As the curtains rose on the 2025 Venice Film Festival, all eyes were on the Lido’s red carpet—not just for the cinematic premieres, but for the parade of personal style that inevitably steals the show. This year, it was Julia Roberts who set the tone, blending comfort with a dash of irreverence in a look that’s already being hailed as the blueprint for autumn fashion. According to Harper's BAZAAR and leading Italian style commentators, Roberts’ choice of footwear—a pair of classic black Superga 2750 sneakers—has catapulted the humble sneaker to the top of every fall must-have list.
On August 27, 2025, Roberts arrived at the festival to present Luca Guadagnino’s much-anticipated film, After the Hunt, competing for top honors. But it wasn’t just the film that had people talking. Striding confidently along the Venetian walkways, the American actress paired her Superga sneakers with a striking cardigan, made all the more memorable by a playful detail: an image of Guadagnino’s face. This unexpected touch, as reported by Vogue Italia, spoke volumes about the camaraderie between actress and director, while also showcasing Roberts’ unique approach to red carpet dressing—one that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
This isn’t the first time Roberts has used fashion to make a personal statement. Back in 2022, she turned heads at the 45th Kennedy Center Honors with a custom Moschino gown adorned with iconic images of George Clooney, in celebration of their film Ticket to Paradise. Then, as now, Roberts’ style walked the line between casual and iconic, perfectly capturing the spirit of the events she attended. According to Harper's BAZAAR, her Venice ensemble “oscillates between the casual and the iconic, in perfect harmony with the festival’s most authentic spirit.”
So, what makes the Superga 2750 such a standout this season? For starters, its simple silhouette and understated black canvas offer a blank canvas for endless styling possibilities. Italian fashion editors argue that the sneaker’s versatility is its greatest strength: “Practical and playful, these it-shoes are the universal symbol of essential style—even in the glitzy context of the Venice Film Festival.” Whether paired with straight or palazzo jeans, an oversized suit for a chic contrast, or even a fluid midi dress to soften the look without sacrificing femininity, the Superga 2750 adapts effortlessly.
But the Superga isn’t the only fall essential making waves. The arrival of September, as Harper's BAZAAR points out, signals a collective wardrobe refresh. The magazine’s recent feature on “10 Indispensable Pieces for Autumn 2025” has become something of a shopping checklist for fashion insiders and everyday dressers alike. The list champions practicality and style in equal measure, urging readers to invest in structured blazers, classic trench coats, and oversized leather jackets with high collars. Baggy jeans—long enough to graze the ground—promise comfort and a nod to street style, while the return of knee-high boots in biker or equestrian styles brings a whiff of autumnal nostalgia.
“It’s not just about fashion and trend, but also about practicality and functionality,” Harper's BAZAAR notes. The key to a smart capsule wardrobe, they argue, is to buy pieces that are both on-trend and easy to mix and match. Wide, relaxed silhouettes dominate the season, offering a refuge of softness and warmth as temperatures drop. In the shoe department, sneakers—especially in white or brown with chunky soles—are the undisputed stars of metropolitan looks. For those who crave something new, the “sneakerina,” a hybrid between a sneaker and a ballerina, is poised to become the next it-shoe for fashion lovers everywhere.
Outerwear, too, is getting a contemporary update. Classics like the leather biker jacket and the old-school trench are being reimagined with oversized fits and elevated details. The trench, in particular, earns a special mention as the transitional jacket par excellence—especially when paired with knee-high boots for that authentic “London girl” vibe. Sweaters in wool or cashmere, wide solid-color shirts, and roomy shoppers in earthy brown tones round out the list, each piece chosen for its ability to weather unpredictable rain and colder days ahead.
Roberts’ embrace of comfort and individuality is resonating beyond the festival circuit. Her style choices echo a broader shift in fashion—one that values authenticity and ease just as much as glamour. As Vogue Italia observes, “Julia Roberts proves, with her naturally effortless elegance, that the everyday style of stars becomes tomorrow’s trend.” The subtle nod to her working relationship with Guadagnino—wearing his face on her cardigan—adds a layer of wit and intimacy that’s rarely seen on such high-profile stages.
For those eager to channel Roberts’ look this autumn, the formula is refreshingly accessible. Start with a pair of black Superga 2750 sneakers, then add straight or palazzo jeans, a statement cardigan, and, if you’re feeling bold, a playful accessory that tells your own story. Layer with a tailored blazer or a classic trench as the weather cools, and don’t shy away from oversized sweaters or shirts for added comfort. The message from Venice is clear: style in 2025 is about mixing the practical with the personal, the iconic with the everyday.
As the fashion world takes its cues from the Lido, the Superga 2750 is poised to become the defining shoe of the season. Its rise from everyday staple to red carpet essential is a testament to the power of authenticity—and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest choices make the biggest impact. With Roberts leading the way, autumn 2025 is shaping up to be a season where comfort, individuality, and a touch of humor reign supreme.