In the midst of a global pandemic and following months of nesting, fashion may never be more exciting or more necessary, a salve to soothe our psyche and give us all something to smile about. As we begin to literally put pants on and leave the quarantine cocoon, these Fall 2020 Fashion and Jewelry Trends create just the right amount of excitement and inspiration. Indulge your urge to play dress up, taking great pride in your appearance. Whether you are finally seeing people in person or dressing to impress on digital platforms like Zoom, here are some of the top trends to keep you perfectly in style.

Piled on Pearls

Layered Luster

Clockwise from Upper Left – Badgley Mischka F/W 2020-2021, Koché F/W 2020-2021, Assael Akoya Essentials Strand, Koché F/W 2020-2021, Giambattista Valli F/W 2020-2021, Assael Forever Hoops

“The Pearl Necklace will be one of Fall 2020’s Hottest Trends” – Footwear News

One of the biggest Fall 2020 Jewelry Trends is pearls.  Dubbed “Piled on Pearls” by Marie Claire and a “Sea Change” by Vogue, the look is bold, feminine and eye-catching. Couture brands like Badgley Mischka and Pucci had models strut the runway wearing multi-strand pearl necklaces or layered pearl necklaces of varying lengths. Koché added pearl bracelets wrapping the wrist and even used pearls as straps on black patent leather shoes.  Giambattista Valli opted for an innovative way to wear, tightly wrapping pearls at the neck and then draping them across the bodice. Elle highlighted strings of pearls as belts at Chanel and pearl charm bracelets, as well.  Marie Claire recommends “pairing different pearl shapes together” such as a round pearl necklace with baroque pearl drop earrings ala Marc Jacobs. Layers of longer pearls also work well with the oversized collar trend featured in many of this season’s designer collections, on blouses, over sweaters or atop high-neck dresses.

Skirting the Issue

Skirt Suits Long and Short

Clockwise from Upper Left – Prada F/W 2020-2021, Assael Baroque Pearl Necklace, Chanel 2020-2021, Dior F/W 2020-2021

“The popularity of pearls shows no sign of abating.” – Vogue

Another fun look for Fall 2020 is the skirt suit.  Many designers continued the power suit trend from previous seasons, but this time they added a feminine touch with skirts as the bottom half of the suit. According to Vogue, “It’s Called Skirt-Suit Nation Now” as everyone from Chloe, Michael Kors, Hermés, Oscar de la Renta and Victoria Beckham opted for these strong statements of female empowerment. Power pearls are the perfect accessory and not just around the neck – pearls make great belts as we saw at the Academy Awards earlier this year. Longer hemlines ruled at Fendi, Valentino and Lemaire, while Jacquemus, Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior opted for shorter versions, including schoolgirl miniskirts. Some designers like Prada, Christian Dior and Altazurra offered fringed pleats on their longer midi skirts. For some of the subtle hues in these seasonal suits, what Harper’s Bazaar called the “new nudes” in reference to multi-color flesh tones, accessorize with bold solids like a strand of Sardinian Coral, Golden Pearls or chunky gold chains.

All Saints

Heavenly Inspirations and Pearl Crosses

Clockwise from Upper Left – Rodarte F/W 2020-2021, Paco Rabanne F/W 2020-2021, Chanel F/W 2020-2021, Assael Akoya Pearl Multi-Row Bracelet (contact Assael for availability), Richard Quinn F/W 2020-2021

“Pearls have evolved into one of the most popular trends for 2020.” – Forbes

Some prescient designers predicted a need for fashion salvation even before the pandemic hit.  The Fall/Winter 2020-2021 collections are full of “saintly silhouettes” (Vogue) like vestments, puffy sleeves and literal crosses. Dubbed “snoods” by Elle, the hooded styles from designers like Paco Rabanne, Gucci and Erdem are modern tributes to Joan of Arc and Gothic knights. The look is predominantly colorless, ranging from all-white styles at Chanel and full-on silver chainmail at Richard Quinn to the all-black mourning coat or cape titled the “Merry Widow” by Harper’s Bazaar as seen at Burberry, Givenchy and Rodarte.  No surprise that pearls were prevalent on these runways because pearls were a symbol of purity and were believed to protect knights in battle during the Medieval era.

The Preppy Handbook

Ivy League Style

Clockwise from Upper Left – Assaael Akoya Essentials Pearl Strands available in various lengths and pearl sizes, Miu Miu F/W 2020-2021, Versace F/W 2020-2021, Assael Akoya Pearl and Diamond stud earrings, Stella McCartney F/W 2020-2021, Dior 2020-2021

“Timeless pearls.” – Harper’s Bazaar

Whether or not children and young adults will literally go back to school this fall, the fashion world went to prep school for inspiration for the season.  Pronounced collars, collegiate oversized sweaters and large navy blazers made appearances at Versace, MaxMara and Miu Miu.  Other designers like Dior, Gucci and Stella McCartney interpreted the trend with argyle, plaid, tartan and even nautical stripes. The look is youthful and calls for simple, sophisticated accessories. Clutch handbags, Mary Janes with knee-high socks and Akoya pearls complete the ensembles. Simple, elegant pearl studs are perfect, and streamlined longer pearl strands add the right amount of polish to the upscale casual attire.

Beyond the Fringe

Lengthy Tassels

Clockwise from Upper Left – Assael Baroque Tahitian Pearl Necklace, Bottega Veneta F/W 2020-2021, Jill Sander F/W 2020-2021, Prabal Gurung F/W 2020-2021, Dior F/W 2020-2021

“Pearls have made a major comeback and don’t seem to be heading anywhere anytime soon.” – Marie Claire

Fringe is also “in” for the coming colder season, on everything from coats to skirts, collars and handbags.  According to Elle magazine, “The tasseled trim was given an elevated touch on the runway this season.  Instead of being made for the boho crowd, we’re seeing chic office skirts at Christian Dior, evening coats at Bottega Veneta, and more designers cutting their clothes with long carwash fringe.”  Prabal Gurung featured a single pearl fringe earring, while Chanel highlighted one of its saintly looks with a pearl fringe necklace. Chains can get tangled in fringe, beaded coral and pearl strands offer a chic and practical way to accessorize the look

The tassels trend is also appearing in the bridal industry as designers like Anne Barge and Lee Grebenau showcased all-white fringe on wedding gowns. For more bridal 2020 looks, check out our bridal trend blog post here.

Other Fall 2020 Fashion trends include oversized outwear like big fur, shaggy coats and the long leather jackets.  Gloves added a touch of class at Valentino, Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Lanvin. There was also somewhat of a pendulum swinging between Lady & the Vamp with ladylike motifs of bows, bubble skirts and puffy sleeves in some collections and more sensual intimates like lacy bras, lingerie and negligées in others.

Whichever Fall 2020 Fashion trend suits your style best, own it and wear it with pride.  The joy of dressing up again will be a welcome delight amid the various challenges that 2020 continues to bring.  And the confidence of looking great will help you put your best foot forward in the bold new season ahead.

Top Feature Image at Top – Clockwise from upper left – Marc Jacobs F/W 2020-2021, Dior F/W 2020-2021, Assael Trilogy Rings and Earrings, Koché F/W 2020-2021, award-winning “Flex” Bangle by Sean Gilson for Assael

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