This story was first shared by Hudson County Moms
It’s my favorite time of year—crisp air, cozy fire pits, colorful leaves, football weekends, and of course, all the pumpkin essentials I can get my hands on! Fall fashion also means the return of my favorite wardrobe staples: cashmere sweaters, vintage jeans, suede bags, and stylish sneakers. Although summer isn’t over quite yet, I’ve reached the point where I can no longer justify buying summer clothes. Since fall is somehow already on the horizon, I’m exercising some rare self-control by turning my focus to the future season, instead.
I’ve put together a little cheat sheet on some of my favorite fall looks I’ll be wearing this season, plus how you can replicate the look for less.
Contrast Collar Barn Jacket
The OG of the barn jacket is The Barbour jacket. The Barbour jackets are typically waxed in finish but this season you will see heavy canvas styles available that also fit the brief. They can be navy, khaki, beige, stone, pink or chocolate brown and often have a contrast collar in a different fabric to add texture, which could be leather or cord.
Splurge: Myra Waxed Duffle Coat, $470
Steal: & Other Stories fitted barn jacket with contrast collar in washed pomegranate pink, $171
The Cashmere Sweater
For me, a cozy cashmere sweater was the perfect pick. It’s versatile: great to wear on its own, layered over a simple top, or even styled over the shoulders for the crisp fall mornings.
Splurge: Jenni Kayne Simone V-Neck, $225
Steal: Mongolian Cashmere V-Neck Sweater, $50
The Vintage Jean
Denim is, of course, a year-round essential, but fall is when I like to lean into my vintage-inspired washes and relaxed fits. The superior durability and quality that improves with age, a sustainable fashion choice by reducing waste, and a timeless appeal that connects with fashion history.
Splurge: Featherweight Logan Wide-Leg Jean, $275
Steal: The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean in Airy Denim, $148
The Brown/Neutral Sneaker
The brown sneaker trend is dominating the season and offers a stylish, versatile alternative to classic sneakers that we all know and love. The rich tones like chocolate, mocha and caramel, brown sneakers can be styled with other seasonal trends like the barn jacket and suede bags, making them essential in any autumn wardrobe.
Splurge: Loewe- Flow Runner Sneakers, $890
Steal: Reformation- The Terra Sneaker, $198
Super-Steal: Steve Madden- The Mirage, $80.95
The Suede (Bowling) Bag
Love it or hate it, fashion’s obsession with the Y2K aesthetics isn’t going anywhere. For Fall ‘25, Prada returned to its roots by sending models down the runway with extra-large versions of its iconic bowling bag—first introduced for spring 2000.
Big Splurge: Prada- Medium Suede Tote Bag, $4,250
Splurge: STUDIO BOWLING BAG – LEATHER, $390
Steal: JW PEI Women’s Hana Medium Tote Bag, $118
More fall inspiration from the Local Moms Network
Real Pumpkin Spice Granola That Tastes Like Fall
Water Bottles That Make Hydration Easy (For Moms and Kids!)
Pre-K to High School: 8 Must-Have Backpacks and Lunch Boxes