Every season brings a few key pieces that seem to be everywhere—worn by women “in the know” and showing up in all the popular stores. The point isn’t that we should all dress the same, but if you like to stay current, this list will give you a sense of what you’ll be seeing this fall.
You might want to add one or two of these pieces to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh, or find a version with your own twist to make it true to your personal style. Some are splurge-worthy originals, but the good news is there are usually plenty of budget-friendly dupes and alternatives if you don’t want to invest in the “it” piece of the moment.
The Pieces You’ll See Everywhere This Fall
These are the styles I’m already noticing on fashion-forward women and in stores—and the ones I predict will really take off this season.
Birkenstock Naples Suede Clogs
photo credit: Anthropologie
Clogs are having a moment again, and the Birkenstock Naples is the pair everyone seems to be after this fall. InStyle even called them the season’s next “It” shoe, and they’re already selling out in a lot of places—which tells me they’ll be one of the most-worn shoes of the season.
The suede finish makes them feel softer and more versatile than the chunky, traditional clog styles, and the classic Birkenstock comfort means they’re as practical as they are trendy. If you can’t find the Naples, several other suede clogs from the brand offer a similar look and feel, and there’s even a great Amazon alternative from Project Cloud for under $60.
Khaki Jeans
photo credit: Gap Factory
I predict khaki denim will be the quiet standout of the season. I first saw the trend called out in a Who What Wear article, and then I started spotting them all over when I was in NYC last week. Now I can’t stop thinking about adding a pair to my own wardrobe. They’re a chic alternative to blue or black denim and surprisingly versatile.
Along those lines, faded leopard-print jeans are already popping up everywhere too. They have a similar camel tone but with a playful twist. If that feels a little too bold (it does for me), stick with a plain camel pair for a fresh, wearable update.
Barn Jacket
photo credit: Gap Factory
This is the practical topper I think we’ll see everywhere this fall. It’s rugged yet polished, and retailers are already rolling out their own versions. I found one I love at Gap Factory, of all places, but I’m seeing them at every price point in different iterations, from the splurge-worthy rag & bone Cassidy to this mid-range Sanctuary version.
Varley Hawley Half-Zip Sweatshirt
photo credit: Varley
Move over, Spanx AirEssentials—Varley is quickly becoming the new athleisure brand to watch. Their half-zips have that polished-meets-cozy vibe that makes them perfect for travel, errands, or just lounging in style. The Hawley is the one I’m seeing everywhere right now, but the good news is there are plenty of Amazon dupes if you want the look for less.
Chunky Cuff Bracelet
photo credit: Madewell
Sleek and modern, chunky cuffs are popping up in both gold and mixed metals. I’m especially loving the more architectural styles with movement and organic shapes. I just ordered the Lili Claspe Adva Cuff, but Madewell has a great budget-friendly version too. I’ve also seen sets, like the SHASHI Bangle Set with a marble resin and silver-tone bangle, that give you an effortless layered look.
Statement Belt
photo credit: Anthropologie
Belts are officially back in the spotlight, and this year it’s all about showing them off. Western-inspired buckles are especially popular, and studded details make them even better. EVEREVE has several, and Anthropologie is full of them too. I’ve got my eye on their Modern Western Belt for a more polished vibe. Wear one with jeans, layered over a blazer, or to cinch a sweater dress. It’s a small detail that makes a surprisingly big impact.
Slouchy Suede Bags
photo credit: Madewell
Suede handbags are everywhere this season, from luxe designer versions to under-$100 finds. I just picked up the Mylie Shoulder Bag in Italian Suede from Madewell in the russet multi, and I love how the contrasting black leather strap gives it a little edge. Nearly every brand has its own take, but the soft, slouchy shape is what makes this style feel effortless and adds texture that instantly makes any outfit look more fall-ready.
Clare V. Grande Fanny
photo credit: Clare V.
This bag is already everywhere, and it’s the woven crossbody belt bag so many brands are trying to copy (they’re even at Amazon). I predict we’ll keep seeing it into fall in richer fabrics and autumnal colors. It can be worn crossbody, as a bum bag, or even over the shoulder, and the detachable, adjustable, interchangeable strap makes it especially travel-friendly. Whether you splurge on the original or go for one of the many dupes, this hands-free bag is sure to be everywhere this season.
Wool & Suede Baseball Caps
photo credit: Madewell
The classic baseball cap is getting a chic upgrade this fall in elevated fabrics like wool and suede. These richer textures instantly make a casual staple feel more polished, especially in neutral tones or subtle patterns. They’re perfect for days when you want to look pulled together without overthinking it—and I predict we’ll be seeing them everywhere.
Brown Suede Sneakers
photo credit: adidas
Think of these as the fall update to your classic white sneakers. The suede texture feels softer and more seasonal, and the warm brown tones pair with just about everything—from denim and khakis to casual dresses. I’ve been seeing them everywhere lately, at every price point, which tells me this is the sneaker to add to your wardrobe this fall.
I just picked up the Adidas SL 72 OG Shoes for their cool, retro vibe, but I’m also eyeing the Veronica Beard Riviera Sneaker or Dolce Vita Serina when I want a more polished look.
Dolce Vita Baylee Grommet Mary Jane Flat
photo credit: Nordstrom
Affordable, stylish, and wearable with everything, these double-buckle suede flats are quickly becoming the shoe of the season. I don’t have the Baylee (yet), but I’ve been really enjoying the Roslyn Mary Jane Ballet Flats in leopard mesh for a fun twist on the trend. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, Target has a really good dupe that gives you the same look for less.
Along those lines, studded Mary Jane flats are making a big splash right now too. Madewell has a great mid-range option, and Target carries a solid dupe if you’d rather save. I also really like the Schutz Eiza, which has a more updated narrow vamp for a sleeker look.
This list certainly isn’t all-inclusive of the styles we’ll be seeing everywhere this fall, but it’s a solid place to start. Do any of these strike your fancy?
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22 Responses
Question: what do you think about Stitch-Fix and Dailylook? I really don’t like trying on clothes, and am embarking on a new stage of life that I think requires a wardrobe cleanout/refresh. Thanks!
I’m obviously not Jo-Lynne but if you are open to unsolicited opinions 😂….. I have personally not used these services but know a few women who have. Comments I have heard:
1- You must be someone who has an established history of ruthlessly returning items that aren’t exactly what you want. It’s way too easy to just keep items that are “almost” perfect.
2- The promise of a personal stylist/ shopper who listens to your feed back and adjusts your selections often isnt the reality most experienced.
3-The items seemed to be over priced for what they were.
Clearly, the ladies I know who have tried these services have not found them to be that valuable.
My impression is that they are a fun novel at first but not something that most women use for long.
Thanks you for your input! I was traveling. I agree with all of this.
I agree too. I’ve used StitchFix but most of the items I purchased except for denim, I’ve donated after a season. And your comment regarding personal stylist is spot on. My experience is they don’t really listen to the requests for the items I was looking for. Sometimes, I’ve kept an item only for the $ off the anything kept. I believe Nordstrom has personal stylists, maybe that’d be a better option.
I quit using Stitch Fix a few years ago – their house brands are very cheaply made and fall apart and they are often way behind on style trends. I also noticed other women wearing the same exact Stitch Fix clothes when I’d be out and about. I would avoid!
Great post, thank you! I have the Madewell suede baseball hat in my cart. I would consider that Clare V Fanny, too, except that it’s 435 euros, which is getting close to 500 USD…not going to happen, sadly.
Unless I missed it (very possible!) I didn’t see a link to the leopard pants! TIA.
Sorry, I linked them within the camel jeans section. Those in the picture are Good American.
I love the Mary Jane flats, but I don’t think I could wear them barefoot, which is the only way they are ever shown. I know I could always wear socks if I want or need to, but then it’s a whole different look!
I just bought some and put the flat socks on with them. The MJ’s were a little big on me and this solved that issue too.
If you can’t find Birkenstock Naples,,, try the Buckley. They are similar to the new Naples, VERY comfortable. They also have a “shearling lined” pair to wear in colder weather.
Thank you!
I also got a pair from Sam Edelman that are very similar and came in navy which is a nice change from black or brown. They are about the same price point as the birks.
It’s fun to see the trends! I had a pair of khaki jeans from Victoria’s Secret, of all places, that I wore in the late 90s. More recently, I had several half zip sweatshirts that I wore for years, but I donated them a couple of years ago. I’ll be adding some sneakers to my wardrobe this fall.
I have a silver cuff like the one above. I have several other big cuffs. I ordered a chocolate brown suede bag. I’m just buying what I like.
Not a single one strikes my fancy! 🙂
I have a friend that tried stitch fix–she didn’t stay with them long because it seemed they were picking out clothes according to her age instead of what she liked or was current. I got a suede grey baseball cap last year–but the chocolate brown one is tempting! I found a cute barn jacket from Target (of all places) last year–and its well made and right in the middle for heaviness. I would still like to find a nice suede handbag–but I don’t care for the banana shape ones and I don’t want it too big or too small and I want alittle structure–lol-I want a lot!
Jo-Lynne, you are so good at what you do!
Great post! I didn’t see a lot of this coming. Definitely going to up my suede game this fall but I’ve always loved suede and leopard so I’m feeling right at home. Maybe a new belt and more brown this year instead of black. Might be time for a barn jacket. Thanks!!
What a great list! I think that there is a trend out there for everyone, especially with so many budget friendly options.
FYI: The Naples suede clogs are not on the Birkenstock’s site. I need to see if they are in their last chance section.
I love this post!! You are very good at what you do!! Thank you for your hard work.