Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025: The Trends That Will Define Autumn/Winter

Mar 13

Paris Fashion Week had us on the edge of our seats (or screens) this season, delivering the kind of high fashion spectacle that fuels the sartorial dreams of trendsetters worldwide. This was no ordinary lineup—every runway moment felt like a statement, a movement, a glimpse into the future of style. Music’s leading ladies Doechii and Chappell Roan emerged as front-row MVPs, while Parisian designers closed out the Fall 2025 fashion month with collections that blended heritage craftsmanship and contemporary edge. Think impeccable tailoring, Elizabethan-inspired ruffs, and a whole lot of fur.

The usual suspects of autumn—oversized sweaters, structured outerwear, and moody earth tones—made their presence known. But designers took things up a notch, putting emphasis on sophistication. Many also played with time travel: McQueen, Dior, Patou, and Chanel revisited the elaborate collars of 17th-century aristocrats, while Acne Studios, Ottolinger, and Hodakova resurrected early 2000s skinny-fit pants with a fresh perspective. Scroll on for the pieces you’ll want to start investing in now.

1. Faux Fur: The Drama Lives On

Faux fur is undeniably a fall/winter essential, but for 2025, designers have truly redefined the trend. Alaïa’s voluminous yeti-inspired coats, McQueen’s high-fashion, vibrant interpretations, and Balmain’s oversized, furry masterpieces were the season’s standout statements. Acne Studios even went all-in with full faux-fur dresses, proving that the head-to-toe look is a bold and fabulous choice.

McQueen’s gothic approach dazzled with its dark elegance, while Dior embraced romance with delicate frills, and Patou added a modern twist with layered ruffled collars and chunky chain necklaces—Shakespeare, but make it fashion. Chloé brought boho-chic flair with fur-trimmed tail scarves, Nina Ricci offered a burst of colour with rich fuzzy shawls in deep blues and oranges, and Rabanne, Schiaparelli, and Valentino leaned into plush fur-trimmed collars. It’s cozy, extravagant, and without question, utterly chic.

2. Opera Coats: Old Hollywood Glamour

Old-money elegancetook center stage with long, sweeping opera coats that exuded timeless elegance. Victoria Schiaparelli and Givenchy delivered ultra-glamorous versions in rich velvets and satins, making a case for dramatic outerwear that turns heads with every step. Whether layered over eveningwear or paired with structured tailoring, the opera coat is the season’s most luxurious must-have.

3. Belt Stacking: The More, The Merrier

Minimalism took a back seat this season, as designers fully embraced the “more is more” philosophy with multiple belts layered over coats, dresses, and even trousers. Belts aren’t just for cinching waists anymore—they’re now a layering statement. Schiaparelli led the charge with overlapping statement buckles, Issey Miyake played with dual thin belts, and Isabel Marant went full cool-girl with studded black bands stacked high. Consider this the ultimate waist-cinching moment. Who knew your waist could be this much of a conversation starter?

4. Contemporary Capes: The Hero Piece of the Season

Parisian capes are here to save your winter wardrobe. Christian Wijnants and Ruohan redefined the silhouette with sleek high-neck designs, while while Giambattista Valli and Zimmermann took a softer, more ethereal approach with delicate bows securing voluminous capes. Even Edna Mode might be reconsidering her stance on “no capes.”

5. Belted Leather Trenches: The Ultimate Power Coat

Trench coats in fall? Not exactly groundbreaking—but Parisian designers found a way to make them feel fresh. Belted leather trenches were the outerwear MVP, with brands like Tom Ford, Gabriela Hearst, Balmain, Alaïa, and Hermès emphasizing ultra-sleek silhouettes in buttery textures and deep autumn hues. Whether you channel The Matrix with a long black number or opt for rich brown tones, this coat is an investment piece that screams effortless sophistication.

6. Skinny Pants Are Back—Like It or Not

After years of oversized everything, the return of skinny pants is officially upon us. Love them or loathe them, the fitted silhouette was impossible to ignore in Paris. Hodakova, Acne Studios, and Ottolinger all cosigned the trend, sending low-waisted, ultra-fitted pants, slashed leggings, and second-skin denim down the runway. Time to dust off those old skinnies—or find a fresh new pair.

7. Forest Green: The It-Colour of the Season

Move over, burgundy—forest green emerged as autumn’s grounding hue. While shades of red dominated other fashion capitals, Paris made way for a fresh seasonal colour. Victoria Beckham and Zimmermann showcased it in luxe knits and satin gowns, while Lacoste reimagined the shade in sporty separates. This grounding, earthy shade made its mark during Paris Fashion Week, proving its versatility across everything from tailored suits to flowing dresses. If you’re looking for a rich, grounding colour to refresh your fall wardrobe, this is it.

8. The ‘80s Revival: Bold, Power Dressing Is Back

The ‘80s revival is in full swing. Shoulder pads, prom skirts, and power suiting stormed the runways, channeling the decade’s fearless energy. Stella McCartney’s sculptural blazers and Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood’s neon gowns proved that the ’80s remain a goldmine of inspiration leaning into maximalist nostalgia. Expect cinched waists, strong tailoring, and the return of unapologetic glamour.

9. Animal Prints: The Wild Side of Fall Fashion

Leopard print remains a staple, but Fall 2025 brought fresh takes to the wild side. Snake prints slithered down the runways, cow patterns made an unexpected impact, and designers like Saint Laurent, Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst played with scale and texture. The verdict? Animal prints are more daring than ever.

10. Big Bangles: Bold Wrist Statements

Accessories took a turn for the dramatic with oversized bangles stacking up as the must-have wristwear. Chanel and Givenchy embraced the statement bracelet, layering chunky cuffs over sleek eveningwear and tailored looks. Minimalists, look away—this trend is all about making an impact for anyone looking to embrace fashion’s more-is-more moment.

11. Pretty Bows: A Feminine Touch

Bows aren’t just for the prim and proper. Bows adorned everything from collars to coat ties, adding a playful, doll-like charm to otherwise structured silhouettes. Chanel led the way, but Valentino and Nina Ricci also showcased dainty ribbon details, proving that femininity and power dressing can go hand in hand.

12. Minimal Fringe: Subtle Movement

For those who love a touch of movement, fringe is back in a big way, adding just the right amount of movement to coats, dresses, and skirts. Akris, Tom Ford, and Dries Van Noten kept it sleek and modern, adding texture without overwhelming the silhouette, proving that a little swish can go a long way.

13. Scarf Details: The Chicest Cold-Weather Accessory

Scarves were more than just an afterthought this season—they became a defining detail. Coperni and Givenchy styled scarves elegantly wrapped around the neck, while others integrated them into the design of coats and knits for a seamless, cozy-chic effect. From Coperni’s neck-tied silks to built-in leather drapes, scarves became the season’s effortless finishing touch. Tie one around a ponytail or let it cascade over a blazer for Parisian polish.

The Takeaway

As Paris Fashion Week came to a close, it left us with a lasting impression: This season is all about confidence, drama, and bold statements. Whether through sharp tailoring, extravagant textures, or heritage-inspired details, the Fall/Winter 2025 runways delivered a masterclass in sophisticated rebellion. Time to start planning your cold-weather wardrobe accordingly.