As summer loosens its clammy grip, we’re embracing the shift in season — and the wardrobe reset that comes with it. There’s a certain back-to-school energy in the air (whether or not you’re hitting the books), and we’re feeling the itch to refresh our closets with pieces that bridge comfort and sophistication.
To shake off the end-of-summer style slump, we looked to the runways for a little direction. At Tory Burch’s fall/winter 2025 show, laid-back elegance reigned: think striped track pants paired with refined knits and loafers that felt more Upper East Side than locker room. Miu Miu doubled down on elevated ease too, styling plush fur coats with slouchy socks and barely-there slip dresses — a study in contradictions that somehow work.
But across nearly every fall/winter 2025 show, one theme echoed loud and clear: In uncertain times, fashion tends to return to its foundations. This fall’s heroes? The classics: leather riding boots, sensible yet chic loafers, and streamlined baguette bags reemerged as not just accessories, but sartorial anchors — proof that timeless style is always in.
Freshening up for the upcoming season doesn’t have to require a full overhaul, though. With a couple of key pieces, some of which start at just $40, you can make the essentials you already have feel brand new. So whether you’re chasing foliage or just romanticizing your grocery run, this autumn reset is all about clothes that make getting dressed seem like a treat, not a trick.
Top Fall Fashion Trends 2025
Riding Boots
Perhaps drawing from the prim precision of polo uniforms, Tory Burch’s Fall 2025 collection reimagined equestrian chic with a sporty twist — pairing leather riding boots with striped track pants and sleek leather racing jackets. It’s the kind of high-low styling that feels both grounded and forward-thinking. And while the runway leaned athletic, the beauty of a well-cut riding boot is its sheer versatility: Let them peek out from under a midi dress, or pull them on over slim trousers with a blazer to channel polished prep with a modern edge.
Dramatic Curves
Long live the power shoulder! Designers from Ulla Johnson to Vetements to Saint Laurent made a strong case — literally — for sculptural silhouettes this season, sending models down runways in exaggerated shapes that played up curves with theatrical flair. While we may not be embracing proportions quite as bold in our day-to-day lives, there were plenty of ideas to borrow. Enter the subtly architectural staples, like barrel-leg trousers, blazers with rounded shoulders, and dresses with nipped-in waists that can be worn for months to come.
Suede
Bohemia may have ruled the runways this past summer, but for fall 2025, designers are dialing down the free-spirited frills in favor of something more refined. Still, one key element of the aesthetic has proven it’s not going anywhere: suede. From Sergio Hudson’s tailored trench coats to Miu Miu’s oversized peacoats, the luxe texture emerged as a hero material across outerwear and accessories alike. Leaning into it is easy: Simply grab a slouchy suede bag or opt for structured boots in rich, autumnal tones.
Elongated Handbags
When Fendi introduced the now-iconic Baguette bag in 1997, it wasn’t just a nod to Parisian women toting actual bread under their arms — it was a cultural moment. Immortalized by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, the slim, shoulder-hugging silhouette quickly rose to it-bag status and hasn’t loosened its grip since. While croissant-shaped clutches and other carb-coded accessories made their way down the fall 2025 runways, it’s the baguette — chic, compact, and endlessly versatile — that continues to reign supreme.
Classic Loafers
If Katie had to commit to just one shoe for life, odds are she’d reach for a loafer — the kind that works everywhere from the newsroom to a family reunion. This fall, designers steered away from the chunky lug soles of recent seasons and circled back to the basics: think sleek silhouettes with thoughtful details. At Gucci, there was statement hardware; at Prada, minimalist penny styles reigned. Whatever your preference, this season’s loafers promise to lend structure and sophistication to just about any fall outfit — no break-in period required.
Vintage Lace
Lingerie-inspired dressing is making its return, but don’t worry, embracing the trend doesn’t require baring it all. While Gabriela Hearst leaned all the way in with barely-there sheers, Chloé offered a softer approach, sending silky slips with subtle lace accents down the runway. For those of us looking to strike a balance between romantic and wearable, the sweet spot lies somewhere between “bedroom muse” and “Victorian poetry professor.” We’re talking lace-trimmed blouses, midi skirts with whisper-light details, and satin pieces that feel more timeless than risqué.
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