Get ready for Autumn / Winter 2025-26 fashion
What’s on trend and what should you be looking for?
It’s wishful thinking at the start of September to think Autumn has already arrived, however new season clothes are starting to appear online and in stores, so here is a little preview of what’s to come…
If you have organised your wardrobe into Autumn / Winter and Spring / Summer seasons and into your lifestyle capsules (one for each of Work, Rest & Play) you will more quickly see if there are any gaps or maybe you just fancy a couple of new items to create some fabulous new outfits.
Just have a think about the season ahead… do you have any special events? Has there been any changes to your lifestyle? As these answers should help focus your buying needs.
Trends for AW25-26
Read on to learn the key trends for the forthcoming Autumn / Winter season for 2025-26 (aka ‘AW25-26’).
This will help you know what to expect and so you can plan ahead.
Just remember my golden rule, which is to only invest in styles which complement your unique body shape.
Remember, if you’ve signed up to My Secret Stylist, you’ll clearly know what’s going to be a hit or miss for you.
Tops for AW25-26
You are going to see bold graphic designs, witty slogans, and iconic retro styles.
Oversized, relaxed-fit t-shirts remain a go-to. Easy to layer, super comfy, and endlessly versatile.
For work, you’ll spot asymmetric shoulder lines, cowl necks and lace/chiffon sleeves.
The oversized t-shirt and asymmetric shoulder line designs are ideal for Inverted Triangles. Cowl necks and lace sleeves are perfect for the curvy body shapes like Hourglass, Pear and Apple.
Shirts & Blouses for AW25-26
Expect to see blouses with ruffles, mutton sleeves, high collars, and covered buttons.
Smooth, glossy fabrics such as silk with a cowl-neck design. Chiffon, organza and lace. Look out for feminine bows and voluminous puff and bell shapes.
These designs are a favourite for girls with a Romantic style personality.
Puff sleeves are perfect for Pear shapes and ladies with a full bust please bear in mind the bows and ruffles around your bust will accentuate.
Cardigans for AW25-26
Following on from AW24-25, chunky & oversized cardigans continue.
New for this year are cropped and waist defining styles, e.g. belted.
Large knitwear and chunky designs are great if you are Tall.
Waist defining and belted styles are great for Hourglass, Pear, Column, Lean column and Inverted triangle shapes.
Jumpers for AW25-26
Jumpers are getting a couture twist this season. Look out for balloon sleeves, decorative ribbing, and scarf-integrated designs (often with detachable knit scarves – which is a nice touch). Also, oversized chunky knits with waistcoat designs for layering.
The dramatic sleeves and detail designs will delight both the Creative and Dramatic style personalities.
Jackets & Blazers for AW25-26
For early autumn chic, you’ll see suede and leather jackets a popular pick. Alongside bulky bomber and quilted jackets for the colder months.
Look out for pinstripe & longline Blazers in relaxed, unstructured (sometimes collarless) styles that fuse the masculine with feminine. Plus 1980’s style sculpted shoulder-padded blazers in tweed or houndstooth with nipped-in waists.
Shoulder padded jackets / blazers are great for Pear shapes. Nipped in waists are great for all shapes but the Apple lady may prefer a slightly looser fit.
Coats for AW25-26
Oversized coats will dominate, whether it’s trench style, capes or boxy woollen overcoats.
Cropped trenches, country western infused styling and hybrid silhouettes (like a bomber jacket / trench mashup).
Sharp, elegantly tailored coats with belted waist in wool blends, suede and cashmere fabrics.
A key statement trend will be plush Faux Fur and shaggy textured coats.
For the Petite frame, choose fine wool and lighter textures to avoid being swamped.
“Patterns this season are, stripes, tartan, herringbone and tweed. For best effect consider your scale and match with the appropriate pattern size.
Dresses for AW25
Boho-lace maxi dresses, ruffles, and Victorian inspired touches are big this season. Adding romantic drama with a modern twist.
Satin slip dresses, subtly trimmed with lace.
Structured shoulder detail, cinched waists, and classic blazer dresses and shirt-dress styles.
Maxi dresses are great for all heights, whether you are petite, average or tall.
Jeans for AW25-26
You will spot a mix of deep and dark denim rinse, textures and styles with embellishment.
Plus sleek bootcuts, vintage-inspired long straight legs and barrel leg jeans.
Bootcuts are great for Pear, Hourglass and Lean column shapes.
Straight leg is ideal for every body shape so I’m very pleased to see this coming back for the autumn.
Trousers for AW25-26
Tailored power dressing returns with wide-leg trousers.
Low-rise cargos, tailored sweat & track pants are also in.
If you are Petite please stay clear of the wide-leg as this will swamp your small frame.
If your proportions are Long leg with a Short torso you will love the low-rise cargos.
Skirts for AW25-26
Mini and knee length skirts in tulle, leather and with lace trimmed details in asymmetric cuts and wrap styles.
The timeless pencil skirt returns with a contemporary twist. Like subtle slits, high waists and lace trimming.
Expect to see tartans and pleats for some celtic flair.
This is autumn / winter after all, so make sure to style these shorter skirts with warm tights and boots to keep comfy as well as stylish.
Patterns
You will see checks and tartans, leopard prints, traditional and gothic florals and pinstripes.
Also some funky and expressively artistic prints.
For best effect, consider your scale and match with the appropriate pattern size.
For example, if you are Tall, large prints look best on you.
However, for those of us who are Petite, choose patterns that are smaller as these will better complement.
Fabrics
This season you will spot faux fur and faux leather, velvet, suede, corduroy, denim and woolen blends.
Also quilted textures.
Metallic threads with subtle shimmer for evenings out.
Accessories
Oversized accessories, like slouchy bags, chunky jewellery is coming back for you to make a bold statement.
Chain belts and platform boots for that gothic flavour.
Make sure to avoid wearing bulky accessories on the widest parts of your body.
For a Pear shape, only wear bulky scarves, hats and shoes.
For Column and Lean column shapes, only wear bulky gloves, belts and shoes.
For the Apple and Inverted triangle shapes, only wear bulky bags, gloves and shoes.
For an Hourglass, simply be mindful of your height and choose smaller accessories if you are Petite and larger if you’re Tall.
Your Style Personality
If you’re new to my blogs, you might be intrigued by my mention of style personalities?
There are six and most of us are normally a mix of two (with one that dominates).
Below is my blog that explains all about it.
What’s your Style Personality? blog
Now if you like the idea of being able to shop by your style personality…
Look no further than signing up to My Secret Stylist, the UK’s best kept clothes shopping secret.
It’s the only website where you can filter by your style personality across all the popular U.K. brands.
It makes your online clothes shopping far more successful and saves you lots of time.
It’s where every body finds their fit. For membership details, here’s the link:
Cristina Holm
Cristina Holm is one of the UK’s leading personal stylists. Cristina is based and operates from her studio in Warfield, Berkshire (United Kingdom). She serves clients locally and internationally.
Cristina is also the founder of My Secret Stylist, the UK’s best kept clothes shopping secret. For only £35.99 per year, you can find and ‘see in seconds’ clothes which complement your body shape across all the popular brands. For more information, go to www.mysecretstylist.co.uk