Ten Fall Trends to Punch Up Your Summer Wardrobe Right Now
By Bonny Osterhage
I’M READY FOR FALL! There, I said it. It happens to me every summer around this transitional time. All the magazines are showing fall fashion, but I’m still in shorts and tank tops. It’s the time when the calendar says fall, but the temperature didn’t get the memo and can’t make up its mind. It’s the weeks when I stare longingly at the sweaters in my closet and when knee-high boots are out of the question, but flippy sandals are just plain silly. If you feel the same way, then you’ll appreciate that we’ve found ten eco friendly fall fashion trends and fall clothing staples that you can incorporate into your summer wardrobe now!
Our Top 10 stories now call out which finds are "ECOnomical" (good for the Planet and your wallet) and which are worthwhile "Splurges" (in our humble opinion).
Fall Staple: Cardigan Sweaters
Indigenous Design Weekender Cardigan
There is something collegiate about a cardigan that calls to mind weekends filled with football games and friends. We like this “weekender” version for its unusual high neckline and long length. Made from organic cotton jersey, it adds warmth, without adding bulk. Wear it over your jeans and tees, when a sunny fall day becomes a chilly fall night. $90 at www.indigenousdesigns.com.
Click the Apricot to Receive 25% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes it an Even More ECOnomical $67.50!
Fall Trend: Chunky Knits
Urban Outfitters Urban Renewal Vintage Fisherman Cardigan
Snuggly, chunky knit sweaters are on the fall fashion forefront, and this classic fisherman style has us hooked. Made from vintage materials, this one-of-a-kind cardigan is ideal for lazy weekends when there’s a nip in the air. Layer it over your t-shirts and jeans for that casual, lived-in look. $48 at www.urbanoutfitters.com.
Fall Trend: Denim on Denim
Levi’s Eco Trucker Jacket
Breaker 1-9, we’ve got the 411 on the head to toe denim trend. To pull it off, just pair your favorite jeans with a cool jacket, like this recycled cotton denim trucker style that has been cut slim to fit a woman’s body. Very sexy! ECOnomical at $69.50 at www.us.levi.com. If you don’t have a favorite pair of denims, check out 
these organic cotton stretch denims from Patagonia. $79 at www.patagonia.com. That’s a big 10-4, good buddy!
Fall Staple:
Long Sleeve Tees in Fall Colors
Kate Quinn Organics Women’s Square Neck Blouse
This is one of the easiest ways to add a little fall to your look. Long sleeve tees in autumnal shades work with everything from shorts to jeans — not to mention they make excellent bases for adding layers. This organic cotton jersey tee caught our eye with its square neckline and gathered sleeves. The attention to detail takes this tee from basic to beautiful! $54 at www.katequinn organics.com.
Click the Apricot to Receive 35% Off with Your White Apricot Exclusive Offer — That Makes it an Even More ECOnomical $35.10!
Fall Trend: Animal Prints
olsen Haus Babylon
It is the trend that never goes extinct. Animal prints are such a fun way to jazz up an outfit and we think these leopard print flats are the cat’s meow. Wear them now with capris, skirts, jeans — heck wear them with anything, any time of year. The material is made from 100% recycled television screen microfiber, (in case you were wondering what happened to all those pre high-def T.V.s) so they really are a year-round treat.
$150 at www.olsenhaus.com.
Fall Trend: Lace up Boots
Vegetarian Shoes Boulder Boot
Remember your favorite Doc Martens? The style is back (vegan, of course) and ready to be worn with everything from short flirty dresses to military-inspired pants. When the weather turns cold, nothing is cuter with a sweater and leggings. Sure, the look may be a blast from the past, but some things are as good as we remember! $149.95 at www.mooshoes.com.
Fall Trend: Longer Fuller Skirts
Fin Paper Bag Skirt
Yep, full skirts in longer lengths are back, and you can wear them now when you balance their sheer volume with form fitting tees and ballet flats (boots will be great a little later). This elegant and sophisticated organic cotton skirt illustrates the trend beautifully — and even adds pleats for a little flare. A graceful way to move into the season. ON SALE for $110 (normally $214) at www.shopequita.com.
Fall Trend: Menswear Inspired
Hessnatur Pure Wool Flannel Jacket
This is not last season’s slouchy boyfriend jacket (although there are plenty of those still around). This is a tailored approach to menswear-inspired dressing and it offers a nice alternative to the cardigan for layering on a crisp fall day. Beautifully cut, this three-button jacket has a slim fit and a silk lining. Men may inspire it, but this jacket is constructed with a woman in mind. $298 at www.hessnatur.com.
Fall Trend: Military Influence
Blu Moon Army Jacket
Military inspired fashions have been on the frontlines of fashion for a couple of seasons, and they show no sign of retreating. Incorporate them in interesting ways, such as layering this cool embellished authentic army jacket over a tank and shorts now, or over cargos and a cami for fall. Very versatile and extremely hip! $110 at www.planetblue.com.
Fall Trend: Structured Handbags
Ashley Watson Linnet Handbag
Change your accessories — change your life! Well, okay, maybe not your life, but definitely your look. Structured handbags are IT for fall and there’s no time like the present to invest in this recycled leather satchel. Soft and supple, this bag is no slouch. Instead it sits upright on a flat bottom panel, and even has a detachable shoulder strap, which leaves your hands free for the important things — like shopping for fall trends! This one-of-a-kind bag is $400 (but we think you should splurge on a quality bag) at www.grasshopper510.com.
Be sure to look for the White Apricot
symbol next to many items. Click on it to go to our exclusive offers for great discounts on these & many other products!
There’s nothing like a cute, comfy, cozy sweater to take us from the heat of summer into the cool days of fall. Sorry, scratch that — There’s nothing like a cute, comfy, cozy, REALLY INEXPENSIVE sweater find any time! The High Tide Sweater is hand knit organic cotton, made by a fair trade knitting cooperative in Peru. It gets its casual style from the asymmetrical neckline, fun kangaroo pocket and slouchy comfortable fit. The blue on blue tones and varsity stripes are right on trend for fall and will carry you through the season. Wear it over your swimsuit and shorts or over a t-shirt and jeans. It’s a year-round essential for only $34 at www.faeriesdance.com.
