As any fashion insider will tell you, fall fashion is the best fashion. There’s the excitement of busting out new textures out of drawer hibernation — knits, suedes, leather! — and turning over a new leaf to try a novel look. When it comes to fall outfits, what makes the latter so thrilling is the sheer range of styling possibilities.
Unlike the minimal dressing of sweat-inducing summer or the functional bundling of bone-chilling winter, autumn’s mild-to-mid-temp days encourage main character energy dressing. Some days it’s about a pared-down neutral palette and clean tailoring, while others call for bold, maximalist drama in the form of a statement coat or bright prints to counter the days when the sun starts setting earlier in the day.
More Is More Maximalism
Fall’s cooler weather makes fearless layering, an area where unabashed maximalism thrives, not just stylistically impactful but also practical. Cue: clashing prints, colorful knits, oversized jackets, and statement accessories stacked together. The goal is excess, so pair that leopard print with plaid, mismatch all the prints, and combine unexpected pieces. “Too much” is exactly enough here.
2. Rustic Romance
Storybook romance — flowing tulle skirts, florals, and prairie dresses — meets countryside charm — corduroy, barn jackets, and Wellington boots — for this dreamy aesthetic. To pull off the look that brings to mind apple orchards and crisp leaf hikes, incorporate a warm and earthy palette like burgundy, caramel, cream, and moss; textures like knits and suedes; and delicate patterns. Accessories like silk scarves, vintage jewelry, and wide-brimmed hats complete the look.
3. Cozy Core
As the name suggests, this aesthetic prioritizes comfort above all. Think: oversized cardigans, sweater dresses, and blanket-like knit accessories. These are warm and enveloping clothes that you can just as easily wear out (to get a coffee and stroll through a bookstore) as curl up in at home.
4. City Chic
This look is less about trends and more about investment pieces. The type of tailored denim, structured blazers, and sleek footwear that will be in your closet for years to come. To add a fall touch to the otherwise-minimalist looks that often rely on neutrals and monochrome dressing, embed seasonal patterns like plaids and checks, or opt for unexpected layering.
5. Fall Goth
Forget pumpkin spice lattes. Channel gothic romance with dramatic silhouettes, dark lace, leather, and velvet. While black is the color that springs to mind for this aesthetic, don’t overlook deep jewel tones like plum or forest green for a more unexpected and seasonal take on Wednesday Addams’ signature look. Accessories like statement boots, pearl-adorned chokers, and chain-like accessories round out the moody effect.
6. Prep In The Step
Preppy fashion is back in school. While scholar-adjacent styles like brogues, pleated skirts, and plaid blazers are always in for fall, we’re partial to the polo shirt trend. Especially when it’s juxtaposed against more feminine pieces, like pencil skirts and ruffled hemlines, or worn double-layered.
7. Jetsetter Everywhere
Even if you have no private plane to catch, you can look like you’re ready for takeoff with this aesthetic. Theatrically dramatic silhouettes that billow in the wind, cashmere outerwear, and whimsy accessories reminiscent of Pan Am days give a sense of someone important on the move. Meanwhile, neutral palettes with occasional bold pops—leopard shoes, handbags just big enough to hold a passport, etc.—convey effortless glamour.
8. Grandmacore Renewed
Vintage florals, crochet sweaters, and retro silhouettes define this throwback aesthetic. It’s about borrowing from a bygone era with a modern twist. Mixing cardigans, midi pleated skirts, and retro handbags with today’s trademarks (like sneakers) ensures the aesthetic feels character-forward rather than cosplay-like. For an authentically nostalgic feel, source actually thrifted goods and secondhand treasures.
9. Boho For Fall
Flowing fabrics, layered jewelry, and peachy-brown tones lend an ethereal feel to this aesthetic, with maxi hemlines, slouchy suede boots, and ruffled blouses dominating the look in colder weather. To ground boho in fall, mix ethereal fabrics with relaxed comfort. Pair lightweight dresses with tall riding boots and chunky knits, or layer sheer blouses underneath oversized suede jackets.
10. Officewear, Powered Up
Officewear takes a bold turn this fall with a revival of ’80s power dressing, where padded shoulders, cinched blazers, and second-skin-tight pencil skirts exude discipline. Structured tailoring and strong silhouettes emphasize authority, while fabrics like wool, tweed, and pinstripes root the style in classic workwear. Bonus: It works just as well (if not better) outside 9-to-5.
11. Rom Com, IRL
The '90s-inspired trend calls back to the golden age of rom coms. Blending playful nostalgia with an effortless ease, the aesthetic comes through via slip dresses, high-waisted jeans topped with cropped pastel sweaters, and baby tees. Accessories like barrettes, skinny scarves, and mini handbags also help nod to iconic movie wardrobes. The end result? Playful, flirty, and charming — just like the leads from our favorite films.
