From bold faux fur to timeless pencil skirts, here’s what your wardrobe needs this season.

AW25 runways across New York, London, Milan, and Paris made one thing unmistakably clear: this season is all about contrasts. Designers merged minimalist elegance with eye-catching drama, combining muted tailoring with textured fabrics, daring lace, and skin-baring silhouettes.

Autumn/winter 2025 celebrates duality — cozy yet sensual, classic yet adventurous. Faux fur reigned supreme, lace was reinterpreted in bold ways, brown became the neutral to own, pencil skirts returned in a modern light, and designers embraced refined approaches to revealing fashion.

Here are the five key trends dominating the season:

1. Faux Fur in Full Force

Faux fur dominated the catwalks, appearing on coats, cropped jackets, stoles, and accessories. It’s no longer just an accent but the main statement piece.

Prada wowed with jewel-toned fur coats, Balenciaga amplified proportions with oversized designs, and Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst proved sustainability and glamour can coexist. This season, faux fur is the ultimate symbol of style and warmth.

2. Bold and Modern Lace

Lace shed its delicate, understated image to become a bold, eye-catching fabric. Saint Laurent showcased Bella Hadid in a cobalt lace co-ord with structured shoulders, Gucci played with neon lace bodysuits under skirts, and Fendi embraced sheer blouses. Chloé offered flowing bohemian gowns, while Carolina Herrera and Rabanne added vibrant colours and sequins to make lace the star.

3. Brown, the Season’s Neutral

Brown solidified its place as AW25’s go-to neutral. From deep espresso to soft caramel, the color was seen in tailoring, knitwear, and eveningwear.

Bottega Veneta’s leather trenches impressed, Miu Miu paired caramel knits with mini skirts, and Dior and Valentino highlighted the hue in elegant evening pieces. Brown has become the sophisticated alternative to black.

4. Pencil Skirts Make a Comeback

Sleek, structured, and versatile, the pencil skirt returned with a fresh spin. Calvin Klein presented minimalist pinstripe suits, Givenchy’s Sarah Burton emphasized hourglass tailoring, and Gucci and Fendi explored pastel co-ords. Pairings included chunky knits, corsets, and strapless tops, proving the pencil skirt works anywhere — from office to evening.

5. Chic Skin-Baring

Nudity returned in a refined, wearable way. Sheer fabrics, strategic cut-outs, and delicate layering created elegant, confident looks.

Nina Ricci, MM6, and Carolina Herrera paired sheer blouses with tailored pieces, while Chloé and Valentino highlighted ethereal dresses revealing lingerie. Diesel and DSquared2 reintroduced low-slung waistlines, and Phoebe Philo made an impact with backless skirts. Confidence is the essential accessory.