How do you know it’s fall? Is it the crunch of leaves under your sneakers? The scent of cinnamon in your coffee? For me, the real sign of fall is in fashion: rich leathers, moody hues and silhouettes. This fall, the style story is one of texture, tone and timelessness, where every outfit feels like a quiet statement and reimagined look.
1. Summer Linens to Leather & Suede
This fall, there has been a significant shift from light, breathable summer fabrics — like cotton and linen — to heavier, more structured materials such as leather and suede.
Long leather coats made appearances on many ready-to-wear runways, particularly at Tom Ford, where sleek outerwear became a staple in the entire fall collection. Lemaire and Eckhaus Latta showcased bomber jackets in sleek leather and suede, featuring exaggerated structure and volume that emphasized both protection and style. Meanwhile, Fendi and Hermès applied the same material to wardrobe staples like tailored shorts and shirt-dresses, highlighting the growing appeal of leather beyond traditional outerwear. Even though leather coats aren’t exactly practical for the Southern California climate, I still love pulling one out for a fall evening. On those chilly nights, an unlined leather coat makes the perfect final layer and instantly elevates any outfit I’m wearing.
2. Trading Prints to Texture, Polka-Dots and Stripes replaced by Lace
Print trends are also undergoing a transformation. Recent seasons had bold patterns like stripes and polka dots, but in fall 2025, soft, vintage lace will be back in style.
Designers such as Chloé, Dior, Zimmermann, Chanel and Stella McCartney all incorporated lace into their fall collections. Some presented full lace ensembles, while others used the fabric as an accent, appearing as sleeve inserts, sheer panels or hem details. Across the board, lace was most commonly rendered in classic black and white, though subtle creams and blush tones also made appearances. If I’m feeling adventurous, I utilize my beloved long-sleeve lace shirt as a great elegant staple for any outfit. I would recommend a simple tank or tank dress with lace detailing on the collar or the bottom fringe.
3. Farm Fashion Is the New Coastal Boho
Another major style shift this season involves the move away from the relaxed, beach-inspired coastal boho aesthetic toward a more structured, countryside inspired form of modern preppiness. Loose silhouettes and Mediterranean textures once dominated the fashion world, but designers are now embracing layered outerwear and classic prints, such as plaid or check.
Brands such as Ralph Lauren, Isabel Marant and Patou showcased pieces that merged the traditional preppy style with rugged, practical outerwear. Runways were filled with checks, tweeds, quilted jackets and tailored trench coats.
This blend of luxury and functionality was especially noticeable at Louis Vuitton and Victoria Beckham, where structured coats and utilitarian layers hinted at durability without sacrificing sophistication. These collections emphasized performance-ready pieces with luxurious textures and clean tailoring — underscoring fashion’s growing interest in bridging style with real-world wearability. I happened to inherit my grandfather’s old Carhartt jacket from his work in agriculture, and it’s become one of my favorite pieces. I love throwing it over a mini dress with a beat-up pair of boots. Honestly, any feminine piece paired with something worn-in and weathered gives off that same effortless, farm-ish vibe.
4. Butter Yellow to Rich Plum Tones
The color palette for Fall 2025 also reflects the end of soft, summery tones. While butter yellow was a popular shade throughout spring and summer, it is now being replaced by richer, more saturated hues like plum, wine and dark berry.
These deeper colors are being used to accent earth-toned outfits, provide contrast against black or grey and add sophistication to layered fall looks. According to Net-a-Porter’s seasonal trend guide, plum has emerged as a standout color this season, described as both elegant and moody. It complements the leather and suede trends really well, offering visual depth without overwhelming the rest of the look. I recently acquired a gorgeous plum, draping, satin top which is easily the most stunning and elegant thing in my wardrobe. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong with this trend. The deep plum and cherry tones add such a rich, luxurious feel to any outfit all on their own.
Fall 2025 fashion isn’t about shock value or chasing something new for the sake of the trends. It feels more grounded, emphasizing thoughtful layering over dramatic change. There’s a balance here between nostalgia and modernity that feels even more wearable.
What I love most about this season is that it’s not asking us to get a new wardrobe. That lace blouse I haven’t touched in years? It suddenly feels relevant. The old leather boots tucked in the back of my closet? They’ve never looked better. This fall, it’s less about what’s “in” and more about how we wear what we already love, with fresh eyes and a little more intention.
