Over the past week, Virginia's weather has taken a turn and it's 100% feeling like early fall out there. We've had some very warm Septembers recently but so far this year, we're being treated to perfect weather: mornings in the 50s making way to afternoons in the high 70s with not a bit of humidity in sight. I know some places like LA are roasting right now so not everyone is able to get into the fall mindset as easily as we are, but it can't hurt to *think* about fall at the very least. 

This season is bringing a mix of bold, nostalgic, and fresh trends to the forefront, making it the perfect opportunity to update your wardrobe with pieces that are versatile, stylish, and timeless. Whether you're into statement skirts, classic denim, or playful aesthetics, we're walking you through the 5 key trends that are dominating the season for us (and hopefully you'll be inspired by them too).

1. Maxi Skirts

Skirts have been rising in popularity over the past couple of seasons, after taking a backseat to dresses for years. We love how easily they make transitional dressing since a maxi skirt is both warm and stylish and can be paired with summery tops or winter ones. We especially love neutral maxi skirts at the moment, especially paired with open button down shirts when the weather isn't quite cold enough for a chunky sweater or tailored blazer. Our Matilda Skirt, a black poplin maxi with a wide, smocked waistband, is the perfect transitional piece. We love styling it simply with a tank top on warmer days or a buttoned up cardigan when the weather turns cooler. Shop the Matilda Skirt here:

2. Cardigans as Tops

Cardigans are *always* en vogue but this year they are a force not to be reckoned with. We're seeing them everywhere and our favorite ones are crewnecks styled fully buttoned as a top. Our Piper Cardigan (shown above) is a best-seller and we're so excited to bring in two new colors in October. In addition to being ultra-soft, it's slightly oversized so perfect for half-tucking into skirts, trousers, or this season's most controversial trend: barrel jeans 😯 Shop the Piper Cardigan here:

3. Barrel Jeans: The Denim You Didn’t Know You Needed

Barrel jeans are the latest denim trend taking over this season. With their distinctive voluminous, tapered shape, they offer a fresh twist on classic jeans. Barrel jeans are perfect for those who want to break free from the skinny jean era while still maintaining a flattering fit. The slightly baggy silhouette pairs beautifully with fitted tops, cozy sweaters, or cropped jackets. We'll be introducing some barrel jeans later this season and we encourage you to not be afraid to try them on. They are surprisingly flattering and comfortable too!

And if you're not willing to go there, there's always wide-leg pants which continue to dominate the fashion scene this fall, offering a polished yet relaxed silhouette. These pants are not only incredibly comfortable but also versatile enough to be worn for both work and play. We'll be bringing in some new wide legs & trousers later this fall but in the meantime, you can shop our best-selling Birdie Patch Pocket Wide Legs below (and keep an eye out for a new darker wash in these Dottir fan favorites coming SOON):

4. Shades of Blue: The Color of the Season

When you think of fall colors, you generally think of shades of rust, mustard, emerald, and red. But this year, we're gravitating more toward shades of blue. From sky blue to rich navy, this color palette is refreshingly neutral so it's easy to pair with the rest of your wardrobe. We love incorporating blue in unexpected ways as well: a cobalt blue cardigan, a sky blue dress, or a dark navy handbag. The color also lends itself spectacularly to colorblocking-- try mixing and matching various shades of blue into one outfit and you'll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is. 

Denim dressing is also huge this season, going hand-in-hand with the shades of blue trend. We're loving denim tops paired with denim jeans in a different wash or even a similar one (Canadian tuxedo anyone?). Denim accessories are making a comeback as well. Shop our denim assortment below and keep an eye out for lots of blue this season:

5. Coquette-Core: Playful Femininity with a Vintage Twist

For those looking to embrace a more whimsical and feminine style, coquette-core is an exciting and fun trend this fall. This aesthetic draws inspiration from vintage, romantic elements, with a focus on bow ties, soft ruffles, and pretty tones. Think babydoll dresses, Peter Pan collars, and puff sleeves for an ultra-feminine, playful vibe. We're not leaning in too heavily on this trend, but it's one we're excited to dip our toes into as we try to balance the sweetness of coquette-core with more serious pieces like a tailored blazer or boots for a little edge. 

One of the biggest things coming out of the coqeutte-core movement is tie front *everything*. We're seeing dresses, tops, cardigans, and jackets with tie fronts and to be honest, they're all hard to resist. Our Lillian Blouse is a bolder take on the trend because it leaves less to the imagination but for those looking to show a little less skin, our Elisabet Cardigan is a great choice. Shop it below:

As we head into the fall season, I hope we've helped decode some of these trends a little bit and make them feel more manageable. Remember: fashion isn't about wearing what's trendy, it's about looking at what's trendy and deciding how it works for your own personal style. As always, if you have any questions about anything we talked about, hit us up at hello@dottir.shop.