Fall 2021 fashion trends to try now: Bold color, elevated knits and more

Sweater vests are back!

August 7, 2021, 4:00 AM

Summer has been fun, but fall will be here before you know it.

After more than a year home amid the pandemic, many people are preparing to get back to work or school. With that, this is a great time to refresh your wardrobe.

While there's certainly nothing wrong with sticking with your favorite pair of sweatpants or pajamas, it also might not be the worst idea to take a peek at fresh looks that will have you looking and feeling good into the next few months.

A model walks the runway during the Off-White Fall/Winter 2021/2022 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 04, 2021, in Paris.
Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

The fall 2021 runways have been filled with plenty of inspiration, ranging from big bold color to cozy upgraded knitwear.

Just ahead, feast your eyes on some of the most inspiring trends of the fall season.

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Super saturated color

A model walks the runway during the Louis Vuitton as part of the Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2021/2022, on March 09, 2021, in Paris.
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Nudes and neutrals are always a safe bet, but during this upcoming season, we are stepping into big, bold super-saturated pops of color that command attention -- and what better time than now to live out loud and in color? Super saturated color was spotted all over the fall 2021 runways at Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tory Burch and several more. These cool colorways are going to be everywhere.

Shop the trend:

ASOS

ASOS DESIGN Co ord tie wrap front top with long sleeves and wide leg trouser wit

These ravishing red trousers are perfect for your next big outing. 

  • $50
  • ASOS
44% off
Eloquii

Wrap Skirt Dress

This gorgeous green can be dressed up or down and easily paired with another vibrant hue.

  • $54.99
  • $99.95
  • Eloquii
Macy's

Double-Breasted Bouclé Walker Coat, Created for Macy's

This bright bold topper will stylishly take you from fall through winter.

  • $315
  • BCBGeneration

Next level knits:

A model walks the runway at the Etro Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2021/2022 on Feb. 24, 2021, in Milan.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

If there's anything the pandemic could've possibly taught us about fashion, it's that cozy, soft clothing feels good. Sweater weather will be here before you know it, and knitwear is already popping up in the form of elevated and oversized cable knits sweaters as well as dresses in fall collections such as Fendi, Chanel, Etro as well as all over TikTok and Instagram.

Shop the trend:

Bloomingdale's

Shoko Color Block Ribbed Sweater Dress

Keep things cozy and cute with this beautiful two-toned sweater dress.

  • $165
  • Staud
Anthropologie

Cable-Knit Pant Set

You will want to live in this soft, comfy matching set all season long.

  • $368
  • Anthropologie
61% off
Macy's

Women's Multi Colored Knit Sweater

This multi-colored striped sweater is easy to pair with everything from jeans to khaki slacks.        

  • $22.99
  • $59.99
  • Mango

Animal prints 2.0

A model walks the runway at the Etro Fashion Show during the Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2021/2022 on Feb. 24, 2021, in Milan.
Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Animal prints continue to be an on-again, off-again trend, but right now we are seeing chic peek-a-boo prints, particularly with nods to black and white...think cow, zebra and giraffe prints. Influencers, fashion designers and celebrities have been taking a walk on the wild side with this trend and it's a great look that will continue to transcend over and over again.

Shop the trend:

38% off
Boohoo

Petite Satin Zebra Print Oversized Shirt

You will want to strike a pose every time you put this zebra-print top on. It's oversized and easy to wear. 

  • $22
  • $36
  • Boohoo
Bloomingdale's

Mini Retro Printed Shoulder Bag

Pop this cow-print shoulder bag into your look for a little extra wow.

  • $250
  • Simon Miller
Anthropologie

Corey Lynn Calter Zebra-Striped Pants

Take a walk on the wild side with these hard-to-miss zebra print pants. 

  • $99.95
  • Corey Lynn Calter

Grown-up varsity

A model walks the runway at the Burberry Autumn Winter 2021 show during London Fashion Week, Feb. 22, 2021, in London.
Burberry via Shutterstock

It might be time to dust off your old varsity high school jacket or grab a grown-up version of it. Bomber-style variety jackets popped at Burberry, Louis Vuitton and brands such as Coach and Everlane have started to add the cool guy style to their collections.

Shop the trend:

60% off
Coach

Varsity Jacket

Channel cool guy vibes when you throw on this stylish two-toned topper.

  • $278
  • $695
  • Coach
Asos

ASOS DESIGN varsity jacket in green suede with leather sleeve insert

Go green with this suede varsity pick that you can pair with a great pair of jeans or chino pants.

  • $157
  • ASOS
50% off
Walmart

Alpine Swiss Tyler Mens Varsity Baseball Jacket Casual Letterman Bomber Jacket

Your wardrobe and wallet will love this stylish varsity pick available for less than $50.

  • $29.99
  • $60
  • Alpine Swiss

Sweater vests 2021

A model walks the runway at the Max Mara Fall/Winter 2021-2022 show during Milan Fashion Week on Feb. 25, 2021, in Milan.
Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for Max Mara

Sweater vests are truly having a moment. Instead of the prepster version of the look from years past, there's an upgraded new look that includes cool patterns and shapes. This trend was visible at Max Mara, Etro and so many other shows.

Shop the trend:

Anthropologie

Side-Button Turtleneck Vest

Slip into this comfy turtleneck meets sweater before your next office strut.

  • $98
  • Anthropologie