2025 Fashion Guide – What to Expect as the Leaves Drop

As the weather cools down and pumpkins start appearing in grocery stores, there is no mistaking that fall has arrived. With the new season comes new styles, and staying up-to-date on trends is key to looking your best this autumn. Here is a comprehensive guide for 2025’s fall trends as the leaves begin to change colour.

70s Fashion

Half a century later, 1970s fashion remains a strong influence on modern style. Popular 1970s fabrics, such as suede, are making a comeback this season in various forms, most notably in suede belts, jackets, and handbags. Belts elevate any look, and experimenting with different fabrics or textures can make an outfit far more interesting. Another homage to the ‘70s is the poncho, which has made its resurgence in fashion this summer. We have seen various outfits with ponchos in lighter fabrics and colours, showing that this trend will likely evolve into a warmer equivalent using wool or heavier fabrics. Ponchos are a great way to experiment with silhouette. These pieces add an interesting twist to the shape of an outfit while remaining functional and weather-appropriate. There is no doubt that the era of bell-bottoms and bell-sleeves is here to stay this fall.

Patterns

Patterns are just as timeless as they are captivating, and are sure to make an appearance this fall. This summer, polka dots dominated fabrics, adding a playful touch to tops and bottoms alike. Accompanying polka dots will be stripes and various animal prints. Preppy fashion has made its resurgence as its classic appeal never truly fades. As many people lean into refined, “old-money” aesthetics, preppy style continues to evolve and stay relevant. With this in mind, striped rugby shirts and sweaters will keep you warm and bring a sense of class and academia to fashion. Pairing patterns with neutrals and simple fabrics is the best way to dip your toe into this trend. There is no right or wrong way to implement patterns into your wardrobe—so take a risk and choose something eye-catching this season.

70s Continued and Lace Details

Another nod to the ‘70s appears in silk, chiffon and lace blouses. These pieces are reminiscent of the Victorian and Edwardian inspiration seen in the 70s, with billowing sleeves and high-neck button-ups. Gunne Sax was a pioneer of this style in the late 60s and early 70s, and many of those same silhouettes or vintage pieces are still circulating today. Expect to see these flowy blouses layered with sweaters, vests or coats. Lace details will also likely dominate the trims of various clothing pieces. Lace may be incorporated in unique ways, such as paired with oversized blazers or layered over denim and baggy trousers. Whether dominating the outfit or peaking out under another layer, lace adds a delicate, feminine touch. While many colorways are trending, the classic cream hue of vintage lace remains timeless. No matter the garment, there is sure to be whispers of curtain-like fabrics and silhouettes.

Innovative Ways to Layer

Part of layering this fall includes the Y2K trend of layering dresses or skirts over pants. Some choose to layer skirts over low-rise denim flare jeans just like your favourite pop-star or actress in the 2000s. As this trend evolves, it’s taking on a refined and elegant edge. We’re seeing various interpretations of corporate styles, such as pinstriped slacks layered with a tailored skirt, for a sophisticated twist. In homage to the lace trend mentioned earlier, many are experimenting with the intersections of masculine work-wear silhouettes and delicate lace overlays. This is a great way to experiment with androgyny by combining masculine and feminine styles into one outfit. Nonetheless, this style will continue to evolve this fall through the lace details and flowy fabrics.

Colour Palette

With all of these fall pieces, it is important to ponder the colour palette that will impact the way we style outfits. The biggest colours this fall include: dark red and maroon, a range of browns, pale or navy blue, olive and cream or off-white. These colours reflect the moody aesthetics of fall and easily transition into winter as well. Maroon and red hues have established themselves as a signature year after year, and you cannot go wrong with anything crimson. While brown mirrors the changing trees this season, do not be afraid to experiment with it. Brown is a classic colour that is sure to add elegance and warmth to a look. The fresher additions to this season’s palette include shades of blue that are more typical of the winter season. With the rise of preppy fashion and academic tones, navy and pale blue are marking their place in the colour palette this year. Marrying navy and various shades of brown is a classic way to experiment with the preppy and almost uniform-esque trends coming this season. Feel free to mix and match these tones to create the ultimate fall outfit.

Silhouettes and Shapes

Some of this fall’s most popular silhouettes draw inspiration from vintage military styles – think high-waisted, wide-leg pants paired with slightly fitted tops. This look emphasizes the waist and flatters the shape of the body. Many vintage military pants do not shy away from including numerous buttons. Buttons are also famous for adorning the head-to-toe fabric of trench coats. These coats have been a staple of fall and winter fashion for many years and have not filtered out of the trend cycle just yet. Most popular on the streets of New York, trench coats represent a classic, urban vibe. Donning this outerwear is sure to replicate the bustle of Wall Street and the drama of an inner-city romcom. Beyond its timeless appeal, the trench coat remains a practical favourite, offering both warmth and style from head to toe.

Jackets and Outerwear

As jackets join the conversation, the beloved trench coat evolves into a new style, namely the funnel-neck jacket. TikTok influencer Rebeca Oksana has already assured her followers that these jackets will be the next big thing for fall. The funnel-neck silhouette, typically seen on jackets and sweaters, elevates the concept of a turtleneck. On jackets, it adds visual interest and invites wearers to pair it with an Olsen tuck— a hairstyle where hair is tucked into the collar of a coat or shirt, creating the illusion of a shorter haircut. Experimenting with fabrics and textures of a funnel-neck coat can help adapt the piece to a specific style. Leather adds an edge to an outfit while wool ensures a soft and elegant look. Funnel-neck coats may be new to trends this fall, but they are sure to stay for a while.

As the Season Unfolds

As fashion evolves and shifts as swiftly as the leaves begin to change, it is important to be prepared for what is coming next in clothing. While these fashion trends are set to define fall, no one truly knows how the season will unfold.. If you are still seeking inspiration, consider this your guide to navigating the months ahead. We at Funktasy hope that you found a few new pieces that will strike inspiration in your wardrobe. Take what resonates, make it your own, and get ready to embrace all that fall has to offer.