I Was on the Fence About Some Fall Trends, But These 32 New Items Changed My Mind

By Swedan MargenAugust 22, 2025

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.

Shop Plaid

Dauan Jacari

Spiral Boxer Skirt

Elizée's and my style icon, Chloë Sevigny's styling of this skirt made me hit add to cart.

Massimo Dutti

Flowing 100% Cupro Check Shirt

This dress gives chic-girl fall.

Simkhai

Colby Plaid Jacket

A classic plaid jacket never hurts.

Damson Madder

Harley Shirt

The belt detail breaks up this plaid pattern stylishly.

LIONESS

Ford Plaid Funnel Neck Plissé Top

If you're not sure about plaid, try a tank top to layer outfits.

Proenza Schouler

Hallie Dress in Crinkled Plaid

The diagonal blue-and-white plaid pattern is so cool.

ZARA

ZW Collection Plaid Pocket Shirt

This plaid button-down looks fresh off a runway, and there are matching pants.

Isabel Marant

Étoile Naerys Dress

I love the tie detail at the shoulder.

Snakeskin Boots

A woman wearing a cream color jacket, cream pants, and snake print 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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Tony Bianco

Crystal Boots

I'm 5', but I love a knee-high boot.

AEYDE

Sila Smooth and Snake-Effect Leather Ankle Boots

Sometimes you just need a pair of snakeskin booties to shake an outfit up.

Flats this fall aren't going anywhere.

Michael Kors

Amali Snake Embossed Boots

Tony Bianco

Charlie Heels

If you want an elegant touch to your outfits, these are for you.

STAUD

Sebastian Slingbacks

Slingbacks this fall aren't going anywhere.

AQUA

Heris High Heel Boots

These kitten-heel boots are on sale and such a steal.

These flats would add a subtle pop to an outfit.

Pencil Skirts

A woman wearing a striped shirt, grey pencil skirt, black boots, and Chanel blue bag

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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BOSS

Setora Lambskin Leather Pencil Skirt

Brown leather for fall? Well, yes.

Madewell

Leather Midi Skirt

This black leather skirt is incredibly stylish.

Wardrobe.nyc

Contour Midi Skirt

Imagine this skirt with a cashmere black sweater, and black pointed-toe heels like above.

Guest In Residence

Tailored Skirt

This tan hue and texture are perfect for fall.

L'AGENCE

Febe Tuxedo Pencil Skirt

This skirt with a cropped blazer would be so cool.

J.Crew

Collection Layered Sequin Pencil Skirt in Organza

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.