels on the sides are slimming, while the red stripe down the middle draws the eye in. Look! You just lost 10 pounds without even trying!
Milly Nina faux patent leather dress, $395, millyny.com
45Your way:
An hourglass shape can’t always dress like a sex pot, so, when you need to tame things a bit, reach for a tailored blazer that nips in above the natural waistline—at your tiniest spot. This cherry red number looks delish paired with an orange blouse and purple pants. Funky? Sure, but somehow it still works.
BCBG Max Azria Noah jacket, $248, lordandtaylor.com
46Your way:
Red alert! Come fall, cocktail party season starts to hit full swing, and you’ll need a standout style. This peplum top is hourglass-friendly paired with a pencil skirt, but wear it with slacks and a blazer and it’s office-appropriate, too.
Spence peplum top, $58, Bon-Ton
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47The trend: Hot under the collar
The runway: Rachel Zoe. Not all collars have to be sweet this season—some, like this standout faux fur piece—make a statement.
48Your way:
When it’s cold, warm things up with a stylish faux fur collar that draws attention to your beautiful face.
Banana Republic faux fur collar sweater jacket, $250, jacquard pencil skirt, $89.50, and faux fur-lined neck warmer, $59.50, Banana Republic
49Your way:
A ladylike black polka dot dress has that slightly retro feel that seems to work for many hourglass-shaped women. This one, though, also gets a modern pop of bright color with a contrasting collar and cuffs. Cute and glam in one easy style? Sold.
Collective Concepts dress, $89, piperlime.com
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50Your way:
The collar trend is easy to do when you snap up a couple detachable versions to mix and match with your fall clothes. We like this crystal collar for hourglass shapes—it has just the right amount of glam, flash and sass.
Topshop gem shirt collar, $40, topshop.com
51RULER BODY SHAPE
Your straight up and down frame allows you to wear a lot of styles most women can’t get away with, but you want to be sure to add some feminine flair to keep from looking too boyish. Pops of red, textured knits and striking collars will up your girly—and style—quotients this fall.
52The trend: Cozy knit-wits
The runway: Chanel. Ruler shapes can rock different textures and patterns with ease. A striped sweater topped with a differently striped cardigan looks cool without overpowering a slight frame.
53Your way:
Flash some serious fall style wattage with skinny houndstooth slacks, a flower-print top and a long, printed cardigan.
Free People Flower Power cardigan, $168, Marc By Marc Jacobs top, $258, Vince Camuto pants, $119, Nordstrom
54Your way:
A sparkly mini and leggings add a little rock ‘n’ roll edge to a striped chunky knit sweater.
I Heart Ronson sweater, $25, Bisou Bisou skirt, $25, and leggings, $15, J.C. Penney
55Your way:
It’s easy for thin ruler body types to layer in the fall, and this sweater-over-blouse combo is particularly chic for the office.
Banana Republic cable-knit sweater, $59.50, tie-neck top, $79.50, and accordion pleat skirt, $98, Banana Republic
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56The trend: Fifty shades of red
The runway: Diane von Furstenberg. The ultimate in sophistication? This stunning, fitted red sheath that a lucky ruler shape can rock without worrying about any unsightly bulges messing up the clean lines. One word: Stunning.
57Your way:
Muted polka dots add a little interest to this flirty dress that looks adorable with tights and flats—very “New Girl,” don’t you think?
Madewell dreamdot dress, $160, Madewell.com
58Your way:
The colored denim trend is made for ruler shapes. Go ahead and wear bright red pants—why not? Just balance out the brightness with a sweater and blazer in neutral tones on top and your look will be red hot for fall.
Merona red pants, $24.99, striped sweater, $19.99, blazer, $34.99, Target
59Your way:
If you’re a little shy about wearing all red, look for a pattern. This pretty paisley print is polished and the boat neck, three-quarter-sleeve, belted style is perfect for rulers—and most other body shapes, as well.
Talbots paisley dress, $169, Talbots
60The trend: Hot under the collar
The runway: Derek Lam. A print helps add the illusion of curves to a ruler’s straight body shape. The contrasting print collar just makes things more interesting.
61Your way:
Animal magnetism? Yeah, you’ve got it. Now show your spots on your collar with this fun top and get extra trendy by pairing it with red pants. Ree-ow!
Tommy Hilfiger top, $59.50, and red jeans, $69.50, at Macy’s
62Your way:
You don’t need to buy a tuxedo to get the dressed up look. This white blouse with a black collar and cuffs mimics the black tie feel, while a short bright blue miniskirt gives the whole outfit a cool, young spin.
Vince Camuto blouse, $79, and double-layer skirt, $79, Nordstrom
63Your way:
Casual Friday gets a sweet dose of polish with this black sweater with a pretty lace rounded collar that totally dresses up your denim.
Yellow Bird lace collar pullover, $88, Anthropologie
