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A Fashion Stylist’s Guide to Fall 2025 Trends

  • Stephanie Weiss
  • Oct 8
  • 5 min read

Believe it or not, October has crept up on us and fall is already at its peak. The warm, lingering September afternoons are long behind us, and now is the time to savor those brisk 60-degree days before – let’s be honest – we blink and suddenly there’s snow on the ground. With this golden window of time comes the million-dollar question: how do I dress to impress without feeling like I’m in a costume? That’s exactly what I’m here to help with. 


I’m Stephanie Weiss, a local clothing stylist who works with women and men to refresh their wardrobes through closet edits & outfit curation, personal shopping, and wardrobe management. I love sharing my perspective on what’s trending, what’s timeless, and how to make fashion feel fun instead of overwhelming. First and foremost, fashion is all about feeling good in what you wear. I always say that there are only three things that belong in your closet…things that fit, things that you like and things that make you feel good and confident. If any item does not fit all three criteria, then it goes. Keeping that in mind, here are a few trends you will be seeing this fall:


Fall’s Must-Have Color Palette


While summer had us wearing airy pastels and playful butter yellows, fall is ushering in deeper, moodier tones. The shades I’m seeing everywhere right now are chocolate brown, olive green, plum, and animal print. Designers can’t get enough, and neither can I! What makes these colors so exciting are their versatility. Chocolate brown and olive green are naturals for everyday wear; they mix beautifully with denim, black, or cream. If you are going for the monochromatic look, think about pairing different shades of brown (or any color) together but with different textures.  That’s how you will get your depth and interest…similar colors with different textures. Plum offers a slightly unexpected pop of richness, perfect for when you want to stand out. And prints – whether leopard, zebra, or classic plaid – become the star of the show when styled as a statement piece. Pro tip: let your printed item take the lead (say, a plaid blazer or animal print midi skirt) and keep the rest of your outfit in grounded neutrals. Effortless, polished, and very fall.


Woman wearing a brown cardigan and jeans, flanked by a dark brown boot and brown purse on a light gray background. Neutral tones and calm mood.

The Power of Texture in Fall Trends


Colors may set the tone, but materials tell the story. This season, fabrics like lace, faux leather, suede, and corduroy are having a major moment. They add instant personality to even the simplest look. Suede is such a beautiful material adding richness and texture to any outfit. Lacey dresses or a boho top tucked into jeans and boots create the perfect balance of feminine and casual – a mash-up of the best of both worlds! Faux leather and corduroy, on the other hand, bring structure and edge. A faux leather midi skirt with a chunky knit sweater…perfection! Or a pair of corduroy trousers styled with sleek loafers…that’s modern preppy academia at its best. The trick is mixing textures so your outfit feels intentional and layered, not flat.


Woman in a burgundy coat with a red bag, another in a tan skirt with black boots, and a pair of burgundy heels, all set against a simple backdrop.

Accessorizing the Fall Way


No outfit is truly complete without accessories, and this fall, belts are stealing the spotlight. I love a classic belt to cinch a blazer or dress, but for the bold among us, doubling up (yes – two belts at once!) is the fashion-forward move. This plays beautifully into the season’s retro bohemian vibe, which continues to hold strong. Country barn coats were popular last fall, and thankfully they are back again this season! Rugged yet elevated outerwear, classic and relaxed.  Pair with jeans or slacks, a casual top and loafers or boots. Another accessory I’ve been loving? Resin bangles. They’re popping up everywhere right now, and for good reason. They can be colorful with a funky shape – wear them stacked or single – and it adds a little personal flavor to your outfit. Handbags are another area where I’ve noticed a shift: structured slouchiness is in. Picture a bag that looks relaxed and casual but is secretly sturdy enough to hold all your daily essentials. It’s the ideal blend of practicality and polish. The slouchy bag goes perfectly with a blazer and pants, or just jeans and a cozy sweater. Add in gold accents – whether through chain straps, hardware, or subtle details – and suddenly your accessories take even the most simple outfit to the next level.


Three images: A person in a denim jacket and flared pants; a green bag over a floral skirt; a person in a white tank with red bangles.

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes


If you know me, you know I agree with Carrie Bradshaw: shoes make the outfit. This fall, the classics reign supreme. Loafers, slip-ons, and patent slides are everywhere, while booties and ballet flats continue to be go-to staples. I recommend investing in one versatile pair of loafers – they can transition from office wear to casual weekend outings seamlessly. For those who want a little more drama, knee-high boots are sneaking back onto the scene, styled with skirts and oversized sweaters for a modern yet timeless feel. That said, not every trend from past seasons is carrying over. The chunky “dad sneaker” moment is officially starting to cool down. In its place is a clean, minimalist sneaker (“torpedo” sneakers). Streamlined and tapered give an elevated and minimal look to any outfit. Easy to pair with slacks, dresses or jeans for a comfy and polished look.They offer a fresh finish without overwhelming your outfit, making them the perfect everyday shoe for fall.


Brown suede sneaker with white accents and purple sneaker with red and white stripes, side by side on a plain white background.


Quick Tips + Final Touches


Before I wrap up, here are a few last-minute stylist notes for navigating the season like a pro:

  • Skirt & Dress Lengths: Midi is the magic word this fall. Flattering, versatile, and chic.

  • Carry-Over Trends: Wide-leg trousers and stripes are sticking around, so keep them in rotation.

  • Layering Staples: Cardigans, sweaters, and versatile blazers never fail. Layer them for depth.

  • Long Coats: Classic trenches and drapey overcoats…yes please!  Throw on a long coat over jeans and a top and you immediately look (and feel) a bit more grand and sleek.

  • Gold Accents: Buttons, zippers, or subtle jewelry in gold tones instantly elevate an outfit.

  • Pleats: A forever favorite of mine—structured yet playful, and perfect for adding texture.

  • Monochromatic Looks: Think of this as wearing similar colors for your top, your belt, your pants and your shoes…all with different textures. It gives a look of being well put together and intentional.

  • Dark Inky Denim: No more rips and holes, this look is sophisticated and sharp. This can be worn during the day or even at night for an elevated look.


Three fashion-clad individuals: beige top and pants, checked coat with boots, and denim jacket with jeans, all in a neutral setting.

Fall 2025 is shaping up to be a season full of rich hues, touchable textures, and silhouettes that balance sophistication with effortlessness. From bohemian touches to preppy-inspired tailoring, the trends this year are all about mixing influences while staying true to your personal style. If you’re ready to refresh your wardrobe but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help you curate looks that make getting dressed a joy again. You can reach me at stephanie@imsittingpretty.net – let’s make this your most stylish season yet. Have fun this fall with what you wear, and don’t be afraid to step a little bit outside your comfort zone.  You just might have some fun and release the inner NEW YOU!


Stephanie Weiss

Sitting Pretty


 
 
 

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