As the dog days of summer linger, fashion insiders and style enthusiasts alike are already turning their attention to the upcoming fall and winter wardrobe shake-ups. With the recent unveiling of the Autumn/Winter 2025 collections across New York, London, Milan, and Paris, a vibrant, daring, and sometimes downright wild new season is on the horizon. Reports from ELLE (August 8, 2025) and Wallpaper (August 9, 2025) have captured the essence of these defining trends, offering a comprehensive look at what’s about to flood closets and city streets alike.
Forget the muted palettes and subdued silhouettes of seasons past. This fall, designers are embracing color with a vengeance. According to ELLE, vibrant shades are everywhere, from Tom Ford’s zesty neon green accents peeking from tailored suits to Saint Laurent’s head-to-toe fire engine red coats. It’s a sartorial world ready to turn heads, and it’s not just for the boldest among us. Even those typically drawn to neutrals will find themselves tempted by the infectious energy of these hues.
But color isn’t the only thing getting a makeover. Sweater dressing, a perennial autumn favorite, is enjoying a renaissance. This season, it’s all about sophistication and comfort, with fair isle patterns, chunky oversized knits, and sweater dresses making strong showings. ELLE notes that the runways were awash in cozy, elevated sweaters—think crewneck knits for a classic touch or exaggerated silhouettes paired with unexpectedly daring hot pants, as seen at Jil Sander.
Leather, a fall staple, is back in a big way, but with a twist. Oversized, boxy moto jackets reign supreme, exuding an effortless cool that’s as practical as it is stylish. This trend, highlighted by ELLE, dovetails seamlessly with the themes of glamour, danger, and seduction that Wallpaper observed running through the season’s collections. Saint Laurent’s thigh-high leather boots, inspired by a 1963 ‘Robin Hood’ boot, set the tone for a season where boldness is not just encouraged—it’s expected.
Outerwear takes center stage, with shearlings and vintage-inspired faux fur coats experiencing a full-blown renaissance. ELLE points to the prevalence of these wintry staples at Gucci, Fendi, and Tod’s, while Wallpaper describes the proliferation of faux fur and cleverly manipulated shearling as a response to both the elements and a desire for existential protection. The “yeti” coats at Dolce & Gabbana and Sportmax, with their hefty weight and oversized proportions, evoke the thrown-on glamour of off-duty models and the playful spirit of street style.
Individuality and strength are celebrated through sculpted shapes and structured silhouettes. Designers like Schiaparelli, Givenchy, and Ashlyn are nipping waists and adding architectural interest to jackets and coats, challenging traditional notions of form and fit. Alaïa’s towering shearling coats, looped dramatically around necklines and accented with tassels, reinforce the message of empowerment. As Pieter Mulier, creative director at Alaïa, told Wallpaper, “The message is about singularity, individuality, the eternal strength and resilience of women, empowering them through their clothes.”
Animal prints are also prowling back into the spotlight. Duran Lantink’s collection features a riotous collage of zebra, leopard, and tiger prints, some painted directly onto models’ bodies. At Lanvin, oversized leopard-print coats pay homage to the louche 1920s eveningwear of Jeanne Lanvin, while Sacai’s brightly colored shearling nods to the fantastical monsters of Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. These exuberant patterns signal a collective embrace of fashion’s wilder side.
Accessories are getting supersized and surreal. According to Wallpaper, Chanel’s Autumn/Winter 2025 collection plays with perception through trompe l’oeil bows and whimsical accessories—think a gigantic version of the iconic pochette or a string of pearls with a hidden bag. Meanwhile, XXL bags are everywhere, with Hermès introducing a new take on its ‘Haut à Courroies’ bag, stripped of hardware and ready to double as a weekend getaway essential.
Shoes, too, are making a statement. The pointed, heeled pump—a symbol of femininity since the 1930s—gets a raw, deconstructed update at Prada. Co-creative directors Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons used unfinished edges to question the very nature of feminine beauty. “We asked ourselves, what is feminine beauty?” Mrs. Prada mused to Wallpaper. “It is a constant questioning.”
Hats, often overlooked in recent years, are experiencing a renaissance. Designers are moving beyond the casual beanie, instead favoring nostalgic elegance. Sportmax offers a hybrid between pillbox and panama, Duran Lantink delivers sculpted trapper hats, and Loro Piana reinvents the cloche—a nod to the liberatory dress codes of the 1920s.
Corporate attire isn’t immune to the season’s playful spirit. Stella McCartney’s show, titled ‘Laptop to Lapdance,’ staged at the surreal ‘Stellacorp’ HQ, juxtaposed the buttoned-up world of pencil skirts and blouses with a cheeky twist—underwear-clad pole dancers. It’s a wink to the dualities of modern life, echoed in collections from Acne Studios, Balenciaga, and All-In, each riffing on office wear with a subversive edge.
Menswear is equally dynamic this season. Kim Jones’ final Dior collection for men, inspired by Christian Dior’s 1954 H-Line couture, featured streamlined monochromatic looks and tuxedo-style riffs on the Bar jacket. Wooyoungmi’s eveningwear sported carved waistlines adorned with 3D-appliqué flowers, while Madame Woo’s show in the opulent former residence of Karl Lagerfeld reimagined formalwear in a louche, sensual style.
Through all these trends, one thing is clear: Autumn/Winter 2025 is about breaking free from the ordinary. Whether it’s through color, texture, silhouette, or sheer audacity, designers are encouraging everyone to embrace individuality and self-expression. As ELLE reminds readers, “Every product featured on ELLE.com is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved,” underscoring the integrity behind these editor-curated picks.
So, as the leaves begin to turn and the temperature drops, expect to see a season where fashion is anything but an afterthought. From sculpted tailoring and animal prints to cozy knits and statement accessories, Fall/Winter 2025 promises to be a celebration of creativity, strength, and unapologetic style.
