Listen. I'm not a constant trend follower. I dress in a uniform of mostly essentials or basics with an occasional subversive twist. Trends are so fickle that it's difficult for me to get attached to most of them. The only trend that truly stuck with me over the past few seasons was longline shorts, and I doubt those will be going away anytime soon. Consequently, I thought that none of the ever-changing fall trends this year would influence me, but I was mistaken, and happily so.
These fall trends appeared in runway collections such as Miu Miu, Fendi, and ACNE Studios, and fashion people have featured them on Instagram in outfits that proved they are versatile and elegant enough for multiple wears. After much deliberation and countless nightly scrolls, I've decided to give a few of these unlikely fall fashion trends a try. I scoured the internet for the best fall trend items of 2025, and lucky for you, they're fabulous. Each piece reads less trendy and more chic, which is something I'll always get behind. Keep scrolling if you're in the market for some new fall fashion trends.
Plaid
Plaid is back and better than ever. I noticed fashion people dressing in various pieces with the unexpected It print. Unlike animal print, it's a versatile print that can be either the focal point of an outfit or an added pop. It's been on runways at Bottega Veneta, ACNE Studios, and, of course, Burberry. Vogue fashion editor Naomi Elizée styled plaid print in a cool way, making it a casual addition to her look.
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Elizée's and my style icon, Chloë Sevigny's styling of this skirt made me hit add to cart.
This dress gives chic-girl fall.
A classic plaid jacket never hurts.
The belt detail breaks up this plaid pattern stylishly.
If you're not sure about plaid, try a tank top to layer outfits.
The diagonal blue-and-white plaid pattern is so cool.
This plaid button-down looks fresh off a runway, and there are matching pants.
I love the tie detail at the shoulder.
Snakeskin Boots
Influencers have been styling snakeskin boots in the most elegant ways. The ethereal, all-white look above stays in my mind rent-free. I honestly didn't think snakeskin print would have such a moment, but fashion will surprise you like that quite often. The trendy print has been included in numerous runways, like Valentino and Christian Dior, so it's safe to say it's an It print of the season.
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I'm 5', but I love a knee-high boot.
Sometimes you just need a pair of snakeskin booties to shake an outfit up.
Flats this fall aren't going anywhere.
I love this tiny heel.
If you want an elegant touch to your outfits, these are for you.
Slingbacks this fall aren't going anywhere.
These kitten-heel boots are on sale and such a steal.
These flats would add a subtle pop to an outfit.
Pencil Skirts
This one threw me for a loop, but then I remembered officewear is trending among even young Gen Z. Brands like Khaite and Kallmeyer are popularizing the structured silhouette. At first glance, I thought the trend was too stuffy and serious for everyday wear, but like the look above, you can make a dressy, corporate piece like a pencil skirt look however you want.
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Brown leather for fall? Well, yes.
This black leather skirt is incredibly stylish.
Imagine this skirt with a cashmere black sweater, and black pointed-toe heels like above.
This tan hue and texture are perfect for fall.
This skirt with a cropped blazer would be so cool.
If you're not into a corporate vibe, try this sequin pencil skirt.
A simple black pencil skirt is all you need.
This skirt's muted plaid is perfect for fall.
Leopard Print
Most of the 2010s were all about zebra and cow prints, from fashion week street style outfits to Instagram 'fit pics. Now, leopard print is getting its shine. I truly thought this was another fleeting trend with maybe one or two novelty items that made it go viral, but leopard print has been on a steady rise. Celebrities from the '90s and early aughts made the trendy print an elegant option, as the likes of Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow wore leopard print on the red carpet. Now, it's back, and I can't wait to try it.
Shop Leopard-Print Items
This is very Cheetah Girls coded, and I'm living for it.
This is for those of you who want to try leopard print in a subtle way.
This cardigan makes the leopard print look more elevated.
This cowl-neck dress is such an elegant way to wear leopard print.
This jacket is the perfect touch to throw on a plain outfit.
I never thought to wear a leopard-print skirt, until now.
The shape of these jeans with the faded leopard-print pattern is nice.
This coat is so chic.
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A Gen Z Fashion Person Just Told Me to Pass on Basic Loafers and Prioritize This Elegant Trend for Fall InsteadTake note.
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We're Calling It: These 5 Skirt Styles Are About to Be Cool Girl Staples for Fall 2025We're standing on business here.
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In Paris, L.A., and London, Basic White Tees Are Getting Sidelined In Favor of This Cooler AltWe'll always love you, but it's not your turn right now.
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Cooler Than a White Button-Down: This Specific Shirt Color Is the Key to Looking Chic This FallIt's all over the streets and the spring/summer 2026 runways.
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Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend InsteadHere's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
