14 Oct 2025
Founder and owner of The Dressing Room, Deryane Tadd shares her style inspiration, insider tips and takes on the latest trends in an exclusive new fashion feature for the St Albans Times. A true woman’s woman, Deryane will help you feel confident and inspired in your fashion choices.
With a new season arriving it’s the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe with some pieces that will instantly update your look. There are some key trends to look out for that can easily be added in to freshen up your look. AW25 is the season of texture, bold colour and effortless elegance.
As we step into Autumn/Winter 2025, fashion turns up the volume. There is a confident energy running through every trend, with a strong focus on individuality and self-expression. From the polished prep of rugby stripes to the unapologetic shine of high-gloss puffer jackets, AW25 is serving looks that are both wearable and statement-making. This is your ultimate guide to the key trends, colour stories, and styling tips to tap into the mood of the season.
Clubhouse Cool
This is all about relaxed tailoring with a sporty twist. Clubhouse Cool borrows from heritage athletic wear-rugby stripes, structured collars, oversized knits-but makes it modern with sharp layering and elevated textures.
Rugby stripes are your anchor piece here-bold, punchy, and perfectly oversized. Pair with a wide-leg jean and loafers for an easy everyday look, or dress it up by layering your stripe tee under a tailored blazer. This trend is about embracing volume and proportion, so don’t be afraid to clash your silhouettes. Finish the look with a scrunchie and chunky statement jewellery to lean into the prep-with-personality vibe.
Effortless Elegance
This trend is built on refined shapes, fluid fabrics and a palette of luxe neutrals elevated with rich autumnal tones. Tailored coats worn over relaxed denim, silk blouses paired with wide leg jeans, drapey knitwear styled with chunky jewellery and sophisticated accessories. This is about timeless staples styled in a way that feels modern and wearable with a polished and poised look.
Soft Touch
Comfort meets statement in this season’s cosiest trend. Soft Touch is all about faux fur, teddy shearling, and plush textures that feel as good as they look. Whether it’s a shaggy oversized coat or a cropped shearling jacket with exaggerated collar details, this trend makes comfort the star of your outfit.
At the AW25 shows, the front row was filled with soft, oversized outerwear that blended practicality with luxury.
Bold Prints
Animal instincts are still going strong, with leopard, polka dots, and even cow print holding their ground as the season’s favourite statement-makers. What’s new? Placement and colour. Expect classic motifs reimagined in unexpected shades-leopard in teal, polka dots over winterberry red, and cow print styled with sleek tailoring. These prints add instant energy to a neutral outfit and pair surprisingly well with this season’s hero colours.
The AW25 Colour Palette
This season’s colour story is deep, rich, and made for layering-visually and literally. Think warming neutrals contrasted by vibrant highlights that add personality to any outfit.
Neutrals:
- Hot Chocolate – a rich, grounding brown
- Bronze Brown – metallic warmth without the shine
- Mole – a soft, greyish brown perfect for outerwear
- Washed Black – a lived-in alternative to jet black
- French Navy – classic, deep and endlessly wearable
Highlights:
- Chilli Oil – a warm spiced red
- Winterberry – a rich, moody plum
- Poppy Red – bold and energetic
- Damson Purple – deep and luxe
- Primrose Pink – soft but playful
- Teal – a standout shade in prints and outerwear
- Soft Blue – perfect for balancing richer tones
The beauty of this palette is in the mix. Layer tonal neutrals for a sleek, classic feel or inject personality with a flash of colour-whether it’s a red bag, a pink knit or blue stripe trousers peeking out from under a neutral coat.
I hope that has given you some inspiration for dressing for the new season – for daily style tips then be sure to follow @thedressingroomsocial and take a look at our Inspiration hub.
Next time I’ll be talking all about the denim shapes of the season and how to find that perfect pair of jeans.
Deryane x
