2025 Fashion Trends: The Ultimate Guide 20 Must-Know Styles for Autumn Winter 2025-2026
As the fashion world turns its attention to the cooler months ahead, the 2025 fall winter fashion trends promise an exciting blend of nostalgic revivals, architectural innovation, and tactile luxury that will define how we dress for the coming seasons.
From the runways of Paris to the streets of New York, autumn winter 2025-2026 fashion trends are telling a story of confident femininity, playful sophistication, and thoughtful craftsmanship that celebrates both heritage and innovation.
This season’s trends offer something for every style sensibility, whether you’re drawn to the refined elegance of old money outfits, seeking fresh fall outfit inspiration, or looking to build a sophisticated winter wardrobe 2025 that transitions seamlessly from day to night.
The 2025 autumn outfits trends embrace both the dramatic and the wearable, proving that fashion’s most exciting moments happen when designers balance creativity with real-world functionality.
What makes these winter fashion outfits particularly compelling is their emphasis on storytelling through texture, silhouette, and unexpected details.
From the return of whimsical bubble skirts to the sophisticated minimalism of sock boots, each trend contributes to a larger narrative about fashion’s role in self-expression and confidence.
These aren’t just trends to follow blindly, but rather inspiration for creating classy outfits that reflect your personal style while embracing the season’s most exciting developments.
Whether you’re planning cold weather outfits that maintain elegance while providing warmth, or seeking outfit inspo that captures the season’s mood of tactile richness and thoughtful details, the trends ahead offer endless possibilities for creative expression.
Join us as we explore the 20 most significant trends that will shape how we dress for fall and winter 2025-2026, each offering unique opportunities to refresh your wardrobe with pieces that feel both current and timeless.
1. Faux Fur Renaissance
The faux fur revival has reached fever pitch for fall/winter 2025/26, transforming from an ethical alternative into a statement of luxury and indulgence.
Vintage-inspired faux fur and shearling coats dominated the runways, with designers from Fendi to Simone Rocha featuring fluffy textures prominently.
Some runway collections featured dramatic floor-sweeping faux fur pieces, and emerging designers incorporated unexpected faux fur details on everything from sleeves to handbag trims.
This trend channels old Hollywood glamour with a modern conscience, exuding confidence, warmth, and unapologetic luxury.
How to Recreate the Look: Start with a statement faux fur coat in neutral tones like camel, cream, or rich brown for maximum versatility.
Look for pieces with varying pile heights for visual interest—short faux fur mixed with longer textures creates depth.
Consider faux shearling-lined jackets for a more casual approach, or add faux fur stoles and wraps for evening elegance.
Key pieces to invest in include oversized faux fur coats, faux shearling aviator jackets, fur-trimmed boots, and small faux fur accessories like scarves or handbag charms.
2. Feminine Silhouettes & Lace
The fall/winter 2025/26 runways witnessed a powerful return to unabashedly feminine dressing, with lace taking center stage as both a statement fabric and delicate detail.
Ladylike lace and pencil skirts are trending, while satin lace shorts and skirts have reached an almost cult-like following.
Lace-trimmed slip skirts are set to be even bigger this fall, signaling a decisive shift toward romantic sophistication.
Some designers presented intricate black lace overlaying nude underlayers, creating depth and mystery while others showcased sharp pencil skirts with subtle lace trim, proving the trend’s professional appeal.
This trend channels timeless feminine power through delicate strength, exuding confidence that doesn’t need to shout. It speaks to a new kind of femininity—one that embraces romantic elements without appearing fragile
How to Recreate the Look: Start with lace-trimmed slip skirts in neutral or deep jewel tones that can transition from day to evening.
Invest in a quality pencil skirt with subtle lace detailing for professional settings. Look for blouses with lace sleeves or panels that add texture without overwhelming your silhouette.
Key pieces include lace-trimmed camisoles perfect for layering, midi skirts with lace hem details, structured blazers featuring lace inserts, and evening dresses that mix lace with modern cuts.
3. Bold Colors Over Quiet Luxury
Fashion’s pendulum has swung dramatically from the minimalist “quiet luxury” movement to an explosion of audacious color for fall/winter 2025/26.
Fashion houses are embracing bold, eye-catching colors meant to turn heads, whether it be a zesty pop of neon green or head-to-toe fire engine red.
Regal purple is among the most talked-about colors, signaling fashion’s rejection of understated neutrals in favor of chromatic confidence.
Some designers were abandoning beige for electric intensity like shocking pink power suits, emerald green leather pieces that glowed under the lights and sunshine yellow coats that felt like rays of optimism.
Bold colors exude energy, creativity, and fearlessness—suggesting a woman who uses her wardrobe as a form of self-expression and isn’t afraid to make a statement.
How to Recreate the Look: Start with one statement piece in a bold color and build around it with neutrals initially, then gradually increase your color confidence.
Invest in a vibrant blazer in electric blue or emerald green that instantly elevates any neutral base. Look for rich jewel tones like amethyst purple, ruby red, or sapphire blue in quality fabrics that feel luxurious.
Key pieces include monochromatic sweater sets in bold hues, statement coats in unexpected colors like fuchsia or chartreuse, and accessories that pop against neutral foundations.
4. Oversized Knitwear
The fall/winter 2025/26 runways have embraced volume in its most tactile form through oversized knitwear that transforms comfort into high fashion.
This season’s iteration goes beyond simply sizing up—it’s about creating dramatic silhouettes through strategic layering and architectural proportions that make a bold statement while maintaining effortless wearability.
Some designers have reimagined knitwear as sculptural art this season, with many showing the innovative approach of “knitwear over knitwear” that creates rich textural depth and visual intrigue.
This layering technique has appeared across collections, where chunky sweaters are worn over fine knits, or oversized cardigans envelope fitted turtlenecks, creating a cocoon-like effect that’s both protective and powerful.
It speaks to a desire for clothes that feel like wearable sanctuaries—pieces that envelope the body in softness while projecting confidence through their substantial presence.
How to Recreate the Look: Focus on finding knitwear with genuine architectural interest rather than simply oversized basics.
Look for pieces with exaggerated sleeves, dramatic necklines, or sculptural elements like oversized cowl necks or balloon sleeves.
Invest in quality chunky knits in neutral tones like cream, camel, or soft gray that can serve as statement pieces in your wardrobe.
Don’t forget to play with textures—mix smooth wool with chunky cables, or combine different knit weights to create visual depth.
5. Y2K and Indie Sleaze Revival
The fall/winter 2025/26 collections have officially declared that the early 2000s and 2010s are back with a vengeance, but this time with a more sophisticated lens.
The Y2K aesthetic meets indie sleaze in a powerful convergence that celebrates both the optimistic futurism of the millennium and the deliberately disheveled glamour of the blog era, creating a nostalgia-driven trend that feels both familiar and refreshingly current.
Some designers have masterfully blended the metallic mini skirts and low-rise silhouettes of Y2K with the vintage band tees, leather jackets, and messy glamour that defined indie sleaze culture.
Collections featured shimmery fabrics alongside distressed textures, combining the clean lines of early 2000s minimalism with the studied carelessness of 2010s party culture.
This dual revival exudes a complex emotional landscape—part hopeful futurism, part rebellious nostalgia.
How to Recreate the Look: Start building your Y2K-indie sleaze wardrobe with key pieces that bridge both eras.
Look for low-rise jeans or mini skirts in metallic finishes, paired with vintage band tees or mesh tops that nod to both trends.
Incorporate statement accessories like chunky platform boots (essential to the indie sleaze aesthetic), metallic handbags with hardware details, and layered jewelry that mixes delicate chains with bold statement pieces.
For styling, embrace the art of contrasts—pair a sleek metallic skirt with a deliberately oversized vintage tee, or combine a fitted Y2K-inspired top with distressed denim and ankle boots.
6. Peplum and Curved Silhouettes
The fall/winter 2025/26 runways have witnessed a dramatic renaissance of curved silhouettes and peplum detailing, marking a decisive shift away from minimalist straight lines toward bold, architectural femininity.
This trend celebrates the female form through strategic volume and sculptural construction, creating pieces that are both powerful and graceful in their commanding presence.
Some designers have reimagined the peplum for the modern era, moving beyond the restrictive interpretations of previous decades to create flowing, organic shapes that enhance rather than constrain.
Collections showcased exaggerated hip emphasis through curved seaming, structured bustiers with dramatic peplum flares, and dresses that sculpt the waist before cascading into confident volumes.
Many designers incorporated these elements into outerwear as well, with coats featuring curved hemlines and jackets with built-in peplum construction.
There’s something both vintage-inspired and futuristic about these shapes—they honor the glamour of mid-century fashion while feeling thoroughly contemporary in their execution.
How to Recreate the Look: Begin incorporating this trend with well-constructed peplum tops that hit at your natural waistline—look for pieces with structured boning or built-in corsetry that creates that coveted hourglass shape.
Seek out blazers with subtle peplum details that can easily transition from work to evening, or invest in a statement dress with dramatic curved seaming that sculpts your silhouette.
When styling curved silhouettes, remember that the drama should come from the construction, not from layering. Keep accessories streamlined and let the architectural elements of your clothing take center stage.
Pair peplum tops with high-waisted trousers or pencil skirts to maintain the elongated line, or balance a structured peplum blazer with sleek straight-leg pants.
7. Statement Accessories
Fall/winter 2025/26 has elevated accessories from afterthoughts to headline acts, with statement pieces that transform entire looks and command attention in their own right.
This season’s approach to accessories embraces both dramatic flair and refined elegance, creating a landscape where fringe, hardware, and classic elements coexist to make powerful style statements.
Fringe accents appeared everywhere—cascading from handbags, adorning boots, and swaying from jewelry—creating movement and texture that brought garments to life.
Meanwhile, elegant brooches made a striking comeback, appearing on lapels, scattered across sweaters, and used as unexpected focal points on everything from coats to evening wear.
Top-handle bags dominated the accessory narrative, presented in both precious shrunken versions that felt like jewelry and substantial tote styles that made substantial statements.
Together, these accessories create an aura of someone who understands the power of thoughtful details and isn’t afraid to make deliberate choices that reflect personal style.
How to Recreate the Look: Start building your statement accessory collection with versatile pieces that can transform multiple outfits.
Invest in a quality top-handle bag in a rich leather or interesting texture—choose either a miniature version that acts like jewelry or a substantial tote that becomes the focal point of your look.
Look for fringe elements that add movement without overwhelming your silhouette: consider fringed boots, bags with subtle fringe details, or earrings that catch the light as you move.
Don’t overlook the power of a well-placed brooch—these can instantly elevate a simple sweater, add interest to a blazer lapel, or create an unexpected focal point on a coat collar.
Choose one hero piece per outfit and let it shine, supporting it with more understated elements
8. Preppy Revival & Plaid
The fall/winter 2025/26 collections have given preppy style a sophisticated refresh, continuing its multi-season momentum with renewed vigor and contemporary edge.
This isn’t the rigid prep school uniform of decades past, but rather a thoughtful interpretation that maintains the polished essence while embracing modern sensibilities.
Plaid has emerged as the pattern protagonist of this revival, making a surprising yet triumphant return to fashion prominence.
Some designers have masterfully deconstructed and reconstructed classic preppy elements, presenting blazers with unexpected proportions, pleated skirts in luxurious fabrics, and plaid patterns that range from traditional tartans to oversized checks in unexpected colorways.
Collections featured plaid in various forms—from tailored coats and structured blazers to flowing skirts and accessories that nodded to the pattern’s academic heritage while feeling thoroughly modern.
How to Recreate the Look: Build your preppy revival wardrobe around classic silhouettes in quality fabrics.
Invest in a well-tailored blazer in navy or tweed, pleated skirts that hit at flattering lengths, and crisp button-down shirts that can anchor multiple outfits.
Embrace plaid strategically—start with one statement piece like a plaid skirt or blazer, then incorporate smaller plaid elements through scarves, bags, or shoes.
Focus on layering techniques that feel polished rather than fussy: try a fitted sweater under a blazer, or layer a collared shirt under a crewneck sweater with just the collar and cuffs visible.
Don’t forget the finishing touches that sell the preppy aesthetic—loafers, ballet flats, or sleek ankle boots, structured handbags, and jewelry that feels timeless rather than trendy.
9. Leopard Print
Leopard print has reclaimed its throne as one of the most commanding patterns for fall/winter 2025/26, proving once again that animal prints are less trend and more fashion fundamental.
This season’s interpretation moves beyond the flashy, costume-like applications of the past, presenting leopard print as a sophisticated neutral that can anchor an entire wardrobe with its timeless appeal and inherent confidence.
Some designers treated leopard print with newfound respect this season, showcasing it in luxurious fabrications and unexpected silhouettes that elevated the pattern from novelty to necessity.
Collections featured leopard in everything from flowing silk blouses and structured coats to sleek midi skirts and statement outerwear.
The pattern appeared in both traditional colorways and unexpected interpretations—muted tones, oversized prints, and subtle variations that felt fresh while honoring the classic.
Leopard print exudes unapologetic confidence and a touch of rebellious glamour that never goes out of style.
How to Recreate the Look: Start with one quality leopard print piece that can serve as the foundation for multiple outfits.
A leopard print blouse, midi skirt, or lightweight scarf can instantly transform basics into statement looks.
Treat leopard print as you would any neutral—it pairs beautifully with black, cream, camel, and even other prints when done thoughtfully.
For a sophisticated approach, choose pieces in muted colorways or smaller-scale prints that feel more refined than their bold counterparts.
Layer a leopard print camisole under a blazer for subtle impact, or let a leopard coat be the hero piece over an all-black ensemble.
Remember that leopard print is meant to be noticed, so style it with clean lines and minimal jewelry that won’t compete with the pattern’s natural drama.
10. Modern Victorian Elements
Modern Victorian elements have emerged as one of fall/winter 2025/26’s most captivating trends, with designers drawing inspiration from the ornate romanticism of the Victorian era while filtering it through a contemporary lens.
This trend speaks to fashion’s ongoing fascination with historical references, particularly the intricate craftsmanship and dramatic silhouettes that defined 19th-century elegance, reimagined for today’s woman who appreciates both heritage and innovation.
Some designers showcased modern Victorian lace as the standout element of this trend, presenting it in unexpected contexts and contemporary silhouettes that honored the past while feeling thoroughly current.
Collections featured intricate lacework on everything from structured blazers and flowing midi dresses to delicate blouses and statement outerwear.
The Victorian influence appeared through high necklines, puffed sleeves, corseted bodices, and ornate button detailing, but executed in modern fabrics and proportions.
Many designers incorporated rich velvets, brocades, and tapestry-like textures that evoked the opulent materiality of the Victorian era while maintaining contemporary wearability.
The aesthetic projects sophistication with a hint of mystery, perfect for someone who wants to feel both timeless and distinctive.
How to Recreate the Look: Begin incorporating Modern Victorian elements through carefully chosen lace pieces that can integrate seamlessly into your existing wardrobe.
Look for blouses with Victorian-inspired details like high necklines, puffed sleeves, or intricate lace panels that can be styled with contemporary bottoms.
Invest in pieces with subtle corseting or structured bodices that create that coveted Victorian silhouette without feeling costume-like.
Rich textures are key—seek out velvet blazers, brocade skirts, or tapestry-inspired accessories that add Victorian opulence to modern outfits.
The goal is to capture the romantic drama of the Victorian era while maintaining the ease and sophistication that defines contemporary style.
11. Sock Boots Revival
The sock boot has made a triumphant return for fall/winter 2025/26, proving that some trends deserve multiple comebacks when executed with precision and style.
This revival brings a refined minimalism to footwear, offering a sleek alternative to bulkier boot trends while maintaining the sophisticated edge that made sock boots a fashion favorite in their previous iterations.
Some designers showcased sock boots in luxurious buttery leather that hugged the foot and leg like a second skin. Collections featured these sleek, slim-to-the-foot boots in various heights—from ankle-grazing styles to knee-high versions that created seamless lines with the leg.
Designers presented them in rich neutrals like black, chocolate brown, and cream, emphasizing the boot’s architectural simplicity and focusing on impeccable construction rather than embellishment.
There’s something inherently chic about the way sock boots hug the leg, creating a sleek, uninterrupted line that suggests both comfort and refinement.
How to Recreate the Look: Invest in a pair of high-quality sock boots in a versatile neutral that will work with multiple outfits—black or brown leather are classic choices that offer maximum styling potential.
Look for boots with stretch elements that ensure a perfect fit without being restrictive, and prioritize comfort since these boots should feel like an extension of your leg.
Style sock boots to emphasize their sleek silhouette—pair them with midi skirts or dresses that hit just below the boot line, or tuck skinny jeans or leggings into the boots for a seamless look.
The key to wearing sock boots successfully is embracing their minimalist nature—let them be the sophisticated finishing touch that pulls your entire look together with understated elegance.
12. Slouchy Leather Boots
Slouchy leather boots have emerged as one of fall/winter 2025/26’s most coveted footwear trends, bringing an effortlessly undone elegance that perfectly captures the season’s bohemian revival.
These boots represent the antithesis of rigid structure, instead celebrating the natural way leather moves and ages, creating pieces that look better with wear and time.
Some designers embraced the relaxed luxury of slouchy leather boots as part of the broader boho chic revival, showcasing them in rich, supple leathers that naturally gathered and pooled around the ankle and calf.
Collections featured these boots in various heights and styles—from ankle boots with subtle slouching to knee-high versions with dramatic gathering that created beautiful textural interest.
Many designers paired them with midi skirts, wide-leg trousers, and bohemian-inspired dresses that complemented the boots’ relaxed aesthetic.
Slouchy leather boots exude an effortless cool that suggests you value comfort without sacrificing style.
How to Recreate the Look: Choose slouchy leather boots in rich, natural leather that will develop character over time—avoid overly stiff or structured styles that won’t achieve the desired relaxed effect.
Look for boots with minimal hardware and simple silhouettes that let the leather’s natural movement be the star.
Style them with flowing fabrics that complement their relaxed nature—try them with midi or maxi skirts, wide-leg jeans, or bohemian-inspired dresses.
Embrace the slightly undone aesthetic by pairing them with layered jewelry, textured knits, and accessories that feel collected rather than coordinated.
13. Collegiate Footwear
Collegiate footwear has made a significant comeback for fall/winter 2025/26, bringing the timeless sophistication of academic-inspired shoes back into the fashion spotlight.
This trend celebrates the classic footwear silhouettes that have long been associated with ivy league elegance and scholarly refinement, reimagined for contemporary wardrobes that appreciate both heritage and versatility.
Some designers showcased classic collegiate shoe styles like oxfords and brogues as essential elements of the season’s preppy revival, presenting them in luxurious leathers and refined finishes that elevated these academic staples to new heights of sophistication.
Collections featured traditional wingtips, penny loafers, and lace-up oxfords in rich burgundy, classic brown, and polished black leather, often styled with tailored trousers, pleated skirts, and blazers that reinforced the scholarly aesthetic.
These shoes evoke images of prestigious universities, well-appointed libraries, and the kind of effortless authority that comes from wearing pieces with genuine heritage.
How to Recreate the Look: Invest in quality collegiate footwear in classic colors that will serve as wardrobe foundations—a pair of burgundy penny loafers, brown oxford brogues, or black lace-up oxfords can anchor countless outfits.
Look for shoes with genuine leather construction and traditional details like perforated patterns on brogues or classic strap details on loafers.
Style them to emphasize their academic heritage—pair oxfords with tailored trousers and blazers, or wear penny loafers with pleated skirts and knit sweaters for a preppy-chic aesthetic.
The key is maintaining the shoes’ polished appearance while styling them in ways that feel natural rather than costume-like or looking like you’re headed to a university alumni event.
14. Touches of Red
Statement wedges have risen to prominence in fall/winter 2025/26, offering a sophisticated alternative to stilettos while providing the drama and presence that only exceptional footwear can deliver.
This trend represents wedges at their most refined and striking, moving far beyond casual espadrilles to become genuine statement pieces that command attention through their architectural beauty and elevated design.
Designers presented what can only be described as the chicest wedges ever conceived, showcasing them as sculptural objects that balanced height with comfort in truly innovative ways.
Collections featured wedges with unexpected materials—lucite heels, geometric wooden platforms, and metallic finishes that caught the light with every step.
Many appeared in luxurious leather and suede, with some featuring intricate strapping systems or modern buckle details that added visual interest while maintaining the wedge’s inherent stability.
How to Recreate the Look: Look for wedges that feature interesting architectural elements rather than simple platform styles—seek out designs with geometric shapes, unexpected materials, or sculptural heel construction that makes them feel special rather than ordinary.
Choose wedges in versatile colors like nude, black, or metallic tones that can work with multiple outfits while still making a statement.
Style them to emphasize their dramatic impact—pair architectural wedges with sleek midi dresses or tailored trousers that won’t compete with the shoe’s bold silhouette.
Let the wedges be the focal point of your outfit by keeping other elements relatively simple, allowing their sculptural beauty to take center stage.
15. Moto Boots with Hardware
Moto boots with hardware have roared back into fashion prominence for fall/winter 2025/26, bringing an edgy sophistication that perfectly captures the season’s rebellious undertones.
These aren’t just functional motorcycle boots but rather fashion statements that celebrate the intersection of utility and glamour, complete with metallic details that catch the light and command attention.
Some designers showcased leather moto boots adorned with edgy silver hardware as essential elements of the indie sleaze revival, presenting them with an array of buckles, chains, studs, and metallic accents that transformed functional footwear into statement pieces.
Collections featured these boots in rich black leather with varying degrees of hardware embellishment—from subtle ankle buckles to dramatic chain details and oversized silver hardware that created visual weight and texture.
There’s something empowering about the weight and presence of these boots—they ground an outfit while adding an element of toughness that can balance even the most feminine pieces.
How to Recreate the Look: Invest in quality leather moto boots with genuine silver-toned hardware rather than cheap plastic embellishments—look for pieces with substantial buckles, chains, or stud details that feel authentic rather than costume-like.
Choose boots in classic black leather that will work with multiple outfits and develop character over time.
Style them to play up their rebellious nature while maintaining sophistication—pair them with flowing feminine pieces like midi dresses or skirts to create interesting contrast, or embrace full edgy glamour with leather pants and vintage band tees.
Don’t be afraid to let these boots be the statement piece in your outfit—their hardware details are meant to catch the light and draw attention.
16. Denim Maxi Skirts
Denim maxi skirts have emerged as one of fall/winter 2025/26’s most refreshing trends, offering a perfect marriage of casual comfort and elevated sophistication that speaks to the season’s desire for versatile, effortless dressing.
This trend transforms the humble denim skirt into something altogether more refined and contemporary, proving that casual pieces can be just as impactful as their formal counterparts.
Some designers presented denim maxi skirts as key pieces for refreshing autumn winter wardrobes, showcasing them in various washes from classic indigo to faded vintage blues and rich dark rinses that felt more sophisticated than traditional denim pieces.
Collections featured these skirts in flowing A-line silhouettes, fitted column styles, and structured designs with interesting seaming details that elevated them beyond basic casual wear.
Many appeared with unexpected details like contrast stitching, asymmetrical hems, or subtle distressing that added visual interest without compromising their refined aesthetic.
Designers styled them with everything from cozy knits to tailored blazers, demonstrating their remarkable versatility across different style contexts.
How to Recreate the Look: Look for denim maxi skirts in high-quality denim with interesting construction details rather than basic straight styles—seek out pieces with subtle A-line shapes, interesting seaming, or well-placed pockets that add visual interest.
Choose washes that feel sophisticated rather than overly casual—darker indigos or vintage-inspired fades often work better than heavily distressed or bleached options.
Style them to emphasize their versatile nature—pair with fitted sweaters and ankle boots for casual elegance, or dress them up with silk blouses and heeled boots for more polished occasions.
Layer with blazers or structured cardigans to add sophistication, or keep things relaxed with cozy knits and sneakers.
17. Interesting Metallics
Metallic tops have emerged as a major trend for fall/winter 2025/26, bringing shimmer and glamour into everyday wardrobes with an ease that transforms the ordinary into something extraordinary.
This trend celebrates the power of reflective fabrics to elevate any look, offering a sophisticated take on shine that works from day to night with remarkable versatility.
Some designers showcased metallic tops as essential wardrobe refreshers for the autumn winter season, presenting them in luxurious fabrics that caught the light beautifully while maintaining wearable silhouettes.
Collections featured these gleaming pieces in various forms—from liquid-like silk blouses in champagne and silver to structured metallic knits in bronze and copper tones that added warmth to the cooler palette.
Many appeared in subtle chainmail-inspired textures, mirror-like finishes, and brushed metallics that felt sophisticated rather than costume-like.
How to Recreate the Look: Choose metallic tops in flattering cuts and sophisticated finishes rather than overly flashy or costume-like pieces—look for silk blouses, knit sweaters, or camisoles in champagne, bronze, or muted silver tones that feel luxurious rather than theatrical.
Consider the fabric weight and drape when selecting pieces, as higher-quality metallics will move more naturally and photograph better in various lighting.
Style metallic tops as you would any elevated basic—pair them with dark denim for casual sophistication, layer under blazers for work-appropriate glamour, or wear with sleek trousers for evening elegance.
Balance their shine with matte textures and neutral colors to avoid overwhelming your look, and remember that metallic tops often work best when they’re the only shimmery element in an outfit.
18. Tights with Heels Comeback
The combination of tights with heels has made a delightful comeback for fall/winter 2025/26, bringing a playful sophistication that adds personality and whimsy to formal footwear.
This trend celebrates the art of layering hosiery as a fashion statement rather than mere necessity, transforming the humble tight into an integral part of the overall look.
Some designers embraced the return of wearing fun tights with heels as part of the season’s broader trend toward playful layering and unexpected details.
Collections showcased this combination in various interpretations—from sheer tights with subtle patterns paired with sleek pumps to bold colored hosiery that created striking contrast with neutral heels.
Many designers presented textured tights, fishnet styles, and patterned options that added visual interest and personality to otherwise classic shoe choices.
How to Recreate the Look: Start with quality tights in interesting textures, subtle patterns, or unexpected colors that complement rather than compete with your shoes and overall outfit.
Look for hosiery with unique details like seams, subtle shimmer, or delicate patterns that add interest without being overwhelming.
Pair them strategically with heels that enhance rather than clash—neutral pumps work beautifully with patterned tights, while colored hosiery can create striking combinations with classic black or nude shoes.
Consider the occasion and styling context—this trend works particularly well with midi-length skirts and dresses that showcase the tights-and-heels combination effectively.
19. Barrel Leg Jeans
Barrel leg jeans have emerged as one of fall/winter 2025/26’s most distinctive denim trends, offering a fresh and unexpected silhouette that challenges traditional jean shapes while maintaining the comfort and versatility that makes denim indispensable.
This trend represents a bold departure from skinny and straight-leg styles, embracing volume and architectural interest in the lower half.
Designers presented barrel leg jeans as key pieces among the top winter 2025 runway trends, showcasing them in various washes and styling contexts that demonstrated their versatility and contemporary appeal.
Collections featured these jeans with their signature curved silhouette—fitted through the waist and hips before expanding into a rounded, barrel-like shape that tapers back toward the ankle.
Many appeared in classic indigo washes alongside more experimental treatments, often styled with fitted tops that balanced the jeans’ dramatic proportions.
The runway presentations emphasized how this unexpected silhouette could work across different style contexts, from casual weekend looks to more elevated ensemble pairings.
How to Recreate the Look: Look for barrel leg jeans in high-quality denim with the proper construction to achieve the signature curved silhouette—cheaper versions may lack the structure needed to maintain the distinctive shape throughout wear.
Choose pairs in classic washes like indigo or black that will feel versatile despite their unusual proportions.
Style them with fitted tops that balance the volume in the lower half—try tucked-in sweaters, bodycon tees, or cropped jackets that emphasize your waistline while letting the jeans’ unique shape take center stage.
Consider your footwear carefully, as the tapered ankle opening works best with sleek boots, loafers, or sneakers rather than chunky shoes that might compete with the jeans’ architectural interest.
The key is wearing them with confidence and understanding that their unconventional shape is their greatest asset—embrace the volume and distinctive silhouette rather than trying to minimize or hide it.
20. Whimsical Bubble Skirts
Whimsical bubble skirts have emerged as early contenders for the biggest trends of 2025, representing a more playful and almost idiosyncratic approach to dressing that celebrates joy and creative expression over conventional styling rules.
These sculptural pieces bring an element of fantasy and fun to fall/winter wardrobes, proving that fashion can be both sophisticated and delightfully unexpected.
Some designers showcased bubble skirts as part of a broader movement toward whimsical, almost fantastical dressing that prioritizes creative expression over traditional formality.
Collections featured these distinctive pieces in various interpretations—from structured organza versions that maintained perfect spherical shapes to softer fabrications that created gentle balloon-like silhouettes.
Many appeared in unexpected color combinations, luxurious fabrics like silk taffeta and tulle, and with interesting construction details like internal boning or wire structures that maintained the skirts’ distinctive bubbled proportions.
The runway styling often paired them with fitted tops or structured bodices that emphasized the dramatic contrast between the fitted upper body and voluminous lower half.
How to Recreate the Look: Look for bubble skirts with quality construction that maintains the distinctive silhouette—seek out pieces with proper internal structure like boning or crinolines that keep the shape intact throughout wear.
Choose versions in fabrics that hold their form well, such as structured cotton, taffeta, or organza, rather than limp materials that won’t achieve the desired bubble effect.
Style them with fitted, streamlined tops that create beautiful contrast with the skirt’s volume—try tucked-in blouses, fitted sweaters, or structured bodices that emphasize your waistline while letting the skirt be the dramatic focal point.
Keep accessories relatively simple to avoid competing with the skirt’s inherent whimsy, and choose shoes that complement rather than overwhelm the playful proportions.