Though you may not want to admit it, fall is right around the corner. Soon, this August heat will gave way to September’s Indian summer and October’s colder climes, so it’s time to start thinking about you cool-weather wardrobe. 

This fall is all about throw-backs – trends that went into hibernation for a few years but are now back in full force. Hopefully you’re a hoarder because some of your favorite pieces from years past are about to make a comeback.

1. The denim jacket

I bet you thought this one would stay dead for at least another decade – I know I did. But the denim jacket is back and has already been spotted both on the runway and off. Acne Jeans, a young but wildly popular denim brand, featured shredded denim jackets on their fall runway, while everyone’s new favorite Brit, Pippa Middleton, has been spotted more than once wearing a classic-cut, faded number. If you kept your jacket from 2002, you’re in luck.

     
Levi’s, $39.99 at Macy’s              

7 For All Mankind, $325

2. The sweater dress

Sweater dresses first became popular a few years ago when fashionistas began pairing them with leggings. They’re back again for autumn in a different shape, sans leggings. If long enough – and loose enough – the sweater dress can be worn on its own or layered over long sleeve tees, button-down tops or a pair of thick tights. Perfect for a fall day that’s cool but not frigid, the sweater dress can become your go-to outfit this season. But be cautious with this trend – sweater dresses are generally made out of clingy material and if you’re sweater dress is too tight, it might just look like club wear.

   
Urban Outfitters, $54          

BCBG, $158 at Lord and Taylor

3. Plaid

Plaid usually comes to mind when you think of fall and this year is no different. This autumn, plaid goes a little more European – think Mel Gibson in “Braveheart.” Designers like Rag & Bone and Burberry Prorsum featured plaid that was a little more Scottish, a little less school girl. Better start practicing your brogue.

   
Forever 21, $14.80                

Club Monaco, $295

4. Polka dots

While last fall was all about stripes, this fall is all about polka dots. Spots big and small cropped up all over the runways, from Dolce & Gabbana to Diane Von Furstenburg. In order to make this trend look fresh, designers mixed polka dots – models at Marc Jacobs wore polka dotted dresses with polka dotted hats and polka dotted bags. While this look was a little too “101 Dalmatians” for my taste, don’t be shy when it comes to showing your spots.

 
Urban Outfitters, $44              

Forever 21, $13.80

5. Maxi skirts

These skirts were popular for summer and they’re not going out of style just yet. The floor-sweeping numbers come in myriad colors, patterns and fabrics and are portrayed, inexplicably, as cutting-edge and chic. I have to respectfully disagree, however, as anyone under 5’5” will be drowned in all that fabric. And am I the only one who thinks wearing a floor-length skirt makes you look like an extra from “Little House on the Prairie”?

   
Urban Outfitters, $59                

Anthropologie, $138