Unveil the Must-Have UK Fashion Trends for the Upcoming Season!

As we step into the new year, the UK fashion scene is buzzing with exciting trends that are set to dominate the runways and streets of London. From bold animal prints to sleek, minimalist bags, here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-have fashion trends for the upcoming season.

Animal Print Jackets: A Roaring Comeback

Animal print jackets are making a significant comeback in 2025, and they are not just limited to leopard prints. This trend, spotted extensively in London, includes a variety of animal-inspired prints such as snake and zebra patterns. These jackets are versatile and can elevate even the simplest of outfits, making them a perfect addition to your wardrobe.

Also to read : Mastering the Art of Blending Vintage Accessories with Modern Fashion: The Ultimate Style Handbook

Why You Should Invest:

Animal print jackets can add a fresh twist to your classic jeans and t-shirt combo.
They are seasonless, meaning you can wear them throughout the year.
Brands like Ganni and Barbour are offering stylish collaborations that are worth checking out[1].

Hooded Scarfs: The Ultimate Winter Accessory

Given the chilly UK weather, hooded scarfs are becoming an essential accessory for the new season. These hybrid scarfs combine the warmth of a balaclava with the elegance of a traditional scarf, making them a practical and stylish choice.

Also to discover : Unlocking Elegance: Expert Strategies for Perfectly Layering Delicate Gold Jewelry

How to Style:

Use them to winter-proof your favorite jumpers or coats.
Pair them with a simple outfit to add a pop of color and texture.
Look for brands that offer high-quality materials and versatile designs[1].

Lunchbox Bags: The Ladylike Revival

The lunchbox bag, popularized by brands like Miu Miu and Loewe, is a new addition to the UK fashion scene. These rectangular, top-handle bags are sleek and ladylike, perfect for those who prefer a more refined look.

Key Features:

Rectangular shape with a top handle
Sleek and elegant design
Available in various colors and materials
Ideal for work or a day out in the city[1].

Brown Suede Boots: The Chocolate Brown Dominance

Brown suede boots are another trend that is set to dominate the streets of London. With Pantone declaring mocha mousse as the color of the year for 2025, brown is here to stay. These boots are not only stylish but also comfortable, making them a must-have for any fashion enthusiast.

Why They’re a Must-Have:

Brown suede boots can be paired with almost any outfit, from jeans to dresses.
They are comfortable and durable.
Brands are offering a wide range of styles, from ankle boots to knee-high boots[1].

Contrast Button Cardigans: A Niche but Impactful Trend

For those who love to add a touch of uniqueness to their outfits, contrast button cardigans are a great option. This trend, popularized by labels like &Daughter and Kiltane, involves cardigans with contrasting buttons, usually white buttons on a darker background.

How to Incorporate:

Pair a contrast button cardigan with a simple dress or jeans and a t-shirt.
Use it to add a pop of color and texture to your outfit.
Look for high street brands that are now following suit with this trend[1].

The New Preppy Style: A Classic Revival

Preppy style is making a strong comeback in 2025, thanks in part to designers like JW Anderson and Kent & Curwen. This trend includes classic items such as Oxford shirts, jeans, polo shirts, and hoodies, all with a modern twist.

Key Pieces:

Oxford shirts
Polo shirts
Jeans
Hoodies
Boat shoes

How to Style:

Wear untucked shirts for a relaxed look.
Pair polo shirts with jeans for a casual yet stylish outfit.
Invest in high-quality, classic pieces that can be mixed and matched[5].

‘Day-Jamas’: The Versatile Sleepwear Trend

‘Day-jamas’ or daytime sleepwear is a trend that has been gaining traction, especially among travelers. These versatile pieces can be worn both in and out of the house, making them a practical addition to your wardrobe.

Designers Leading the Trend:

Charles Jeffrey Loverboy
Auralee
Coach
Louis Vuitton

How to Style:

Pair smart jammy-slacks with a trench coat for a chic look.
Wear checked or striped PJs with leather jackets for a stylish outfit.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match different pieces to create your own unique look[5].

Big, Minimalist Bags: The Safe and Stylish Choice

With the rise in thefts of high-ticket items, big, minimalist bags are becoming a safer and more stylish option. This trend, dubbed the “minimalist renaissance,” is all about understated elegance.

Key Features:

Large but minimalist design
Subtle colors and materials
Brands like Cos and The Row are offering stylish options

Why They’re a Must-Have:

They are safer than high-ticket items.
They offer a return to understated elegance.
Perfect for work or a day out in the city[5].

London Fashion Week AW25: What to Expect

London Fashion Week AW25 is set to be an exciting event with nearly 80 presentations and catwalks. Here are some highlights to look out for:

Schedule Highlights

Thursday, 20 February: Harris Reed opens the season with his runway show.
Friday, 21 February: A busy day with 20 events, including shows by Paul Costelloe, Noon By Noor, and Bora Aksu.
Saturday, 22 February: EDELINE LEE, Patrick McDowell, and Huishan Zhang will showcase their collections.
Sunday, 23 February: Emilia Wickstead, Simone Rocha, and Conner Ives will present their runway events.
Monday, 24 February: The week ends with Burberry’s AW25 runway show[2].

BFC NEWGEN

The British Fashion Council’s NEWGEN program will once again provide a platform for emerging fashion talent. Designers supported by this program will receive financial support, mentoring, and showcasing opportunities. Some of the designers to watch include ANCUȚA SARCA, Charlie Constantinou, and Chet Lo[2].

Menswear Trends for AW25

Menswear is also set to see some exciting trends in the upcoming season, particularly during Paris Fashion Week Men’s.

Key Shows

Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton: Expect a star-studded front row and a megawatt show.
Kim Jones for Dior Men: A notable occasion as Kim Jones focuses on his menswear collections for Dior.
Rick Owens: Known for his dramatic shows, Rick Owens will likely present at the Palais de Tokyo.
Issey Miyake: The Japanese label will show its IM Men collection for the first time on 23 January[4].

Practical Insights and Actionable Advice

Here are some practical tips to help you incorporate these trends into your wardrobe:

Invest in Versatile Pieces

Animal print jackets and brown suede boots are versatile and can be worn across different seasons.
Lunchbox bags and big, minimalist bags are practical and stylish choices.

Mix and Match

Don’t be afraid to mix different trends. For example, pair a contrast button cardigan with a preppy outfit or wear ‘day-jamas’ with a trench coat.

Shop Smart

Look for high-quality, classic pieces that can be mixed and matched.
Check out collaborations and new collections from both high-end and high street brands.

Table: Comparing Key Trends for 2025

Trend	Key Features	How to Style	Brands to Watch
Animal Print Jackets	Various animal prints, versatile, seasonless	Pair with jeans and t-shirt, dress up or down	Ganni, Barbour
Hooded Scarfs	Hybrid accessory, warm, stylish	Winter-proof your jumper, pair with simple outfit	Various high street brands
Lunchbox Bags	Rectangular, top-handle, sleek, ladylike	Ideal for work or day out, pair with dresses or jeans	Miu Miu, Loewe
Brown Suede Boots	Chocolate brown, suede, comfortable	Pair with jeans, dresses, or skirts	Various high street brands
Contrast Button Cardigans	Contrasting buttons, unique, stylish	Pair with simple dress or jeans and t-shirt	&Daughter, Kiltane
New Preppy Style	Classic items, modern twist	Wear untucked shirts, pair polo shirts with jeans	JW Anderson, Kent & Curwen
‘Day-Jamas’	Versatile sleepwear, stylish	Pair with trench coats, leather jackets	Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, Auralee
Big, Minimalist Bags	Large, minimalist design, subtle colors	Ideal for work or day out, safer than high-ticket items	Cos, The Row

Quotes from Industry Experts

“It’s niche, I know, but London people are always the best at finding mini trends––in this case, it’s the contrast button. Editor-loved labels such as &Daughter and Kiltane has created cardis with white buttons, now the high street is following suit,” – Fashion Trend Spotter[1].
“The new preppy style focuses on classic items such as Oxford shirts, jeans, polo shirts and hoodies,” – JW Anderson[5].
“As luggage costs and size limits become more restrictive, travellers seek versatile items that cater to a wide range of uses. Think of these as an upbeat revamp of the sad old sweat set,” – WGSN Trend Forecaster[5].

The upcoming season in UK fashion is all about blending classic styles with modern twists. Whether you’re into bold animal prints, sleek lunchbox bags, or the new preppy style, there’s something for everyone. By investing in versatile pieces, mixing and matching different trends, and shopping smart, you can stay ahead of the fashion curve. So, get ready to elevate your wardrobe and make a statement in the new season