In normal years, as summer comes to an end, I’d be all sorts of excited for the new season’s trends, writing up my shopping list of must-haves for the upcoming fall/winter. However, in the “new normal” we find ourselves living with, things like fashion and trends have been put into a more flippant light than previously. With that being said, there ARE trends on the horizon for fall, and you may be needing to replace or upgrade pieces in your wardrobe for whatever the rest of your year has in store. Here is the rundown of autumn/winter trends that may, or may not, make it to your closet

One piece we should all have by now is at least one (if not several) masks. I know they can be uncomfortable, and a bit of a hassle, but from my perspective, masks are an uncharted accessory opportunity. By this point, and with Halloween on the horizon, now is the time to start having fun and stepping up your mask game. Try coordinating your masks to your outfit whenever you’re out and about. Come the colder weather, try matching your facemask to your outerwear. I usually wear a black or gray mask to match my exercise clothes on my daily walks, but I am looking to mix things up with some patterned and brightly hued masks this fall. And for all of you knitters and crocheters out there, check out some free knit face mask patterns (the ones with a cloth lining) on YouTube! Now, instead of gifting everyone a handmade scarf, you can make masks (which are less time consuming) for everyone on your holiday list.

Another classic and on-trend item for this fall is the oversized button-up. Unlike the fitted version from the days when you had to report to an office, a looser cut shirt strikes the right balance between dressed professionally, yet comfortably, while also having a mix of masculine and feminine style. You can really have fun with button-ups in white, blue, stripes, or plaid as the weather (hopefully) starts to cool off by layering them over tee-shirts, under sweaters, and belt them over leggings. Another plus to the oversized version of the staple office shirt is the absence of button gaps! Busty ladies know what I mean.

Whether or not you’re working from home and/or social distancing, chances are jeans are still a wardrobe staple. Jeans are like beetles; even in a global crisis, they’ll still be around. Last year, the fall denim trend was all about high-rise and straight-leg. This year, denim styles are all over the board, from boot-cuts to tapered, to flared and loose. Hence, there’s no wrong way to wear jeans. Unless you are wearing a pair that makes you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious, that’s a problem. But you can’t go wrong with denim that makes you feel good no matter the cut. An interesting trend for the coming fall/winter are ivory or off-white colored jeans. So, if you’re feeling in a denim rut, check out a more minimalist pair in a winter-white shade.

Speaking of winter, now is the time to stock up on cold-weather basics. And, since we’ll probably be in hibernation mode more so than in winters past, consider indulging yourself with some luxurious socks. Treat your feet well with high-quality socks that will not only keep you warm but also be supportive and colorful. I’m a big fan of Bombas, not only for the comfort and fun patterns but also with every purchase they donate a pair of socks to a homeless shelter. Vim & Vigr also have very cute compression legwear. Check out their knee socks in a variety of stripes and plaids for fall.

The comfort-over-everything trend will definitely carry over to fall and winter. So, lean into cozy staples, like knitted dresses and gray turtlenecks. Velvet is a trend that comes and goes every few years, and it’s definitely here for 2020. Come October, reach for velvet leggings with your favorite band t-shirt and shearling jacket.

Even though we are still sweating through boiling hot days, it’s never too early to get a leg up on what you’re going to wear this fall. Hey, it’s something to look forward to, right? What’s more comforting than the thought of waking up to a chilly morning and enjoying a cup of coffee (or tea) in the perfect autumnal outfit of a button-down tucked into cream-colored jeans, a gray cardi, polka-dot socks, boots, and a cape? Yes, capes are back on trend this fall and are a great garment to elevate your walk to the park outfit.