🍂 5 Fall Fashion Trends to Watch in 2025 (and How to Pull Them Off)
Fall fashion is about to get weird in the best way possible. Whether you’re a thrift fiend, a streetwear junkie, or just here for the moodboards, Fall 2025 is bringing bolder textures, grittier layering, and a serious dose of nostalgic weirdness.
We’ve rounded up the five biggest trends rising across TikTok, street style, and fashion runways — with early cues from brands like Acne Studios, Sandy Liang, Balenciaga, and your favorite influencer’s Depop shop!,
Ready to reset your fall wardrobe? Let’s get into it.
1. 🖤 Grimy Glam — Indie Sleaze’s Shinier, Dirtier Cousin
Vibe: Smudged eyeliner, metallic tanks, ballet flats, and faux fur at a house party
Why it’s trending: Y2K party energy meets secondhand grunge. Think: Mary-Kate Olsen meets Tumblr 2007 with a sequin tube top.
Spotted:
@devonleecarlson layering vintage tees with shiny skirts
Urban Outfitters’ resurgence of crushed velvet mini dresses
TikTok search: #grimyglam
Quick style tip: Pair an oversized band tee with a satin slip skirt and beat-up Converse. Bonus points for a thrifted faux fur shrug.
🎸 CordSmiff angle: Our Fake Band Tour Tees were made for this — think grungy graphics, faux nostalgia, and serious main character energy.
2. 🌲 Folklorecore — Dark Cottagecore, But Make It Witchy
Vibe: Mossy forests, embroidered layers, and cryptic symbols
Why it’s trending: Cottagecore is getting moodier. Fall 2025 is all about mycelium magic, handknits, and village-but-make-it-fashion.
Spotted:
Models at Simone Rocha in earthy cloak silhouettes
@lunathevoid mixing rune jewelry and thrifted wool capes
Pinterest searches for “dark cottagecore” up 70% since May
Quick style tip: Think embroidered sweaters, cloak-style outerwear, and raven or moon motifs.
🪵 CordSmiff angle: Watch for our upcoming cryptic symbol tees + mystical knits. Fleet Foxes would approve.
3. 🎾 Club Collegiate — Preppy Meets Party
Vibe: Ivy League core with an after-hours twist
Why it’s trending: Tenniscore dominated spring. Now it’s evolving into something slouchier, shinier, and more chaotic. Think Gossip Girl x frat party x Gen Z sarcasm.
Spotted:
Miu Miu styling satin skirts with varsity sweaters
@spencerrnewman layering tube socks and loafers with athletic shorts
Zara’s Fall lookbook featuring “borrowed-from-campus” staples
Quick style tip: Try a collared shirt under a graphic crewneck. Finish with loafers and a satin mini.
🎓 CordSmiff angle: Explore our Tenniscore Collection and Campus Drop — featuring varsity-style sweaters, sarcastic slogans, and preppy chaos done right.
4. 🩶 Soft Armor — Emotional Utility
Vibe: Tactical silhouettes, poetic energy
Why it’s trending: Post-pandemic fashion is shifting from comfort to protective dressing — but make it romantic. It’s all about quilted textures, pastel combat pants, and clothes that look like a hug… or a battle vest.
Spotted:
Acne Studios layering dusty pink harnesses over military cuts
@sighswoon stitching lyrics onto cargo jackets
TikTok trend: handmade poetry patches on utilitarian fits
Quick style tip: Pair parachute pants with a soft hoodie or bomber covered in small, emotional embroidery.
💘 CordSmiff angle: Watch for our pastel utility pieces with hidden quotes and gothic handwriting.
5. 📼 Video Store Nostalgia — Grunge x VHS x 2000s Mall Rat
Vibe: 1999 Blockbuster meets 2007 Tumblr
Why it’s trending: Gen Z is over streaming — at least in their closets. This fall, it’s all about analog visuals, burnout graphics, and fake merch for movies that never existed.
Spotted:
H&M’s fall drop with fake DVD logos and static-printed hoodies
@milkmochaa repping DIY video store shirts
TikTok: retro fit edits with grain filters and VHS overlays
Quick style tip: Style a washed-out movie tee with cargo shorts and wired headphones. Optional: clip-on sunglasses.
🎞️ CordSmiff angle: Our upcoming “REWIND VIDEO” tee is your new fall favorite. Like Blockbuster, but sexy.
👀 What’s Next?
We’ll be breaking each trend down in detail over the next week — complete with styling tips, CordSmiff product drops, and the best looks we’re seeing on socials.
➡️ Follow us on Instagram @cordsmiff for trend reels, outfit inspo, and behind-the-scenes from our fall line.
➡️ Bookmark this blog so you don’t miss the rest of the series.
➡️ Drop a comment: Which trend are you living for this fall?
Let’s make fall 2025 unreasonably stylish
