Before your summer BBQ has even cooled down, Halloween decorations and costumes are in full swing in the stores. So even if the weather is still giving shorts and tank tops, ’tis the season to look ahead to fall fashion trends!

Goodwill shoppers, this is your time to shine as so many of the trends are calling back to previous era and there’s a good chance you’ll find it secondhand. If you have lived more than a couple of decades, you’ve probably noticed that fashion is cyclical – nearly every trend has been done in some way before. If you jump in early, you can snag some fabulous, unique, newly-on-trend pieces now and be ready when the temperatures drop.

First, A Disclaimer

Before you ask if something is IN style, ask yourself: Is it YOUR style?

Pieces that are authentic to your body, personality, and lifestyle are the ones that will actually get worn and go the distance in your closet. A few clarifying questions to ask yourself while browsing:

• Does this reflect who I am?
• Will I enjoy wearing this next year?
• Does it work with the rest of my wardrobe?
• Do I genuinely feel confident in it?

That said, tracking trends is a fun way to keep your look current and infuse excitement into your outfits. Right now, we’re in a unique moment where we see a lot of aesthetics trending at once: over-the-top drama and maximalism (more color, texture, and visual interest!) AND sleek minimalist styles that play with silhouette and proportion so there really is something for everyone.

Let’s brush up on the upcoming cool-weather trends so you can decide which pieces feel authentic to you and worth the hunt.

5 Fall Fashion Trends: What You’ll Be Seeing

Witchy-core

Channel your inner Stevie Nicks, whose music is having a major comeback right now! All things dark, moody, and mysterious are having a major moment. Think dark lace and florals, velvet, rich textures, and tapestry-style fabrics layered in deep tones like plum, charcoal, midnight blue, and espresso brown. Purple will be especially popular and pairs seamlessly with this aesthetic.

Think romantic, gothic, and mystical vibes – dresses layered with knits, structured corsets, embroidered jackets, and sculptural Victorian or military-style jackets in velvet.

Key Pieces to Look For:

• Velvet and dark lace dresses or blouses
• Structured bodices, corsets, and waist-cinchers
• Sculptural Victorian or military-style jackets
• Lace-up boots and velvet or embossed leather belts
• Chokers and dark, moody accessories
• Embossed leather bags in rich jewel tones  

Escape to the Countryside

If you love vintage Ralph Lauren ads or could imagine yourself feeling right at home in an English manor, this is the trend to lean into. Think warm heritage neutrals, cozy textures, tweeds, tartan plaids, checks, and alpine-themed zippered sweaters. Look for fair isle, cable, and bubble knits, woodland or equestrian details, small-scale botanical prints, and rich suedes.

Outerwear plays a starring role here. Barn and chore-style coats (especially with contrasting collars) continue to dominate, alongside capes and cocoon silhouettes. Toggle, rope, and frog closures – last popular back in the 2010s – are also back, adding instant interest to coats and sweaters. It’s a blend of a relaxed, cozy academic, lived-in comfort look paired with structured sophistication.

Key Pieces to Look for:

• Barn and chore coats (look for corduroy or leather collars!)
• Capes, cocoon coats, and toggle-closure jackets
• Fair Isle, cable-knit, and alpine zip sweaters
• Tweed, tartan plaid, or check blazers and skirts
• Suede jackets and layering pieces
• Leather loafers and knee-high equestrian boots 

Heirloom Dressing

Sitting somewhere between the Witchy-Core and Countryside looks, there is a trend toward a dreamy, romantic, Victorian-era, “Poet-core” type of look. It’s all about high-neck blouses, delicate lace trims, soft ruffles, ribbons, and romantic layering pieces that feel both vintage and literary.

Key Pieces to Look For:

• High-neck or Victorian-style blouses
• Ruffled, lace-trimmed, or ribbon-accented tops
• Vintage brooches and pearl jewelry
• Clutches and structured top-handle bags

Authentically Grunge

With the rise of AI and its glossy, polished perfectionism, there’s a growing appetite for fashion that feels real, raw, and authentic. On the runways, designers are sending models down the catwalk in clothes with intentional creases and wrinkles. In real life, people are craving outfits rich in texture, character, and “flaws” that standard AI images can’t replicate.

Key Pieces to Look For:

• Denim: Looser, full-length, low-slung styles with tasteful knee rips. (Size up to achieve that relaxed, lower rise!)
• Plaid Flannel Shirts: Check the men’s section for perfectly worn-in layering pieces.
• Y2K Pieces: Crinkled fabrics, babydoll tops, satin knee-length skirts, and long skinny scarves.

Structured Power

Blending ’80s power tailoring with ’90s minimalism, this trend centers on bold, sculptural silhouettes. Driven by a shift toward elevated looks and “back to the office” styling, expect structured blazer with skirt (especially pencil!) sets, as well as leather trousers styled with crisp button-downs. The vertical stripes that have been popular in lightweight pants and shorts this past summer may now transition into subtle pinstripes.

Key Pieces to Look For:

• Vintage blazers with strong shoulders, defined waists, or peplums
• Tailored pinstripe or wide-leg trousers
• Leather trousers and pencil skirts
• Crisp, structured button-down shirts
• Bold, structural statement jewelry
• Sleek boots, menswear-inspired flats, and wedge pumps