8 Fall Fashion Trends That Are Actually Wearable (and the ones I’m skipping)

I’m never sad to see summer go – or its fashion. I love denim shorts and flowy dresses but I’d pick jeans, sweaters, chocolate brown, and plaid everything over summer styles any day. While this year’s fall trends are some of my favorite ever, not every runway trend is realistic for my life. As much as I love seeing dramatic fashion moments in Paris or New York, I’m not showing up to preschool drop-off in head-to-toe leopard print. (And honestly, I wouldn’t wear that even if I was headed to a high fashion event.)

So, I’ve rounded up this year’s biggest fall fashion trends and narrowed them down into two buckets (you can find my polished fall outfit ideas here): the ones I’m loving and working into my closet, and the ones I’m skipping (or only dipping my toe into).

8 Fall Fashion Trends That Are Actually Wearable

What I’m Loving

1. Preppy Ralph Lauren Nostalgia Inspired Looks

If you could bottle up everything I love about fall – barn jackets, cable-knit sweaters, plaid trousers, blazers (find ideas for what to wear under your blazer here), and button-down shirts – it would be this trend. Think 90s Ralph Lauren ads: collegiate but grown-up, polished without trying too hard. And that’s honestly how I aspire to dress, whether it’s on trend or not, which is why I have so many preppy (and chic) wardrobe staples.

A classic navy blazer over straight-leg jeans, loafers, and a belt instantly feels pulled together. (Here are more tips to style a blazer). Or, pair a barn jacket with a mini plaid wool skirt, and suddenly you’re channeling timeless prep in a modern way.

2. Suede

Suede is fall texture magic. A suede jacket or even an Aureum suede belt adds depth to an outfit in a way cotton or denim just can’t. But forget the cropped suede jackets from 10 years ago. Go for long lines and sleek suede jackets that tie or even blazers. 

Chocolate brown or camel suede jackets naturally pair with slim denim and tall leather boots. (Or suede boots if you want to really lean in). But swapping your leather tote for a suede bag is enough to try this trend without going full western. (It’s also a great way to transition a summer outfit to fall.) I got this Madewell suede tote and absolutely love it. Suede belts also take an otherwise season-less outfit (jeans + button-down) and make it feel fall.

3. Equestrian Spirit

This one might sound niche, but it’s actually so wearable. Equestrian style is about sleek boots, tailored jackets, and clean lines.

Riding boots are back, but instead of being flashy, they’re polished and simple. Pair them with leggings or slim trousers and a crisp blazer, and you have a look that feels effortless.

Scarves, structured handbags, and gold hardware also tie into this spirit. I love that this trend feels sophisticated while still being easy to recreate– especially if you already have a pair of tall boots in your closet.

4. Minimalist Maximalism

This sounds like an oxymoron, but hear me out. The idea is quiet luxury with one standout piece. Think a head-to-toe neutral look–beige trousers, cream sweater, camel coat–with a bold belt buckle or oversized gold earrings. Or a streamlined black knit dress paired with dramatic Mary Janes.

Another way this is showing up in trends is maximalist patterns and/or details on a simple streamlined shape, like this feather mini dress or this gold medallion midi dress.

5. Faux Fur

Every few years faux fur comes back, but this time it’s done in a softer, more muted way.

I actually love faux fur and this faux fur coat I’m wearing was one of my very favorites from last year (it’s out of stock, but this faux fur coat is almost identical). Even if I’m wearing a very simple outfit otherwise, this instantly makes it special. If a full on fur jacket isn’t your thing, try fur-trimmed collars or fur-lined mules (these fur-lined mules are on my wishlist). I’m also looking for a faux fur vest like this to layer over a lightweight sweater, paired with jeans and boots. So chic without being over the top (Sweater vests are having a moment-here’s how to style them).

6. Western Details

Western is everywhere this fall, but I’m not talking about going full cowboy hat and fringe jacket (that feels more like dress-up for me, especially since my family is actually western and one brother even competes in rodeos). Instead, I love the subtle nods to the trend: a suede belt with a western buckle (a classic Tecovas suede belt will do the trick), a pair of cowboy-inspired ankle boots, or a touch of denim-on-denim (even a denim dress – this is my favorite).

The key is balance. A western belt cinched over a tailored blazer instantly adds character without feeling like a costume. Pair a denim shirt with trousers instead of jeans, and suddenly it looks polished. Even something as simple as boots with a hint of stitching detail can lean into the trend in a wearable way.

For me, the goal isn’t to look like I’m headed to the rodeo, but weaving classic western textures and shapes into an otherwise timeless outfit.

7. Pink

Barbiecore is cooling off, but pink is staying – but in a soft, grown-up way. Think dusty rose, blush, and even deep raspberry tones mixed with neutrals like camel or gray. I especially like pink paired with trousers (instead of jeans) to really elevate it. I’m not sure how I feel about the scarf trend (I’m going to get one to try it out), but that’s another way to add pink to an all-neutral look.

8. Elevated Footwear (loafers, ballet flats, mules)

You know I love me some white sneakers, but I am also a hard core loafer lover and have been for years. Now they’re very on trend (in line with the preppy, collegiate styles we’re seeing). Chunky loafers are also in, but I prefer more streamlined ones. Ballet flats, pointed-toe mules, and Mary Janes are all popular this fall, as well. I’m loving the more polished footwear!

If you’re investing in one fall shoe, make it something versatile in a neutral: black leather loafers, camel suede mules, or simple ballet flats. These are the kinds of shoes you’ll reach for again and again.

Add socks to your loafers and you’re set (need help choosing the right socks for your loafers?–look here).

What I’m Skipping

Lingerie Styles

Lingerie-inspired fashion belongs in lingerie. Lace-trimmed dresses, sheer tops, and silky slips styled as outfits are trending this fall, but they’re not for me. They feel the opposite of polished, and that’s what look I go for in my wardrobe. 

If you love the feminine feel of lingerie, try it in details: a lace-trimmed camisole layered under a blazer, or satin sneakers with jeans. Or even a lace-inspired tote.

Animal Print

I know animal print always tries to sneak back in for fall, but I’m skipping it this year. Leopard, zebra, even snakeskin are very on trend and not just in accessories. You’ll see full on cow-print pants on Revolve and leopard blazers from Chloe.

I loved every kind of animal print about 13 years ago and went hard with that trend – belts, heels, and purses. But it’s not resonating with me right now, perhaps because I OD’d on it in the past. If I do buy anything, it’d be these J.Crew cowhide loafers or simple strappy Schutz heels in a leopard print for date night so the impact is less (given there is simply less material). I have to admit that I do think Steve Madden cowhide boots are very fun, but I have absolutely no purpose for them.

Boho

Boho had its moment, and while I appreciate it on other people, it’s not for me. The fringe, oversized silhouettes, and earthy prints just don’t align with the polished, preppy, slightly Parisian style I want my fall wardrobe to reflect. Fringe on a purse is probably the only way I’d lean into this trend, like this stunning Vernoica Beard fringe bag (although I’d never pay that for a trendy purse!).

Final Thoughts

Just because something is on trend, doesn’t mean that you need to dive in. Look at what feels most like you and lean in. If you want to try a trend that feels like a stretch for you, ease in with budget-friendly pieces in small doses. Don’t invest in designer cowhide pants and a full length fur coat that sits in your closet unless you know you’ll love it and wear it.

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