Fall Trends: Super-Simple Tips on How to Style the Most Perplexing Seasonal Looks

These fashion-forward styles are easier to wear than you think

By Taylor Stephan Oct 30, 2015 10:45 PMTags
Amanda Seyfried, Givenchy, NYFWMichael Loccisano/Getty Image

Fall's most daring trends are also some of the trickiest to pull off.

Tricky proportions and hemlines can offset even the most well-intentioned of fashion ensembles. While a colorful suit sans shirt, seen on stars like Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne, may not fly for your everyday ensemble, a more accessorized version will certainly suffice.

Similarly, other hard-to-pull-off trends like a drop-waist dress and Amanda Seyfried's sequin pencil skirt have the potential to go wrong if you don't style them with a strategy in mind. To help us navigate fall's trickiest trends, we consulted E! Style Collective stylist Daniel Musto for his tips on how to take smartly-calculated style risks this season.

By nature, a sequin skirt is playful yet fancy. "If you are looking to show off your curves, a shiny sequin skirt is the way to go," encouraged the pro. Show off your shape by pairing the timeless silhouette with a fitted graphic tee that doesn't take itself too seriously. To keep the overall look clean, stick to accessories of the same material like a patent leather bag and pumps, but feel free to mix up the color.

Dorothy Perkins Black Two Tone Sequin Pencil Skirt, $79; Zoe Karssen Women's Bat Box Fit T-Shirt, $92; Jocelyn Fur Pom Pom Bag Charm, $95; 3.1 Philip Lim Alix Circle Crossbody Bag, $625; Vince Camuto 'Kain' Pump, $97.95

A colored suit is a cool departure from a corporate version in basic black. Pick a color that excites you and build your entire look around that. Change up the silhouette, perhaps with a belted ‘70s version. To complement the look, wear a patterned shirt that calls on the color of the suit but pulls in other tones for variety. Keep accessories neutral but don't be afraid to play around with texture.

Topshop ‘70s Suit Jacket and Flares, $205; Topshop Unique Edenvale Printed Silk-Georgette Blouse, $230; Pour La Victoire Aryia Pumps, $225; Chelsea Mod Spitfire Sunglasses, $36; Elizabeth and James Cynnie Shearling Nano Cross Body Bag, $235 

"Make sure that the seam of the waistline hits where your legs meet your midsection. That will keep the look proportionate and keep you elongated," advised the expert. This style accentuates the torso, so opt for a loose-fitting version that doesn't cling. For a look that's not trying too hard, style with casual accessories like platform sneakers and a kitschy clutch that speak to your personality.

Thakoon Cotton-Poplin Mini Shirt Dress, $990; Givenchy Kiltie Wedge Derbys, $895; Kate Spade New York Fox Clutch, $298; Ray-Ban Clubmaster Acetate Sunglasses, $150; Alexis Bittar Spike Crystal Stud Earrings, $95

Split-sleeve tops are all about proportions. "A long arm can wear a double-split sleeve that connects at the elbow, while a shorter arm should be completely split," shared the stylist. Since split-sleeve shirts can look blousy and full, anchor the rest of your look with tailored pieces on bottom that complement the loose shirt. Pair with neutral accessories that don't compete and that keep attention on the sleeves.

Mathew Williamson Jena Midnight Silk Split Sleeve Top, $463; Topshop Patch Pocket Shorts, $68; Aldo Sassi Boots in Cognac, $130; Rag & Bone Bradbury Mini Flap Chain Hobo Bag, $550; ILLESTEVA Milan IV Sunglasses, $300

"If your boot is baggy, especially around the ankle, then the entire outfit will look too oversized," warned Daniel. Since the boot covers the majority of the leg, choose tailored wardrobe pieces that break up the look but still hug your shape. A formfitting mini skirt reveals a peek of thigh and a peekaboo top shows a hint of décolleté while still covering up. A colorful sleeveless vest elongates your frame and draws attention back to the statement boots.

ASOS Kill Joy Platform Over The Knee Boots, $107.49; Topshop Premium Sleeveless Jacket, $125; DKNY Embroidered Cotton-Blend Mini Skirt, $395; Miss Selfridge Black High Neck Drape Blouse, $53; Rebecca Minkoff Moto Backpack, $325; Miu Miu 'Noir' 49mm Round Sunglasses, $390

For more of Daniel's tips on this season's trickiest trends, watch the video below! 

Watch: How to Rock Tricky Trends for Fall