There's a strange thing that happens every season and autumn/winter 2025's fashion trends are no exception. After weeks spent poring over thousands of runway looks, downloading show notes and revisiting the collections I saw firsthand months ago, I begin to feel a little too close to it all. The outfits, the themes, the big takeaways—they start to blur into one. But then, as I return to them later, with fresh eyes and a reset mindset, something always emerges. A through-line. A whisper of clarity amongst the chaos. For autumn/winter 2025, however, that whisper was less of a murmur and more of a roar.
There has been a shake-up. You can feel it. From Paris to New York, the runways told a story of transformation. The shift away from quiet luxury—a movement that has shaped our wardrobes (and our social feeds) for the better part of three years—hasn't just begun. It's accelerating. In its place, we're seeing clothes with a little more bite. A little more you, perhaps. As I sat back and absorbed the season in full, one sentiment came to mind: fashion feels alive again.
"Autumn/winter 2025 was an incredibly exciting season, marked by a fresh wave of creativity from established brands and the debut of several new creative directors," says Kay Barron, Fashion Director at Net-a-Porter. "The collections all felt very powerful; they exuded boldness, drama and confidence, with a strong sense of originality throughout. The following trends not only stood out but felt elevated and more refined than in previous years."
Barron's words encapsulate it perfectly. There's energy in the air and it's coming from the top. A new generation of creative directors—think Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, Sarah Burton at Givenchy and Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga—is ushering in a mood shift; one that trades the careful curation of perfection for character, emotion and flair. And I don't think it's a coincidence that this season's most pervasive inspiration came not from minimalism or modernism, but from the 1980s.
Yes, the '80s are back—again—but this time with sharper intent. You could feel the decade pulsing beneath the surface in so many ways: pirate-style boots that looked plucked from Adam Ant's tour wardrobe, plush faux furs in brazen hues and glitzy power dresses with more sparkle than subtlety. The designers weren't being ironic. They were indulging in the sheer boldness of the era. Why? Nostalgia, certainly—a craving for familiarity in unfamiliar times. When the world around us feels like it's spiralling, the '80s offer an anchor: a decade that wasn't afraid to be loud, proud and sure of itself.
Still, this wasn't just retro for retro's sake. The nod to the '80s made way for something deeper—a renaissance in power dressing. This season, the concept evolved. No longer restricted to stiff tailoring or plain suiting, power came through in nuanced ways. Shoulders remained a focal point, but they framed softer silhouettes, while suiting was reimagined in sumptuous fabrics. The rise of the knee-length skirt—neither mini nor maxi, but somewhere determinedly in between—spoke volumes. Long overlooked, the knee skirt made a compelling return, worn with matching blazers or well-chosen knitwear. It's arguably the most professional hemline out there, but it no longer feels corporate. It feels commanding. There's something quietly subversive about taking a garment that's historically been coded as "proper" and turning it into a tool for self-expression. When you wear a knee skirt, you're not trying to look desirable or cool—you're dressing for you. That's power.
And then, there's elegance. For the past few seasons, we've seen fashion wrap itself up in a certain kind of polish—satin dresses, glossy ball skirts, nipped-in tailoring that wouldn't look out of place in a mid-century fashion editorial. It was beautiful, yes, but almost too beautiful. Borderline untouchable. In chasing a vision of perfection, personal style seemed to take a back seat.
Autumn/winter 2025's fashion trends mark a welcome shift. Elegance isn't going anywhere, but it's loosening up. This season's take feels lived-in and a little frayed at the edges, like a rich English woman got dressed in a hurry before dashing out the door. Skirt suits were styled with delightfully eccentric hats. Pearl necklaces were layered to excess. Silk dresses fell slightly off-shoulder. Hair scarves were knotted under chins in ways that felt more Nan on a windy dog walk than runway polish. There's something about this new elegance that feels human. Relatable. And in its own quiet way, quite radical.
It speaks to something Dr Carolyn Mair, fashion psychologist and author of The Psychology of Fashion, told me recently: "Fashion empowers us to reclaim our autonomy. In 2025, we're seeing more people dressing in a way that communicates who they are and what they value. Amid global tensions and heightened awareness of personal freedom, people are increasingly using fashion to tell individualistic stories of resilience, hope or rebellion." Fashion doesn't always need to make grand statements to be meaningful, but there's no denying that something in the collective psyche has shifted. And now, that shift is showing up in our clothes.
After seasons dominated by tried-and-tested formulas and neutral tones, the mood has changed. Not just in the silhouettes and references, but in the feeling. Autumn/winter 2025 fashion trends don't want you to fit in. They want you to feel something. And maybe, in doing so, you'll find a version of yourself you haven't dressed for in a while.
So here we are—on the edge of a season shaped by power, playfulness and personality. A season that doesn't demand you follow every trend but invites you to engage with the ones that speak to you. I've assembled the 12 most noteworthy autumn/winter 2025 fashion trends for you to consider below, along with annotations and insights from fellow Who What Wear UK editors and industry experts. Trust me—there's something here for everyone.
12 Autumn/Winter 2025 Fashion Trends That Encapsulate the Season
1. Frazzled But Fabulous
I knew something was shifting the moment I saw Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood's jaunty hats paired with oversized tweed. There's a new kind of elegance this season, and it's beautifully unkempt and discerningly quite British.
"I spend way too much time on social media, so obviously this trend immediately reminded me of the #frazzledenglishwoman hashtag on TikTok," says Who What Wear UK's social media editor Megan Storey. "Search it and you'll see a stream of videos from the last three years of people discussing and dissecting the aesthetic. Users on the platform reference British film characters from the '00s (Bridget Jones possibly being the most iconic) and deem essentials of the look to be big scarves, long coats, a hodgepodge of layers and a general bedraggled energy. Sound familiar? Shift to autumn/winter 2025 and this aesthetic has bubbled up to the runways (with a slightly polished edge). Whilst Miu Miu is giving "I layered three things from my floordrobe and it works", Valentino saw models in 'borrowed from my boyfriend' tweed blazers. It's slightly chaotic, a little kooky, but I'm ready to fully embrace this scatty-chic aesthetic."
At Chanel, cardigans were heaped in pearls. At Givenchy, gigantic scarves were knotted with textured coats for no reason other than to awe. It's not messy—it's expressive. Frazzled? Maybe. But it's definitely fashion.
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2. Squishy Bags
Fashion's appetite for structure has softened, quite literally. Squishy, huggable bags were everywhere on the autumn/winter 2025 runways, from buttery clutches at Tod's to slouchy top-handles at Louis Vuitton and Fendi.
"These days, I rarely buy into trends and prefer to live by the philosophy of 'buy less, buy better.' Still, I always keep an eye on the handbag styles poised to make an impact each season and, for autumn/winter 2025, the standout trend to note when it comes to accessories is soft, supple and squishy bags," says Who What Wear UK's managing editor Poppy Nash.
"After years of favouring sleek, structured designs, the fashion set's growing love for all things boho is starting to influence accessories. Now, we're ushering in uber-relaxed silhouettes and suppler fabrics like suede that feel cooler than ever before, signalling a move away from quiet luxury and towards a more laid-back nonchalance. On the runways, we saw this mostly in the form of clutches, with slouchy styles at Tod's and Balmain carried under the arm, but also in folded top-handle styles at Giorgio Armani and via a makeover of the classic tote and shoulder bag by Gabriella Hearst and Fendi, which for A/W 2025 are being offered up in supple suede and jumbo sizes. Whatever you opt for, the message is clear: loosen up—your bag certainly has!"
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3. All Things Furry
Faux fur has been on the fashion periphery for a few seasons now owing to the rise in popularity of quiet, pared-back outerwear. Now, however, for autumn/winter 2025, it's reasserting itself. From Chloé's oversized scarf collars to the glossy brown coats at Fendi, fur textures (faux, of course) were everywhere.
"This season, faux fur and shearling accents were consistent throughout the runways. While these textures are to be expected for autumn/winter 2025, they truly dominated this season—appearing both as full faux looks and subtle trims," notes Barron. "With the trend expanding into categories including accessories and footwear, this offers consumers a more accessible way to buy into a trend."
"It's not just adored Michelle Pfeiffer's Elvira Hancock in Scarface, Alexa Demie's Maddy in Euphoria or Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones in Sex and The City—faux fur silhouettes have been labelled de rigueur by the designer set after years of being seen as taboo," says Who What Wear UK's SEO writer Ava Gilchrist. "But as the autumn/winter 2025 runways proved, fluffy garments will always be a symbol of a bygone era of bohemia and sophistication. At Miu Miu, where cloche hats and pencil skirts dominated, furry pieces took a more vintage feel in the format of shawls and scarfs craned in the crook of model's elbows, evoking the sense of austerity synonymous with New York in the 1920s. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali continued to embrace the hedonism of the 1970s, albeit with a bit of an early 2000s feel, as the brand's iconic Paddington bag was accented with vegan fox tail charms. In Milan, both Fendi and Ferragamo offered sleek designs complete with a coating of, well, animal coat. Mane character energy, indeed." It's indulgent, yes, but that's clearly the point.
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4. Knee-Grazing Skirts
If power is one of the season's underlying themes, then the knee skirt is a distinct visual representation of it. Miu Miu, Gucci and Prada are just some of the top-billing brands that have embraced the demure hemline for autumn, styling it with oversized knits, boxy blazers and knee boots.
"There's a well-worn theory about skirt lengths rising and falling with the stock market—fashion's favourite economic barometer," says Who What Wear UK's news writer Natalie Munro. "But truthfully, I think the resurgence of the knee-length skirt has less to do with social theory and more to do with the fact that it's simply one of the chicest silhouettes around right now. Imbued with a sense of restraint that feels unique to the knee-length cut, there's something poised yet unfussy about the emerging hemline that feels totally in step with the mood of now."
Professional but not stuffy, the knee skirt is classic with a twist—exactly the kind of energy we're dressing for right now. Though you might also want to keep a close eye on the stock market over the course of the next few months.
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5. Back to Brown
If you're craving colour this winter but find black a little too heavy and camel a little too safe, then brown is your answer. Yes, it's been around for a while now but to deny its impact on autumn/winter 2025's fashion trends would be a disservice to you.
"Rich mocha, chocolate hues, and deep mahogany shades were all over the catwalks this season," says Who What Wear UK's acting fashion editor Sophie Robyn Watson. "The biggest catwalk names, such as Saint Laurent, Victoria Beckham, and Hermes, were awash with head-to-toe looks, with the shade gracing leather outerwear, silk-satin dresses, suiting, belts and sunglasses. What is key to note here is the styling technique—to tap into the luxury appeal of brown hues, you really have to commit to the bit. Take notes from the catwalk and make sure every garment, accessory, and your shoe of choice is in the same brunette tone to exude a wealth-whispering allure. We really are in the era of food-related trends, so burnt caramel, cocoa, and espresso colours, particularly when worn in a monochromatic fashion, will always look chic and expensive."
I'll say it: this might just be the most versatile colour trend of the season. Again.
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6. Buccaneer Boots
Slouchy, swaggering and unapologetically nostalgic; this season's pirate-style boots looked like they were pulled straight from Adam Ant's dressing room or the abandoned costume cupboard from the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. What struck me most, however, was just how widespread they were and the various treatments they were given, from Zimmermann's romantic styling to Ralph Lauren's equestrian spin and Balmain's glam interpretation
"There was something very '80s about the sheer volume of buckled, knee-high and slouch-fit boots on the runway," says Who What Wear UK's senior shopping editor Marina Avraam. "It's part costume, part cool—and when paired with floaty minis or tucked-in trousers, they become a true statement." Whether inspired by the concert stage or the film set, turns out these boots have serious range.
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7. Shoulder Spotlight
If there's one trend that clearly aligns with the renewed 1980s energy running through the season, it's this. Statement shoulders—whether exaggerated, padded or sharply tailored—have made their way back into every corner of the wardrobe. From Gucci to Isabel Marant, designers leaned into the silhouette's power-dressing potential.
"Power dressing emerged as a major trend yet again, with strong shoulders making a return to the runway," says Barron. "Grace Jones could be seen as the ultimate muse with bold silhouettes in everything from blazers and dresses to blouses and outerwear and many collections drew clear reference from the power dressing of the '80s and '90s. Despite the statement making structure, the styling felt modern and versatile, making the trend feel both impactful and wearable."
"We all know that fashion tends to repeat itself, but I never thought I'd see (and absolutely love might I add) exaggerated shoulders on the autumn/winter 2025 runway," says Who What Wear UK's editorial assistant, Brittany Davy. "From billowy boho blouses at Chloé to sharp tailoring at Givenchy, every designer found a unique way to pay homage to this '80s trend, proving that you can bring a hint of power dressing to your outfit no matter the aesthetic. Just think of the broader, more structured silhouettes that fashion icons such as Princess Diana and Whitney Houston championed at this time, but to make it feel more 2025, take a cue from designers and balance them out with a more slim-fitted choice of bottom."
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8. Bad Romance
Every so often, a trend comes along that makes you feel something and Bad Romance is exactly that. It toes the line between darkness and delicacy, offering looks that blend gothic styling with the sort of romantic visuals you usually only see in period dramas.
Designers including Chanel, McQueen and Dior explored moody textures, sheer netting and flashes of skin—think corsetry with capes, black satin dresses with bondage-adjacent details, sultry lace gloves with floor-length velvet. Knowing what to reveal and, indeed, what to conceal is key here.
"This trend utilises the theme of contrast in the most compelling way," says Who What Wear UK's assistant social media editor Annie Wheatland-Clinch. "Lace worn with leather and silhouettes that feel risqué then paired with more modest garments, it's both tough and tender."
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9. Maxi Coats
There's something about a coat that brushes the ankle that makes you feel like you've got your life together (even when it's far from the truth). A/W 2025 confirmed the return of the maxi coat in every sense of the word. Structured silhouettes with sweeping hems ruled the runways, with notable iterations at Victoria Beckham, Ferragamo and Max Mara.
"This season, outerwear took centre stage with a strong focus on proportions and in particular, lengths," confirms Barron. "At Stella McCartney, a standout camel coat wasn't just part of the outfit—it was the entire look."
Autumn/winter 2025's coats marked a shift from relaxed shapes to something a little more composed. "The overarching trend this season is a more form-fitting, structured silhouette that still maintains an oversized appeal," says Who What Wear UK's junior fashion editor Imani-Nia Francis-Tsolaki. "Chloé reimagines the maxi with a bold fur trim and puffed sleeves, while Ferragamo delivered a double-breasted intricately pinstriped moment that channels dandyism at its best and had my jaw on the floor." These coats aren't made solely for warmth—they're designed wow.
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10. Belt Up
It turns out the secret to pulling together any winter outfit might just be the oldest accessory in the book: the belt. But for A/W 2025, forget subtle waist-cinchers—this season's belts are big, bold and, in many cases, piled high.
"I'm completely here for the return of statement belts—they're such a simple way to elevate a look," says Who What Wear UK's junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain. Whether it's Balmain's bold cinching or Christopher Esber's multi-wrap styles, these belts add instant polish and a bit of drama to even the most minimal outfits. I'll be styling mine over roomy knits and tailored coats to give shape to my winter layers—it's the easiest way to feel pulled-together without sacrificing comfort."
Chloé and Schiaparelli also made a convincing case for the belt revival on the Paris runways, giving it that certain French je ne sais quoi in the process.
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11. Modern Menagerie
Animal print is a fashion constant, but this season, there was a progression. While leopard spots continued to reign supreme, they were joined by an entire jungle of prints. Snake, cow, zebra and even something closer to home in the form of Dalmatian, A/W 2025 is wild in the best possible way.
"For many, animal print is a neutral—a way to uplift the traditional autumnal colour palette of black, white and brown. For others, it's a way to make a statement without venturing into bold hues, metallics and hard-to-wear fabrics," says Who What Wear UK's senior fashion and beauty editor, branded content, Rebecca Rhys-Evans. "After last year's viral 'Mob Wife' trend adopting leopard print in a way that felt supremely reminiscent of the late '90s and early '00s, this season is showcasing a much refined iteration. Think Dalmatian-spotted coats à la Jackie Kennedy from No.21, shearling at Zimmermann and sheer blouses at Saint Laurent."
Structure was also key here. "It's worth noting that strong silhouettes created by big, structured shoulders appear to be a micro-trend taking place within this one," they add. "And as is often the case with animal prints, texture is key. The message is clear: if you want to nail power dress, look to those powerful members of the animal kingdom."
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12. Velvet Moment
Velvet always has a moment around this time of year, but for A/W 2025, its comeback feels more compelling than ever. Rich jewel tones, luxe draping and ornate finishes gave it new meaning.
"For me, one of the most distinct shifts from summer into the autumn months comes in the form of a textural update. Light linens and airy cottons are set aside for more sumptuous fabrics, and this year it's all about velvet," says Who What Wear UK shopping editor Florrie Alexander. "From elegant draped dresses at Zimmermann to sharp tailoring at Burberry, this rich fabric is bringing depth to our cold weather looks. For 2025, this luxurious finish is working in tandem with deep hues of burgundy, forest green and navy, with a tactile flair that makes even our most classic buys feel brand new."
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