What I Want To Wear This Fall: Autumn Trend Edition
For me, fall is my favorite season to refresh my wardrobe. Winter is full of jeans, leggings, heavy sweaters and anything that feels comfy cozy. Spring – I’m still wearing some of my winter clothes, along with some lightweight long-sleeve linen shirts, and switching out winter boots for flats, but I don’t think I’ve fully reset my wardrobe in quite some time. Summer style feels light and lazy with easy sundresses, athletic wear and cover-ups. I will be a floral dress here and there but I don’t obsess about summer clothing. But fall? To me, fall fashion gets me the most excited. Maybe it’s that big style bible Vogue puts out in September, the combination of freshly sharpened pencils for school and leather boots, or beautiful fabrics in suede and deep burgundy. It all feels so lush and gorgeous – a season that is the epitome of quiet luxury.
I’ve done a bit of research to pull what I think is trending this fall and have picked pieces here and there that I know I’d love to get (however, I know my wallet will limit me to JUST how many pieces I treat myself to). While I know we don’t want to be lemmings and all look the same, I have no doubt you’ll find a way to put your own personal spin on the pieces that will keep you looking current and fresh this autumn.
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Fall 2025: What’s Changing in Style
This fall feels a little more grounded, a little more lived-in. Runways and street style alike are leaning into pieces that blend comfort, structure, and a whisper of utility. You’re seeing suede, relaxed tailoring, vintage nods, and tonal layers everywhere. In this post, I’m sharing the pieces I’m gravitating toward (I know what I like may not be a fit for all of you…).
Slouchy Suede Handbags
This season, handbags are getting softer – less rigid structure, more relaxed shapes and buttery leathers. Think “hug-able” clutches, folded top-handle bags, or slouchy totes that feel lived-in. Designers like Fendi and Tod’s leaned into this on the Fall/Winter 2025 runways. How to wear it? Wear a soft, fold-over suede crossbody with your favorite denim, tee, and blazer. It adds dimension without competing. You can also use a slouchy bucket bag in a rich neutral (camel, taupe) to balance a tweed or wool coat or let the bag be the star! Pair it with simple knits and trousers so the texture shines. Just be sure to watch out for bags that are too unstructured as they can look like they’re falling apart. Aim for ones with a defined base or subtle shape. I also like to stick with quality hardware and stitching; the softness should feel intentional, not cheap.
Birkenstock Buckley and Naples Clogs
The “ugly-chic” footwear aesthetic continues to evolve and clogs, platform slides, and chunky silhouettes remain front and center. I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks since the 90s (yes I’m showing my elder millennial!). The Birkenstock Naples and Buckley are getting more love in street style edits and fashion editorials. They give the outfit a grounded, relaxed edge. I just purchased the Buckley Clog last week. Clogs can go with so much: Pair clogs + wide-leg trousers + oversized blazer for a comfortable but polished look. Wear them with cropped trousers and ankle socks (to please the Gen Z sock obsessed kids) for an easy day look. They even look cute with a midi skirt and lend ease to more feminine styles. Be sure to mind proportions. Clogs are bulky, so balance them with looser bottoms or cropped hems so the shoe feels intentional. I quickly realized that they do not look great with bootcut jeans.
Oversized Blazers
Why it’s trending: Blazers are getting more relaxed: longer cuts, dropped shoulders, and a slouchy structure that works over dresses or denim. Pair an oversized camel blazer over a neutral tank + wide-leg jeans + simple loafers or throw it over a midi slip dress and add subtle jewelry. Just remember not to go TOO oversized so you don’t look like your playing dress-up from your dad’s closet. Also avoid any super boxy blazers. I find it best when there is subtle tailoring like waist darts or a seam.
Barrel Pants
Gone are the ultra-skinny silhouettes! This fall is all about ease below the waist. Barrel pants (a slight curve/wider leg) and wide-leg trousers add movement and flow. Many designers are embracing this relaxed bottom half. How to wear them? I certainly needed a little advice in this area. It seems they look best when paired with slim tops or fitted sweaters to maintain balance. They also look good with cropped boots or clogs (ahem, see above) so the hem “floats.” Hem length is key… too long, and the hem drags or looks sloppy. And for all my fellow short gals out there, avoid ultra-wide legs unless you’re tall (as the barrel gives just enough ease without drowning you).
Brown Sneakers
Sneakers are no longer just chunky white or full of lashy logos. Earthy neutrals (tobacco, caramel, mocha) are making their cozy entrance. They tie into the “quiet luxury” neutral palette with more warmth. I don’t think many of you need to be told how to style these! Pair them with everything from wool loose trousers to a slip dress!
Fleece Jackets
Comfort is a theme this season. Fleece, shearling linings, and teddy fabrics are showing up as both outerwear and lining details. They lean utilitarian while still giving a cozy, elevated touch (Especially relevant for transitional weather). Fleece zip jackets look great over wide-leg jeans with a simple tee – the look is casual but refined. You can also wear a shearling-lined blazer or coat over clean neutrals for layering contrast. And… mixed textures are always a luxe look. Pair fleece with suede or leather to give it dimension.
Wide Leg Trousers
Relaxed trousers are a mood this fall. I bought a couple of pairs last year and I’m super happy to see this trend is still alive and kicking. It’s such a fabulous alternative to jeans. Wide-legs give you that easy drape and long-line polish without trying too hard, and they are equally chic with a sneaker (as stated above), clog, or sleek boot. The perfect fall look? Wide-leg trousers with a fitted knit turtleneck, oversized blazer, and loafers. Date Night? Wear a satin cami top with wide legs trousers, heeled ankle boots and a chunky gold hoop. You really can’t go wrong. Something to keep in mind? Too much volume up top will make you look super bulky – be sure to balance with a slimmer tee or tucked knit. One other things about wide leg trousers that drives me nuts (but it seems a certain Duchess is a fan of)? The over-pooling hem. Be sure to get them hemmed to your go-to shoe height.
Fit & fabric notes for Wide Leg Trousers (the cheat sheet):
- Rise: A true high rise (≈ 11–12″) lengthens the leg and smooths the middle.
- Inseam guide: Petite 26–28″, Regular 29–31″, Tall 32–34″ (aim for a light “kiss” over shoes, not a puddle).
- Weight & drape: Mid-weight twill, ponte, or wool-blend holds shape; avoid thin, clingy fabric.
- Cut details: A single front pleat is forgiving without adding bulk; pressed crease = instant polish.
Chunky Gold Accessories
It’s the quickest way to add quiet-luxury polish to neutrals and relaxed silhouettes. Clean, architectural pieces read “elevated,” not flashy. One thing to remember when you’re shopping for gold accessories? PVD or thick gold-filled lasts longer than standard plating, and be sure to get nickel-free for sensitive skin. Oh, and when I mentioned above that you should stick with quality hardware on your handbags? Additionally, keep metals consistent with bag/boot hardware for a cohesive look.
How I’m wearing it (mix-and-match):
- Everyday set: 20–30mm dome hoops + 5–7mm curb chain + simple signet ring.
- Zoom call ready: Sleek huggies + chunky chain bracelet with a watch.
- Evening edit: One hero cuff + delicate chain at the collarbone. Let the cuff do the talking.
- Weekend casual: Paperclip chain layered with a pendant + small hoops; finishes a tee + wide-leg look.
3 Fall Outfit Pairings I’ve Got Queued Up
Here are some combinations I’m already pulling together using the trends above. Use these as jumping-off points, or remix with pieces you already own.
| Occasion | Pairings | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee + Errands | Fleece Jacket + Wide-Leg Trousers + Brown Sneakers | Cozy but still polished for day-to-day |
| Polished Weekday | Oversized Blazer + Barrel Pants + Sleek Ankle Boot | Puts structure into a relaxed shape |
| Weekend Style | Slouchy Suede Bag + Oversized Tee + Cropped Denim + Clogs | Effortless layering, cool proportions |
What to Look For (and What to Skip)
- Fabric weight matters. Avoid pieces that cling or are too floppy
- Look at seams, stitching, and hardware finishes
- Stick to muted, rich neutrals (e.g. caramel, mushroom, tobacco, deep olive)
- Skip large logos or zip pulls. Quiet luxury is about restraint. (And check out my post about my favorite quiet luxury gifts under $50!)
- Try pieces on with layers when shopping (see how it works over a sweater)
For a few more of my favorites when it comes to alternatives for jeans, check out my post on my go-to pants!
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