5 Fall Fashion Trends That Took Us by Surprise

Woman wearing a chocolate brown belted midi shirt dress with ankle boots and a colorful neck scarf, standing outdoors in front of green landscaping.

Fall fashion is always fun, and every season there are a few trends that surprise us more than others. This fall, we’re seeing some unexpected details, prints, textures, and accessories that feel fresh but are still surprisingly wearable.

OUTFIT ABOVE: Belted Short Sleeve Shirtdress | Square Toe Ankle Boots | Floral Silk Scarf | Crystal Earrings

The good news is that you don’t have to overhaul your closet or wear anything that feels too trendy to enjoy what’s new for fall. Sometimes adding just one current piece or detail is enough to make an outfit feel updated. Plenty of (unsurprising!) trends still look fresh and updated, and you probably have them in your closet, so let’s review those first.

Trends That Are “Still Good”

When it comes to fashion, one of the most common questions I get from you all is whether a trend is “still good.” So let’s review a few of our faves and get clear on what you’ve probably already got that you should wear up a storm this fall!

Yes, chocolate brown is still going strong! It started gaining momentum last season and is only becoming more popular, so we definitely can’t call it a surprise anymore! At this point, we think it’s safe to say this rich neutral is here to stay. We’re also seeing a lot more organic and naturally sourced fabrics, so it’s safe to say that “trend” is here to stay as well!

Woman smiling indoors in a sleeveless brown-and-cream check midi dress with a fitted bodice, full skirt, pockets, and black Mary Jane flats.

Organic Cotton Poplin Smocked Gingham Maxi Dress | Black Leather Square Toe Mary Jane Flats | Tory Burch Miller Pavé Stud Earring | SIMILAR Tory Burch Black Leather Apple Watch Band

Also, never fear! Our beloved leopard print for fall is still going strong! You might want to look for it in updated styles, though, like easy-to-wear shift dresses, flattering smocked waist poplin shirt dresses, or wide-leg jeans (see below).

woman wearing ruffle trim brown sweater and leopard print wide leg jeans

Wit & Wisdom High Waist Double Side Seam Wide Leg Jeans – nearly sold out – SIMILAR High Waist option HERE (mid-rise option HERE) | Ruffle Trim Short Sleeve Sweater | Suede Waterproof Bootie | Well-Priced Anthropologie Mini-Tote/Crossbody | Susan Shaw Heart Toggle Statement Necklace | SIMILAR Tory Burch Apple Watch Band | Gold Hammered Statement Flower Stud Earrings

Now that we’ve covered a few favorites that aren’t going anywhere, let’s get to the five trends that actually surprised us this fall. From feminine lace details and bandana-inspired prints to statement jewelry and high collars, these are the trends that really caught our attention, and we think you’ll see a lot more of them this season.

What’s New for Fall: 5 Surprising Trends

Some of this season’s trends feel brand new, while others are familiar styles coming back in a fresh way. Either way, these are the five that surprised us most—and the ones we think are easiest to wear when you’re over 50.

1. Lingerie-Inspired Details

Before you panic, we’re not talking about wearing actual lingerie out of the house! 😂 This trend is much more subtle and wearable than it sounds.

Think lace-trimmed camisoles layered under cardigans or jackets, pretty lace accents on blouses, satin details, and feminine touches peeking out from otherwise classic pieces. We especially love the look of delicate lace paired with something more casual, like denim or a cozy sweater.

It’s an easy way to add a little softness and femininity to your fall wardrobe without feeling overly dressed up.

2. Bandana Print is Everywhere

Bandana-inspired prints are showing up in a big way this fall, and not just on scarves!

We’re seeing paisley and bandana-style patterns on blouses, dresses, skirts, sweaters, and even pants. The print has a bit of a Western feel, but newer versions are more polished and easy to wear.

If a full print feels like too much, try it in a smaller dose with a top, scarf, or accessory. Even a small touch can give a simple fall outfit a little more interest without feeling overdone.

3. Suede Is Not Just for Shoes & Handbags

Suede is everywhere this fall, and we’re seeing it in so much more than shoes and handbags! (Although it’s great in those!)

Think suede skirts, pants, jackets, and even dresses in rich, warm shades that feel perfect for the season. A suede skirt paired with a simple sweater is an easy way to try the trend without going overboard, and suede pants can add a little texture to an otherwise classic outfit.

LEFT: Faux Suede Chunky Low Heel Ankle Boots Square Toe
RIGHT: Faux Suede Dressy Mary Jane Wedge Pumps

We’re also seeing lots of faux suede this season, which gives you the same soft, textured look and is often a little easier to care for than the real thing.

4. Jewelry is Getting More Noticeable

woman in brown tee dress standing next to luggage

After several seasons of very delicate, minimal jewelry, we’re seeing a little more sparkle, color, and personality again. Statement jewelry is back (especially in necklaces and earrings)!

(My favorite!) The Chosen Four-Sided Necklace Gold
(Every purchase from this brand helps provide women who have escaped exploitation with safe employment, job training, and life-changing opportunities. This necklace was made in conjunction with The Chosen, the multi-season television drama about the life and ministry of Jesus.)

Long pendant necklaces and layered chains are still part of the look, but tennis necklaces and bracelets are having a moment, too. And they definitely don’t have to be traditional diamonds! Lab-grown diamonds are a beautiful option, and Quince is a great place to look for tennis-style pieces if you want that extra sparkle. (Bob and I just bought our DIL a pair of lab-grown diamond studs at Quince for her birthday!)

And don’t put away those beaded necklaces you wore all summer! They’re still going strong for fall, but now we’re seeing them in more muted, earthy, and seasonal shades. (That’s the one I just ordered!)

The fun part about this trend is that jewelry is becoming part of the outfit again — whether that means a little extra sparkle, a long pendant over a sweater, a statement piece, or a stack of necklaces you already own.

5. Statement Collars Are Having a Moment

Woman wearing a cream-and-camel striped top with brown wide-leg pants, a metallic belt, white sneakers, and a cream crossbody bag.

Collars are getting a little more attention this fall, and we’re seeing everything from high necklines and funnel collars to ruffles, contrast details, and more structured shapes.

It’s such a simple detail, but it can completely change the look of a sweater, blouse, jacket, or dress. We especially like the versions that feel polished and feminine without being too dramatic. And one more reason we’re on board with this trend: higher and more structured collars can give you a little extra coverage around the neck, which is always a nice bonus.

If you want to try the trend, look for a piece with a collar that does a little something extra — whether that’s a ruffle, a higher neckline, a crisp contrast (like THIS leopard peplum jacket with faux leather collar), or a bow.

Which One Will You Try?

That’s the fun thing about trends — you don’t have to jump on every single one! Pick the ones that feel like you and flatter your body, skip the ones that don’t, and have a great time giving your wardrobe a seasonal refresh.

We’d love to know what you think! Which trend surprised you most, and which one are you excited to try this fall? Tell us in the comments!

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5 Fall Fashion Trends That Took Us by Surprise

Trends That Are “Still Good”