In winter, comfort tends to take precedent over style. Fashionable tops are sacrificed for warm jumpers, and then engulfed by coats. Any shred of personality magically disappears from our outfits all because there is a chill in the air. Men are particularly vulnerable to this trap, but this does not have to be the case. Looking at last year’s runways, the method for expression seems to be in the subtleties: a modification to a classic shirt or a colourful accessory. Nevertheless, experimentation in men’s fashion seems to be on the rise again with more interesting takes on a basic suit or shirt. Through researching men’s runway looks from the beginning of 2025 I have collected a series of key items that may allow both comfort and style in everyday outfits as we move through Hilary term.
Jeans will never go out of style, but cut and colour will. Skinny jeans have been out for a while and, thankfully, aren’t threatening to return any time soon. The runways for Autumn/Winter 2025/6 showed baggy and straight jeans all around. In particular, Louis Vuitton and Prada showcased jeans in dark washes for the winter months. This is great news for the colder weather: the baggier the jeans, the easier it is to conceal an extra layer underneath – making them perfect for the particularly cold months of Hilary.
The runways of Louis Vuitton have been notable for their inclusion of leather. In the 19th century leather became a feature of rebellion in fashion with the emergence of the ‘Rocker’and ‘Punk’ subcultures in the 60s. So, in a time of political instability in the Western world, it is only natural that leather should find its way back onto the runways. Louis Vuitton showcased a pair of oversized brown, leather shorts whilst Prada exhibited some patchwork leather trousers in their Autumn/Winter 2025 shows, elevating a somewhat plain item through colour and cut to become a statement piece.
For a slightly more formal look, oversized suit trousers are routinely seen in every major designers’ shows, from Dior to Hermes. They are appearing, largely, in muted tones like black, grey, and various shades of brown. This is a really versatile item to own as they can be dressed up with a shirt and a pair of Oxfords, or they can be dressed down with a comfy jumper and some trainers. Either way, they are a great way to escape the urge to abandon style in the winter.
The 70s called and dropped off their collars: collared shirts, collared jackets, collared jumpers, collared coats. Folding collars over jackets, or popping a jacket collar up has been seen in multiple Autumn/Winter 2025 shows: Dior, Simone Rocha, and Willy Chavarria. Some of the shirts feature checked patterns whilst others are more plain. Here, designers are playing not only with shapes but also motifs. The experimental aspects of the outfit are not what the clothes actually are (shirt, trouser, jacket) but instead the way they are cut and shaped. This again points to the concept that expression this winter belongs in the subtleties of an outfit. Again, shirts and jackets are wardrobe staples and are endlessly adaptable. Popping a collar up or folding it over a crewneck or jumper can add a bit of flair to an outfit before leaving for a lecture hall or library.
Turtle neck and round neck jumpers are in as well. This, alone, is nothing revolutionary but, most importantly: they are plain and logoless. The trend of more muted, earthier tones is continued here, with the vast majority being in black and grey. Colour is not entirely absent, just more subdued: plum, burgundy, and forest green. These sorts of pieces can be easily layered with one another, and with the aforementioned collared shirts, to add an extra layer of heat. In the Dolce and Gabbana show, turtlenecks were seen underneath t-shirts and collared shirts beneath jumpers. So, again pieces of expression are crawling their way back onto the men’s runway through colour and cut.
Outerwear may be the most vital part of a male outfit this winter. A good jacket or coat can hide a whole manner of layers and, you may have guessed, oversized is still in. For jackets, denim, suede and, in particular, leather are increasingly favoured. They remain classic in colour with, yet again, brown, black, blue, and navy. Some shows did indulge in a little more colour: the Autumn/Winter 2025 Feng Chen Wang show featured a yellow, sleeveless cargo jacket, but jackets like this were definitely in the minority. Experimentation with fashion seems, still, to be kept to the subtler aspects of an outfit. Ultimately, the pieces this year are rooted in traditional, timeless style but they still branch out in more subtle ways. In their Autumn/Winter 2025 show Prada enhanced some of their coats with faux fur features, as did Dolce and Gabbana. Aside from that the coat styles seem to be very classic, tailored pieces. Still, the occasional colourful puffer jacket makes its way onto the runway, so don’t throw away your college puffer just yet! Again, there is a mixture of simple and ‘classy’ pieces that are made more interesting through either pops of colour or accessories.
In terms of accessories, at the beginning of 2025 Louis Vuitton displayed a variation of beanies and baseball caps whilst Ami showcased knitted triangle scarves. The majority of these were kept plain but additions like this can be a really good way of introducing brighter colours and experimentation in an outfit. Additionally, belts and belt chains were ubiquitous in fashion week. Some designers layer multiple belts whilst others keep it simple with one. Either way, it’s very difficult to go wrong with a belt – even one thrown on as an afterthought can make an outfit seem more polished.
Ultimately, the runways tell us that experimental and interesting fashion is possible in winter. It is not unfeasible to be warm and fashionable through layering different pieces and experimenting with cuts and accessories. Though men’s style is often much quieter than women’s, it is growing louder and more expressive. Through subtleties, like collars and accessories, men’s outfits will move from basic to cultivated. For now remember: keep the fundamental aspects of your outfits simple – expression comes through tailoring and accessorising.
