Fall trends to punch up your wardrobe
By Haley Rae Shoning
IN A CITY WHERE style is shaped by afternoons at breweries and weekends on the trail—and where Patagonia often holds
more sway than Prada— the glitz of Fashion Week can feel like a distant world.
But make no mistake: the trends debuting on this season’s runways won’t stay tucked away in glossy magazines or haute couture circles. They’ll trickle down into everyday wardrobes, subtly shaping what we wear.
If your current outfit rotation is falling flat, get inspired by the trending styles for fall 2025. From unexpected color palettes and bold silhouettes to standout accessories, these fashion-forward updates are guaranteed to bring new life—and a dose of chic—to your wardrobe.
COLOR CRUSH
Move over, neutrals—two striking hues are taking center stage this fall. Purple and green are turning heads on Fashion Week runways with statement‐making appeal. Powerhouses like Hermès, Prada and Saint Laurent embraced pistachio green with a ’70s twist, while Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera leaned into rich,
regal tones of deep purple— officially dubbed “Italian plum.”
These fashion‐forward colors are an easy way to elevate even the most basic outfit. Consider opting for an edgy pistachio‐colored boot in place of black or brown or swap your typical cardigan or sweater for one in a deep berry hue. Bonus points for
a monochromatic look—an Italian plum knit matched with a coordinating skirt creates an effortlessly polished, on-trend statement.
The A&F Madeline Crew Sweater in Plum, $60, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH at Park Meadows or abercrombie.com
Anne Klein Pleated Satin Skirt in Dark Plum, $119, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
Fendi Filo Knee‐High Boot in Green, $1,550, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
HIGHLY EXAGGERATED
This season’s outerwear is all about volume. From the drapey, scarf-like coats shown by Louis Vuitton and Michael Kors to Versace’s duvet‐inspired wrap coats, bigger is better this fall. Contemporary brands like Acne Studios, Coach and Balenciaga had their own take on the trend with sophisticated, floor‐dusting trench coats and leather jackets.
If you’re embracing the oversized trend, don’t shy away from a little drama. Layer a slouchy cape coat over a tonal shift dress or wide‐leg trousers, and finish the look with pointed‐toe leather boots. With the right accessories, even the most exaggerated outerwear can look sophisticated and put‐together.
Or, if you’re keen on a more streamlined silhouette, play with proportion through length—an ankle‐grazing coat makes a bold statement without the bulk.
Wool Blend Coat ZW Collection, $259, ZARA or zara.com
New Finch Trench Coat, $298, ARITZIA or aritzia.com
Burberry Reversible Check Cashmere Cape, $3,650, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
ACQUIRED WAIST
The must‐have accessory of the season? The statement belt. From wrap belts cinching voluminous coats to maximalist stacks slung low on the hips, at Maison Schiaparelli, this trend dominated the runways in every form. Louis Vuitton showcased a wide leather belt layered over a voluminous tulle skirt and structured knit—a striking blend of texture and silhouette that felt unexpectedly modern and undeniably cool.
Whether you go bold with an oversized statement or keep it sleek and minimal, this trend offers an effortless way to elevate any outfit. Cinch a classic leather belt around an oversized blazer to create a flattering silhouette and bring an element of femininity to menswear-inspired tailoring. For a playful twist, experiment with unexpected colors or eye‐catching buckles to breathe new life into timeless pieces.We The Free Norfolk Hip Belt, $68, FREE PEOPLE at Park Meadows or freepeople.com
Wide Corset Belt, $98, ANTHROPOLOGIE at Park Meadows or anthropologie.com
B‐Low The Belt Lydia Modern Leather Belt, $272, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
OFFICE REVIVAL
Secretary chic has stepped out of the office and onto the runway. Pencil skirts and blouses made a daring return—some, like Givenchy and Calvin Klein, kept it classic with tailored suits, while Dior looked an edge with a corset, graphic tee and knee‐high boots. Blouses also got a dramatic refresh in silky fabrics with strong shoulders, plunging necklines and billowy sleeves.
If you choose to take this secretarial style to the streets, be sure to give it some flair. Opt for eye‐catching fabrics and get creative with prints and colors (hello, pistachio and Italian plum!) If your wardrobe tends to be more casual, lean into that—think pencil skirts paired with a lived‐in tee or tough leather jacket.
The Everyday Silk Shirt, $150, BANANA REPUBLIC or bananarepublic.com
Trina Turk Serena Skirt, $258, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
Tom Ford Metallic Striped Lavalliere Plunging Blouse, $2,450, NEIMAN MARCUS or neimanmarcus.com
ON THE DOT
Polka dots are officially making a comeback. Though this sixties mod print has long been overshadowed by edgy animal patterns and stripes, Fashion Week put it back in the spotlight—no pun intended. Designers like Isabel Marant and Moschino brought a fresh dose of whimsy with playful polka‐dotted dresses that are anything but predictable.
The secret to updating this retro pattern for today: keep it fresh. Pair a vintage‐inspired sheath with sleek, contemporary accessories like strappy heels and a structured handbag. For a more effortlessly modern vibe, opt for this peppy print on a dress with a current, fashion‐forward silhouette or in a vibrant jewel‐toned hue.
Polka Dot Midi Halter Dress with Belt, $89.90, ZARA or zara.com
Anelis Dress, $278, REFORMATION or thereformation.com
Mac Duggal Polka Dot Charmeuse Halter Tiered Ruffle Gown,
$498, ANTHROPOLOGIE at Park Meadows or anthropologie.com
ANIMAL MAGNETISM
Faux fur and animal prints are Fashion Week regulars—and this season is no exception. Textured faux fur jackets are an easy, stylish way to add depth to your look while staying warm during Colorado’s late‐fall chill. As for leopard and cheetah prints, the soft black‐and‐ brown contrast keeps them in the “neutral” category according to many fashion experts, making them a go‐to pattern for on‐trend autumn styling.
Want to level up your look for 2025? Toss a faux fur coat over a graphic tee and your favorite jeans for an ensemble that’s equal parts effortless and ultra‐cool. Or try a statement accessory like a fuzzy stole or a cozy trapper hat. For a fresh twist on classic cheetah print, look for white‐spotted deer‐print pieces, like the elegant outerwear seen on the Tod’s runway.
Cynthia Rowley The Snow Bunny Faux Fur Trapper Hat, $245, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
Chloe Faux Fur Oversized Coat, $368, Reformation or thereformation.com
JAKKE Rosemary Coat, $428, FREE PEOPLE at Park Meadows or freepeople.com
IN THE BAG
The “Messy Girl Aesthetic” is back—embraced by fashion TikTok’s It‐girls and top designers alike—and with it comes the resurgence of oversized, slouchy bags. If you’re not chronically online, the term refers to a style that favors comfort, creativity and practicality over perfection. Think of Jane Birkin and her iconic Hermès bag—well‐worn, overflowing and functional, not just an accessory.
Stella McCartney and Fendi showed soft, spacious totes— tucked under the arm like oversized clutches—while Coach went viral earlier this year with a supersized take on the antiquated kiss‐lock coin purse. Whether you’re drawn to the statement of an exaggerated tote or the laid‐back ease of a slouchy hobo, one thing is clear: functionality is officially fashionable.
Metal Detail Shoulder Bucket Bag, $49.90, ZARA or zara.com
Gramercy Tote, $495, COACH at Park Meadows or coach.com
Bottega Veneta Small Hop Intrecciato Suede Hobo Bag, $4,200, NORDSTROM at Park Meadows or nordstrom.com
