Call me cliché, but I take the changing of the season as an invitation to upheave my wardrobe and begin anew. There are parameters to this practice, of course, like adhering to the one in, one out rule, so I don’t fall into the trap of over-consumption. However, the most important factor I keep in mind when shopping is the trend cycle.
As I prepare to peruse my preferred resale apps or local high-street stores, I’m keeping the dated autumn 2025 trends at the front of my mind to ensure whatever I’m investing in gets the most longevity in my wardrobe. That is to say, given fashion’s accelerated pace, there’s a very likely chance that what I love now won’t stay that way forever, unless I buy something that is truly a classic. We are a fickle bunch, after all. But if the discourse around what’s “in” and what’s “out” has proven anything, it’s that when you buy well and buy with intention, the pieces you invest in really can last you for seasons on end. So, what are the styles that have been put on pause this year, and what are the styles that fashion people are embracing with reckless abandon?
It’s not to say these pieces don’t have a place in your fashion arsenal, just that collective tastes have slightly moved on from these styles in favour of shapes, cuts and colours that are a little more refreshing. I’m not advocating for you to part with something you really love, but rather want to shed light on the autumn/winter 2025 trends that are taking over in popularity so you can make the most informed decisions possible. Because is there anything worse than letting something sit in the back of your wardrobe for years, only for it to come back in fashion after you’ve eventually rehomed it?
Without further ado, scroll on for the autumn 2025 fashion trends that some consider to be past their prime, and the new ones taking their place.
The 5 “Dated” Autumn Fashion Trends and the Fresh Styles We’re Wearing Instead
1. Passing on: Scarf Coats
Wearing Instead: Collarless Coats
Style Notes: One way trends can get superseded is because of how pervasive they were upon first launch. Scarf coats are the perfect example of that. Whilst they’ll always be chic, their virality makes them feel slightly of a certain period. Like how the Acne scarf is synonymous with 2014 fashion, the scarf coat is the 2024 equivalent. So, for the autumn 2025 season, ditch the frills and flourish and keep things simple with a clean-cut collarless coat.
Shop the Trend:
This Toteme pieces is at the top of my autumn wish list.
Without the extra details, like lapels, the clothing layered underneath make the statement, not the coat itself.
Autograph
Wool Blend Collarless Longline Coat
This chocolate-brown style is a look all on its own.
Massimo Dutti
Long Open Wool Blend Coat
Massimo Dutti always masters high-street elegance.
& Other Stories
Coated Drawstring Trench Coat
Combine the windbreaker trend with the collarless style in this waxy piece.
2. Passing on: Satin Ballet Slippers
(Image credit: @christietyler)
Wearing Instead: Leather Flats
Style Notes: Satin ballet flats have been stealing the spotlight ever since they made their triumphant return when stepping out at Miu Miu’s autumn/winter 2022 collection. Whilst they’re undoubtedly the prettiest flats out there, they can easily date amidst the slush, sludge and puddles that British winter brings about. Instead, swap them out for something more resilient, like leather flats. Be it slippers, moccasins or loafers, these shoes will age like a fine wine.
Shop the Trend:
Such a sophisticated cut.
Dear Frances
Balla Bootie
So many shoe designers, including one of our favourites, Dear Frances, are embracing a slimmer cut of boot for the season ahead. Boots are rarely seen this close to the ground, but there’s something quite chic about this boxing-inspired shape.
H&M
Square-Toe Ballet Flats
Croc finishes are one of this season’s more significant microtrends.
Le Monde Béryl
Orlando Moccasin
So many fashion people are loving glove-fit shoes, and these nail the trend/
A great alternative for the now-sold-out moccasins from Chanel’s Resort 2025 collection.
3. Passing on: Leather Bombers
Wearing Instead: Funnel-Neck Jackets
Style Notes: Though leather bombers have remained in pole position for several autumns now, they’re slowly being overtaken by funnel-neck jackets. We know that the aviator shape will always be relevant, but for something a little different, why not take cues from the trend du jour?
Shop the Trend:
ARKET
Wool-Alpaca Blend Jacket
This has a decadent cape cut, which will look more premium the more the weather drops.
Massimo Dutti
Oversize Flowing Trench Coat in Water-Repellent Fabric
Swap out the flip-flops for a pair of chic leather flats and you’ll have a warming autumn outfit that earn you so many compliments.
COS
Funnel-Neck Shearling Jacket
I am head over heels in lust with this coat!
MANGO
Wool Funnel Neck Coat
This has an Upper-East-Side elegance that is just so covetable.
ASOS DESIGN
Cropped Cape Formal Coat in Olive
Such an affordable price point.
4. Passing on: Pleated Skirts
Wearing Instead: Pencil Skirts
Style Notes: Last year was the year of pleated skirts. But if the A/W 25 collections of Simone Rocha and SS Daley taught us anything, it’s that these styles have been shed for something more streamlined, like pencil skirts. Razor-sharp and tapered to perfection, think of this as a graduation from preppy school girl to elegant matron.
Shop the Trend:
M&S Collection
Jersey Knee Length Pencil Skirt
The cotton fabric still allows for plenty of movement and fluidity, if you thought this style meant you had to look stiff.
KHAITE
Loxley Suede Maxi Skirt
Who wouldn’t adore this suede iteration from Khaite?
Reiss
Wool-Blend Tailored Pencil Skirt in Black
This delicate ankle-grazing style is selling out fast.
This will dress up anything from a classic white tank top to a simple black T-shirt.
See how modern yet timeless pencil skirts can be?
5. Passing on: Khaki Trenches
Wearing Instead: Leopard-Print Coats
Style Notes: Trench coats are an integral part of the British fashion landscape, but there’s something about deep khaki colours that feels inherently 2014, probably because of how popular this shade was at that time. Instead, reach for something more vintage, like the ’90s-inspired leopard-print coat trend.
Shop the Trend:
RIXO
Milly Coat in Bohemia Leopard
RIXO’s Milly Coat is the leopard print style sitting atop of so many Who What Wear editor’s wish lists.
Bottega Veneta
Leopard-Print Alpaca, Wool, and Silk Coat
I’m dreaming about this sumptuous Bottega Veneta number.
MANGO
Leopard-Print Long Coat
Here’s a more affordable version, but one that is equally covetable.
It’s sometimes the case that the bigger the print, the chicer. This fuzzy Albaray coat proves exactly that.
Just in case you needed another excuse to shop for Prada.
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