It might not feel like it outside, but fall will be here before we know it. Personally, I can’t wait for the seasons to change, because in my book, there’s no better time of year for fashion.
If you’re not quite in the “pumpkin spice” mood yet, consider this your soft launch into fall fashion. To share pieces that can take you from the final days of summer into the early days of fall, stylist and fashion expert Jasmine Snow paid a visit to the 3rd Hour of TODAY, bringing with her new trends and tried-and-true staples alike.
From cozy cardigans to a one-and-done dress, you can begin to incorporate these pieces now and transition with them into the new season. Just keep scrolling to shop our full roundup of the best fall fashion.
Fall fashion essentials seen on 3rd Hour of TODAY
Huge news for people who are always cold: the cardigan is officially cool again. Mega-popular for fall, this is one of the easiest pieces to start wearing before it actually feels like fall.
“Think of this as your fall layering hero,” Snow muses. “Throw it over a t-shirt and jeans, a dress or even your workout clothes... it gives everything that cozy fall feeling before you need a heavy jacket.”
With back-to-school season upon us, the preppy look is having a major moment for fall. A rugby shirt makes for an easy entrance point into the trend, bringing a polished, sporty feeling into your everyday wardrobe.
“Pair it with jeans and sneakers for the weekend, or for women, try it with a skirt or even over the shoulders to give your basics that fun collegiate feel,” Snow recommends.
“Think of it as your new sweatshirt,” Snow says of the modern rugby shirt. “Because it’s a little oversized, it has that same throw-on-and-go ease, but the collar and stripes make it look more pulled together.”
Move over, jeans. This fall, denim is expanding beyond your basic bottoms and breathing life into new outfit staples.
“The denim dress is a one-and-done outfit, which is perfect for that tricky transition into fall,” Snow says. “Wear it now with sandals or ballet flats, then add boots and a cardigan when temperatures drop.”
“For men, the denim shirt is an easy update to the classic button-down,” Snow shares. “It’s just as wearable but actually has even more versatility than your classic button-down. Wear it open over a tee, tucked into chinos or paired with darker denim.”
If you’re not sure what to wear in this in-between period from August to September, allow us to suggest this easy staple top. It’s got a comfy sleeveless cut, so you won’t get too hot, but the mock neck and generous coverage lend it more of a “fall” vibe than your average tank.
For the guys, Snow says a cardigan like this makes for a smarter alternative to a sweatshirt or quarter-zip when you want to look a tad more polished.
One of Snow’s top tips to make your old wardrobe feel new again? Change up your accessories. This slouchy bag immediately does the trick, and since the silhouette is easy to style with jeans, sweaters, dresses and more, it’s something you’ll reach for over and over this season.
“Textures like embossed croc or suede-like fabrics have been really popular and those textures and colors always scream fall,” Snow notes. “I love that this one comes in a ton of options so you can go with a pop of color or a more neutral everyday option.”
Fall fashion favorites previously seen on TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle
Who doesn’t love a one-and-done outfit? This polished shirt dress is exactly that, creating the illusion that you put a lot more effort into your look than you actually did. A true transitional piece, Snow says you can wear it now with sneakers or a flat sandal, then add loafers or boots and layer with a sweater or jacket once fall arrives.
According to Snow, windbreakers are trending big time. The outerwear makes for the perfect transitional layer in her book, because it’s lightweight enough for late summer but gives you a little coverage once it starts to get cooler in the fall.
“There’s so many ways to style this look — we’re seeing people wear these zipped all the way up, almost like a top, which makes the jacket itself the fashion moment,” Snow says. “Pair it with a wide-leg pant or jeans to make it feel less ‘gym class’ and more ‘street style,’ or pair with leggings for a sportier look ... Such a fun option for football season, fall sporting events or running errands. I love the neutral shades, or use it as an easy pop of color.”
The classic white button-down shirt is getting a makeover this season! Instead of oversized and boxy silhouettes, Snow says she’s seeing more waist definition with peplum shapes and hourglass tailoring. While it’s still a versatile closet staple, the result is that the modern-day staple feels softer, more feminine and much more flattering.
“I love pairing it with something slightly looser on the bottom, like relaxed denim or wide-leg trousers to balance the silhouette — the contrast keeps the look cool and modern,” Snow explains. “I always love a classic with a twist — and these styles still give you the versatility of a classic white shirt, with details that make it feel much more special. Wear to work, to dinner or for an everyday look.”
Snow is calling it now: the “it” pants of the season are anything in earthy colors and wide-legged satin fabrics, which feel elevated enough for work but comfortable enough for everyday life.
“These track pants are a more polished take on the sporty look — the satin finish instantly elevates them, so you can wear them with a tank and sneakers for a more casual look or dress them up with a crisp button-down and heels or flats,” Snow suggests. “They are lightweight, which is exactly what you want during that in-between period when the calendar says fall but the temperature still says summer — you can wear now and swap in a button-down, sweater or blazer as the weather cools.”
Snow’s pro styling tip? Swap your sandals for a loafer mule, and your summer outfits immediately start to feel more like fall. For the upcoming season, Snow says the biggest footwear trends are “all about flats that feel more refined.” Loafer mules and pointed-toe slides like these fit the bill, making any outfit look more polished without sacrificing comfort.
More expert-approved fall fashion
Remember the great crew-versus-ankle-sock debate of 2024? While we debated the topic internally at the time, we’re ready to put the argument to bed once and for all: Shop TODAY officially claims team ankle socks. The cushy staple exposes a flash of your lower leg that brings balance to shorts, capri pants and skirts, all of which we’ve been rocking on repeat as summer draws to a close.
If you feel like you’ve been seeing this classic style of top everywhere lately, your eyes don’t deceive you — according to Google Trends data, searches for “boatneck top” and “3/4 sleeve top” have spiked in the last few months. I think the essential makes for the perfect transitional piece, since it can be worn on its own now and layered up when temperatures drop.
A polished piece that secretly feels like sweats? Sign me up. This cardigan-esque layer is truthfully more like a sweatshirt than a proper cardigan, but it hardly looks that way to outsiders.
Another comfort-forward trend, Snow co-signs the chunky sneaker craze. This pair she likes from H&M even marries two trends in one, given that butter yellow has been on the rise in the last few years.
I previously dabbled in the skinny jean trend, but if I’m being honest, my heart just wasn’t in it. For me, the baggier the pants, the better. These high-waisted, wide-leg jeans are constructed almost like trousers, offering a roomy fit with a polished pleated look that feels like a step up from your typical slouchy, baggy denim.
Consider this staple your instant outfit upgrade to channel big boss energy. Featuring exaggerated shoulders and a double-breasted design, these blazers are your one-stop shop to get in on the “power dressing” trend that’s been going strong for a few years.
Meet the expert
Our team features a range of qualified experts and contributors in our broadcast segments to reveal the latest in trends, remarkable sale events and all things shopping across a variety of categories. Products were independently chosen by members of the Shop TODAY team, along with Jasmine Snow.
- Jasmine Snow is an on-air fashion expert and stylist.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers on the hunt for the latest products to help improve their lives. Items are sold by retailers, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
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