There’s a particular alchemy to predicting fashion trends. Equal parts instinct, obsession, and disciplined observation. It’s the reason I’ve devoted myself to this craft, despite its modest material rewards.
My ritual for identifying fashion trends begins a month before fashion week season. I begin with a digital archive: where I dump articles with runway shots, street style captures, fashion critics and editorial notes, and the occasional TikTok that manages to articulate something the establishment missed. As Fall Fashion Week concludes (this year stunned by Matthieu Blazy Chanel’s debut, the joyful essence of clothes displayed by Julian Klausner for Dries Van Noten’s, and the play on silhouette by Veronique Leroy’s spring FW26 ) I begin to make sense of all the noise.
The Process of Identifying a Fall Trend
The thing is there is no entirely new trend under the sun. By October my bookmark folder swells with hundreds of images. I sift through all the resources that have begun to clog my cache to separate the fleeting looks from patterns. This season, the patterns emerging are interesting: Corduroy is back, women rocking neck ties with bold suits like 90s Julia Roberts in Armani, and that’s not all argyle sweaters are a thing again. And believe it or not skirts are now the hottest item to covet.
If you don’t have the luxury of glossy magazine spreads to flip through, here are a few trends on my radar—some I have already added to my wardrobe to stay ahead of the curve. What strikes me most about Fall 2025 isn’t any single trend, but rather the understanding that we are in an era of nostalgia. Corduroy’s resurrection exemplifies this perfectly. The fabric evokes Paul Giamatti’s melancholic professor in The Holdovers, all rumpled intellectualism and vintage comfort.
Corduroy
Is it wool, suede, or denim? These questions swirl in my mind as I examine the intricate details of a corduroy digital product. The fabric’s unique character and aesthetic appeal may not resonate with everyone, but Anna Sui’s fall showing, particularly look 7, crystallized the moment for me. A purple corduroy two-piece styled with Jazz Age insouciance struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and contemporary flair.
Once associated with hippies, teachers, and nerds, corduroy has emerged as a street style staple. I recently discovered a chic pair of corduroy pants from LF Markey for fall, only to find out later from Vogue and WhoWhatWear that this fabric is officially the hottest trend of the season.
The Accelerated Nostalgia Cycle
We’re witnessing the collapse of fashion’s traditional 20-year trend cycle into something far more compressed: 7-8 years, perhaps less. The rise of “cultural nostalgia“—that peculiar millennial and Gen Z affliction of romanticizing the recent past—has fundamentally altered how trends resurface. I believe it is because we are all clinging to some form of normalcy in a fast becoming hostile world.
Leather Vest
It’s fascinating to witness the resurgence of the leather vest trend and this trend is just one of the many reasons I’m enamored with Dario Vitale’s SS26 Versace collection; it marks a delightful departure from the more familiar aesthetic we had come to expect from Donatella’s pieces. I recently discovered a vintage vest on Depop after a day of mindless scrolling, and I would consider it one of my best fashion finds.
Bomber Jackets
When it comes to wardrobe essentials that never go out of style, bomber jackets reign supreme. Recently, I’ve found myself on a quest for the ultimate piece—a silk bomber jacket in a mesmerizing sage green hue. It’s am oddly specific request, but that’s precisely how I envision my style: distinctive and refined.
My recent foray into Moda Operandi stock lists yielded no suggestions, leaving me with the undeniable reality that my search for this elusive gem may be a journey, but one that I’m more than willing to undertake.
Feathers and Fringe
A key highlight from the SS26 runway shows is the undeniable persistence of feathered and fringe designs, signaling their continued prominence in the fashion landscape. Chanel by Matthieu Blaze came blazing with fringe and feather.
Culottes Shorts
The wide-leg revolution, abbreviated. We would have known Culottes was making its way back into our wardrobes when wide-leg denim shorts became a thing. Styling with tall boots for fall is a perfect way to balance the silhouette.
Tie-Neck Blouse
In my opening paragraph, I highlighted how we’re currently in a moment in women’s fashion where Julia Roberts, in her iconic 90s Armani suit and necktie, serves as inspiration. However, there is more at play—one surprising trend that I’ve enthusiastically embraced this season is the tie-neck blouse.
There is something about this silhouette that exudes confidence and sophistication, making it the perfect choice for the modern woman who is ready to take charge
Fuzzy Argyle Cardigans or Sweaters
Argyle sweaters, which are typically a comfort item for high schoolers is now mainstream fashion—but I’m not mad about it. Instead, I find myself particularly drawn to the pattern in cashmere and fuzzy wool.
If you’re steadfast in your preference for patterns, consider exploring a striped cardigan or sweater in cashmere or Fuzzy wool instead. Honestly, with the prices for these styles climbing, I recommend checking out Poshmark, Etsy, or Depop to find one of good quality that fits your budget.
The Fall 2025 Lexicon
Fashion is a realm of constant evolution, captivating us with its blend of the unexpected and the enduring. As we look ahead to Fall 2025, we see a tantalizing mix of comfort and boldness, where familiar textures are reimagined for modern living.
The trends presented here are not rigid rules to follow but rather invitations to explore your personal style. Think of them as launching points—elements to embrace, discard, or reinvent based on your unique aesthetic.
Ultimately, true style transcends mere prediction; it thrives on interpretation. Embrace the journey of self-expression as you navigate and update your Fall wardrobe.
