From plush faux fur to the sleek pencil skirt, these are the styles setting the agenda for the new season.
The AW25 fashion weeks across New York, London, Milan and Paris revealed a season brimming with contrasts. Designers offered both quiet sophistication and bold extravagance: sharp tailoring and muted palettes on one hand, daring lace, luxe textures and skin-baring silhouettes on the other.
This winter is all about opposites — indulgent yet restrained, timeless yet daring. Faux fur dominated outerwear, lace took on vivid new forms, brown cemented its place as the neutral of the moment, pencil skirts returned with a modern twist, and designers embraced a refined approach to revealing fashion.
Here are the five defining trends you’ll see everywhere this autumn/winter:
1. Faux Fur Everywhere
Faux fur was the season’s undisputed favourite, appearing not just in coats but also in jackets, stoles, and accessories. It became a symbol of glamour, warmth and versatility.
Prada worked it into jewel-toned outerwear, Balenciaga exaggerated shapes with oversized designs, and Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst focused on eco-conscious interpretations. This year, fur is no longer just a trim — it’s the full statement.
2. Lace With Attitude
No longer just delicate and romantic, lace emerged as a bold statement piece. Saint Laurent led the way with Bella Hadid in a cobalt lace co-ord with strong shoulders, while Gucci showcased neon lace bodysuits styled under skirts. Fendi presented sheer blouses, and Chloé opted for flowing bohemian gowns.
From Carolina Herrera’s colourful sets to Rabanne’s sequin-lace hybrids, lace shed its old associations and took centre stage.
3. Brown Takes the Lead
Brown solidified its role as fashion’s most important neutral for AW25. From deep espresso tones to soft caramels, it covered everything from tailoring to evening gowns.
Bottega Veneta showed striking leather trenches, Miu Miu layered caramel knitwear with minis, and Valentino alongside Dior elevated the shade in eveningwear. This season, brown is anything but basic — it’s the chic alternative to black.
4. The Pencil Skirt Revival
The pencil skirt made a polished comeback, with designers modernising the silhouette in fresh and unexpected ways.
Calvin Klein went minimalist with pinstripe skirt suits, Givenchy under Sarah Burton introduced hourglass tailoring, and Gucci and Fendi played with pastel variations. Styled with oversized knits, corsets or strapless tops, the pencil skirt is no longer confined to the office — it’s a wardrobe essential for every occasion.
5. Refined Revealing
Skin-baring looks reappeared, but this time with a sophisticated edge. Designers embraced sheer fabrics, daring cuts and subtle layering to make the trend feel wearable.
Nina Ricci, MM6 and Carolina Herrera styled sheer blouses with suiting, while Chloé and Valentino unveiled ethereal, lingerie-revealing gowns. Diesel and DSquared2 revived ultra-low rises, and Phoebe Philo’s backless skirt drew attention in Paris. The common thread? Confidence is key.