Back to School Fashion: 6 Fall 2012 Trends to Rock on Campus

Alexander Wang, Burberry Prorsum, Preen, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
It’s that time of year again, CF readers — fall is just around the corner! Soon enough, classes will be back in session, and if you want to pick up some trendy back-to-school duds, you’ve come to the right place. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be putting together our annual fall shopping guide, so be sure to check back to get the scoop on the trendiest colors, clothes, shoes and accessories for Fall 2012.
First up, we’ve compiled a list of the hottest trends for autumn, with inspiration coming straight from the runway. Simply scroll on down to check out six major fall trends as well as some college-friendly pieces that you can rock on campus:
1. (Faux) Leather

(L to R) Alexander Wang, Theysken’s Theory and Derek Lam Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
While good leather jackets, boots and handbags will always be classic wardrobe staples, this season’s leather offerings have been amped up style-wise. Be on the lookout for leather (or faux, depending on your preference) pieces that incorporate unexpected shapes, colors and textures, like the items below.
Get the Look:

Product Info: Dress- ASOS, Blouse- Forever 21, Skirt- Warehouse, Gloves- Mango, Shorts- ASOS, Jacket- H&M
2. Military-Inspired

(L to R) Burberry Prorsum, Max Mara and Victoria Beckham Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
The military-inspired trend seems to make its rounds every few years and it’s back again in a big way for Fall 2012. Items like army jackets, skinny cargo pants and lace-up boots are easy ways to wear this trend and, of course, you can never go wrong by incorporating some olive green into your look.
Get the Look:

Product Info: Backpack- Topshop, Dress- Alloy, Sunglasses- ASOS, Necklace- Topshop, Pants- Mango, Jacket- Old Navy, Bustier- Topshop, Boots- Forever 21
3. Peplum

(L to R) Jill Stuart, Elizabeth & James and Preen Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
Spring’s hottest silhouette is still holding strong for fall, so if you haven’t tried the peplum trend yet, get on it! For fall, stores have begun to roll out cozy peplum jackets, coats and items in darker, fall-appropriate colors. Any one of the pieces below would be a stylish and practical choice for fall.
Get the Look:

Product Info: Jacket- H&M, Sleeveless Blouse- Topshop, Dress- Forever 21, Long Sleeve Top- ASOS, Skirt- Warehouse, Blazer- Kohl’s
4. Geometric Prints

(L to R) Kenzo, Prada and Miu Miu Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
Many designers played with loud, colorful and almost dizzying geometric prints in their fall collections, making these bold patterns another hot fall trend. If you’re a little pattern-shy, either start small with accessorizes or try wearing a geometric print that only incorporates two colors. Also, remember that wearing geometric prints with neutrals is always a safe bet, but for a more daring look, try mixing and matching several prints together.
Get the Look:

Product Info: Scarf- Nordstrom, Dress- ModCloth, Top- Forever 21, Pants- Gap, Belt- Buckle, Bag- Lucky Brand, Skirt- Forever 21
5. Luxe Details

(L to R) Karen Walker, Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
The Fall 2012 runways were also filled with luxe, lavish and somewhat over-the-top looks — think ornate jewelry, brocade prints, intricate beading and pieces made out of rich fabrics such as silk or velvet. Make this trend campus-appropriate by pairing a brocade print top with jeans for class or by accessorizing with an intricately beaded clutch for a fun night out.
Get the Look:

Product Info: Clutch- Forever 21, Jacket- Piperlime, Beaded Blouse- Warehouse, Dress- ASOS, Printed Blouse- Nasty Gal, Earrings- Dorothy Perkins, Loafers- Zara
6. Classic Menswear

(L to R) Giorgio Armani, Hermes, Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 RTW | ELLE
Menswear-inspired looks were huge last year and they’re coming back for round two this autumn. For their Fall 2012 collections, designers looked towards classic menswear for inspiration, meaning that impeccably tailored coats, blazers and trousers will be über-trendy this season. When it comes to rocking this trend, you could go for an androgynous look à la Marlene Dietrich or pair menswear with more feminine pieces to create a balanced look.
Get the Look:

Product Info: Blazer- Forever 21, Blouse- ASOS, Hat- Macy’s, Bag- Debenhams, Oxfords- Endless, Pants- Madewell, Coat- Urban Outfitters
Your thoughts?
What do you think of these trends? Which one is your favorite? Any trends you don’t like? Will you be rocking any of these pieces on campus for fall? Remember to leave a comment below and tell us what you think!
Posted on on August 5, 2012 / Filed Under: Trends / Tags: Back to School Shopping, Beading, Embellishment, Fall 2012, fall trends, Faux Leather, Featured, Geometric Print, leather, Menswear-Inspired, military trend, Peplum, velvet















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Chris
Awesome! I already bought my faux leather skirt, faux leather shorts, military jacket and boyfriend blazer, so I’m ready! :)
Asilia
I love how some are trends from before. I have most of these, and they are fairly timeless. I hate being “trendy”. I would rather wear trends that I like year after year, even when they are “out”.
Larissa
I love menswear for fall, I like retro peplum but it’s very hard to use if you are pear shaped!
Camille
I’m so glad that the peplum trend is still sticking around for fall. I didn’t get to try it out during the spring and summer but now I have another chance!
Ashleigh Maynes
love the military look the most :-)
Skylar
that old navy jacket is amazing, it goes all the way up to 2x so i went to the mall yesterday and bought one oversized.
Lafashionista55
Love the fall trends! My favorite is all the luxe details! I love the suede loafers, I have a pair just like them from CL by Laundry. They go with the menswear inspired trends as well!
Stephanie
military inspired and luxe detail are the best.
Jazmin
I absolutely love the military inspired and peplum looks!! I want to try them soon. I’m not into trends; I prefer things that can be worn every year.
ally
love this article, I just created a collage on the Amazine website for A/W trends 2012!
check it out please! xx
Mary Fetty
I love leather. All the leather dresses are simply great. I like the sunglasses of army inspired theme. Peplum dresses are also awesome. Thanks for the post.
jessica
I’m kind of over the military trend, i think its been done too much! but i am so in love with all the new trends this fall! jewel tones have always been an autumn favorite but i am in love with the deeper earth tones now! also im loving me some baroque!
Gigi
Luvvv da milatsry loke