Take your inspiration from the runway this season …
There’s delight to be found in dressing up, in wearing an outfit that feels classic but not conservative, considered, complete. While many brands embraced the return of classic elements – from rich camel and brown coats to decadent furs (the majority on today’s runways are, thankfully, impressive fauxs) and structured top-handle bags – each of these pieces was given a dash of modernity to bring it right into the now. Plush faux fur coats came in oversized sculptural cuts. Vintage-inspired statement hats made a triumphant return. Sweaters were draped over shoulders and fastened with a brooch or dressed down with casual shorts for a nonchalant look. (Brooches were everywhere: raid your favourite vintage shop.) An artfully layered look with personality is the goal for autumn dressing – interesting details, clever styling tricks and elegant finishing touches will get you there.
Siren Red
Stella McCartney
On the runway: If there is one colour trend that dominated more than any other on the catwalk, it is rich, fiery red.
Stella McCartney
How to wear: Impossible to ignore, opt for a full colourblock look and finish with simple accessories.
Blue Hues
Dries Van Noten
On the runway: Looking for new ways to inject colour into your wardrobe? Blue is set to be a big colour trend this season, spotted at Simone Rocha, Chloé, Balmain and Dries Van Noten.
Simone Rocha
How to wear: Blue isn’t a colour you would typically associate with autumn, but it is universally flattering and versatile. Wear head to toe or pair with rich jewel tones.
Animal Prints
Brandon Maxwell
On the runway: Animal prints made a powerful statement. At Zimmermann, subtle snake prints were paired with voluminous leather skirts, while Balmain delivered OTT cow prints. Elsewhere, Khaite, Brandon Maxwell and Dolce & Gabbana all leaned into the trend, proving that animal prints are this season’s most impactful “neutral”.
Balmain
How to wear: Stick to one animal print piece per look. Keep styling fresh and modern with burgundy and chocolate leather accessories.
Flouncy Midis
Ami Paris
On the runway: At Dior, Ami, Fendi and Brandon Maxwell, models wore fabulous flouncy midi skirts.
Brandon Maxwell
How to wear: Take inspiration straight from the runway and style with menswear-inspired shirting, boots and a great pair of earrings. If volume isn’t your thing, opt for a below-the-knee pencil skirt in wool or leather.
Sweater Dressing
Emilia Wickstead
On the runway: The simplest styling tricks are often the most successful. A sweater draped over shoulders like a cosy scarf caught our eye at Emilia Wickstead and at OpéraSport.
Mithridate
How to wear: Slung or loosely tied, and finished with a brooch, as seen at Mithridate. Also spotted: reverse- draped wraps and fringed ponchos.
Ornate Details
Miu Miu
On the runway: This season sees womenswear designers embracing the luxury of small details. Brooch-embellished shoes, coats and knitwear by labels like Tod’s, Loewe and Miu Miu take some of the formality out of these classics.
Toga
How to wear: Don’t save for special occasions. Small details will make your autumn outfits unique.
Cream Coats
Calvin Klein
On the runway: A great coat is the cornerstone of any winter wardrobe: this season elevated cream-coloured coats featured in collections from Toteme, Balmain, Khaite and The Row, offering a fresher alternative to a traditional black coat.
Toteme
How to wear: Toteme’s featured fringing or faux fur for an added point of interest. Pair with crisp whites, browns, sand tones or a considered touch of black.
Faux Fur Frenzy
Catwalk/Launchmetrics Spotlight
On the runway: With a faux fur coat in your wardrobe, you’ll look forward to days when the temperature dips. From Fendi and Altuzarra to Tod’s and Prada, the AW25 runways presented plush coats that look like the real deal.
How to wear: Like a lady. Faux fur and tactile shearling coats and jackets ooze glamour. Wear with a pencil skirt, midi dress or leather trousers.
Eccentric Hats
Fendi
On the runway: Outfit-finishing statement hats by Fendi, The Garment, Dries Van Noten, Miu Miu, Sportmax and Armani emerged as this season’s runway stars.
Sportmax
How to wear: With everything. Wear with sneakers and your favourite wool coat for a sporty look. Alternatively, accessorise your eveningwear and lean into the “more is more” ethos.
Knee Boots
Fendi
On the runway: Elegant, polished Ieather Boots boots that hit the knee (in all heel heights) are big this season. Think plain leather as well as embossed exotics like faux-crocodile and snakeskin in rich neutral colours.
The Garment
How to wear: Peeking out from under a tonal skirt or midi dress.
Exotic Skins
Erdem
On the runway: Among the standout handbags this season, faux exotic skin styles caught our eye. Structured top-handle bags will perfectly fit AW25’s elegant mood. Reimagined icons also hit the runway: the Hermès Birkin in felt, Fendi’s squishy leather Spy bag, Chloé’s roomy Paddington and Louis Vuitton’s iconic Alma (keep an eye out for the Vuitton unisex Monogram Speedy P9 due later this year).
How to wear: Incorporate these bags into your everyday wear, don’t let them gather dust.
