Fall will be here before we know it, so have you started thinking yet about your wardrobe for the coming months? While most of us have some old favorites we haul out season after season, half the fun of style is bringing new pieces into the mix as the weather and the trends change. To that end, we asked three experts to walk us through the biggest style shifts we can expect to see everywhere this autumn.
From plush, furry textures to collegiate flair, these trends are not only making us wish for a chill in the air; they're also reminding us just how fun it can be to tailor our personal style to new or revived fashion landscapes. And, spoiler alert — especially to those who think of themselves as trend-averse — many if not all of these themes are ones you'll want to wear for seasons to come. Keep scrolling to get the TLDR on each, as well as the pieces that'll help you nail your cool-weather 'fits for 2025.
Read more: 7 trends under $100 to spice up your fall wardrobe (and prices start at $18!)
1. The Great Outdoors
You don't have to be a tree-hugger to embrace this trend — outdoorsy looks great on everyone, even if you've never stepped foot on a hiking trail. (DSW, Nordstrom)
(DSW, Nordstrom)
Whether your version of spending time outdoors means walking through an apple orchard, hiking a new trail or enjoying the weather from your porch, if you love spending your autumn (stylishly) exploring outside, you'll love this first trend.
According to Linda Zhang, a fashion director at Nordstrom, the great outdoors trend boils down to "a liberated attitude [that] invigorates fall dressing with novel utility-inspired outerwear, mixed checks and plaids, chic trekking boots and soft, romantic silhouettes." Much of the fun of this style concept, she notes, is "a wonderful tension of matching rugged elements of nature with elegant, feminine flair." Basically, if you've always wanted to live in a Ralph Lauren ad, this aesthetic is for you.
2. Soft Textures
It's going to be a cozy-girl autumn, and we can't wait. (Nordstrom, Kohl's, Nordstrom Rack)
(Nordstrom, Kohl's, Nordstrom Rack)
Our next trend is one where two of our experts unknowingly overlapped, which should tell you that embracing snuggly fabrics will be huge this fall. Zhang shared, "I’m looking forward to expressive styles that stimulate the senses. From plush furs to sumptuous suedes, the soft textures of the season are a functional, cozy delight. This trend comes to life from head to toe with furry coats, shearling-trimmed bags, fuzzy knits and pony hair shoes."
Kohl’s trend expert Kenzie Welch, who works as a fashion stylist and wardrobe consultant, referred to the trend as "soft layering" and explained: "Fall is the season of layering; however, this trend leans more toward soft neutrals and textured fabrics. It's romantic and flowy, yet minimal and sophisticated... I already love a minimal, chic vibe, but I like the romantic touch this trend adds."
3. Jewelry as the Finishing Touch
Who doesn't love a little sparkle? (Anthropologie, BaubleBar, Zales, Nordstrom Rack)
(Anthropologie, BaubleBar, Zales)
If you like to test out the season's biggest trends through accessories rather than totally overhauling your closet, Caroline Baudino, the lifestyle and fashion creator behind Shop with Caroline, suggests reaching for jewelry.
"Even the simplest fall outfit — a cardigan, jeans and boots — can feel styled and intentional with bold gold hoops, a layered necklace stack or a statement ring. Jewelry is the easiest way to elevate layers and make them feel less 'just casual' and more 'street-style inspired,'" explained Baudino. Pro tip: The best part about this trend is that you can lean in with styles you already have at home. But if you want to treat yourself, here are some gorgeous pieces to get you started.
4. Country Sport
Relive the glory days with this collegiate-inspired trend. (DSW, Nordstrom, Kohl's)
(DSW, Nordstrom, Kohl's)
Missing your college heydays? You're not the only one! This scholastic style is "influenced by sport, activewear and women athletes' intersection in fashion," says Zhang. "The preppy sensibility blends with performance staples like rugby polos, athletic sneakers, and colorful primary pops in sport stripes or varsity graphics."
Welch similarly explains that "coastal prep was the vibe for summer, and playful prep is what we'll see come fall. Think stripes, but in bold hues like Kelly greens or vibrant reds. We'll see collegiate-inspired sweatshirts and jersey tees mixed with elevated trousers and plaid skorts." Sneakers and stripes? We're so in.
5. Simple, Luxe Layers
Lean into neutrals and you'll be able to mix and match your layers with ease. (Quince, Abercrombie, Aritzia, J.Crew)
(Quince, Abercrombie, Aritzia, J.Crew)
Baudino declares: "This fall, it’s all about effortless layering you can actually live in — like a perfectly slouchy cardigan over a fitted tank, or a classic button-up under a cozy knit." She advises to "keep the base simple, then build with textures and shapes. It’s an easy way to look put-together without overthinking it."
If you're a sweater and jeans person, this trend will be right up your alley. Baudino added, "I’m loving the cardigan comeback. It’s the ultimate layering piece — you can wear it buttoned up, draped over your shoulders, or open with a silky cami underneath... Go for a classic, neutral cardigan in a high-quality knit. It’s endlessly versatile: Throw it over a dress, style it with jeans or layer it under a blazer."
6. Heritage and Harvest
Break out your favorite plaid and suede styles and finish off your look with a seasonal bev! (Abercrombie, Anthropologie, Kohl's)
(Abercrombie, Anthropologie, Kohl's)
Our final fall fashion trend is for those who want to start sipping a PSL in August (you know who you are...). Welch explained: "This trend is the epitome of fall and all the coziness that comes with dressing for the season. Think lots of elevated plaid prints, cozy heritage sweaters and suede textures. It's the perfect mix of classic preppy style and pumpkin spice."
Lean into your flannels, embrace soft, napped leather pieces, and welcome warm, rich autumnal hues, and you'll easily nail this trend. A cup of piping-hot PSL isn't required, but it is encouraged.
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