12 Autumn/Winter 2025 Fashion Trends That Will Dominate Next Season

"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, Alexander 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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