New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall/Winter 2025 was a dynamic celebration of individuality, creativity, and bold sartorial statements, setting the tone for the global fashion calendar. From February 6 to 12, 2025, the runways of New York City buzzed with a fusion of nostalgia, innovation, and fearless style. Designers, both established and emerging, showcased collections that balanced wearability with high-drama flair, redefining what it means to dress for the modern world. From animal prints that roared with confidence to statement coats that commanded attention, here are the top trends that emerged from NYFW Fall/Winter 2025, poised to shape wardrobes in the coming season.
Animal Prints: A Fierce Revival
Animal prints, a perennial favorite, made a triumphant return to the NYFW runways, but with a fresh, contemporary edge. Designers like Khaite, Michael Kors, and Kim Shui embraced leopard, zebra, and snakeskin patterns, moving beyond the expected to create looks that were both glamorous and versatile. At Khaite, leopard prints adorned skirts, jackets, and even opera gloves, blending wild textures with tailored silhouettes for a sophisticated yet untamed aesthetic. Michael Kors paired snakeskin and leopard-printed vegan leather with distressed sweaters, adding a gritty, urban vibe to the trend. Kim Shui took it further, incorporating shiny, embossed animal prints in bold colors like ruby and gold, making them red-carpet-ready.
This season’s animal print dresses were less about subtle accents and more about full-on statements. Designers reimagined these patterns in unexpected materials, such as vegan leather and fur-like textures, and styled them in head-to-toe looks that exuded confidence. For instance, Christian Siriano’s collection featured glossy vinyl leopard prints, proving that animal motifs can be both luxurious and edgy. On the streets, fashion enthusiasts echoed this trend, with zebra print coats spotted outside shows, signaling that animal prints are being embraced as neutrals for Fall 2025. This revival taps into a desire for bold self-expression, making animal prints a must-have for those looking to stand out.
Statement Coats: The Outerwear Revolution
No NYFW trend was more prominent than the statement coat, which dominated runways and street style alike. Designers like Kallmeyer, Brandon Maxwell, and Altuzarra reinforced the idea that outerwear is the centerpiece of a winter wardrobe. From double-breasted long coats to short trenches and plush shearling jackets, coats were designed to be both functional and dramatic. At Altuzarra, a deep brown fur coat cinched with a casual belt exuded effortless opulence, while Kallmeyer’s tailored cape-coats in neutral tones offered a minimalist yet powerful silhouette.Brandon Maxwell embraced structured, oversized trench coats, showing that timeless silhouettes can be reinvented through bold proportions.
The cape-coat trend, which gained traction in 2024, solidified its staying power for 2025.Tory Burch and Carolina Herrera presented voluminous capes in luxurious materials like wool and leather, bringing elegance to everyday style. These coats were often paired with sleek separates, allowing the outerwear to take center stage. Street style reflected this obsession, with attendees braving New York’s February snow in vibrant, monochromatic coats in cherry red and cobalt blue, proving that outerwear can be both practical and a fashion statement. The message from NYFW is clear: invest in a coat that turns heads, whether through bold color, texture, or silhouette.
Voluminous Skirts: Redefining Proportions
Voluminous skirts emerged as a key silhouette, offering a playful counterpoint to the season’s tailored looks. Designers like Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, and Christopher John Rogers embraced midi and maxi skirts with exaggerated shapes, from A-line to full-on ballgown styles. Tory Burch paired voluminous skirts with sleek track pants or structured blazers, creating a balance of sporty and feminine elements. Calvin Klein’s Veronica Leoni, in her highly anticipated debut, showcased knee-length skirts with clean lines, styled with understated jackets for a modern take on ‘80s-inspired skirt suits.
These skirts weren’t just about volume; they were about versatility. Sandy Liang and Ashlyn experimented with creative layering, styling voluminous skirts over slim trousers or under oversized knits, demonstrating that bold proportions can be practical. The trend also nodded to nostalgia, with designers like Coach’s Stuart Vevers drawing on ‘90s influences to create skirts that felt both retro and forward-thinking. Whether in moody neutrals or vibrant hues like purple and chartreuse, voluminous skirts offered a fresh way to play with shape and movement.
Ornate Brooches: The Accessory of the Season
Accessories took center stage at NYFW, with ornate brooches emerging as the unexpected hero of Fall 2025. Tory Burch, Carolina Herrera, and Bevza added a refined touch to dresses, sweaters, and coats by adorning them with intricate brooches. These weren’t your grandmother’s brooches; they were bold, sculptural, and often oversized, adding a focal point to minimalist looks. At Tory Burch, brooches adorned tailored jackets, while Bevza used them to accentuate clean, monochromatic silhouettes, proving their versatility across aesthetics.
The brooch trend reflects a broader move toward thoughtful accessorizing, where a single piece can transform an outfit. On the streets, fashion insiders paired brooches with everything from pinstripe suits to fuzzy coats, embracing their ability to add personality to any look. This trend is perfect for those who want to experiment with maximalism without committing to a full-on bold ensemble.
Color and Texture: A Vibrant Palette
While neutrals like beige, navy, and gray anchored many collections, NYFW Fall 2025 was anything but subdued. Designers injected vibrant hues like purple, chartreuse, and fiery red into their collections, signaling a shift away from quiet luxury. Christian Cowan and Ulla Johnson embraced purple in shades from lavender to eggplant, styling it in gowns, polka-dot separates, and accessories like Coach’s violet satchels. Tory Burch added pops of lime green and red to her sportswear-inspired looks, while Christopher John Rogers used foil-like metallic finishes to create show-stopping pieces.
Textures were equally bold, with fur, shearling, and fringe adding tactile richness to the runways. Lapointe and Carolina Herrera incorporated fur trimmings, while Kobi Halperin and Christopher John Rogers used fringe to add movement to dresses and coats. These textures, combined with vibrant colors, created a sensory experience that felt both luxurious and playful, encouraging fashion lovers to embrace experimentation.
Wearable Sophistication Meets Bold Creativity
What set NYFW Fall/Winter 2025 apart was its ability to balance wearability with high-fashion drama. Designers like Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Calvin Klein reimagined wardrobe staples—suits, skirts, and coats—with unexpected details like animal prints, voluminous shapes, and ornate accessories. Emerging brands like Fforme and TWP brought fresh perspectives, blending minimalist silhouettes with innovative textures. The result was a season that felt both accessible and aspirational, offering something for everyone, from the office siren to the avant-garde enthusiast.
As fashion month continues to unfold in London, Milan, and Paris, New York’s trends set a high bar for individuality and creativity. Whether you’re drawn to the fierce allure of animal prints, the commanding presence of a statement coat, or the subtle charm of an ornate brooch, Fall 2025 is about making bold choices that reflect your personal style. Start incorporating these trends now by layering a leopard-print skirt with a neutral knit or investing in a vibrant coat that will carry you through the season in style.
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