As the last days of summer fade into memory, the arrival of fall brings with it a breath of crisp air—and, for many, a fresh opportunity to rethink both wardrobe and home. According to Cosmopolitan and ELLE, two of the fashion and lifestyle world’s most trusted voices, the autumn of 2025 is all about thoughtful reinvention, tactile pleasure, and a healthy embrace of both heritage and novelty.
Let’s start with the closet. On September 19, 2025, Cosmopolitan unveiled its definitive list of the five essential transitional jackets for Fall 2025. Fashion, famously operating six months ahead, means these styles are already influencing what’s on the racks—and what’s showing up on city streets. The message? Layers are not just practical, they’re fun. “There’s something so satisfying about throwing on your first lightweight fall jacket,” the article notes, capturing the seasonal joy that comes with swapping tanks for sleeves.
First up: the Cropped Trench. Gone are the days of the classic trench’s sweeping hem. This year, the trench gets a trim, with hemlines hitting at or just above the waist. It’s a reimagining for modern life—a jacket made for quick errands and brisk walks, not just rainy commutes. This shorter silhouette offers a playful edge to a timeless staple, easily doubling as a statement piece or even, for the bold, a dress.
Next, the Aviation Jacket takes flight once more. Originally designed for the cockpit, this utilitarian classic gets a luxury upgrade in 2025. Think boxy shapes, oversized collars, and practical pockets, but rendered in silk, shearling, or weathered leather. The result is a jacket that feels both sturdy and indulgent—perfect for those who want their outerwear to deliver both function and flair.
The Courtroom Jacket, meanwhile, draws inspiration from Dior’s iconic Bar jacket. With its cinched waist, sharp neckline, and tailored lines, this piece is all about intentional elegance. “Refined, not boring!” as Cosmopolitan puts it. It’s a nod to ladylike polish with just enough attitude to keep things interesting—ideal for anyone looking to upgrade their workwear or add some structure to casual outfits.
For those who prefer a more relaxed vibe, the Track Jacket continues its reign. Once reserved for gym warmups, this zip-up staple has made a full transition into street style. Whether paired with matching pants or mixed into a more eclectic look, the track jacket strikes a balance between sporty and styled. It’s “unbothered” and easy, yet unmistakably current.
Finally, there’s Suede. This tactile favorite brings a 1970s softness to the season, offering texture over flash. Whether you opt for a suede version of any of the aforementioned styles or a classic cut, you’ll find that this material adds a layer of warmth and nostalgia to any outfit. It’s all about touch—and the feeling of coziness that comes with it.
Jessica, Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, sums up the mood: layering is not just a practical necessity as the weather cools, but an opportunity to build an outfit “brick by brick,” leaving room for creativity and, yes, a little attitude.
This spirit of layering, mixing, and reinvention isn’t limited to fashion. Over at ELLE, the focus is on how these same principles are shaping the world of interior design. In its September 19, 2025, feature, ELLE highlights eight key home décor trends that are defining the autumn season. The overarching theme? Designs “with heritage and heart,” as Noah Morse, co-founder and head of product at Sundays and Hetta, puts it—pieces that look and feel like they’ve lived with you for years.
Color leads the charge. Autumn’s palette leans into tradition, with hues like burgundy, mocha, chocolate, toffee, bronze, and creamy neutrals dominating the scene. These warm tones, according to Morse, create a comforting backdrop that feels both classic and current.
Layering isn’t just for jackets. In the home, it’s about combining area rugs, table linens, throw blankets, and even matted wall art to add depth and personality. The old and the new play well together, and there’s plenty of room to experiment with patterns and textures. Mixed materials—shearling, velvet, wood, and jute—are encouraged. “The result is cozy, storied, and quietly elevated, made to age beautifully over decades,” Morse explains.
Marble finishes are back in a big way, especially among millennials. Creative director Maura Dineen of Moe’s Home attributes this to a “shift toward materials and finishes that embrace character and longevity.” Whether it’s a marbled bowl or a set of candlesticks, these pieces add instant sophistication and a sense of permanence.
Patina is another buzzword this season. Items that show their age—think metal, leather, wood, stone, and denim—are celebrated for their weathered look and sense of history. You can buy pieces that are already distressed or invest in something new and let it develop character over time. Either way, the goal is to create a home that feels lived-in and loved.
On the flip side, high-gloss surfaces are also trending. Dineen notes that these polished elements “bring a fresh, polished energy” to interiors, offering a modern counterpoint to the more rustic, timeworn pieces. It’s a visual dialogue between past and present—a recurring theme in both fashion and décor this fall.
If you’re planning a renovation or just a quick refresh, statement tiling is having a moment. According to Pinterest’s 2025 Fall Trend Report, searches for “unique tiles” are up 450 percent, “terracotta textured tiles” up 833 percent, and “vintage tiles” have soared by a staggering 1,107 percent since last year. Clearly, homeowners are eager to make bold, personalized choices in their spaces.
And let’s not forget a touch of glamour. Art Déco-r, inspired by the roaring twenties and the enduring appeal of The Great Gatsby, is once again making waves. Think bold shapes, luxurious materials, and a sense of playful sophistication.
Monica Bhargava, president of Pottery Barn, captures the essence of the season: “From designs featuring woodland animals paired with leather and brass to cozy plaids in earthy colors, warm leather and wood tones, the season is about bringing a sense of comfort and character into the home. It’s a classic and relevant approach to cozy living that embraces both beauty and functionality.”
So, whether you’re swapping out your outerwear or updating your living room, Fall 2025 is all about embracing change with a sense of history, comfort, and style. The trends may shift, but the desire for warmth, texture, and a little bit of personality remains at the heart of it all.
