13 Bold Style Choices That May be Worth Trying This Fall

STYLE
By Gwen Stockton

Fall is the perfect season to take a few fashion risks and have some fun with your wardrobe. The cooler weather opens the door to layering, richer colors, and bolder textures that just feel right when the leaves start to change.

Whether you’re someone who plays it safe or already loves to stand out, there’s something on this list worth trying. These ideas are meant to inspire, not overwhelm, so pick one or two and make them your own.

1. Head-to-Toe Burgundy

Image Credit: © Simon Schlee / Pexels

There’s something quietly powerful about wearing one rich color from head to toe.

Burgundy, in all its wine, oxblood, and deep cherry variations, is one of fall’s most flattering shades.

It works on almost every skin tone and feels both elegant and bold at the same time.

To pull off a tonal burgundy look, mix different textures within the same color family.

Try a chunky knit sweater with tailored trousers and suede boots in similar hues.

Slight variations in shade actually make the outfit look more intentional and sophisticated, not mismatched.

Start with what you already own in burgundy and build from there.

Even adding a wine-colored scarf or bag can begin your tonal journey with minimal commitment.

2. Statement Leather

Image Credit: © Zulfugar Karimov / Pexels

Leather has always had a cool-factor reputation, but this fall it’s moving well beyond the classic biker jacket.

Think leather trench coats that hit below the knee, midi skirts with a subtle sheen, or wide-leg trousers that bring serious drama to any look.

The key with statement leather is balance.

If you’re wearing a bold leather piece on the bottom, keep the top simple.

A fitted ribbed knit or a plain cotton tee lets the leather do the talking without making the outfit feel too heavy or overdone.

Faux leather options have also improved dramatically in quality and look, making this trend accessible at nearly every price point.

You don’t have to spend a lot to look polished.

3. Leopard Print

Image Credit: © Daniil Kondrashin / Pexels

Leopard print is one of those patterns that never really disappears from fashion.

It keeps coming back because it works as a neutral when styled thoughtfully.

Wearing it on a coat, skirt, bag, or shoes gives any outfit an instant focal point without requiring much else to be going on.

The trick with leopard is to treat it like a neutral.

Pair it with black, camel, white, or even burgundy, and let the print carry the energy of the look.

Avoid combining it with other busy patterns unless you’re going for a maximalist vibe on purpose.

A leopard print loafer or pointed-toe flat is one of the easiest entry points if you’re new to the pattern.

Small doses can make a big impact.

4. Oversized Faux-Fur Coats

Image Credit: © EVG Kowalievska / Pexels

Few things make an entrance quite like an oversized faux-fur coat.

The sheer volume and texture of this outerwear choice instantly makes even the simplest jeans-and-tee combination feel intentional and fashion-forward.

It’s the kind of piece that does the heavy lifting so the rest of your outfit doesn’t have to.

Faux-fur coats come in a wide range of colors and textures, from classic cream and caramel to bold jewel tones and even prints.

Choosing a neutral shade gives you the most versatility, while a colored option lets you make a bolder statement.

Keep your base outfit minimal so the coat remains the star.

Slim trousers, simple boots, and a tucked-in top are all you need underneath to complete the look confidently.

5. Red Accessories

Image Credit: © Vlad Deep / Pexels

Red accessories might be the single most effective way to transform a boring fall outfit into something that turns heads.

A pair of bright-red boots, a cherry-red handbag, a pair of vivid tights, or even a bold scarf can completely change the energy of an otherwise neutral look.

The beauty of this approach is that you don’t have to overhaul your wardrobe.

Your usual camel coat, grey sweater, and dark jeans suddenly become a statement look the moment you add one striking red piece.

The contrast is sharp, intentional, and surprisingly easy to wear.

Red works especially well against fall’s classic palette of brown, tan, olive, and navy.

Think of it as the exclamation point at the end of your outfit sentence.

6. Extra-Wide Trousers

Image Credit: © Serdar Göksu / Pexels

Wide-leg trousers have been having a serious moment, and the extra-wide version takes that energy even further.

The exaggerated volume of these pants creates a dramatic silhouette that feels both relaxed and polished, which is a combination that’s surprisingly hard to achieve with other styles.

Pairing extra-wide trousers with a fitted knit or a structured blazer on top creates balance.

You want the volume to live on the bottom so the overall shape of the outfit still reads as intentional rather than shapeless.

High-waisted styles tend to be the most flattering option.

Footwear matters here too.

A pointed-toe flat or a low heel helps elongate the leg and keeps the look sleek.

Chunky sneakers work as well for a more casual, street-style-inspired vibe.

7. Sheer Layers

Image Credit: © Caio Mantovani / Pexels

Sheer layers might sound like a summer idea, but they actually work beautifully in fall when styled over more substantial basics.

A sheer top over a fitted turtleneck, or a sheer midi skirt layered over thick tights and chunky boots, creates depth and visual interest that heavier fabrics alone can’t achieve.

The contrast between something delicate and something sturdy is what makes this combination so appealing in cooler months.

It feels unexpected and a little romantic without sacrificing warmth or practicality.

Look for sheer pieces in rich fall tones like deep plum, forest green, or dusty rose to keep the seasonal mood.

Even a simple black sheer layer over a black base creates a subtle, textured effect that reads as polished and fashion-forward.

8. Statement Tights

Image Credit: © Godisable Jacob / Pexels

Tights are one of the most underrated tools in a fall wardrobe.

Most people default to plain black, which is always a solid choice, but swapping in lace, vivid colors, bold patterns, or interesting textures can completely change the personality of a skirt or dress outfit.

Burgundy or forest green tights with a neutral dress create a tonal, sophisticated look.

Bright cobalt or cherry red tights against a simple black skirt bring a pop of unexpected color.

Lace or fishnet styles add a bit of edge and work well with ankle boots or chunky platforms.

Statement tights are also one of the most budget-friendly ways to experiment with bold style.

A single pair can refresh multiple outfits you already own without requiring any major investment.

9. Metallics for Daytime

Image Credit: © Konstantin Mishchenko / Pexels

Metallics have long been reserved for evening events and holiday parties, but there’s no rule that says silver shoes, a metallic skirt, or a shiny bag can’t work just as well on a Tuesday afternoon.

Worn during the day with casual or relaxed basics, metallics take on a completely different, more approachable energy.

A silver pleated skirt with an oversized grey sweater and white sneakers looks effortless rather than overdressed.

A metallic tote bag paired with a simple camel coat adds a modern, unexpected twist to a classic fall combination.

The key is context.

Pairing metallics with relaxed, everyday pieces grounds the look and keeps it from feeling costume-like.

Try one metallic item at a time to ease into the trend without feeling out of place.

10. Power-Shoulder Blazers

Image Credit: © Mert Coşkun / Pexels

Strong, sculptural shoulders have a way of making everything feel more commanding.

A power-shoulder blazer is one of those pieces that changes your posture, your confidence, and the overall impression of your outfit the moment you put it on.

It’s bold in the best way possible.

The good news is that this silhouette pairs with almost everything.

Wear it over a fitted dress, with wide-leg trousers, or simply thrown over jeans and a tee for a look that’s casual but clearly considered.

The drama comes from the blazer itself, so the rest can stay simple.

Neutral colors like black, camel, or grey make a power-shoulder blazer easy to style repeatedly.

If you want to go bolder, try one in a jewel tone or unexpected print for extra personality.

11. Unexpected Color Pairings

Image Credit: © Guillermo Berlin / Pexels

Playing with color combinations that don’t seem obvious at first glance is one of the most exciting parts of fall dressing.

Burgundy paired with dusty pink, chocolate brown alongside cobalt blue, or olive green next to a punchy red, these combinations feel surprisingly harmonious once you see them together.

The trick is choosing shades that share a similar depth or saturation level.

Pairing a muted olive with a very bright, saturated red works because the tones balance each other.

Mixing two very bright shades together can feel overwhelming, while two muted shades together can feel muddy.

Start small by pairing two unexpected colors in your accessories or separates before committing to a full outfit.

Once you see how well unexpected pairings can work, you’ll start seeing your wardrobe in a whole new way.

12. Knee-High Statement Boots

Image Credit: © Evelina Strižen / Pexels

Knee-high boots are a fall staple, but the statement version of this classic takes things up a notch in the best way.

Patent finishes, animal prints, saturated jewel tones, and unexpected silhouettes like square toes or chunky block heels all transform a basic boot into a genuine fashion moment.

Wearing bold knee-high boots with a simple midi skirt or a straight-leg trouser lets the footwear take center stage.

The contrast between a quiet, understated outfit and a dramatic boot is what makes this combination so visually interesting and easy to pull off.

If you’ve been eyeing a pair of red patent or leopard print knee-highs and talking yourself out of them, fall is the season to finally go for it.

You’ll likely reach for them far more often than you expect.

13. Maximalist Layering

Image Credit: © cottonbro studio / Pexels

Maximalist layering is the opposite of the quiet, minimal approach to dressing, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun to try in fall.

Mixing prints, piling on textures, stacking jewelry, adding a bold belt over a coat, and throwing a contrasting scarf into the mix creates an outfit that feels genuinely personal and alive.

The secret to making maximalism look intentional rather than chaotic is finding one connecting element across all the layers.

A shared color, a repeating pattern scale, or a consistent mood can tie even the most eclectic combination together.

Start by layering two prints you already own and adding one bold accessory on top.

Maximalism is built piece by piece, and the more you practice, the more naturally your instincts for what works together will develop.