9 Fall Runway Trends You Should Try

By Brynn Mannino

It's easy to feel intimidated by fashion shows: How do regular people (read: non-models) actually wear jumbo-size bows or see-through shirts off the runway? The truth is, the artistic creations you see gliding down the catwalk are meant to inspire your fashion choices for the coming season, not scare you from trying something new. To help take the guesswork out of turning runway looks into reality, we've identified nine popular fall trends-from fur gilets to sheer pleated skirts-and found affordable, more conventional ways to wear them. Check out the trends below and select the wallet-friendly separates you'd like to add to your closet this fall.

Fuller Leather Skirts

Designers like Rachel Comey introduced a new, casual take on the leather skirt this year. By creating a looser-fitting version of the tight pieces popular in seasons past, the look became much more accessible for everyday wear. You can make this runway look your own by pairing a chic, more affordable faux leather number, such as this pleated skirt ($22.80; Forever21.com) with a long-sleeve cotton tee, sweater or button-down shirt. It's an equally simple piece to dress up; just add wedges or heels and a blouse-y top. Photo: Randy Brooke, WireImage/Getty Images; courtesy of Forever 21

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Statement Capes

Rag & Bone's yellow silk-lined black cape was one of many draped jackets sent down the runway this fall--other out-there variations boasted floor-skimming length and dramatic fur accents. Make capes work for you by picking up AB Studio's military-inspired double-breasted version ($47.60; Kohls.com) which will keep you feeling warm and looking polished on brisk fall days. Because capes pack plenty of volume, stick to slim-fitting pants or a body-skimming skirt to avoid a frumpy silhouette. Photo: Andy Kropa/Getty Images; courtesy of Kohl's


Peek-a-Boo Slits

Whether you're petite or have legs for days, the high-slit trend running rampant on skirts and dresses this season can work in your favor. How? The peek-a-boo opening creates the illusion of length, making gams appear endless. Get Jeremy Laing's look with this jersey-knit maxi skirt ($73; Lulus.com), which features a sexy cut-out over the right leg. Because this skin-baring style packs plenty of sex-appeal, avoid low-cut tops or sky-high heels. Instead, stick to more modest pairings, such as silky blouses, solid-hued T-shirts, and wedge booties or flats. Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images; courtesy of Lulu's


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Color Blocking

Color blocking allows designers to get playful with contrasting and complimentary bold hues. This season, dresses, coats and pants all boasted a kaleidoscope of hues in figure-flattering, geometric patterns. We love Jill Stuart's version, featuring rich, seasonal colors like currant, emerald and cognac, which this bright satin tank ($17.80; Forever21.com) takes a style cue from. Because color-blocked pieces feature so many different shades, keep your accessories in neutral territory by picking shoes, cardigans and jewelry in muted hues. Photo: Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images for IMG; courtesy of Forever 21


Oversize Bows

This fall, fashion is all about girly flair; just check out the ultra-feminine oversize bows that adorned Miu Miu's fall collection. These high-waisted pants ($69; Lulus.com) channel the trend's feminine spirit but tone the look down for everyday wear. The modestly-sized embellishment sits high up on the waist, which flatteringly draws the eyes to the smallest part of your upper body. Teaming the pants with a simple button-up or tee will let the bow take center stage; keep the look dressy by finishing the outfit with a pair of killer pumps. Photo: Chris Moore, Catwalking/Getty Images; courtesy of Lulu's

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Long Fur Gilets

Designers like partners Gerard Maione and Seth Weisser showcased fur vests in extra-long styles for fall, which gave the luxe pieces an added touch of drama. This faux version ($98; Nordstrom.com) will look gorgeous paired with clean, classic and fitted pieces (think skinny jeans, pencil skirts and sheath dresses), which will offset the gilet's volume. Keep in mind that this is a statement piece, so be sure to pick similarly dressy items-no relaxed jeans and slouchy T-shirts-to layer underneath. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images; courtesy of Nordstrom


Sheer Pleated Skirts

Sheer, gauzy skirts in all lengths graced the fall runways. The slightly see-through material helps slim down more traditional pleated styles, which tend to be heavy on volume. Forever21 took the cue and added this powder beige skirt ($24.80; Forever21.com) to their fall collection. The lined sheer number is light and flowy enough to create a flattering drape and lithe silhouette. Play up its feminine style by pairing it with like-colors and soft fabrics, such as slouchy T-shirts and drape-y blouses. Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG; courtesy of Forever 21


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Snake Print

Move over, leopard: there's a new animal print in town. Snakeskin showed up in a bevy of hues on footwear, handbags, dresses and outerwear during fashion week. Depending on the fabric, the print can make a dramatic statement, as Chloe's leather number does above, or a softer one, like this understated and flattering A-line find ($55.20; Zappos.com). To make the look wearable, treat it like any other patterned piece, and keep your top and shoes simple. Photo: Pierre Verdy, AFP/Getty Images; courtesy of Zappo's


Casual Lace

Until now, lace had the reputation of being either formal or racy. However, designers like ADAM have taken the fabric into casual territory by adorning laid-back pieces, such as T-shirts and simple skirts, with lace trim and embellishments. Embrace the trend-and keep your undergarments concealed-with Loft's lace overlay cotton tee ($39.50; Loft.com) featuring scalloped-edged lace and an opaque bottom layer. Pair with simple accessories and jeans or a solid-hued skirt. Photo: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz; courtesy of LOFT


Article originally appeared on WomansDay.com.


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