How to transition your clothing line from summer to fall
As September arrives and the temperatures slowly drop, your customers will start to dress for the new season. Lightweight fabrics and bold colors will give way space for cozy layers and earthy tones, creating the perfect opportunity to transition your clothing line from summer to fall.
Adapting your collection for the new season isn’t just about swapping fabrics. You need to understand the seasonal trends in order to create the versatile pieces that your customers will look for.
In this article, we’ll explore how to create collections that reflect this shift in consumer behavior, which includes creating layered outfits, updating your color palette, and incorporating essential autumn accessories to keep your collection aligned with the latest fall fashion trends.
Be creative with layering
Deciding what to wear can be tricky when mornings and evenings are chilly, but afternoons are still warm. This weather fluctuation makes layering the secret to building fall outfits, with versatile pieces that can be easily added or removed throughout the day.
Some essentials include:
Hoodies: A go-to piece that fits perfectly over a t-shirt. Consider launching a custom hoodie collection with autumn-related designs and embroidery to highlight the seasonal change.
Jackets: Lightweight jackets are the most practical option for crisp fall mornings. Complete your collection with a custom windbreaker for those days when rain is also expected.
If you’re not ready to say goodbye to your summer collection yet, inspire your customers with creative combinations. A summer dress can be paired with a long-sleeved shirt or a turtleneck, making it a stylish piece for both seasons.
Update your color palette
One of the simplest shifts is launching pieces with an autumn color palette. Pantone is a global authority for fashion designers, and their experts have announced the trend report for the autumn-winter 2025/2026, which includes:
PANTONE 16-1149 TCX Desert Sun: A toasty orange evoking a desert landscape, perfect for a statement piece.
PANTONE 17-1664 TCX Poppy Red: Both sensual and celebratory, a great fit for women’s fall fashion.
PANTONE 17-0232 TCX Salted Lime: Great to add playfulness and vibrancy to any collection, adding a pop of color to a neutral outfit.
PANTONE 19-1325 TCX Hot Chocolate: A cosy and comforting color, ideal for jackets and knitwear.
PANTONE 18-4936 TCX Fanfare: Perfect to add elegance and sophistication to any fall collection.
PANTONE 19-1718 TCX Fig: Mixing a sense of mystery and luxury, is a deep color that fits both women’s and men’s fall fashion.
Swap accessories
The secret to instantly elevating an outfit and easily freshening up your collection, with a pop of color or creative patterns.
Introduce custom accessories, such as printed scarves, colorful gloves, or decorative enamel pins. Not only are these pieces cozy and stylish, but they also make thoughtful gifts for the holiday season.
Autumn fashion accessories also allow customers to mix and match, creating versatile looks.
💡Tip: to build hype and encourage early purchases, launch limited-edition autumn accessories, such as custom beanies with sew-on Halloween or Christmas-themed patches.
Opt for warmer fabrics
When designing custom apparel, it’s essential to ensure that the fabrics are appropriate for the corresponding season, providing both comfort and style.
Popular fabrics for fall clothing lines include:
Wool: Ideal for sweaters, providing natural insulation. Merino wool, in particular, is soft, breathable, and highly regarded as a top warm fabric.
Organic Cotton: A soft, eco-friendly option that works well for long-sleeved shirts and layering pieces, keeping comfort and sustainability in mind.
Fleece: An inexpensive alternative to wool, it’s a great budget-friendly fabric for warm hoodies, pullovers, and casual outerwear.
Denim: A versatile and popular year-round staple, excellent for jackets, pants, skirts, or even structured layering pieces.
💡Tip: Test fabrics for durability and comfort, especially if your collection includes activewear or outerwear, to ensure the pieces hold up through cooler, wetter months.
Switch your footwear collection
It’s time to put away sandals and flip-flops and start thinking about sturdy and waterproof options for the cooler months.
Personalize your footwear collection to match the 2025 fashion trends for autumn and winter, while ensuring that you’re choosing the right materials, such as waterproof leather or suede treated for rain.
Some popular pieces include:
For men’s collections: Suede boots, Chelsea boots, and weatherproof sneakers combine durability with a polished seasonal look.
For women’s collections: Classic loafers, ankle boots, and fashion pumps are versatile staples that complement any autumn and winter outfit.
💡Tip: Consider adding decorative buckles, contrast stitching, or subtle embroidery to ensure your footwear stands out this season, with a mix of creativity and style.
Final thoughts
September is the perfect time to refresh your clothing line and align it with the current autumn fashion trends. From creative layering and updating your color palette to swapping accessories and switching to warm fabrics, there are endless possibilities to ensure your collection stays relevant and appealing as the season shifts.
Pay attention to versatile pieces that work across both summer and fall, like dresses layered with turtlenecks or lightweight jackets. Incorporating custom products, such as warm apparel pieces, autumn fashion accessories, and seasonal footwear, ensures your offerings are both stylish and convenient.
By embracing these seasonal updates, you’ll not only meet your customers’ needs but also create opportunities for creative marketing campaigns, such as launching limited-edition pieces.
A thoughtful approach to transitioning your clothing line will help your brand stand out and set the stage for a successful 2025 fall season.
