In my latest video I walked you through what I think are the ten most useful—and unexpectedly wearable—fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2025. I'm Leonie from The Style Insider, and my whole style philosophy is simple: shop your own wardrobe first. Trends are a helpful nudge, not a shopping list. Below I expand on each trend, share practical outfit formulas, styling tips (especially for the over-40s), and how to get the most from pieces you may already own. I’ll also show how a few carefully chosen new pieces can elevate what’s already hanging in your closet.
Why shop your wardrobe (before you shop the shops)
Before we jump into the trends, a quick note on approach: trends are invitation, not instruction. I use them to modernize existing clothes rather than replace them. The benefit is obvious—save money, reduce impulse buys, and get more wear from what you already love. Many of the trends this season are updates of classics: twin sets, pinstripes, lace—pieces you or a loved one might already have.
"I really like to try and uncover trends that we already own so we can shop our own closets before we decide to spend any of our hard-earned money."
Trend 1 — Modern Twin Sets (Cardigan + Camisole)
Twin sets are back, but not the dated, buttoned-up versions your grandmother might have worn. Think lighter knits, slimmer silhouettes, and cami-and-cardigan combinations in elevated colors and fabrics. Designers have reimagined the twin set so it reads chic rather than retro.
Why I love them: they offer instant polish. Wear both pieces together for a seamless, coordinated outfit, or mix and match the cardigan with jeans and the cami with a leather skirt. Invest in a good set and you’ve essentially bought several outfits.
- Outfit formula: Knit cardigan + matching silk camisole + high-rise jeans + ankle boots.
- For the over-40s: Choose a cardigan with a slightly longer length (hip-grazing) and a camisole with a little structure or thicker straps for coverage.
- How to shop your closet: Look for any matching knit combos or pieces in the same color family. Even mismatched but tonal items can be worn as a "twin" when layered.
Trend 2 — Pinstripe Blazers (Power + Polish)
Pinstripes are huge this season, especially on blazers. A pinstripe blazer creates a smart, intentional look whether you style it with tailored trousers for a modern suiting vibe or throw it over jeans and a tee for effortless polish.
This season’s pinstripe blazers are lighter, less severe, and often in blends (silk + wool, for example) that don’t crease and feel luxe. If you have a pinstripe blazer, suit, or even trousers tucked away—pull them out. If your significant other has one, borrow it.
- Outfit formula: Pinstripe blazer + white tee + dark denim + loafers.
- Mix-and-match tip: Pair the blazer with a feminine camisole or knit rather than a fully structured button-up to avoid looking too corporate.
- Style longevity: Pinstripes are one of those trends that will work season after season if you choose classic tailoring and neutral colors.
Trend 3 — Lace & Lace Trim (A Nudge of Lingerie)
Lace is evolving beyond full-on lingerie items. You’ll see lace skirts and pants, but the subtle, more wearable development this season is lace trim and accents—cami trims, slip skirts layered over trousers, and delicate edging that reads feminine without feeling risqué.
Why it works: lace adds contrast to more masculine pieces (cargo pants, denim jackets, oversized blazers) and creates an interesting texture mix. If you like the lingerie trend but prefer to feel covered, a silk camisole with lace trim is a great way in.
- Outfit formula: Lace-trim camisole + oversized blazer + boyfriend jeans + ankle boot.
- Layering idea: Slip a short lace cami under a knit; let the lace peek out at the neckline for a subtle nod to the trend.
- Care tip: Silk and lace pieces often require gentle washing—check fabric care and treat them like the investment pieces they are.
Trend 4 — Crossover Waist Jeans (A Fresh Twist on Denim)
Denim continues to dominate—skinny, wide-leg, barrel leg—you name it. This season, look especially for jeans with an asymmetrical or crossover waistband. The slanted waistline is a small design detail that makes classic denim feel modern and fashion-forward.
Benefits: the crossover waistband draws the eye to the waist, creating shape and interest without needing a lot of fuss. They work with everything from simple tees to tucked-in knits.
- Outfit formula: Crossover-waist jeans + tucked silk tee + ballet flats or low heels.
- Double denim: Try a tonal denim-on-denim look, balancing volume with fitted tops or a sleek waist-defining belt.
- Shop your closet: If you don’t have crossover jeans, a high-waisted pair with interesting top-stitching or paneling can achieve a similar effect.
Trend 5 — Peplums (Soft, Feminine Structure)
Peplums have returned with softer fabrics and subtler shapes. Rather than the exaggerated 80s silhouettes, today’s peplums are elegant, often gently flaring to add a touch of femininity and definition to the waist.
Why they’re great: peplums can be flattering for many body types. They give a little breathing room at the waist while accentuating the bust and waistline when proportioned correctly.
- Outfit formula: Peplum top + slim trousers or pencil skirt + pointed flats.
- Casual styling: Pair a peplum with a relaxed, boyish jean to balance feminine and masculine elements.
- Fit tip: If you’re unsure, try a peplum with a shorter flare rather than a long, dramatic one—subtlety is the key this season.
Trend 6 — Cropped Capes (Dramatic, Yet Wearable)
Cropped capes are one of my favourite surprising trends. They’re floaty, easy to throw on, and add instant drama without being fussy. Think of them as a chic alternative to a short jacket or cropped trench.
The cropped length means they layer well over dresses, trousers, and jeans. They can feel high-fashion while remaining timeless when you choose neutral hues and clean lines.
- Outfit formula: Cropped cape + midi dress or straight-leg trousers + ankle boots.
- How to wear if you’re over 40: Keep proportions classic—pair a short cape with a fitted sleeve underneath and streamlined bottoms to avoid bulk.
- Versatility: A cropped cape can act as your transitional outerwear piece on chilly days without needing a full coat.
Trend 7 — Rugby/Structured-Collar Tops (Polish with Ease)
Structured-collar tops—rugby tees or long-sleeve polos—have edged into the spotlight again, but with a grown-up twist. These tops have a naturally intentional structural detail at the collar that makes them feel polished without the stiffness.
Styling them well is about elevating: pair with tailored trousers or dark denim and sleek sneakers for a polished casual look, or layer under a blazer for a sporty-meets-sophisticated vibe.
- Outfit formula: Rugby top + tailored trousers + sleek sneakers.
- Over-40 tip: Choose a fitted rugby in a luxe fabric (like cotton-piqué or a silk blend) and avoid overly baggy silhouettes.
- Layering: A slim rugby top under a blazer creates great collar contrast and a neat neckline.
Trend 8 — Balloon Pants (Comfortable, Sculptural Trousers)
Balloon pants (also called harem or parachute pants) are trending again, often in soft silk fabrics that feel unexpectedly refined. They feature a cinched waist and voluminous leg—statement-making but surprisingly flattering when balanced properly.
Styling them is all about proportion and neutral palettes. Keep the top streamlined to balance the volume below, and pick shoes that read light—ballet flats, sneakers, or a modest heel.
- Outfit formula: Balloon pants + fitted top + ballet flats or low-heeled boots.
- Neutral approach: Stick with soft neutrals for an elevated look—think stone, camel, navy, or black.
- Why I like them: They’re cozy, stylish, and a welcome alternative to standard trousers when you want a fresh silhouette.
Trend 9 — Camo (Reworked & Elevated)
Camo has moved away from pure utility and into refined styling territory. Rather than rugged military pieces, camo this season is layered with tailored blazers, soft knits, or leather—an elevated take that reads modern and surprisingly sophisticated.
How to make it work: pair camo pants with a crisp white shirt, simple jewelry, and a tailored blazer. The trick is offsetting the print with clean, structured items so camo reads chic instead of utilitarian.
- Outfit formula: Camo bottoms + white shirt + tailored blazer + low-heeled boots.
- Accessory tip: Add delicate chains or a bold earring to lift the look.
- Wear-it-now idea: If you’re not ready for full camo, try a single camo accessory or layer a camo jacket over tonal basics.
Trend 10 — Hunter Boots (Practicality Meets Fashion)
Hunter wellies are back—not just for the garden, but as a proper everyday boot. These rain boots, which sit between a riding boot and a traditional Wellington, are being styled with everything from skirts to tailored outerwear.
Why they’re sensible: when it’s wet and cold, keeping feet dry and warm matters. Hunter boots give you practicality and a fashion-forward edge if you style them with polish instead of all-out country gear.
- Outfit formula: Midi skirt + chunky knit + Hunter boots or leggings + tailored coat.
- Over-40 styling: Keep the rest of your outfit refined—think midi lengths, structured coats, and simple accessories to balance out the utilitarian boot.
- Tip: Hunter boots look great with socks peeking over the top—choose a soft neutral sock for an intentional, cozy look.
Key Styling Principles to Make These Trends Work
Across these trends a few common styling principles will help you look modern without feeling like you’re trying too hard:
- Balance volume and restraint. If the bottom half is voluminous (balloon pants), keep the top streamlined. If the top has drama (peplum or a cape), choose tailored or slim bottoms.
- Mix masculine and feminine. Lace with cargo pants; pinstripe blazers with camisoles; peplums with boyish denim. These contrasts create interest and keep outfits current.
- Play with texture. Silk, cashmere, leather, lace and technical outerwear fabrics layered together elevate a look. Texture is an easy way to make a "basic" outfit feel special.
- Stick to a neutral base. When trying a new silhouette, keep color palettes muted to ensure the shape reads chic rather than costume-y.
- Invest in a few quality basics. A silk camisole, a good pinstripe blazer, and a well-cut knit pay off season after season.
On Investing (and a Little About Fabric Choices)
Invest in items you know you’ll wear repeatedly: silk camisoles, cashmere twin sets, and good tailoring. Fabrics matter. Silk and wool blends feel elevated and often crease less. Silk terry—where natural silk fibers are woven into cotton terry—gives you the luxury feel with breathable comfort for loungewear. These are the pieces that will lift everyday outfits and last.
When you’re deciding whether to buy something new, ask: will this piece work with three or more items I already own? If yes, it’s probably worth it. If the answer is no, consider whether a secondhand or rental option could be a smarter test before committing.
Quick "Shop Your Closet" Checklist
- Do you have any twin set or matching cardigan + tank combinations? Bring them forward.
- Is there a pinstripe blazer or suit tucked away? Try it with jeans.
- Can a lace-trim cami be layered under a jacket for a new look?
- Any jeans with interesting waist details (asymmetrical, buttons, paneling)? Try them this season.
- Do you own a peplum top or cape-like outer layer? Reintroduce them with updated proportions.
- Is there a rugby polo or structured collar sweater in your closet? Pair it with tailored trousers for polish.
- Do you already own practical boots (like rain boots) that could be styled more fashionably? Bring them into play.
How to Introduce a Single New Piece to Refresh a Wardrobe
If you want to dip into a trend without overhauling your closet, choose one versatile, high-quality piece that complements many existing items. Examples:
- A pinstripe blazer can be worn with jeans, tailored trousers, or layered over dresses.
- A silk camisole with lace trim elevates knitwear and looks great under blazers and cardigans.
- A pair of neutral balloon pants offers a new silhouette when paired with familiar tops.
- Quality Hunter boots will serve you functionally and stylistically in rainy months.
When adding a new item, try to ensure it fits at least three different outfit formulas in your wardrobe. That way you’re buying utility, not just novelty.
Wrapping Up: Wear What You Love, Update What You Own
The best part about these Fall/Winter 2025 trends is how many of them are simply fresh takes on things you might already own. Twin sets, pinstripes, lace, denim and even practical boots are all still in play—just with small updates. Shop your closet first, then add one or two thoughtful pieces to modernize your outfits.
If you’re looking for high-quality basics and a few investment pieces (I love silk camisoles, cashmere twin sets and well-cut blazers), look for fabrics and fits you’ll reach for season after season. A single good blazer or silk cami can change the way you approach an entire wardrobe.
Final Notes & Savings
To help with updating your wardrobe thoughtfully, remember: choose pieces that work with at least three existing items, balance proportions, and prioritise quality over quantity. If you do want to add a few new pieces, consider fabrics like silk, cashmere, and durable blends for longevity.
Discount reminder: If you’re shopping for silk camisoles, cashmere twin sets or a lightweight pinstripe blazer, note that there are seasonal savings available—look for promotional codes that stack and read the spend thresholds carefully. These offers can make investing in a single quality piece more economical.
Want more outfit formulas and a 30-day system to shop your closet and fall back in love with what you own? I’ve put together guides and templates to help—but the quickest way to start is to pull out those hidden items and try one of the outfit formulas above.
Which Trend Will You Try First?
I’d love to know which of these ten trends you already own or want to try. Are you rediscovering a pinstripe blazer? Bringing out a lace camisole? Or testing a pair of balloon pants? Pick one trend, create three outfits with what’s already in your wardrobe, and that’s your mini-wardrobe refresh for the season.
If you’d like outfit inspiration or help with adapting any of these trends to your personal proportions or lifestyle, I’ve got plenty more looks and tips to share. Try one small change and see how much freshness it brings to your daily dressing.