FW20: Cozy, Thrifty and Eco-Friendly Trends

Image Courtesy: Fashion Fan Zine

For most of us, cabin fever came early this year. Now, at least it’s finally season-appropriate. 

With a familiar pumpkin spice and cinnamon scent filling the air, extra enthusiasm after an unusual year isn’t exclusive to the holidays. The excitement has seeped into the fashion landscape and the latest fall trends, which follows a widespread desire for more experimental and sustainable fashion. The chicest styles this season have never felt more fresh and accessible — if you know where to look.

Faux Fur 

2020 has seen a notable absence of real furs and animal skins on the runway and red carpet. The sprawling push for eco-friendly practices allowed faux fur to swarm the scene. Stockholm Fashion Week followed in London’s footsteps from years prior by banning real fur and exotic skins in this season’s designer shows. For the average shopper, the growing popularity for these faux materials is not only a plus for designers looking to cut costs, but also to the average consumer looking to avoid spending thousands on luxury furs that are falling out of fashion.

Companies are clearly taking notes, with collections like UGG’s latest Ready-To-Wear line giving consumers the opportunity to afford sustainable fashions. Celebrities have noticed, too, with stars like Millie Bobby Brown padding their Instagram feeds with a fuzzy, vintage rose-colored UGG Marlene Sherpa Jacket made from blocked sherpa and faux fur. Furthermore, the entire collection includes plenty of plush pullovers and loungewear sets. Eco-friendly fashion never felt so cozy!

Posh Patchwork 

There aren’t many cases of fashion trends that are more sustainable than patchwork. 

With Harry Styles spotted last February in a JW Anderson patchwork cardigan, this bright, colorful trend surged through social media. However, this season is looking more subtle with patchwork patterns more fit to blend in with fall foliage than a lego set.

Image Courtesy: 3 Women Co.

With a return to browns, grays and muted pastels this autumn, patchwork tailored itself to the trend. In-season stitching can be found on Bella Hadid, who partnered with Michael Kors to flaunt more than a few fall trends on her Instagram—as pictured above. The campaign featured Hadid dressed in a faux fur-trimmed denim jacket complimented by a chocolatey skirt that’s enough to keep floral prints in style all year on its own. Though, the true standout piece was her Carmen Patchwork Embossed Leather Belted Satchel—proving that patchwork can (and should) be recycled both materially and seasonally. 

Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Dior embraced patchwork on the FW20 runway as well, but let’s not forget that the trend originated far from luxury designers. Patchwork’s revamped popularity is likely in response to the general public staying home this year. With nothing better to do, quarantine inspired many to learn or sharpen their stitching skills. In no time, others scrolling through social media were inspired to try their own hand at crafting a patchwork masterpiece. Moreover, creators on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are crafting tutorials on how to up-cycle and Frankenstein old garments into trendy, patchwork pieces in time for Halloween. Those looking to avoid the sewing machine can still embrace this trend, with reasonably priced pieces from RAHI and Mexicali Blues. At any level, patchwork impresses — and it starts from scraps.

Bulky Sandals over Boots

People have stomped around in sleek boots for as long as there’s been an autumn breeze—they will always be a staple. Still, since most of us are spending more time indoors this year, it can a bit impractical strutting in conventional boots on the living room carpet. 

Those looking to keep it casual this fall should try bulky sandals, which have been seen in a variety of designer and streetwear collections. Versace hopped mesh wave with Birkenstock-esque, chunky silhouettes—a perfect fall transition piece. The Greca Strap Sandal’s design screams Versace and gives mesh a unique, fashion-forward place in footwear this season. If you’re looking for something more economical, Suicoke’s FW20 collection gives a more casual and effortless look that still stands out. Those looking to put the trend to the test can treat themselves to these unisex, faux fur and fringed sandals in a range of colors and styles at a third of Versace’s price. The sandals serve as a great alternative to boots and are an ideal choice for anyone stuck at home or in seasonal limbo (looking at you, Gainesville).

Fall Face Masks 

The latest accessory in a world changing as fast as the fashion landscape itself is, of course, the face mask. This coronavirus essential sparked new styling inspiration as an untapped closet staple. Celebrities like Camila Mendes are leading the elevated-mask look with striking masks decorated with quintessential end-of-year patterns. The Riverdale star set the example with a yellow and black plaid mask that pairs seamlessly with basics. The original from Collina Strada is currently unavailable, but plenty of similar pieces can be found from independent creators on sites like Etsy. With everything from leather to sweater masks available, who says the classics have to stay at or below the torso?

In any type of mask, keeping it below the chin when you’re not using it can get pretty suffocating. Innovators took inspiration from the specs of your neighborhood librarian and created strings and lanyards to hold your mask while you catch a breath. The most notable rendition is the chain lanyard, turned into a luxury accessory and perfected by brands like Second Wind. Exposure from major players like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has every variant from gold to marble waiting patiently to be restocked, but Amazon alternatives are in abundance.

Image Courtesy: The Blonds

If punk-plaid and metal isn’t your speed, take a trip across the pond and keep it light with floral patterns. Kate Middleton has been spotted in Amaia’s floral face masks, which come in soft pastels fit for fall to keep you looking like royalty.

Limiting outside exposure doesn’t have to mean limiting your wardrobe. Do yourself a favor and catch that fall fever.

Strike Out,

Writer: AJ Bafer

Editor: Hallie Wright

Gainesville