One of my favorite things about style is that it’s not about how much money you spend. It’s about how much fun you have creating the looks.
And yes, the fall season has some fabulous trends popping up on the runways and in street style, but before you start clicking “add to cart”, let’s talk about how to enjoy these fall fashion trends 2025 on a budget.
Quote of the day: “A mistake repeated more than once is a decision.” Paulo Coelho
There are 2 ways to look at fall fashion trends 2025 on a budget. One is that following trends is for young girls only, and it’s silly.
The other is to wear only what’s trending and subject yourself to stressing about whether it’s “in” or “out”.
But I believe there is a middle road to be gained by keeping in touch with the trends while still creating a unique style that is all your own.
Besides, at this time of life, we realize that the trends cycle, thus we might already have many of them in our closet from years ago. A definite advantage to not overpurging.
I’ve been scouring the stylists on social media, checking modern brands’ websites, and I am excited to share what’s in this season, but I also went a step further to give you ideas on how to be budget-oriented.
1. Animal Prints: Especially Zebra & Snake
Don’t you feel like every fall season, animal prints make a splash? Well, that’s the case with fall fashion trends of 2025, except you’ll see a lot more zebra and snake.
Not to say that leopard won’t be around. It will. So I hope you didn’t throw out all of your fun items.
How we’ve styled it in the past:
–Zebra print
–Snakeskin boots
–Unexpected colors with leopard pants
- Closet check: If you have leopard but not zebra, wear it anyway. Animal prints mix beautifully, and no one is checking your species accuracy.
- Preloved hunting: Thrift stores are goldmines for animal prints because they cycle in and out of fashion every few years.
- DIY: Stencil a zebra stripe onto a plain scarf or paint snakeskin details on an old belt.
2. Color Trend: Brown
Every fall has its “it” color, and brown is having a major moment for 2025. You could say that brown is the new black for fall fashion trends 2025 on a budget.
If it doesn’t look good near your face, no worries. Just style it on the bottom half of your body.
How we’ve styled it in the past:
–Colors to go with brown and cream
–Wearing brown in the summer
–Gem colors and brown
- Closet check: That “boring” brown sweater in the back? Bring it out and layer it with vibrant accessories.
- Preloved hunting: Browns often get donated because people think they’re dated. Now is the time to scoop them up.
- DIY: Dye a faded beige piece into a richer brown tone for a fresh, current look.
3. Accessories Gone Maximal
Forget minimal accessories. The more I see and read about fall fashion trends for 2025, the more I hear about bold accessories. And that means layering accessories, using bag charms, and finding multiple ways to wear brooches (among other things).
Related post: Charms and chains
The secret here is to think, “If 1 is good, then more is better.”
How we’ve styled this idea in the past:
–How to wear brooches and not be frumpy
–Create your custom chain necklace
–Ways to use clip-on earrings
- Closet check: Raid your jewelry box or even your husband’s tie rack.
- Preloved hunting: Vintage brooches and clip-on earrings are a dime a dozen in small, local thrift stores.
- DIY: Turn broken jewelry into bag charms or sew decorative patches onto plain totes. Heck, I’ve even used home decor (tassels) as part of my accessories and bag charms.
4. Crochet & Mesh Textures
We’ve been conditioned to think that open-weave items are for the warmer months.
Hogwash.
There’s this great trick called layering. And you can use it with these items so easily.
How we’ve styled the idea in the past:
–What to wear under crochet
–Layering under…(we styled graphic tees, but all of these would work with crochet or mesh)
- Closet check: Don’t put away the “summer” crochet items. Instead, layer them over a long-sleeve tee for a modern vibe.
- Preloved hunting: Crochet cardigans are often overlooked at thrift stores. Don’t forget to check the swim cover-up section too.
- DIY: If you’re handy, you can crochet your own bag, scarf, or even a trim for a plain top.
5. Sporty Mix-Ins
Athlesuirewear has been huge for the past 10 years. But now it’s time to incorporate some yin/yang with them. Don’t just wear it to the gym or for walking the dog.
What this means is you aren’t styling head-to-toe gym wear. Instead, add a sporty piece to an otherwise dressy outfit.
I call this mixing it up. Playing the dichotomy game. Looking modern and having fun.
Insider tip: This is one reason I always say not to categorize your clothing.
How we’ve styled these items in the past:
–Activewear skirts beyond the gym
–Wearing a sports bra as a top
- Closet check: Rummage around in your gym clothes, swimwear, and even sleepwear for interesting combinations.
- Preloved hunting: Athlesurewear can be expensive, so check out the men’s and women’s sections at the thrift store.
- DIY: Add athletic stripes to the side seams of your joggers with ribbon or fabric paint.
6. Belts, Belts, Belts
If you only add one accessory this season, make it a belt. Wide, skinny, chain, obi ones are just the tip of the iceberg.
Belts are cinching dresses, layered over blazers, and even worn on top of coats for that “extra” feel.
Insider tip: DO NOT rule out belts because of your body shape, whether that’s because you’re short-waisted or apple-shaped. Not all belts are created equal, and there are some that are fabulous for EVERY shape.
How we’ve styled in the past:
–Belt stacking-because 2 is better than 1
–Side by side belt styling
–When to wear belts-more side by side examples
- Closet check: If you don’t have belts hanging around, steal your partner’s or use self belts from other items, or even scarves.
- Preloved hunting: Belts are 1 of my 5 things to buy when thrifting because you can find gems secondhand.
- DIY: Cut an old scarf into a belt or braid strips of fabric together. Either that or use a men’s tie.
7. Fall Shoe Trends
Shoes could be the one item that doesn’t fit into the budget portion of fall fashion trends 2025. At this stage of the game, we know that comfort is key, but I still wanted to include this category and stretch our thinking.
Some of these we’ve styled in the past:
–Mary Jane shoe fashion
–5 outfit vibes with peep toes
–Snake print boot outfits
My research shows that the big players this season are:
- Mary Janes – These are functional for older women once you get past the “young girl” vibe. With the strap across the foot, they stay in place, and they look fabulous with sheer or fun socks.
- Snakeskin – It’s a more subdued print than leopard and comes in a variety of styles.
- Peep Toe – They may give off a 1950s vibe, but I call them sexy…especially when I wore them with fishnet socks.
- Boat Shoes – Reminds me of my high school days, but always good to give them a second go around.
- Colorful Low Sneakers – Perfect functionality for pants or dresses.
- Closet check: Revisit older shoes. If they aren’t comfy, consider bunion stretchers (I leave mine in for days) or reusable arch support.
- Preloved Hunting: I know this can be a controversial topic, but many are basically new because they didn’t fit the first owner correctly. Everyone’s feet are different, and footwear is harder to alter.
- DIY: Paint or add embellishments to update an older pair. For example, clip-on earrings work great for this.
How to Score These Fall Trends Without Spending Big
I love to peruse the fall fashion trends of 2025 on a budget, but that doesn’t mean you have to go shopping at the stores or online.
You can get the same dopamine hit from restyling, playing in your closet, or DIYing.
I believe the best way to make trends your own is by starting with what you already have. Consider the 3 different ways (as I’ve talked about in each category):
- Check your closet first.
- Pull out anything remotely similar to the trend, even if it’s not exact.
- Mix it with something modern you already own to make it feel current. Modern is never just one clothing item…it’s how it’s styled.
- Go the preloved route.
- Thrift stores, vintage shops, and online resale platforms are treasure troves for trendy pieces at a fraction of retail.
- Host a closet swap with friends. Not only are you not spending money, you’re increasing social connections.
- DIY or upcycle.
- Add patches, paint, or trims to give old clothes a fresh spin.
- Learn simple sewing or no-sew hacks to customize your pieces.
My emails are my way to share fun and positive content with you from all of the sites I visit during the week. Sure, you also get my free eBook when you sign up, but that’s not the best part.
The best part is you get a daily dose of positive energy.
My Takeaway
I call these fall fashion trends 2025 on a budget, promising in that they can add a modern vibe to your everyday look. Yet you don’t have to purchase new things all the time…think about opening your eyes to creative possibilities.
Now we all realize there are other trends circling about. I chose the ones that speak to me (and hopefully you). In reality, these fall fashion trends for 2025 aren’t really “new”, so you can stay on a budget and still look modern.
And as we’ve all heard over and over, you don’t have to wear all the trends…just the ones that light a fire. However, I will say that we should never say never. Make sure you try a couple that might not seem “you.” You just might be surprised.
Thank You For Reading about the Fall Fashion Trends 2025 on a Budget
I hope I thank you enough because your support allows me to continue this journey, which I LOVE!!!
Supporting a blog can be easy and free. Just visiting my pages, clicking my links (especially for small businesses and sponsored posts), and sharing the things you like on your social media make a huge difference. Spreading the word is how I can reach more wonderful people like you!
Or feel free to “buy me a coffee” which is a monetary way to tell me that you enjoy reading my blog.
Welcome to Jodie’s Touch of Style. I’m here to prove that it’s never too late to look great. Clothing and style are meant to showcase your inner personality. So let’s have fun and try new things.
