The 5 Fashion Trends That Will Shape Autumn/Winter 2025
From luxe faux fur to the return of the pencil skirt, these are the styles set to define the season.
The AW25 runways across New York, London, Milan and Paris delivered one of the most dynamic seasons we’ve seen in years. Designers swung between pared-back sophistication and statement-making extravagance: muted tailoring and classic cuts on one end, and daring lace, bold textures and barely-there silhouettes on the other.
This winter is all about contrasts — cosy yet glamorous, modest yet revealing, timeless yet experimental. Think dramatic faux furs, lace reimagined in vivid colours, the universal appeal of brown, the pencil skirt’s stylish comeback, and a fresh take on revealing fashion.
Here are the five trends that defined the season:
1. Faux Fur Takes Over
No fabric stole the spotlight quite like faux fur. Seen across full-length coats, cropped jackets, accessories and stoles, it became the ultimate symbol of glamour-meets-comfort.
Prada leaned into rich jewel tones, Balenciaga exaggerated proportions with oversized designs, and Stella McCartney together with Gabriela Hearst reinforced the sustainable side of the trend. This season, faux fur isn’t just an accent — it’s the entire look.
2. Lace, Reworked
Romantic yet daring, lace appeared in bold new forms. Saint Laurent’s standout moment featured Bella Hadid in a structured cobalt lace ensemble, while Gucci turned up the volume with neon lace bodysuits. Fendi kept things sheer and sensual, and Chloé’s bohemian gowns gave lace an airy, carefree spin.
From Carolina Herrera’s vibrant sets to Rabanne’s sequined lace hybrids, this fabric left behind its delicate image to become a centrepiece of modern glamour.
3. Brown, The Season’s Hero Neutral
Brown confirmed its reign as the most versatile neutral for AW25, appearing in shades ranging from dark chocolate to soft caramel. It dominated outerwear, suiting and even evening looks.
Bottega Veneta showcased chic leather trench coats, Miu Miu layered cosy caramel knits with minis, and Valentino alongside Dior proved the colour works beautifully in formalwear. Far from basic, brown is the hue to invest in this year.
4. The Return of the Pencil Skirt
This wardrobe icon staged a powerful return, styled in ways that felt both polished and contemporary.
Calvin Klein showed sleek pinstripe skirt suits, Givenchy’s Sarah Burton introduced sculptural tailoring, and Gucci and Fendi embraced softer pastel versions. Many looks paired the pencil skirt with oversized knitwear, corsetry or strapless tops — reinventing the silhouette for day and night alike.
5. Barely-There Dressing
Designers embraced skin-baring styles once again, though this season’s approach is less shock factor and more sophistication.
Sheer blouses at Nina Ricci, MM6 and Carolina Herrera were styled with sharp tailoring, while Chloé and Valentino leaned into ethereal transparency. Diesel and DSquared2 revived daring low-rise waistlines, and Phoebe Philo created buzz with a backless skirt. The underlying message? Confidence makes the trend.
