All it takes is one chilly summer night for me to start envisioning what my fall days will look like. We still have approximately two months until the official start of autumn, so I’m not totally ready to let go of shorts, flip-flops, and strapless dresses—but it’s never too early to start thinking about the trends I could tap into next season. I’m starting slowly with some transitional trends that will allow me to build on the pieces I’ve already been enjoying this summer.

If you know me, you know that my wardrobe is 50% Free People. There are new arrivals daily, and it doesn’t help that I opted in to text messages to make sure I don’t miss anything. Free People has something for everyone, no matter your personal style. I especially love perusing the site as we enter a new season, so I created a list of five trends I’ll gladly test this fall: plaid, dainty tops, purple accents, scarves, and funnel-neck jackets. Here’s how to participate.

Glad to Be Plaid

Some seasonal trends are more evergreen than others, and plaid definitely falls into the evergreen category. Regardless of what the trend cycle says every year, you can count on plaid details to be at the center.

Dainty Tops

I’m all about the dainty top. I’m talking lace details, bows, and slightly peplum hems. These are pretty tops you can pull out on the days you want to look put together without trying too hard. Lately, I’ve spotted them styled with grungier bottoms—like cargo pants, distressed or frayed denim, and oversize barrel bottoms—that perfectly juxtapose their delicate nature.

See the World in Purple

A wise woman (Olivia Rodrigo) once said, “Now I see the world in purple.” Aside from this being my favorite song at the moment, purple is a color trend that’s making waves among the fashion set, and I don’t see it slowing down when fall rolls around.

To Eat or Scarf Down?

Not to be dramatic, but I’d argue that a scarf is one of the most versatile accessories out there. Tie it around your neck, attach it to your bag, wrap it around your waist, style it as a top—need I go on? The styling opportunities are endless, but I’ve seen everyone from Kendall Jenner and Dua Lipa to people on the subway in NYC wearing these silky scarves in their hair. I predict that we’ll see more of this even when summer is over.

Funnel Neck

You know a trend is good when it has staying power year after year. Funnel-neck jackets started their reign in 2025 and continue to dominate today, appearing in a variety of innovative styles from cropped to long to leather to nylon. Take your pick below.