I'm Convinced Fall 2025 Is Going to Be All About Understated Glamour—Fashion People Will Buy These 6 Things

The fashion industry is still recovering from the quiet luxury movement, and while some people are pivoting toward loud maximalism, many people have made their way to a new movement that's all about understated glamour. Slightly bolder than minimalism, this is an opportunity to make everyday pieces feel dressed up and luxe, and I'm here for it.
Fall 2025 is going to be about understated glamour, where the vibe isn't about peacocking. Rather, it's all about looking elegant in a soft, unfussy way. Think tonal looks, rich textures, and just the right accessory that doesn't try too hard. It's a mood I've been gravitating toward naturally, and I have a feeling I'm not the only one. Ahead, I'm sharing the items I think fashion people will actually buy this season—pieces that feel special but also endlessly wearable.
Cowl-Neck and Cape Tops
These romantic, '90s inspired necklines are making a quiet comeback, and this silhouette fits right into the softer side of fall dressing. It adds movement and draping in a way that still feels so 2025.
Floor-Sweeping Trench Coats
There's something undeniably cinematic about a long trench that brushes the ankles that always brings me back to Saint Laurent S/S 23. It's a power move that I didn't see coming at the time. Now, it feels like every glamorous person I know owns a floor-sweeping coat.
Minimalist Footwear
Sleek flats, sculptural heels, and simple boots are grounding every outfit right now. They're the kind of shoes that whisper elegance and make everything else you're wearing look more elevated.
Intentional Pendants
Jewelry this season isn't just a finishing touch—it is thoughtful, symbolic, and deeply personal. Whether it's an artful pendant, an heirloom piece, or a powerful crystal with decades of significance, good jewelry adds impact without screaming for attention.
Effortless Layering
The understated-glamour vibe thrives on tonal layers and fluid proportions. Think cool knits over crisp shirts and slouchy blazers styled with contrasting tees. If your layering feels strategic, you're on to something.
Blazer Dresses
Structured but not stiff, a blazer dress is a chic one-and-done piece that combines polish with ease. It's the perfect example of looking dressed without trying too hard.

Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
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