5 autumn fashion trends that are universally flattering for the new season, and how to style them
Expect to have fun with faux fur and lots of lace.
Ah, trends – the word that keeps fashion spinning, with fresh cuts, colours and must-have pieces rotating into our wardrobes every six months. And for Autumn/Winter 25, the runways delivered plenty of inspiration. Faux fur is having a major moment, reimagined across coats, bags and even shoes (ski chic, anyone?)
Footwear has taken a formal turn – think brogues, loafers and a lot of love for boots – while lace ruled at Saint Laurent, Dior, Louis Vuitton and beyond. Naturally, these looks have already filtered onto the high street, cementing themselves as the season’s chicest buys.
But while the thrill of something new never fades, most of us are on a mission to make our wardrobes work harder. One-time-wear is no longer in a fashion editor’s repertoire. So, the secret lies in a clever investment (or two), with pieces that instantly update what you already own and make even your most-loved outfits feel fresh.
Full-on faux fur
If Autumn/Winter 25 was summed up in just one trend, faux fur would be it. Designers including Nina Ricci, Balenciaga, Michael Kors, Gucci, Simone Rocha and many more found their way towards the fluffy fabric. Think faux fur coats, boots, and scarves in every colour you can imagine, although a classic neutral is an old favourite for good reason. Consider this trend your go-to for more striking style.
A whole lot of lace
For those who favour something softer, lace is your go-to this season. Long adored for its delicate nature, the fabric made a major return on the Autumn/Winter 25 runways. Saint Laurent and Carolina Herrera sent out head-to-toe lace looks, while other luxury houses used it more sparingly. Think: lace hems, layering skirt panels or elevated shirts with intricate detailing. So whether you style a simple lace shirt with jeans or opt for a full-on frock, it’s near impossible to get it wrong.
More formal footwear
Trainers may have dominated our wardrobes for the past decade, but their reign looks set to loosen. This season, it’s all about a return to more formal footwear: think polished loafers, classic brogues and pointed-toe ankle boots, all bringing a sharper, back-to-work edge. On the runways, Miu Miu, Simone Rocha, Tory Burch and Prada all made the case for stepping out of sneakers, opting more for suited and booted style.
The nightie goes outside
The nightie trend is set to be the most divisive look of the season, as Chloé, Miu Miu and Fendi all turned sleepwear into streetwear. From soft, floaty silhouettes to sheer fabrics and micro-mini lengths, the styles stretch a rather wide range. Although as long as you could sleep in it, it's now considered très cool. How you wear it is entirely up to you – pair with boots for a tougher edge or keep it classic with a kitten heel.
All about animal print
Ah, animal print, the trend that refuses to quit. While last season was all about leopard-print jeans, Autumn/Winter 25 says anything goes. Zebra-print bags? Yes. Loud leopard jackets? Absolutely. All at once? Even better. Designers from Fendi and Balmain to Versace and Brandon Maxwell all embraced their wild side, proving it really can slot into any style.
Credit: Cosmopolitan