These New Fall '25 Pieces Helped Me Reconnect With My Fashion-Girl Identity

Thank you, Prada, Tory Burch, and Dries Van Noten.

a collage of Mecca James-Williams in fall 2025 pieces from Prada, Tory Burch, and Dries Van Noten
(Image credit: Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams)

Summer 2025 has come and gone. But this year, it barely felt like I had a summer since I've been head-huddled down launching my new brand, Sweet Like JAM. Currently, my days consist of long investor meetings, artisan/vendor sit-downs, and tons of planning and logistics for my upcoming Global Fashion Pop-up at Skylark + Rockhouse hotel. To say it's been a journey is an understatement.

With that said, my wardrobe over the past years has changed drastically, going from mixed and matched full designer looks to simple Levi's shorts and vintage tees. To be honest, now that my daily schedule has shifted to more casual looks and I don't have to get up and get dressed, my fashion-girl identity has been in shock. I've always prided myself on the delectable pieces I adorn my body with; they help me dream my days to their fullest potential and curate the energy I want to exude. So, I knew I needed a good fall fashion REFRESH and the best way to do that is to, well—go shopping!

This week, I traveled back home to New York City for pre-fashion week work. After my shoots and meetings, I wanted to see what's new in stores and take time to curate my look for fall. (It's the market editor in me; I was a budding fashion assistant years ago, and I'd go to SoHo every season, walking store to store and trying on all the new pieces that finally hit the stores.) So, to reconnect with my fashion girl self, I journeyed to the downtown Prada, Tory Burch, and Dries Van Noten stores to try on their Fall 2025 collections that just arrived in stores. Here's how I rediscovered myself in their eccentric styles, luxurious textiles, and cool silhouettes.

First Up: Prada

Prada always makes me feel like a businesswoman with the coolest style. The brand elevates the way I see the world. Every season, I am blown away by the color palette that graces the runway. Their silhouettes always feel timeless, yet their textures and fabrics always bring a futuristic approach to clothing.

When browsing the aisles, I always look for prints that I can clash together—it feels like a cold plunge into a new wardrobe! I also like to try pieces that I wouldn’t typically reach for and find ways to mesh them with my style. This animal printed faux fur coat did just that. I paired it with a striped baby knit and a plaid skirt. This feels so FW25 Mecca!

Mecca James-Williams in a mirror selfie wearing new Prada arrivals

(Image credit: Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams)

For my second look, the crackle leather skirt with the matching pumps was all I needed to see to know that I had to try the new-in pieces on. Leather is my go-to material for fall, similar to denim. This brush-painted skirt felt so editorial yet wearable. I paired it with a cool neutral polo shirt to blend all the colors together.

Mecca James-Williams in a striped polo shirt and white skirt from Prada fall 2025

(Image credit: Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams)

Second Up: Tory Burch

I’m honored to be a Tory Burch girl. I’m always blown away by how beautifully Tory captures style and evolves her girl each season. It keeps me on my toes, and her refreshing dose of color—Tory’s use of color is also very similar to how I dream—and mix-matching of materials makes for beautiful, eccentric looks.

This season, I loved their neutral colored pieces, yet their designs still felt elevated. For example, this green mesh dress is the perfect neutral wildcard. It’s the perfect layering piece as fall trickles in. I grabbed their striped knit polo dress (are you seeing the parallels in my looks?), and paired it with a suede waist-tied jacket and a patent leather peep-toe shoe.

Mecca James-Williams wearing a green Tory Burch striped dress and striped polo shirt

(Image credit: Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams)

For my second look, I had to try on the full brown suede look because it just matched my fly. Any time I feel a look is too monochromatic or neutral, I add a pop of color to the mix. This red knit and matching sandal did just the trick! I am also obsessed with the silhouette of this bag—the perfect work bag to put all your everyday needs in.

Mecca James-Williams wearing a brown Tory Burch suede jacket and pants

(Image credit: Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams)

Last Up: Dries Van Noten

Fun fact: My first designer good that I scraped up money for was a pair of croc-embossed Dries Van Noten sandals in the most classic burgundy red. Too bad I had to sell them, as back then I didn’t know you always half size up in European styles. Anywho: Whenever I’m looking for a fresh dose of inspiration in the accessory department, I go to Dries. They have a really rich assortment of colors and eccentric pieces.

This time, I found a beautiful double-breasted teal suit and had to shop it! I paired it with their classic sneaker in a lilac color and a funky pair of orange shades to bring all the touches together.

Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams wearing a blue Dries Van Noten suit and purple sneakers

(Image credit: Courtesy of Mecca James-Williams)
Mecca James-Williams
Creative and Stylist

Mecca James-Williams is a New York-based Creative and Stylist with a vast portfolio in content creation, styling, and creative direction. She writes the popular Substack Sweet Like Jam.