Fall 2025 Guide: When It Starts, Trends to Embrace, and What to Expect in 2026

As the leaves begin to turn and the air carries a crisp edge, Fall 2025 invites us to embrace change—both in nature and our wardrobes. Whether you're chasing peak foliage or refreshing your style for the season, understanding when fall truly begins is key. Drawing from reliable sources like Time and Date timeanddate.com and The Old Farmer's Almanac almanac.com , this guide breaks down the dates, science, and sizzling trends for Fall 2025, with a forward glance at 2026. From the autumnal equinox to runway-ready looks, get ready to fall into the season with intention and flair. When Does Fall 2025 Officially Start?The first day of Fall 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere is Monday, September 22, at 2:19 p.m. EDT—the precise moment of the autumnal equinox. almanac.com This astronomical event occurs when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, tilting Earth's axis neither toward nor away from our star, resulting in nearly equal daylight and darkness (about 12 hours each, give or take atmospheric refraction). timeanddate.com For context, that's the same instant worldwide, though local times vary—check Time and Date for your timezone. Meteorologists, however, define fall differently, starting September 1 based on temperature cycles and the Gregorian calendar, running through November 30. floridatoday.com This makes planning easier for weather apps and academics; for instance, university calendars like those from the University of Illinois registrar.illinois.edu and Texas A&M registrar.tamu.edu align classes with this meteorological shift. Why the dual definitions? Astronomical fall ties to cosmic rhythms, while meteorological focuses on climate data for consistency in forecasting. Either way, by September 22, you'll notice subtler signs: later sunrises, earlier sunsets, and that unmistakable chill. Fun fact: The equinox name derives from Latin "aequus" (equal) and "nox" (night), a poetic nod to balance. farmersalmanac.com The Science and Magic of the Autumnal EquinoxBeyond the date, the equinox is a cosmic spectacle. On September 22, the Sun rises due east and sets due west, creating a brief window of equilibrium before days shorten toward the winter solstice on December 21. usatoday.com This tilt shift triggers biological cues—leaves change color as chlorophyll breaks down, revealing reds, oranges, and golds from sugars and pigments. Peak foliage varies: Expect vibrant displays in the Northeast U.S. from mid-October, per PhillyBurbs' 2025 forecast phillyburbs.com, with colors hitting stride in Pennsylvania around late October. Spiritually, the equinox symbolizes harvest and reflection. Ancient cultures, from Celts to Mayans, celebrated it with feasts and rituals honoring abundance. Today, try a simple equinox walk to forage berries or meditate at sunrise for balance. livemint.com And don't forget the clock change: Daylight Saving Time ends November 2 at 2 a.m., "falling back" for an extra hour of sleep but darker evenings. floridatoday.com Fall 2025 Trends: Fashion, Hair, and Makeup to Slay the SeasonFall isn't just about sweaters—it's a runway for reinvention. Inspired by New York Fashion Week and expert predictions, here's how to style the season. Fashion: Cozy Layers with a TwistEmbrace "quiet luxury" meets rebellion: Oversized blazers over slip dresses, as seen at Michael Kors, paired with wide-leg trousers in earthy tones like terracotta and olive. elle.com Sustainable fabrics rule—think recycled wool scarves and vegan leather boots. For accessories, chunky gold chains and tortoiseshell headbands add polish without effort. cosmopolitan.com Pro tip: Layer a turtleneck under a plaid shirt for that collegiate vibe trending on TikTok. Hair: Textured, Voluminous, and Effortlessly CoolBobs dominate Fall 2025, from sleek lobs to textured shags that scream "lived-in luxury." vogue.com Go for the "swinging bob" at shoulder-length with feathered ends for movement, or amp up volume with '80s-inspired curls using a thickening spray like R+Co Bleu. harpersbazaar.com Color-wise, warm blondes and pumpkin copper (think Sabrina Carpenter's honeyed shade) warm up cooler days. whowhatwear.com Deep side parts make a comeback, channeling '60s glamour—sculpt with gel for precision. thezoereport.com For curls, enhance natural texture with Aveda's Universal Styling Cream for soft, defined waves. harpersbazaar.com Makeup: Bold Yet Balanced"Flushed boy blush" in berry tones brings a lit-from-within glow—dab pink highlighter on cheeks for Sacai's enlivened vibe. voguescandinavia.com Eyes get moody with '90s cool-toned shadows in grays and blues, smudged for Sandy Liang's harmonious pop. cosmopolitan.com Lips? Glossy neutrals or near-black berries for Schiaparelli's edge. voguescandinavia.com Keep brows sharp and carved, as at McQueen, for a no-fuss frame. voguescandinavia.com Harper's Bazaar nails it: Balance bold eyes with subdued lips for runway-ready wearability. harpersbazaar.com These trends, spotlighted in Forbes' NYC salon insights forbes.com, blend polish with playfulness—perfect for harvest festivals or cozy coffee runs. Check YouTube for tutorials like "The Only 5 Things You Need For Fall 2025" youtube.com. Peering Ahead: Fall 2026 Start DateMark your calendar—Fall 2026 begins on Tuesday, September 22, with the autumnal equinox at approximately 2:44 p.m. EDT (exact time pending final calculations). calendardate.com Like 2025, it falls mid-week, aligning with the September 21-23 window typical for Northern Hemisphere equinoxes. en.wikipedia.org Expect similar meteorological start on September 1, with foliage peaks shifting slightly based on climate patterns. As equinox dates vary by mere days annually due to Earth's 365.25-day orbit, 2026 promises another balanced transition—perhaps with even bolder trends inspired by evolving runways. How to Celebrate and Prepare for FallRing in the season with intention: Host an equinox dinner featuring seasonal squash and apples, or plan a foliage road trip—Smokey Mountains' map predicts early colors in northern states by late September. usatoday.com Stock up on layers via Calendarr's fall guide calendarr.com, and declutter for that fresh-start energy. As NBC Connecticut notes, fall's magic lies in its impermanence—shorter days urging us to savor the now. rmg.co.uk ConclusionFall 2025, starting September 22, is a canvas for cozy evolution—from equinox equilibrium to vibrant trends in bobs, berry lips, and layered looks. With 2026 following suit on September 22, the season's rhythm reminds us of nature's reliable poetry. Whether you're chasing colors or curling up with a latte, lean into the harvest's warmth. What's your fall ritual? Share below and let's make this season unforgettable.