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Early fall style is about balance, shifting from summer lightness to layered textures, richer colors, and thoughtful silhouettes.

Early fall may be fleeting, but with the right wardrobe shifts, it’s also the season that sets the tone for everything to come. In frame: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas)
The arrival of early fall isn’t marked by a sudden drop in temperature but by subtle shifts in light, in mood, and yes, in what we wear. It’s the season of balance rather than bulk, when wardrobes transition quietly from the airy ease of summer to layers that carry warmth, structure, and depth. Here we help you capture this spirit of change, offering thoughtful ways for men and women to dress for the first brush of fall.
For Him: Balance Over Bulk
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“Early fall isn’t about bulk, it’s about balance,” says Arun Kumar, Head of Design at Rare Rabbit. This is the time when men’s wardrobes evolve with precision, swapping lightweight summer staples for breathable knits, structured layering pieces, and trousers with a bit more weight.
Kumar suggests fine-gauge merino, ribbed mock-necks, and cotton-cashmere blends, fabrics that offer warmth without heaviness. Shirt jackets in brushed wool, suede, or twill become essentials, versatile enough to throw over a tee on warmer days or layered over a knit when the air turns crisp. Trousers, too, gain texture and depth with corduroy or structured cotton.
Even the color story transitions, as soft neutrals and brights give way to earthy greens, deep navy, rust, and charcoal. “The best early-fall looks are built layer by layer, practical, intentional, and effortlessly sharp,” Kumar notes. Rare Rabbit’s Jacquard sweater is one such standout, adding texture and visual interest without weight while their lightweight wool suits blur the line between tailored and relaxed. Their travel pants, designed with mobility and modern tailoring in mind, serve as a smart foundation for the season’s ensembles.
For Her: Lightness with Depth
Women’s wardrobes undergo a similar shift, but with an emphasis on fluidity and softness. “As we step into the early days of fall, it’s the perfect time for women to rethink their wardrobes, not with heavy outerwear just yet, but with pieces that ease you into the season,” says Ujjwala Singh, Design Manager, Rareism.
Singh points to longer silhouettes, midi dresses, relaxed trousers, and lightweight layers like soft blazers or cropped jackets that gently bridge the gap between summer ease and fall layering. The palette deepens too, embracing earthy rusts, mossy greens, muted plums, dusty rose, and soft browns that feel rich without being overwhelming.
Textures mark another important shift. “These aren’t dramatic changes, but thoughtful ones,” Singh explains. Brushed cottons, transitional knits, and a hint of structure in poplin or twill provide subtle grounding, while Rareism’s designs experiment with texture in creative ways. Slubby cottons, variegated chording on poplins, and airy cotton burnouts bring a layered feel without weight. Lightly quilted overlayers and jacquard fabrics introduce just the right amount of complexity, capturing the quiet transformation of the season.
Dressing for Transition
These early fall pieces aren’t about making dramatic leaps but about reflecting subtle shifts, wardrobes that move in step with the changing light and mood. For men, it’s about balance and precision layering; for women, fluid silhouettes and textured depth.
In their own ways, both brands design for this threshold season, clothes that are soft yet structured, grounded yet light, and effortlessly stylish. Early fall may be fleeting, but with the right wardrobe shifts, it’s also the season that sets the tone for everything to come.
About the Author

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
September 22, 2025, 10:10 IST
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Author: News18