5 autumn fashion trends to know this season
As the dust settles on September’s major fashion weeks, industry eyes have turned from the runways to the real world, focusing on which trends will define the season ahead.
This autumn, the message from designers is clear: longevity is back in style. While autumn classics - think deep hues, textured layers, and tailored silhouettes - remain at the forefront, they’ve been reimagined with unexpected twists and modern flair.
From elevated Parisian minimalism to the continued dominance of oversized proportions, this season strikes a balance between sophistication and statement. Personal stylists and trend forecasters agree - here's their thoughts on the key trends...
Brown and Seventies suede
Returning as a leading trend once again is Pantone’s colour of the year ‘mocha mousse’.
Alongside it is brown’s best partner in crime: suede.
While last year saw these pieces thrive within the trend of boho chic, this season, designers have taken a slightly edgier, Seventies approach.
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"[They’re] non-negotiable! With Pantone declaring ‘Mocha Mousse’ the colour of the year, you can’t escape this trend," says personal stylist Deborah Sheridan-Taylor.
But consumers aren't just confined to the neutral, soft shade Pantone is championing. "Rich chocolate, chestnut browns, caramel latte, americano, macchiato espresso... wait, that’s my coffee order," she laughs, "in the past, my clients would shy away from using brown entirely. It’s extraordinary how this colour has had such a glow-up."
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Brown is the ultimate versatile base, working with the likes of pink, blue, green, denim or leather better than harsher neutrals like black or stark white.
Similarly, with suede, it’s best to dip your toe in with accessories or one statement piece like a jacket or boots. Paired with a neutral jumper, high-rise straight-leg jeans (the trending denim silhouette this season) and some minimal, mixed-metal jewellery is an easy way for consumers to style the trend this season.
Capes
The return of the cape may raise eyebrows, but for autumn/winter 2025, it arrives redefined - sleek, structured, and undeniably sophisticated.
This season, outerwear transcends its traditional role as a functional layer and emerges as the focal point of the wardrobe. Echoing the evolution of statement jewellery, coats and jackets now embrace sculptural silhouettes and architectural tailoring, making them key players in both styling and retail positioning.
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"In a season built on layering, outerwear carries more than just warmth - it sets the tone," explains luxury stylist and image consultant Angela Kyte. "[Cape coats are] cinematic but wearable, offering an air of mystery, power, and elegance."
Whether it’s a cocoon sleeve coat, a flowing cape or an oversized leather bomber, statement outerwear this season is all about sculptural and architectural lines and dramatic proportions, making it easy to elevate a basic outfit into something striking.
As consumers continue to invest in fewer, better pieces, statement outerwear is positioned not just as a seasonal essential - but as a long-term, wardrobe-defining asset.
Sculptural belts
This season, accessories are not merely complementary - they're foundational. Belts, in particular, are emerging as pivotal elements in autumn/winter 2025 styling, mirroring the architectural direction seen in outerwear by becoming central to silhouette definition and proportion play.
"Wide, sculptural belts are endlessly versatile - ideal for cinching everything from dresses to tailoring and even heavier knitwear," says luxury stylist and image consultant Angela Kyte.
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However, 'sculptural' extends beyond size. Stylist Sheridan-Taylor notes that belts are appearing across the spectrum: "We’re seeing everything from suede and leather skinny belts for petite frames, to medium widths for all-purpose styling, and wider belts that help define longer torsos or curvier waists."
With versatility and personalisation at the forefront of consumer demand, belts are no longer a finishing touch - they're a strategic styling tool shaping the overall narrative of AW25 fashion.
Maxi skirts
You may have thought longer skirts have had their day following the long denim skirt trend of last year, but maxi skirts are leading the way this season.
"Cut in heavier fabrics such as wool, leather and even silk-lined tweed [maxi skirts] are dramatic yet practical," explains Kyte.
"It’s not about bohemian flow anymore but about clean, strong lines, worn with boots and layered knits.
"People won’t realise how central it will become until it’s everywhere."
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Kyte also points to the broader Seventies influence on silhouettes this season: "High-waisted flares cut from heavy wool and velvet, paired with sharply sculpted shoulders gives that cool drama to the silhouette."
This means investing in longer, structured skirts, trousers and jackets that can easily transition from boardroom to bar drinks. Paired with cable knits, tartan and leather accents for edge – this trend evokes the Scottish highlands style a la Claudia Winkleman in The Traitors.
Boots and brogues
The search for the ultimate autumn boot is potentially never ending, but this season it’s not just boots that are stealing the show for the most versatile autumn footwear.
"Brogues and Oxfords in rich burgundy browns and blacks are the it-shoe with simple lace-up closures or minimalist buckles," says Sheridan-Taylor, "and the best part is that they’re commuter-friendly - paired with midi skirts, cropped trousers or any sweeping hemline – they’re great."
Brogues and Oxfords are back in style as the trending shoe of the season (Penelope Chilvers/PA)
"The almond-toe boot is the quiet hero," says Kyte.
"It sits between classic and directional, which means it works just as well with heritage tweeds as with tailored, modern suiting."
