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Pre-Fall 2025: Men’s Styling Guide
- Kourtney Thalgott
- Aug 21, 2025
- 3 min read
From the Closet of a Professional Wardrobe Stylist
As summer winds down and the first crisp fall mornings sneak in, I always tell my male clients: this is the season to sharpen your style. Pre-fall is one of the best times of year for men’s fashion—transitional layering, refined yet relaxed fits, and versatile capsule pieces that take you seamlessly from the heat of late August to the cooler days of September and October.
So, what do men actually want when it comes to fall dressing in 2025? They’re asking me for two things: practical style that feels effortless and wardrobe staples that balance polish with comfort. Let’s break it down:
Hot Trends for Fall 2025
Relaxed Tailoring Structured blazers and slim trousers are giving way to looser, more fluid fits. Think soft-shouldered jackets, drawstring trousers in wool or cotton blends, and relaxed blazers that pair easily with sneakers or Chelsea boots.
Earthy & Elevated Neutrals Shades of olive, rust, camel, and charcoal dominate this fall, layered with creamy whites and deep navy. These tones not only look sharp, but they also mix seamlessly into a capsule wardrobe.
Texture Play Men are leaning into corduroy overshirts, brushed flannel button-downs, and chunky knits. The combination of textures adds dimension to an otherwise simple look.
Smart Sport Utility Transitional outerwear like lightweight bomber jackets, quilted vests, and technical parkas are trending. They’re functional for unpredictable weather but still elevated enough to layer over office attire.
Statement Footwear Loafers continue to have their moment, but this fall we’ll also see a rise in rugged lace-up boots and retro-inspired sneakers to anchor a casual outfit.
Transitioning from Summer to Fall
Swap Linen for Lightweight Wool or Cotton Twill: Trade your breezy summer linens for fabrics that hold structure and warmth while staying breathable.
Layer Over Your Summer Tees: Instead of retiring your crewneck tees and polos, layer them under overshirts, unstructured blazers, or cardigans.
Keep White & Light Denim in Rotation: Just because summer ends doesn’t mean white jeans are gone. Pair them with camel or navy knits for a modern fall look.
Footwear Shift: Move from espadrilles and slip-ons to loafers, sneakers in darker tones, and boots once the temps dip.
Capsule Pieces Every Man Should Own This Fall
Building a strong fall capsule wardrobe means investing in versatile, high-quality staples you can mix and match. Here’s my stylist-approved list for 2025:
Unstructured Blazer (in navy or charcoal) – Works for the office or weekend dinners.
Wool-Blend Overshirt or Shacket – The perfect layering piece over tees or button-downs.
Slim (but not skinny) Dark Denim – Still timeless, and they balance both sneakers and boots.
Merino Wool Sweater (crew or half-zip) – Lightweight but warm, easy to layer under jackets.
Tailored Chinos (in camel or olive) – A sharp alternative to denim.
Statement Outerwear – A bomber, quilted jacket, or technical coat to carry you through fall.
Leather Boots – Rugged but polished enough to wear with jeans or trousers.
Everyday Sneakers – In clean white or muted fall tones.
Crisp Oxford Shirt (white or light blue) – Always relevant, always useful.
Transitional Accessories – A leather belt, a modern watch, and a neutral scarf for when temps drop.
Final Thought: The key to pre-fall 2025 styling is versatility. Men don’t want to overthink their wardrobes—they want a foundation of timeless pieces, updated with seasonal textures, smart outerwear, and footwear that pulls it all together. Think of your fall wardrobe as a toolkit: the right capsule items allow you to build countless looks, whether you’re heading to the office, traveling, or out for a casual night.
