Quintessential Fall Style Inspiration From The Archives of L'OFFICIEL

Fashion month and crisper air means it is time to start considering your fall outfit lineup. What better way to experiment with your creative powers than to look back at the indispensable elements of fall fashion throughout past decades? 

Whether you are meandering through lush apple orchids, enjoying a rustic weekend excursion to Upstate New York, or persevering through onerous morning commutes and stuffy boardroom meetings, take a peek into the L’OFFICIEL archive for inspiration on how to push the style envelope while preserving a sense of luxurious ease.

Due to the zeitgeists' penchant for uncomplicated styles, autumn fashion during the 1970s stressed functionality and ease with streamlined fabrications. There was an emphasis on sartorial softness with relaxed silhouettes that harnessed plush textiles like cashmere and ultra-suede. At the same time, there was a sense of eccentricity with the prevalence of bell bottoms, billowy sleeves, and opulent shearling coats. Sport a modernized version of the bell sleeves with a balloon-sleeve blouse counterbalanced with ultra-high rise tailored pants or a fitted skirt. For extra edgy-yet-polished business attire, you can add knee-high boots to align with the 70s rise of patent leather. You can also embrace beloved chunky knit pieces that ruled the decade by layering a scarf over a classic turtleneck, maintaining unflappable refinement while shielding yourself from chilly fall breezes.

While comfort remained a priority in the 80s, power dressing became prevalent. Fall attire demonstrated audacious constructions and conveyed sophistication devoid of excessive embellishments. Women dressed in command of themselves with statement pieces that subverted traditional elegance, such as hard-edge, wide-shouldered sleeves blazers and high-waisted cocooning pants. To emulate the 80s embrace of a confidently carefree style while synchronizing with the rich, warm fall color palette of amber leaves and chocolatey brown dirt paths, match a pair of pleated pants with a lightweight shirt and an oversized gingham blazer. 

Unlike previous years, minimalism, precision, and balance were the bedrock of fashion during the chilly season throughout the 90s. Textured textiles, clean A-lines, and elongated silhouettes that emphasized the individual’s distinct shape were integral components. Designers like Calvin Klein and Donna Karan modernized classic garments like the skirt suit to create avant-garde ensembles. For a cultivated autumnal aesthetic, you can reach for drapey silhouettes like a maxi slip skirt paired with a crisp blouse and chunky boots or tap into an infallible cache like straight jeans paired with a leather wrap coat and suede loafers.