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11 Fall Fashion Trends from 2011 Turned Classics

Editor’s note: I originally wrote this post about fall fashion trends 2011 back when it actually was 2011. But our readers keep loving this post, even all these years later. And, most of these trends have evolved into full-fledged classics. So we updated the “picks” below so you can continue to shop this post for fun fall fashions to add to your wardrobe.

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From new color trends to the rise of the cape, fall fashions from 2011 were wearable and affordable (you can snag key pieces for less than $100 apiece). And, as we predicted back in 2011, these pieces are no longer trendy — they are full-on classics. So get your retro on with a little love for the fall trends of 2011.

Fall fashion trends turned classics

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1. Fiery hues

Orange and red were hot, hot, hot in 2011. And as the days got shorter, designers merged the two trends to form one of the season’s hottest colors: emberglow. It’s a bright reddish-orange hue that works well with a variety of skin tones.

Funny thing is that “Red Orange” is on Pantone’s 2023 fall color report. Apparently, the fashion flame that burned red-orange 12 years ago never went out. Get it on the fun with the fiery picks from Amazon below.

DISCIPBUSH Cargo Pants Women Baggy – Parachute Pants for Women, Cargo Pants for Women, Womens Cargo Pants Y2K Pants, Cargo Pants for Girls’ Fashion, Baggy Pants Women Cargo Pants Chilli Red S
  • High Quality: These DISCIPBUSH…
  • Trendy Design: DISCIPBUSH womens…
  • Match With All Style: For women…
  • Occasion: These women’s pants are…
  • Simple but Versatile: Those cargo…
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MEROKEETY Women’s 2024 Fall Casual Blazers Long Sleeve Lapel Open Front Button Work Blazer Jackets with Pockets, Orange, M
  • Size: US SIZE, Small=(US 4-6),…
  • Unique design: Long sleeve, notch…
  • This womens blazer feature of a…
  • Occasion: This solid blazer is…
  • Washing Instruction: Machine wash…
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ZESICA Women’s 2024 Casual Turtleneck Long Lantern Sleeve Oversized Ribbed Knit Pullover Sweater Jumper Top,FireRed,Small
  • Size Attention: Small/US (4-6),…
  • The casual sweater will exudes…
  • Fall fashion sweater, it’s made of…
  • Great for casual, daily, office,…
  • Washing Instruction: Machine wash…
The Drop Women’s Avalon Small Tote Bag, Red, One Size
  • Pockets: 1 zip
  • 8.75” H x 14.25” L x 6.5” D
  • This bag has a 6″ strap drop
  • Takes you from brunch to cocktails
Womens Pointed Toe Heels Ankle Booties Kitten Stiletto Bowtie Strappy Fall Dress Boots Shoes Orange Red
  • The height of the heel: 2.56 inch….
  • These cute heeled booties features…
  • These chic dress heels booties can…
  • The Best Choice for This…
  • Due to monitor settings and monitor…

2. The cape

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Capes were 2011’s must-have outerwear. We love capes because they’re perfect for transitioning from relatively warm weather of early September to the cooler weather of late October.

The thing is, capes are harder to find today than they were in 2011. Today, women are opting for the pullover poncho instead. It’s almost the same look, but ponchos pull over your head, while capes are open in the front.

If you’re new to the cape/poncho scene, try layering one over a long-sleeve tee in early fall and a cashmere sweater in late fall. See more styling tips in my post, how to wear a cape.

Below are the best affordable capes and ponchos on Amazon this season.

Moss Rose Women’s Shawl Wrap Poncho Ruana Cape Open Front Sweater Cardigan for Fall Kimono Winter Holiday
  • Material:This poncho shawl is made…
  • Size:Measurement of the poncho…
  • Feature:Classic check, double…
  • Occasion: Our shawl wrap poncho is…
  • Gift: The shawls wraps is a warm…
Cicy Bell Women’s Casual Cape Blazer Jackets Split Long Sleeve Open Front Coat Workwear Royal Blue
  • Modern twist on the classic blazer:…
  • Split long sleeves for added style:…
  • Open front design for a chic look:…
  • Made with high-quality materials…
  • Versatile and suitable for both…
KIRUNDO Women’s 2024 Fall Winter Turtleneck Poncho Sweater Fashion Chunky Knit Cape Wrap Sweaters Pullover Jumper Tops(Dark Purple Red, Small)
  • Size Guide: S=US 4-6, M=US 8-10,…
  • Features: Fall sweaters for women…
  • Occasion: Women’s solid color…
  • Matching: Winter Knitted poncho…
  • Washing Suggestion: Fall winter…
Ferand Women’s Casual Striped Poncho Sweater with Hood, Brown & Beige, One Size
  • COZY & LIGHTWEIGHT: Crafted from…
  • CHIC & ELEGANT DESIGN: The striking…
  • ONE-SIZE-FITS-MOST: Designed as a…
  • WARMTH FOR ANY OCCASION: Whether…
  • PERFECT GIFT CHOICE: Make someone’s…

3. Pencil skirt

Pencil skirts never really go out of style, but they were extra popular in fall, 2011. Fashionistas were upping their office style game by matching a neutral pencil skirt with bright tops of emberglow or juicy green, along with classic black pumps.

You can see the modern pencil skirts I like from Amazon below.

Allegra K Women’s Jean Skirts Casual High Waist Split Hem Bodycon Denim Pencil Skirt Medium Dark Blue
  • Button Front, Natural High Waist,…
  • Womens slit jean skirt can show off…
  • Our Denim Pencil Skirt is great for…
  • Regular Fit. Machine Wash Cold with…
  • Model is wearing in size X-Small…
Allegra K Women’s Button Decor Split Belted Smocked Vintage Short Pencil Skirt Small Burgundy
  • Asymmetrical Button Decor Detail,…
  • Partial Elastic at Waist, Hidden…
  • Occasions: Daily Wear, Office,…
  • Regular Fit. Pair it with a…
  • Model Body Size: Height: Height:…
Milumia Women Houndstooth Elegant Work Office Pencil Slit Midi Bodycon Skirts Black Large
  • Feature: knee length, houndstooth…
  • Match: the solid business casual…
  • Please refer to the last image or…
  • Season: Fall, Winter, Spring,…
  • Occasion: business casual, office,…
BDQING Women’s Faux Suede Midi Pencil Skirt (Brown,S)
  • 95% Polyester, 5% Spandex
  • Zipper closure
  • High waist,Back concealed…
  • Hips-wrapped silhouette show your…
  • Knee length bodycon pencil style…

4. Maxi skirt

The maxi skirt is long, flowing and infinitely easy to wear. That’s probably why this style is routinely on the trends lists. The key to wearing the maxi is to pay attention to proportions. If you pair it with a long top, add a belt to define your waist. Or, choose a cropped or fitted sweater to wear up top to balance out the skirt.

CHICWISH Women’s Caramel 3D Posy Double-Layered Mesh Midi Skirt, Size S-M
  • [ Style Details ] Crafted of…
  • [ Product Details ] 3D posy…
  • [ Occasions ] Great selection for…
  • [ Size details ] Please check the…
  • [ About us ] Chicwish cares for its…
Lock and Love LL WB1434 Womens Solid Maxi Skirt with Elastic Waist Band S Olive
  • Womens solid maxi skirt / Elastic…
  • Double stitching on bottom hem for…
  • HAND WASH IN COLD WATER / DO NOT…
  • Please check the size chart below…
Ariel Costume for Women Cosplay Halloween Blue Skirt Long Maxi 2023 Fall Dressy Casual High Waisted Novelty Skirts with Slit M
  • Calf-height slits,high waist,ankle…
  • Woven flared skirt with wide…
  • Feminine flowing skirt easy to…
  • Flattering long skirts for women…
  • Please refer to the size…

5. Polka dot

Everything comes full cycle in fashion, right? Polka dots prints were big in 2011 and then again in 2019. It was just a few years ago we saw polka dots on tops, bottoms, purses. The polka-dot fever has died down a bit since then, but it’s sure to be back again soon.

If you’re new to the print, the key is to keep the dots on the small side. And experiment beyond the traditional black-and-white by choosing color!

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Youtalia Work Blouses for Women Office, Ladies Tops for Leggings Chiffon Long Sleeve Top Vintage Polka Dot Blouses Loose Fit Casual Shirts for Women Black Dot X-Large
  • Stylish Design: Cuffed Sleeve,V…
  • You can wear this casual tunic…
  • Cuffed Sleeve Chiffon Blouse,you…
  • Notice:Please refer to the seller’s…
  • Due to monitor settings and monitor…
Allegra K Women’s Polka Dots Contrast Peter Pan Collar Top 3/4 Sleeves Blouse Shirt Small Grey Blue
  • Contrast Peter Pan Collar, Keyhole…
  • This blouse is suitable for daily,…
  • Match this blouse with black shorts…
  • Relaxed Fit. Machine Wash Cold, Do…
  • Model Body Size: Height: 5’6″,…
ANDANTINO 100% Pure Mulberry Silk Square Hair Scarf -27” x 27”- Breathable Lightweight Neckerchief Headscarf (Small Polka Dots)
  • SPECIFICATION: Size:…
  • MATERIAL:100% mulberry silk of high…
  • We guarantee that the items we sell…
  • Suitable size for neck, bag and…
  • DESIGN – Various ingenious designed…
Women’s Polka Dot Mesh Half-Body Skirt High-Waisted Draped Pleated Skirt Large Hem Tulle A-line Midi Skirts Khaki
  • Elastic high rise waistband for…
  • Double sided design – polka dot…
  • Versatile midi length & flowy…
  • Perfect for daily wear, parties,…
  • Hand wash recommended

6. Leather skirt

In 2011, I said the most exciting fall fashion trend of the year was the resurrection of the leather (real or fake) skirt. But now I can think of few fall seasons that haven’t included leather in the must-have list. So there you go — another trend turned classic.

Here are some fun Amazon picks to drool over.

Allegra K Women’s Casual Faux Suede Pockets Stretch A-line Midi Skirt with Belt Large Caramel
  • Stretch Faux Suede, Patch Pockets,…
  • Bring a classic Fall vibe to…
  • Occasion: Business Casual, Work,…
  • Regular Fit. Machine Wash Cold with…
  • Model is wearing in size XS…
Kate Kasin Women’s Leather Mini Skirts Bodycon Faux Leather Skirt for Going Out Brown S
  • Fabric: Skirts for women is made of…
  • Design: Our mini skirt is classic…
  • Occasions: this sexy bodycon…
  • Pair With: the fashion wrap skirt…
  • Before order please read our size…
Fahsyee Womens Faux Leather Skirt, Pencil High Waisted Slim Fit Elegant Zipper Closure Office Midi Skirts Plus Size XXL Green
  • MATERIAL – Polyurethane. The…
  • HIGH WAISTED & KNEE LENGTH – This…
  • ZIPPER CLOSURE – The leather skirt…
  • SEASON & OCCASION – Suitable for…
  • GREAT GIFT – It’s a great holiday…
Ruoyee 1245 Leather Skirts for Women High Waist Black Long Faux Leather Woman Skirt XXL
  • Three-dimensional design, waist,…
  • Suitable for all kinds of legs,…
  • Leather material does not crack,…
  • Invisible zipper in the middle of…

7. Menswear-inspired

Menswear as a women’s fashion trend has been around since, well, Katharine Hepburn first rocked a pair of pants back in the 1940s. In recent years, the trend leaned towards the tuxedo look for evening wear — made famous by the brilliant Yves Saint Laurent.

You can also find masculine blazers, button-downs, and loafers to amp up your power look at the office. Here are a few to consider:

Womens Satin Solid Blouse Bow Tie Neck Button Down Shirts Long Sleeve Office Work Blouses Dressy Tops for Ladies Casual White
  • 【Quality Fabric】 The silk…
  • 【Detail Designs】 Lightweight…
  • 【Classic Shirt】Bow neck but the…
  • 【Multi Occasions】This ladies…
  • 【Garment Care】Machine wash cold…
TRNY Women’s Oversized Double-Breasted Suit Blazer Jacket Long Sleeve Casual Boyfriend Style Work Office Blazer with Pockets Light Steel Blue
  • RUNS LARGE. OVERSIZED DESIGN.
  • Made from drape stretch fabric,…
  • Relaxed fit | Double-breasted |…
  • Front flap pockets | Light Shoulder…
  • Garment Care: Warm gentle machine…
Allingentle Women’s Suiting Jackets Business Casual Outfits for Women Blazer Work Outfits for Women Office Satin Pant Suits for Women 3 Piece Black -10
  • MATERIAL: Black suit for women is…
  • WASH TIP: Suggest dry-cleaning pant…
  • Women’s Suit Size: Use our size…
  • PACKAGE & OCCASIONS: 1x Blazer+ 1x…
  • BRAND SERVICE: Every Allingentle…

8. Jade and teal

A dark, ocean-inspired palette complemented the reds and oranges in fall of 2011. Rich greens and bright blues were everywhere that year. Fast-forward to 2023 and lighter greens and blues are having their moment…but who cares? If jade and teal look good on you, wear them. It’s hard to imagine someone thinking that the color you’re wearing is out of style, right?

Allegra K Women’s Work Office Tops Business Professional Shirt Elegant Stand Collar Fall 2023 Long Sleeve Blouses Large Green
  • Regular Fit. Keyhole Neckline,…
  • A very classy professional shirt…
  • Wear with suit pants or pencil…
  • Machine Wash with Like Colors….
  • Model is wearing in size XS…
SNUG STAR Cotton Silk Scarf Elegant Soft Wraps Color Shade Scarves for Women (Dark green)
  • Material: high quality cotton and…
  • Dimension:77″L x 35″W
  • Touch feeling elegant smooth and…
  • Can be used as scarf or…
  • Washing and maintenance: Please use…
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ZESICA Women’s 2024 Fall Casual Long Sleeve Crew Neck Cable Knit Loose Pullover Sweater Jumper Top,Teal,Medium
  • Size Guide: Small=US 4-6, Medium=US…
  • Cable knit sweater features a boat…
  • This crochet sweater is so cute,…
  • Cozy pullover sweater is perfect…
  • Washing Care: Machine wash with…
Teal Blue Vintage Midi Skirt Flared High Waisted Skirt with Pocket Wedding S
  • Soft farbic,Very Comfortable to…
  • Item Feature: High waist skirts;…
  • Suitable for…
  • Women’s under the knee length…
  • A Perfect Fit for all seasons,easy…

9. Color blocking

The color blocking trend is still going strong and the same rules apply — use the color wheel to find colors that work well together. Brown and orange work well together. But brown and yellow, not so much. The safest color blocking is purple and red or blue and green.

Try these Amazon picks to add some new color combos to your fall rotation.

Minclouse Women’s Color Block Long Sleeves Tunic Cutout Choker Tops Crew Neck Casual Loose Blouses Cute Sweatshirts
  • ♥ Super cute and special tunic….
  • ♥ Features: Color Block Top,…
  • ♥ Occasion: Daily wear, vocation,…
  • ♥ Reminder: Color may be little…
  • ♥ Due to manual measurement,…
XIEERDUO Womens Tops Long Sleeve Shirts for Women Fall Sweatshirts Coffee S
  • Features: Casual loose…
  • Match: Great with leggings or…
  • Occasion: Casual, Work, Home,…
  • Note: Please refer to the last…
ZESICA Women’s 2024 Fall Ribbed Knit Sweater Dress Elegant Long Sleeve Crewneck Tie Waist Slim Fit Bodycon Midi Dresses,Khaki,Medium
  • Size Attention: S=US 4-6,M=US…
  • Design: Long sleeve dress, classic…
  • This fall dresses is a must-have in…
  • Occasion: Perfect for going out,…
  • Garment Care: Machine wash with…
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Handbags for Women Shoulder Bags Tote Satchel Hobo 3pcs Purse Set
  • Well made and very sturdy – Made of…
  • Special Design-Tote bag: The top…
  • Roomy – Big Tote/Messenger Bag:The…
  • Practical Use – 3 In 1.Perfect to…
  • Dimension – Shoulder Bag Size :…

10. Sheath dress

Thanks to Gucci, sheath dresses were trending hot for fall fashion trends 2011. I love this style because it’s so easy to wear. Just add shoes and you’re out the door. The style du jour in 2011 was the tailored dress right out of Rosalind Russell’s 1960s closet.

VFSHOW Womens Dark Blue and White Striped Front Zipper Tie Waist Bow Slim Work Business Office Party Bodycon Pencil Sheath Dress 7797 BLU XXL
  • Size: Each variation/child product…
  • Material: Garments in different…
  • Style: Crew Neckline, 3/4 Sleeve,…
  • Occasion: Wear to Work Dresses for…
  • Garment Care: Hand Wash in cold…
GRACE KARIN Women’s Bodycon Sleeveless V Neck Split Wrap Dress Cocktail Party Pencil Ruched Mini Dresses S Blue Green
  • Material: The wrap dress fabric…
  • Style: Sexy V Neck, Sleeveless…
  • Occasion: Wear to Work, Business,…
  • Washing Tips: Hand Wash or Machine…
  • Size Suggestion: S (US 4-6 ),M (US…
GRACE KARIN Women’s Wear to Work Dress Solid Color Hips-Wrapped Pencil Dress
  • FEATURES: Vintage pencil dress,…
  • NOTE: PRINT DRESS HAS NO STRETCH,…
  • Vintage & Elegant: The slim fit…
  • Occasions: This 1950s vintage…
  • Size: Please read our size chart…

You can keep right on wearing these structured dresses forevermore. For more style inspo, stream old episodes of Pan-Am or Mad Men.

11. Colored pencil pants

GRACE KARIN Women’s Pants with Deep Pockets 7/8 Stretch Pants for Women Lounge Work Wine Red S
  • 【Material】:…
  • 【Design】: Superior material…
  • 【Features】 This elastic waist…
  • 【 Occasions & Match】 You can…
  • 【Size Guide & Washing Tips】 We…
Galawaqe Womens Chinos Pants Stretch Straight Casual Lightweight Twill Work Ladies Trendy Pant Khaki
  • ❤Pants for Women are the original…
  • ❤Elasticized high-rise waistband,…
  • ❤Diagonal on-seam hip pockets;…
  • ❤Women’s chino pants hit at…
  • ❤Soft-washed cotton twill, with…
Urban CoCo Womens Casual High Waist Pencil Pants with Bow-Knot Pockets for Work Army Green
  • Fabric: The high-quality fabric is…
  • Features: The elastic waist paper…
  • Easy-to-match: It can be matched…
  • Occasion: Perfect option for all…
  • Wash & Protect: Wash alone in cold…

Pencil pants are like the kinder, gentler skinny pants. While skinny pants taper in at the ankle, pencil pants tend to be tailored more like capris, curving in slightly through the thigh, with a slight flare at the hem.

Add in a bit of color and you’ve got a trend that is both daring and familiar. For those of us who are a bit less adventurous, try the pants first in a deeper color like rust or forest green.

Miss Molly

Saturday 1st of October 2011

Amber, I like wearing mid-height heel boots with maxi skirts. It's nice when I can match the boot leather to my belt. Looks nice and put together without being too matchy-matchy.

Orange is a great and underrated color, but pale skinned ladies should be careful! I have to be careful with the oranges and orangey-reds on top because they can make me look jaundiced. This is my advice on orange for pale people: - Choose only oranges that fall on the red (not yellow) side of the color wheel: http://www.rewaj.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/color-wheel.gif - Use orange in skirts and pants and accents, not a lot of it near your face. If you do have a dress, wear a black or complimentary blue cardigan and jewelry to mitigate the face-orangeing effect of the top.

Julie

Monday 12th of September 2011

I love the luxury look of capes!

Sophia

Saturday 3rd of September 2011

I just bought a real suede skirt at CHKD today for $5. Yeah!!! What type of shirt and shoes should I wear with it to accomplish the fall leather trend? I'm only 13 though, so I shouldn't look too adult.

amber

Tuesday 30th of August 2011

I LOVE the maxi dress/skirt idea- but what shoes do you wear?

shopaholic_love

Thursday 21st of April 2011

I think that a maxi dress with a slit is very sexy and sophisticated. I'm so in love with the season's bright colors, everything from orange to pretty prints! What a great way to make a day brighter and happier. http://www.icifashion.com/

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