We welcome the crisp air and golden hues that September ushers in. The new season also brings a new wave of inspiration for professional women’s styles. This season, it’s all about blending sophistication with comfort, embracing rich textures, and layering with elegance. As we’re putting our summer styles away and trying on our fall/winter stash, it’s a perfect time for a wardrobe evaluation and refresh. There’s a huge pay off for wearing current styles. It shows that you are contemporary, forward thinking and adaptable to change, all highly valued professional traits that will result in greater influence, impact, and income!
These ten styles are making the fashion scene this fall:
Funnel- Neck – This outerwear shape prevailed on the runways and has been dubbed the Phoebe Philo effect. This shape has made a big impact and is just the beginning of Philo’s influence on fashion. High-neck coats appeared in the fall/winter 2024 collections, including the heavy canvas trench coats in the Burberry collection, the crisp white designs Stella McCartney, and glossy patent versions with cape details for Chloé. You’ll already see this style prevail in fall 2024-25.
Scarf-Coat – This is the perfect style for those who love wrapping up in something soft and never freeing yourself of it. Referred to as “swaddle season” has grown tenfold thanks to the fall/winter 2024 collections and is here to stay. There were elevated and adapted versions of the scarf coats by famous designers; ponchos of all shapes and fits and structured capes. You’ll enjoy being bundled up in the chicest in a variety of luxurious fabrics.
Fashionable Fur– Real and faux fur continues to have a lasting impact this fall/winter. You’ll see dramatic coats as well as collars, scarves, and draped shawls. While fur remains contentious, responsible shoppers are buying faux fur and shearling as well as vintage.
Classic Sportswear– American sportswear has made a dramatic comeback! Sportswear originated in the early to mid-20th century thanks to innovators such as Claire McCardell, who set the groundwork for leisure style. Designers are returning to the roots by looking to style icons like Katherine Hepburn, who was a pioneer of the original American sportswear aesthetic. On the runways, designers reworked the classics and proposed a new take on the everyday uniform with tailored trousers, crisp button-downs, crewneck knits, and elevated takes on trench coats. These classic pieces are the core of American sportswear and present a pulled-together everyday look.
Structured Boots- You can’t go wrong with any style of boots. Tall, structured styles prevail this fall, but you may prefer something with Western flair. Boots add that kick to every outfit!
Fluid Leather- Fall’s selection of leatherwear is far more fluid in form than the hearty leather akin to motorcycle rider’s gear. Dresses made of buttery-soft leather had a liquid appearance that billowed and flowed with every new step.
Ribbons & Bows -Bow accessories and accents are here again with an updated look. Exaggerated bows adorn dresses, skirts, and bags this season. Use them sparingly to be reminded why we love them.
Popular Preppie – Preps are popular again. Full skirts, button-down shirts, leather loafers, sharp blazers, and V-neck sweaters popped up everywhere with collegiate color palettes consisting navy, khaki, burgundy, and gray. The formula is so simple: Throw a jacket over a collared shirt, and pair it with relaxed pants, jeans or a skirt.
New Suiting- The next season is full of the cooler ways to do suits – think relaxed blazers, cropped jackets, and vests with wide-leg trousers, as well as the rise of more feminine skirts in luxurious fabrics.
T-Bar Shoes- Mary Janes have been popular all year, but they’re evolving into T-bar shoes, which feature an extra strap connecting the toe to the cross strap. The retro, academic style goes well with the ongoing preppy revival, and it looks great solo or alongside colored tights. Stay on trend by updating your loafers, ballet flats, and event heels with T-bar detailing.
As September unfolds, it’s clear that fall is bringing more than just a change in weather—it’s ushering in a season of renewed style and sophistication. With these ten essential trends, you have the tools to elevate your wardrobe and project a polished, professional image that reflects both your fashion-forward thinking and your adaptability.
Whether you’re stepping into the office or navigating your daily life, embracing these trends will not only keep you looking current but also reinforce the qualities that make you a standout in your career.
As you transition into fall, let your wardrobe reflect the power, elegance, and confidence that define you as a professional woman. Here’s to a season of style, success, and undeniable impact!
