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The Demure Trend Will Reign Supreme This Fall, and These 10 'Very Cutesy, Very Modest' Pieces Will Help You Pull It Off
By Destinee Scott,
18 hours ago
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If you've been all in on having a brat summer , you may not be ready for TikTok's latest obsession— the demure trend —but that's why you have me. Per Merriam-Webster , to be demure means being "reserved, modest and shy (typically used [to describe] a woman)." OK, not exactly the most feminist definition there, but allow me to explain.
Since it entered the zeitgeist by way of content creator Jools Lebron (who started the trend in a now-viral TikTok ), there's been a bit of irony at play in terms of how it's being adopted across social media. Still, if you ask Lebron about how to bring demureness to your capsule wardrobe , she'll probably tell you to be "very cutesy, very mindful" regarding your aesthetic. So, is the demure trend about being the most quiet and modest version of yourself? Well, no—think more in terms of embracing classic, classy style, and less about the suggestion of quieting yourself and your personality.
After all, some of the most demure icons I could think of in pop culture are absolutely the fiercest— Julie Andrews in The Princess Diaries comes to mind, as does Sex and the City 's Charlotte York. But if you ask me, the rise of demure fall fashion is simply your excuse to wear chic drop-waist dresses , sophisticated blazers , pleated pants and more elegant styles on repeat.
The demure trend is basically the opposite of brat summer . While the brat summer vibe inspired you to be spunky and edgy with your fashion and makeup choices, the demure trend encourages you to be more mindful and modest—at least in your approach to dressing. For instance, if you're getting ready for work, skip the bright eyeshadow and crop top and go for a more natural makeup look and elegant clothes. In other words, think *less* bold fits (consisting of loud prints, revealing necklines and shorter lengths) and *more* sophisticated looks (featuring higher necklines, neutral colors and longer lengths) that nod to the quiet luxury and old money trend .
Intrigued yet? Well, if you want to have a demure fall, now is the time to upgrade your wardrobe with pieces that make you look and feel like a million bucks. To get you started, I rounded up ten very cutesy, very modest styles (from blazers to vests) that will make you the most polished version of yourself this fall.
This Amanda Uprichard Kya romper is the definition of demure, IMO. Everything from its sophisticated silhouette, neat front faux flap pockets, front button closure and sleek skirt overlay makes it as classy as it is chic. So, basically, if you want to start dressing demurely this fall, you definitely need this best-selling one-piece style, which buyers describe as absolutely beautiful—and petite-approved.
While PureWow readers (and editors) are no strangers to these beloved A&F pants, I felt the need to get them back on your radar for fall because they really are the perfect pleated pair to have in your capsule wardrobe. Shoppers describe them as classy, stylish and totally flattering. Not to mention, they come in multiple lengths, so ladies of every height are bound to find their perfect fit. Impressed yet? Well, wait until I get you hip to the fact that they have a high-rise fit and a partially elasticated waistband, which means you can look demure and feel comfy at the same time.
There's nothing like a cute cardigan to give your outfit a prim and proper twist, whether you tie it over your shoulders or snuggle up in it all buttoned up. This updated lady jacket, which looks similar to one Meghan Markle wore last year , is even more demure than before, thanks in part to the striped design and updated fit that the brand says will make it easier to layer this fall. Of course, it has all the same classy details, including heritage-inspired gold crest buttons, patch pockets and 100 percent cotton fabric. "[I] love lady jackets, and this one doesn’t disappoint...[it's the] perfect length, not too oversized. [I] can’t wait for the first cool day to wear [it]," writes one buyer. Um, same, which is why I'm adding it to my cart right now—and so should you.
Demure dresses are feminine by nature, and you won't find anything as spot-on as this linen number. With a collared neckline, A-line pleated skirt and fitted bodice, it's as effortlessly elegant as a casual dress can get. Seriously, it's serving major Grace Kelly vibes. And you won't have any trouble dressing it up and down with shoes and accessories (perhaps a belt or string of pearls?) for any occasion, whether you've got a work event or a brunch to hit up this fall. And as if it can't get any better than that, the dress is on sale for under $200 right now, but not for long.
Ballet flats aren't just very cutesy, they're also an easy-on *must* for fall. And as many reviewers will tell you, these Tory Burch beauties are some of the most comfortable ones you can buy—and it's not just because they're made of smooth Napa leather. They also have a cushioned insole and a split rubber sole, which make them super wearable (for hours, might I add) and perfect for travel (because you can literally fold them into themselves). One reviewer adds, "[These] shoes are amazing! I bought my second pair. You pay more, but they last forever and always look like new shoes. They are soft and comfortable." In that case, I'll take two pairs, please!
This finely ribbed tank—made of luxe merino wool—will keep you looking polished, even when you want to feel cozy and relaxed. It features a higher neckline, fallback shoulders and jersey detailing at the underarm, which all make the laid-back look a bit more elevated, and great for wearing on both weekends and work days alike. More importantly, buyers can't stop talking about how soft it is, so if I were you, I would seriously consider snagging as many colors as you can. As one reviewer says, "You won't regret it."
I don't know about you, but I'm in the market for a new blazer to don once the weather gets cooler, and this one checks all the demure boxes. For starters, it's a touch oversized, so it should be perfectly flowy and roomy for layering this fall. And despite its relaxed styling, it still has all those snazzy blazer features, like buttoned cuffs, double welt pockets and a one-button closure, so I can look totally put-together simply by throwing it on over my outfit. Talk about being mindful.
The black-and-white contrast of this knit dress is simple, chic and, dare I say, a little French , while its shift silhouette is as smart as can be. Needless to say, you better make room for this minimalist number in your closet soon, because a little birdie told me that it's selling fast. Considering its viscose-blend fabric, which should be plenty breathable for those warm days between seasons, there's no question whether it'll become your go-to dress heading into autumn.
TikTokers like @ caitlin_jaymes have been raving about how well-made this vegan leather purse is, highlighting everything from its super soft polyurethane and polyester lining to its slouchy styling, woven design and comfy carrying (it has a 4-inch handle drop that will fall nicely on your shoulder). But all that really matters is that it nails the demure trend with a look so sophisticated that people will probably mistake it for a Bottega Veneta (no, I'm not kidding). And just so you know, it's got inner slip and zip pockets, which will help keep you nice and organized, so it's functional to boot.
I saved my very favorite, very demure style for last. And let's just say you'll have to act fast to grab it because I have a feeling this posh pick won't stay in stock long once shoppers catch wind of it. Thanks to a front button closure, tailored hourglass silhouette and twill fabric, you'll look fabulously fancy even if you just style it with jeans. But you don't have to just take my word for it. One reviewer shares, "[It's] so cute and work-appropriate. [You] need to wear [it] with high-waisted pants, but you can totally work in a business casual or business professional environment. And [I] love the waist tie!" Yeah, it's my favorite for a reason.
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
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