HER Style Podcast: Ep. 268

The Top Fall 2025 Fashion Trends to Know (and How to Wear Them)

Host: Heather Riggs
Date: August 28, 2025

Overview

In this highly-anticipated trends episode, stylist and image consultant Heather Riggs breaks down the 21 most noteworthy Fall 2025 fashion trends, with a strong emphasis on practicality, personal style alignment, and wardrobe sustainability. Rather than encouraging listeners to chase fleeting trends, Heather empowers women to thoughtfully choose which styles genuinely fit their lives—bringing clarity, confidence, and excitement back to their wardrobes. The episode is packed with actionable advice, personalized recommendations for different style personalities and body types, and a dash of Heather's friendly, accessible humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Heather’s Approach to Trends

• Empowerment Over Pressure:
  “My goal for this episode is to leave you feeling empowered around this season’s trends, not in any way, shape or form pressured by them.” (01:59)
• Shop Wisely:
  Encourages listening to your “style intuition” and resisting the urge to buy trends for their own sake. Focus on items that fill genuine wardrobe gaps.
• Low-Commitment Experimentation:
  Try “low hanging fruit” trends that easily integrate, and avoid costly pieces that could quickly go out of style.

Big Picture Themes for Fall 2025

(04:18–12:40)

1. Autumn Boho:
   • Boho evolves this season with heavier fabrics (suede, leather) and deeper hues for fall.
   • Ideal for natural and creative style blends.
   • Petite tip: wear just one heavier piece if full-boho overwhelms your frame. (05:13)
2. Sports-Inspired Luxe:
   • Track pants get an upgrade with luxe materials and structure.
   • Great for naturals, elegant styles, or those seeking comfort with polish.
   • Layer with structured tops or heels for a chic finish. (06:42)
3. Modern Academia:
   • Scholarly, tailored pieces like tweed, scholarly knits, and preppy layers—done with polish.
   • Classic, elegant style types shine here. Petites: opt for cropped layers. (08:03)
4. Refined Rocker:
   • Polished leather, tailored shapes, subtle studding, and edgy-yet-soft details.
   • Suits creative, alluring, or dramatic personalities. Avoid costume-y looks by focusing on one statement piece, like a leather blazer. (09:26)
5. Elevated Apres Ski:
   • Chunky alpine knits, faux fur, and metallic accents for luxe-cozy vibes.
   • Especially flattering for elegant, high-end lovers; balance with slim trousers. (10:27)
6. Western Glam:
   • Ranch-inspired shirts, suede, concho belts. Go bold or subtle as fits your style.
   • Works for natural and creative personalities. (11:48)

Specific Trend Items & How to Wear Them

(12:41–43:50)

• Polo Neck Sweaters: Classic, versatile, and preppy—works for classic and elegant types. “Such a practical piece…timeless style, even though it’s also really trend heavy right now.” (12:51)
• Skinny Flares: Flattering for inverted triangle and rectangle shapes. Pair with boots or heels to elongate legs.
• Hourglass/Cinched Blazers: Move away from oversized fits to more waist-defining shapes. Great for dramatic, elegant, and classic types. “It’s going to give you..an alluring or feminine feel…shows off curves.” (15:13)
• Knee-Length Skirts: Universal and office-friendly; A-line or pencil shapes for maximal flattery.
• Bolero/Shrug: Cropped toppers “will be a love it or hate it” hit for this season. Good layering for transitional weather; works well for feminine, creative, and triangle shapes. (18:30)
• Draped/Fringed Items: Texture and movement still in, especially for dramatic or alluring styles. Keep the rest of your look simple to let the texture shine.
• Funnel Neck Jackets: Offer modern structure and warmth; choose shorter lengths if petite.
• Faux Fur & Floor-Length Coats: Dramatic, statement outerwear perfect for the elegant or dramatic fashion lover.

Key Colors & Prints

(43:51–47:41)

• Jewel Tones: Universally-flattering palette. “Eggplant and teal are universally flattering colors.” (44:34)
• Burgundy: Versatile for all skin tones (cooler = berry, warmer = brick/maroon).
• Dark Chocolate: Especially powerful on those with brown eyes—“Do yourself a favor and finally scoop up some pieces in this hue.” (45:56)
• Lace: Unusual for fall, but brings romance to the season.
• Plaids: Ever-current, adaptable to every style; small-scale for petites, bold for taller frames.
• Animal Prints (“any animal print goes!”): Leopard, snakeskin, cow; use as an accent or all over for dramatic looks.
  • Tip: “Mix your prints—leopard and zebra.” (47:13)

Accessories & Final Trends

(47:42–52:12)

• Statement Belts: “Instant waist definition and style to finish any look.” (47:47)
• Slouchy Handbags: Big, easy, and functional—goodbye to micro purses!
• Statement Footwear:
  • Red patent shoes: “Bold, dramatic look.”
  • Slipper mules: “Elegant but…easy, maybe work-friendly.”
  • Slouchy boots: Relaxed, textural, modern.
  • Snakeskin boots: For a “sexier look”.
  • Knee-high socks with shoes: Playful and dramatic; great nod to the academia trend. (50:58)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Not Succumbing to Pressure:
  “You absolutely do not need to buy anything new this season, let alone anything on this list, especially for the sole reason that it’s on this list.” (02:23)

• On the Spirit of 2025 Style:
  “We are in a really exciting time where anything goes and you can truly make it your own without anyone batting an eye.” (04:11)

• Fashion with Function:
  “Try to avoid pieces that are going to require you to buy a lot of other pieces in order to make them work.” (03:23)

• On Accessories:
  "If you do not have a strong belt collection...this is your season to stock up on some amazing belts." (47:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Philosophy (00:00–04:17)
• Main Themes & Trends (04:18–12:40)
• Individual Trend Items (12:41–43:50)
• Colors & Prints (43:51–47:41)
• Accessories & Statement Footwear (47:42–52:12)
• Wrap Up & Calls to Action (52:12–end)

Final Thoughts & Recommendations

Heather’s advice is clear:

• Don’t feel obligated to overhaul your wardrobe for Fall 2025.
• Pick one or two trends that truly excite you and mesh with your personal style and lifestyle needs.
• Prioritize versatile, confidence-boosting pieces that make getting dressed a pleasure.
• For more visual guides and community support, join the HER Style Bootcamp and subscribe to the VIP email list.

For the full cheat sheet and inspiration images, sign up at herstylellc.com/bootcamp.

Speaker Attribution: All quotes by Heather Riggs, unless otherwise noted in context.
Tone: Supportive, friendly, practical, and empowering.