Holly Bell, Maxx Models & Talent Owner
Transitioning to Fall
Comfort Mixed with Style
The leaves are already beginning to fall, bringing with them that unmistakable scent, feeling, and energy that signal a new season. One of the greatest pleasures of living in the Midwest is experiencing the beauty of each changing season. Autumn, in particular, always feels like a fresh start—especially on that first crisp day when the air turns cool and clear. It also offers the perfect opportunity to refresh our wardrobes with the soft, cozy fabrics we love to wear.
Fall brings to mind faded blue jeans washed to a beautifully soft finish, paired with a plaid shirt and finished with a vest or blazer, the ideal outfit for an easygoing day or for work. This season, designers are embracing plaid in every form. From classic checks and traditional tartans, bold color combinations and timeless black-and-white houndstooth, plaid has been reinvented for fall. If you have not yet added this trend to your wardrobe, now is the perfect time.
Denim remains a wardrobe essential, serving as a foundation for an effortless fall wardrobe. Designers have offered nearly every possible way to wear it this season. Skinny jeans, boyfriend styles, straight-leg silhouettes, full-length flares, and relaxed fits are all current and relevant. Denim shirts buttoned up or worn as a jacket are on point. Double denim remains in the forefront of denim lovers. From rich autumn colors such as rust and brown to faded, washed, and distressed finishes, there is truly a denim style for everyone. My personal preference is a darker solid wash made from cotton with some stretch fibers along with a high waist. Once referred to as “mom jeans,” a term that carried an unflattering connotation, this silhouette is now simply known as high-waisted—and it is firmly in style.
Color also plays a significant role in the season’s wardrobe direction. Rich browns, eggplant purples, tomato reds, sage greens, and a full range of blues add depth, freshness, and sophistication to fall dressing. Pantone color experts are predicting “grounded earth tones with dynamic, high-spirited brights” for fall 2026.One especially current combination is chocolate brown paired with sky blue, a polished mix that feels elegant, contemporary, and highly versatile. Mixing warm neutrals with browns is particularly modern. Look for neutrals in shades of toffee, ginger, beige, and cream.
Layering is essential to building complete and functional fall outfits. Vests and blazers are the key pieces for layering in the upcoming fall season. Adding a third layer instantly elevates an outfit and gives it a more intentional, put-together appearance. Blazers are especially versatile, moving easily from casual settings to the workplace. Designers are highlighting tailored silhouettes this season, often with defined shoulders and belted waists. Some blazers include a matching belt, but adding your own is an easy way to embrace the trend. Retro feel cardigans also remain important, (the cardigan is a thin knit sweater worn with a matching tank top or shell underneath]. Versatile cardigans can be worn traditionally as a layer over a sleeveless top or buttoned all the way up. Stylists recommend leaving top and bottom buttons open for a modern look. Matching twin sets are also making a stylish return. We love the two-piece matching set look. All the rage last season and continuing through fall and winter, the two piece matching set looks polished and is extremely versatile. Try tieing it around your neck or waist for a sporty vibe.
Two additional trends worth considering this fall are animal prints, faux fur and gold accessories . While real fur has fallen out of favor, faux fur and animal prints have become a wardrobe classic and staple that works for all seasons. Leopard is the predominant animal print choice with snake and zebra running close behind. Gold is the perfect choice to go with animal print.
A new jewelry trend this year is vintage watches. Think of the watches your Mom used to wear! Dainty with standard black and white faces, vintage or vintage look watches add elegance and polish to every outfit. There is a quiet luxury resurgence this season that inspired the look of vintage watches. Shiny gold accessories bring warmth and a touch of drama to any ensemble.
In summary, fall fashion is centered on comfort with polish, soft layers, rich color, timeless denim, modern plaid, bold prints, and warm metallic accents creating a wardrobe that is both practical and stylish. Let the feeling of fall inspire a renewed perspective and a deeper appreciation for the beautiful season ahead. Take a walk, breathe in the crisp air, and notice how the sky seems even bluer than usual. The season has arrived—and with it, the comforting promise of cider, apple pie, and all the warmth of autumn.
