Six Takeaways from Fall 2025
A critical question hung over the Fall 2025 season: How should a woman dress in challenging times? In today’s hyper-connected world, where every detail of our appearance is under intense scrutiny and our rights—from healthcare to equality—are being rolled back, this question feels more urgent than ever. No singular answer emerged, as creative directors tackled the challenge from two distinct angles: one through a modernist lens, exploring innovative shapes and textures, and the other by revisiting the past—particularly the 1930s—to update timeless, conventionally feminine silhouettes.
This dual approach likely explains the diversity in how creative directors envisioned a woman’s wardrobe for the coming season. The most compelling collections sought new answers to this age-old question rather than merely rehashing classic looks. Brands like Akris, Sacai, Issey Miyake, Givenchy, Bally, Ashlyn, Toteme, and Lanvin all offered striking interpretations of the modern woman’s wardrobe, making them essential viewing for a fresh perspective.
All that said, here is an abbreviated roundup of trends I saw emerge on the Fall 2025 runways:
Terrific Toppers – Capes, capelets and shrugs provided an updated, ladylike vibe for both day and night from NYC to Paris. Standouts include a beaded capelet at Peter Copping’s debut for Lanvin paired casually over a tailored jumpsuit, while sleek capes were shown at Michael Kors, Gabrielle Colangelo and Tod’s, whose fabulous maxi versions were trimmed in leather. And for a knockout shrug, check out Comme des Garçons bold red option worn over a midi-dress with tulle collar.
Michael Kors Fall 2025. Image courtesy of Michael Kors.
Faux Pas – Faux fur was literally everywhere for Fall 2025, with brands like Altuzarra, Gucci, and Simone Rocha fully embracing the trend. However, from an environmental perspective, I personally find the number of designers willing to use the plastic-based fabric options currently on the market concerning, to say the least. I think Gabriella Hearst, who reworked vintage fur into shaggy coats and a knock-out, two-tone chevron jacket, had the smartest interpretation of the trend.
The Skirt Suit – Creative directors revived the feminine allure of a matching jacket and pencil skirt this season. While traditional interpretations were seen at Saint Laurent and Matières Fécales, where looks featured a bold shoulder blouse or jacket with matching skirt (very 1980’s Blade Runner), other houses explored the portrait jacket. At Miu Miu the look took an appropriately nerdy librarian turn, whereas at Givenchy, Sarah Burton constructed a beautifully tailored and sophisticated version with an exaggerated collar. Meanwhile, at Valentino, the look made for an elegant evening option in velvet trimmed with satin.
Headwear – From the sleek hoods at Balmain and Petar Petrov to the snug-fitting caps and wide headbands at Dries Van Noten, Valentino, and Kallmeyer and the oversized, sculptural hats at Issey Miyake, creative directors explored all the ways headwear could top off a look this season.
Punk Glam – Punk’s tough edge was seen on numerous runways, but always tempered by a glam element, making these looks wearable and modern. Sacai worked wrap-around flight jackets into her lineup that repurposed menswear fabrics and wardrobe staples. Leather looks were seen at Gabriela Hearst, whose moto jacket was paired with a matching skirt, while Junya Watanabe crafted dangerous angles into his cropped jackets. Then there were the military influences at Rabanne, where combat boots finished off several looks, including a black dress with silver tinsel interior.
The Belt Comeback – Corsets (Bally, Hermès), slim classic belts (Tom Ford), ribbon or fabric cinches (Giambattista Valli, Givenchy, Erdem, Saint Laurent), and even multi-strap looks (Schiaparelli) gave a new emphasis to the waist this season.
