The runways have spoken, and the '90s are back. So are the '80s. And the '70s. There are also a couple fashion trends that can't be traced back to any particular decade, but are covetable nonetheless. Confusing, I know, but designers like Chanel, Gucci, and more declared everything from power shoulders to micro-micro bags a thing, and we're convinced we need it all. We also tapped Nordstrom's creative director Ruth Basloe to help weigh in on her favorite styles, with shopping tips on how to get the look now.

See which designers made the cut in ELLE.com's Fall 2019 trend guide, here.


Itty Bitty Bags

"A small, structured style in a new shape is the statement bag of the season," said Basloe. "We recommend combining two handbag trends by choosing snake print or croc-embossed leather, which are also big." If you wanna go even smaller, the next "big" bag trend is teeny. Meet The Bitty Bag. TBB is an impractical accessory that holds approximately one Airpod, but the absurdity is part of the charm. Jacquemus created a meme sensation, but designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Chloé and more can provide a little inspiration.

Image no longer available
Jacquemus, Chloé, Givenchy
White, Clothing, Red, Fashion, Arm, Dress, Street fashion, Footwear, Bag, Fashion accessory,
Salvatore Ferragamo, Alexander McQueen, Brandon Maxwell
Getty Images


Shop the Itty Bitty Bag Trend
Micro 90s Bag
Asos Micro 90s Bag
$29 at ASOS
Credit: Asos
Le Chiquiti Bag
Jacquemus Le Chiquiti Bag
Now 40% Off
Credit: Jacquemus
Frida Handbag
Staud Frida Handbag
Now 40% Off
Credit: Staud

Make Way for Millennial Purple

2018 was all about Millennial pink, but everything is coming up purple this fall. As seen at Rodarte and Tom Ford, the orchid hue is all the rage. You can opt for an all-over color ("We loved the head-to-toe, monochromatic looks at Balenciaga and Jacquemus," Basloe said), or you can easily work in a touch of lavender with your accessories.

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Clockwise: Tom Ford, Rodarte, Cushnie
Fashion model, Fashion, Clothing, Purple, Runway, Violet, Haute couture, Cobalt blue, Electric blue, Dress,
Left to right: Dries Van Noten, Christian Siriano, Michael Kors
Getty Images


Shop the Lavender Trend
Satin Slip Skirt
Vince Satin Slip Skirt
Credit: Vince
Gilda Mules
Amina Muaddi Gilda Mules
Credit: Gilda
Jelly Hoops
Alison Lou Jelly Hoops
Credit: Alison Lou

Every Good Superhero Needs a Cape

One of the strongest outerwear silhouettes to come out of the Fall 2019 collections was the cape. Chanel gave the capelet the tweed treatment, Marc Jacobs showed one in Leopard, and Hedi Slimane's second collection for Celine made the best in basic. The many variations prove the heroic cut works for every occasion.

Image no longer available
Clockwise: Chanel, Marc Jacobs, and Chloé
Fashion model, Clothing, Fashion, Runway, Outerwear, Fashion design, Beige, Coat, Footwear, Overcoat,
Left to right: Celine by Hedi Slimane, Burberry, Oscar de la Renta
Getty Images


Shop the Cape Trend
Leather Trimmed Cape
Burberry Leather Trimmed Cape
Credit: Burberry
Belted Trench Cape
& Other Stories Belted Trench Cape
Credit: & Other Stories
Virgin Wool & Cashmere Cape
Chloé Virgin Wool & Cashmere Cape
Now 60% Off
Credit: Chloe

Put a Feather...Everywhere and Anywhere

Instead of feathers and fur weighing you down, designers are giving the texture a lighter touch. Valentino delicately edged their dresses in a wispy trim, and Proenza Schouler showed a feather-backed top that looked as if it would blow away with a soft breeze. We're especially fond of Prada's collection of feathered goods, including a pair of boyfriend jeans trimmed in ostrich that will amp up a basic white tee.

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Clockwise: Loewe, Giambattista Valli, Valentino
Yellow, Sleeve, Textile, Purple, Style, Magenta, Fashion, Pattern, Fashion model, Electric blue,
Left to right: Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Sies Marjan
Getty Images


Shop the Feather Trend
Peace Feather Jacket
Alice McCall Peace Feather Jacket
Now 48% Off
Credit: Alice McCall
Zadie Feather Circle Tote
Loeffler Randall Zadie Feather Circle Tote
Now 30% Off
Credit: Loeffler Randall
Feather-Trimmed Jeans
Prada Feather-Trimmed Jeans
Credit: Prada

Cinched Suiting

Designers seemed to mind meld around suit styling: it's all about the belt. Blazers came with built-in cinchers at Prada, and Marni contrasted gray suits with heavy chains. Follow their lead and nip the waist on all your suits, oversized and otherwise. The best part about this trend is that you don't need to invest in the jacket—simply buy a cute new belt and style it accordingly.

Clothing, Suit, Fashion, Outerwear, Formal wear, Fashion model, Blazer, Footwear, Jacket, Coat,
Clockwise: Tibi, Marni, Prada
Getty Images
Clothing, Fashion, Fashion model, Outerwear, Overcoat, Coat, Footwear, Winter, Human, Haute couture,
Brock Collection, Hermes, and Sacai
Getty Images
Shop the Belt Trend
Grommet Belt
Wild Fable Grommet Belt
Credit: Wild Fable
Chain Belt
Topshop Chain Belt
Now 50% Off
Credit: Topshop
Leather Belt
J.Crew Leather Belt
Credit: J Crew

Slip Into Satin

Break out your steamer, because satin is back in a big way. Versace brought back their '90s satin dresses, updating them in neon hues with contrasting lace edges. Christopher Kane, Off-White and Brandon Maxwell also got on the satin trend with bright evening wear that is more than your average slip. The silky look makes sense for formal events, but make it work for an average day at the office with a button-down shirt.

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Clockwise: Brandon Maxwell, Off-White, Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini
Fashion model, Clothing, Fashion, Blue, Dress, Runway, Electric blue, Cocktail dress, Turquoise, Footwear,
Christopher Kane, Versace, Giorgio Armani
Getty Images


Shop the Satin Trend
Lais satin wrap dress
Nanushka Lais satin wrap dress
Credit: Nanushka
Satin Cropped Top
Zara Satin Cropped Top
Credit: Zara
Slouch Satin Trousers
Top Shop Slouch Satin Trousers
Credit: Topshop

Slashed, Asymmetrical Necklines

If you're on the fence about off-the-shoulder silhouettes, this asymmetric neckline is a nice compromise. Carolina Hererra's slouchy, lopsided shoulder is effortlessly put-together; an "I just threw it on" vibe.

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Clockwise: Carolina Herrera, Rejina Pyo, Zimmermann
Footwear, Dress, Sleeve, Shoulder, Red, Joint, Waist, Formal wear, Style, Pink,
Left to right: Cushnie, kate spade new york, Self-Portrait
Getty Images


Shop the Asymmetrical Neckline Trend
Tulle Sleeve Corset Top
Cushnie Tulle Sleeve Corset Top
Now 20% Off
Credit: Cushnie
Asymmetric Mini Dress
Oscar de la Renta Asymmetric Mini Dress
Credit: Oscar de la Renta
Printed Satin Top
Self-Portrait Printed Satin Top
Now 39% Off
Credit: MyTheresa

Ren-Faire

Get your giant turkey legs out, because the Renaissance has come to the runway. Vaquera presented square necklines so good you'll climb down a balcony like your name is Juliet Capulet. It's not too literal, though. Y/Project reinterpreted period dressing using a similar cut, but updated it with a body-skimming silhouette covered in a modern print.

Fashion model, Fashion, White, Clothing, Dress, Shoulder, Haute couture, Runway, Hairstyle, Street fashion,
Clockwise: Vaquera, Emilia Wickstead, Rochas
Getty Images
Clothing, Dress, Style, Pattern, Fashion, Neck, Waist, Fashion model, One-piece garment, Day dress,
Left to right: Simone Rocha, Y/Project, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi
Getty Images
Shop the Ren-Fair Trend
Bell Taffeta Dress
Simone Rocha Bell Taffeta Dress
Credit: Simone Rocha
Princess Cotton Blouse
Orseund Iris, $595 Princess Cotton Blouse
Credit: Orseund Iris
Mariana Puff Sleeve Dress
Pixie Market Mariana Puff Sleeve Dress
Credit: Pixie Market

Coats With Super-long Hems

After looking at all the fall 2019 collections my coats started to feel so...short. Tory Burch, Max Mara and others presented longline coats that will provide extra warmth this winter. These longline coats aren't your typical lightweight dusters either. Instead, find them super structured and made of heavy wool. Basloe agrees, noting that fall is all about the statement coat. "A coat with some kind of drama is a must-have for fall," she said, suggesting a bright yellow puffer that skims your ankles.

Image no longer available
Clockwise: Chanel, Tory Burch, Jil Sander
Clothing, Fashion, Fashion model, Overcoat, Outerwear, Coat, Haute couture, Trench coat, Fashion design, Beige,
Left to Right: Max Mara, Alberta Ferretti, Agnona
Getty Images


Shop the Elongated Coat Trend
Belted Wool Coat
Loewe Belted Wool Coat
Now 50% Off
Credit: Loewe
Aurora Down Parka
Woolrich Aurora Down Parka
Credit: Woolrich
Wool Belted Coat
Matériel Wool Belted Coat
Credit: Materiel

Statement Hats

Designers must be bored of beanies, because they presented all kinds of wacky toppers for fall. The standout style belongs to Maria Grazia Chiuri's bucket hats at Christian Dior, sure to be a street style staple. Get ahead of the trend now with our current obsession, Burberry's heritage plaid bucket hat.

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Clockwise: Christian Dior, Nina Ricci, House of Holland
Clothing, Hat, Fashion, Headgear, Fashion accessory, Fedora, Neck, Costume, Costume accessory, Costume hat,
Left to right: Loewe, Gucci, Tom Ford
Getty Images


Shop the Statement Hat Trend
Mia Multi Fringe Hat
Cult Gaia Mia Multi Fringe Hat
Credit: Cult Gaia
Faux Fur bucket hat
Asos Faux Fur bucket hat
Credit: Asos
Transparent visor
Gucci Transparent visor
Now 38% Off
Credit: Gucci

Quilty Pleasures

Quilted patchwork was all over the runways, seen below at Louis Vuitton and Oscar de la Renta. It's a '70s trend that could have gone very wrong in the redux, but luckily. these looks are thoroughly modern. Take Tory Burch's must-have boots, which look thrifted in the best way possible.

Fashion model, Clothing, Fashion, Runway, Street fashion, Shoulder, Fashion show, Dress, Summer, Footwear,
Clockwise: Jonathan Cohen, Louis Vuitton, Etro
Getty Images
Clothing, Fashion, Fashion model, Street fashion, Footwear, Outerwear, Dress, Fashion design, Black-and-white, Shoe,
Left to right: Oscar de la Renta, Eckhaus Lata, Ulla Johnson
Getty Images
Shop the Patchwork Trend
Patchwork Printed Dress
Chloé Patchwork Printed Dress
Credit: Chloe
Lila Knee-High Boots
Tory Burch Lila Knee-High Boots
Now 30% Off
Credit: Tory Burch
Patchwork Cocoon Coat
Madewell Patchwork Cocoon Coat
Now 29% Off
Credit: Madewell

The Patagonia Effect

Last year belonged to the puffer, but 2019 is all about a different kind of performance fabric: fleece. We saw the trend start with Sandy Liang's Insta-favorite jacket, but designers like Fendi are ramping up the luxury, reworking the outdoorsy staple in leather. Of course, Patagonia remains the (very affordable) OG, but don't sleep on the latest reincarnations of this campy style.

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Clockwise: Fendi, Coach 1941, Sandy Liang
Clothing, Fashion, Fashion model, Street fashion, Footwear, Runway, Fashion design, Outerwear, Shoe, Winter,
Eckhaus Latta, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Ashley Williams
Getty Images


Shop the Fleece Trend
Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket
Patagonia Classic Retro-X Fleece Jacket
Credit: Patagonia
Rory Camo Fleece Jacket
Sandy Liang Rory Camo Fleece Jacket
Now 60% Off
Credit: Sandy Liang
Faux Shearling Utility Vest
& Other Stories Faux Shearling Utility Vest
Credit: & Other Stories

Prep School

We spotted a ton of uniform inspiration on the fall runways: polo shirts, sweater vests, and three-piece sets. Thom Browne made an empire reworking schoolboy suits, and Victoria Beckham and Lacoste are taking notes. Specifically, designers are mad for plaid. "Checks and plaids will be everywhere this season," Basloe noted. "There were so many exciting ways designers reinvented these classic patterns for fall, from brightly colored tartan at Marine Serre to Chanel’s graphic black and white houndstooth, and more."

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Clockwise: Thom Browne, Salvatore Ferragamo, Victoria Beckham
Clothing, Fashion, Fashion model, Plaid, Runway, Tartan, Pattern, Street fashion, Footwear, Design,
Christian Dior, Longchamp, Lacoste
Getty Images


Shop the Plaid Trend
1460 Tartan Core Print
Dr. Martens 1460 Tartan Core Print
Now 15% Off
Credit: Dr. Martens
Larsen Crop Pants
Astr the Label Larsen Crop Pants
Now 40% Off
Credit: Astr
Glen Plaid Beret
Forever 21 Glen Plaid Beret
Credit: Forever 21

Gold Standard

I wear gold jewelry daily, but the runways served up full looks dipped in 24k. Brock Collection's gilded gown will stand out at a black tie event, but take direction from Altuzarra for an everyday look, who justifies a casual shine with metallic knits.

Fashion model, Fashion, Clothing, Runway, Fashion show, Dress, Fashion design, Haute couture, Hairstyle, Yellow,
Clockwise: Moschino, Altuzarra, Brock Collection
Getty Images
Fashion model, Clothing, Runway, Fashion, Fashion show, Yellow, Footwear, Human, Neck, Dress,
Left to right: Celine by Hedi Slimane, Acne, Missoni
Getty Images
Shop the Gold Trend
Kinzey Boot
Sam Edelman Kinzey Boot
Credit: Sam Edelman
Vegas Dress
Georgia Alice Vegas Dress
Credit: Georgia Alice
NY Mules
Marc Jacobs NY Mules
Credit: Marc Jacobs

Power Shoulder

The '80s is a difficult decade to pull off (I'm convinced acid wash will never make a full comeback), but power shoulders are back. All the major fashion players like Saint Laurent and Balenciaga are advocating for the a wide-shouldered, slim-waist silhouette. They make me want to ask for some kind of Business Woman Special.

Clothing, Overcoat, Fashion model, Fashion, Coat, Outerwear, Formal wear, Human, Suit, Footwear,
Left to right: Isabel Marant, Balmain, Balenciaga
Getty Images


Image no longer available
Clockwise: Proenza Schouler, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent
Shop the '80s Jacket Trend
Wool Pinstripe Blazer
& Other Stories Wool Pinstripe Blazer
Now 51% Off
Credit: & Other Stories
Jilly Oversized Blazer
Acne Studios Jilly Oversized Blazer
Credit: Acne
Stone Wash Denim Blazer
Tibi Stone Wash Denim Blazer
Credit: Tibi
Headshot of Justine Carreon
Justine Carreon


Justine Carreon is the market editor at ELLE.com covering fashion, Dutch ovens, and fashion again. When she isn’t approaching style through a modern, accessible lens, she’s scouring eBay for vintage Levi’s and pretending she knows how to surf. Before joining ELLE.com in 2015 she worked as a freelance writer and stylist in New York City.