Cheryl Shops

When I was growing up in the '80s, polos and rugbys were everywhere...and I hated them. As a very individualistic child, they felt like trying to be something I wasn't. I still have an aversion to actual polos, but polo sweaters I can get behind. They tend to come in softer, more neutral colors and more sophisticated fits, plus they don't have an annoying little logo embroidered on the chest. Polo sweaters have been around for a few years now, but I'm including them in this year's trend report because they've evolved a bit. Whereas a few years ago they all had open collars—technically called a Johnny collar—this year's batch has buttons at the placket, the deeper the better in my opinion.  My original intent was to wear one of the latter, but you'll see I'm in the former for reasons I'll explain in a minute. Long story short, I'm a big believer in this season's polo sweaters, and I've got my eye on a bunch of great options. 

Suede has been surging in popularity for a few years now—I included it in last year's fall trends—and we're either about to reach Peak Suede or maybe it's just a sign that it's here to stay. I am a fan; because of the natural nap, it has a richer, softer texture than leather and it takes dye beautifully, particularly in autumnal colors like brown, which has also been trending for awhile now. That said, suede can be a little more high-maintenance than leather—it stains more easily and I find it to be harder to keep clean—but for what it lacks in ease of care, it makes up for in pure luxuriousness. And yet there's something inherently boho about suede, which is what appeals to me—it's the ultimate rich-hippie essential. Which brings me to my latest, very specific fall trend: the fringed suede jacket. 

 I've said it more than once and I'll say it a thousand times: leopard print is a classic. So it's perhaps a bit disingenuous on my part to call leopard print a trend, but what's trending about it for me at the moment is a particular accessory in a specific shape: a slouchy bucket bag. There are several really, really good ones out there right now, but before I get to them, I wanted to give a shoutout to my Clare V mini tote, which has been with me for years. She still makes the larger version of the bag in a slightly different print, and if you're ok with a handheld or crook-of-the-arm tote, it would make a fantastic work bag. But for the rest of these, the shape I'm after is a shoulder bag with a more elongated silhouette. Read on for my favorites of the season.