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.

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

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.

2. The cape

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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:

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?

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.

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.

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

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.