Top 10 Must Haves–Fall 2008 Fashion
Here’s my list of Fall 2008 Must-Have Fashion items. I’ll follow this post with Must-Have lists for shoes, accessories and makeup. In the meantime, check out my other posts on those topics.
I’ve put a lot of thought into what really belongs on this list, reviewing fashion shows, checking out celebrity fashion, reading lots of other blog posts, poring through fashion magazines…
Here’s a very comprehensive list of trends and corresponding items that encompass Fall 2008. Of course, if you’re in love with a certain trend, you might have more pieces than I list here. Or, if you absolutely hate a trend, you might neglect that one altogether. But, here’s the list to get you started on your shopping journey.
For each trend, I’ve shown a runway inspiration pic paired with one or more pieces that are both affordable and attainable. As always, the pics are linked to the stores where you can find them so you can do a little more research, see more views, etc.
Enjoy!
Plaid Shirt



Add this to other ‘Western’ trend items or wear by itself.
Shown: Dolce & Gabbana (Style.com), dELiAs ($34.50), Heritage 1981 ($19.99)


Plaid is a trend for more than just shirts. Here are a couple of other fun items.
Shown: Charlotte Russe ($32.99), Forever 21 ($17.80)
For more on Plaid, see Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Plaid.
Trench Coat



The number one coat to have this season!
Shown: Malan Breton (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Victoria’s Secret ($149), Gap ($148)
For more on the Trench Coat, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Trench Coat.
Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are still in this season. They go especially well with over the knee boots (shown here) or with the new booties.
Shown: Gucci (Style.com), Citizens of Humanity ($92.50), Charlotte Russe ($29.99), Forever 21 ($27.80)
Ruffled or Bow Blouses
Very cute with high-waisted pencil skirts, wide leg trousers or with tailored suit jackets, ruffle and bow shirts are a super-feminine Must-Have for Fall 2008. Keep the style in mind when shopping for dresses, too!
Shown: Bill Blass (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Forever 21 ($12.50), New York & Co ($34.95), Banana Republic ($79.00)
For more Bow Blouses, read Fall Trend–Bow Shirts.
Lace
Not your grandmother’s lace, this trend is tad bit suggestive.
Shown: Erin Fetherston (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Victoria’s Secret ($69), Rebecca Taylor ($390), Charlotte Russe ($19.99)
For more on Lace, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Lace.
Tights
Tights in all colors, patterns and textures are trendy this season.
Shown: Miss Sixty (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Nordstrom ($18), Nordstrom ($18), Urban Outfitters ($12)
For more on Tights, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Tights with Peep-toe Heels.
Floral Dress
Bringing a little spring light to the season…
Shown: Dennis Basso (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Target ($19.99), Urban Outfitters ($49.99), Nordstrom ($64)
For more on the Floral Dress, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Floral Dress.
Chunky Knits
A great way to stay warm AND look stylish!
Shown: Nicole Miller (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Forever 21 ($29.80), Victoria’s Secret ($39)
For more on Chunky Knits, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–Chunky Knits.
2-fer Dress



A combination of sexy top and sophisticated skirt, these dresses are everywhere this Fall.
Shown: Reem Acra (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Theory ($295), Forever 21 ($22.80)
For more on 2fer dresses, read Fall 2008 Fashion Trend–2-fer Dress.
Tailored Blazer
Menswear inspired, the tailored blazer is a Must-Have for the layered look of this season. In fabrics like tweed or corduroy, pair with cropped pants, high-waisted skirts, and ruffled blouses.
Shown: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week), Forever 21 ($27.80), Victoria’s Secret ($78), Banana Republic ($175)










































September 25th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Hey, great post. I really like how you show examples of stuff. What about cuffed pants? Are they a trend for fall?
September 25th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Jen, I think you’re right. I think I saw cuffed-pants on another site. don’t know if they’re a trend though.
I’m digging the skinny jeans still. Glad I can wear them for another season. I think Old Navy has some cheap ones.
September 26th, 2008 at 10:31 am
[...] Riding Boot. Riding Boots are inherently flat. Fringe Boots look great with or without heels. As in Top 10 Must Haves–Fall 2008 Fashion, I’ll show each trend with an inspiration picture followed with one or more reasonably priced [...]
September 27th, 2008 at 11:05 am
[...] down to $19.99 and all of their denim was buy one, get one for $15. I found a great pair of long skinny jeans (pictured). They have some other really cute, trendy styles, too. Unfortunately, I’m so tall [...]
October 23rd, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Jen–you’re right! Cuffed pants are a trend this Fall. I just didn’t see them enough in the runway shows to include them in the Top 10.
Amy–I LOVE the skinny jeans, too! I think you’re right, I think Old Navy does have skinny jeans now.
Check out my post on How to Wear Skinny Jeans for more skinny jeans fun!