Keeping up with trends today is dizzying when there’s virtually always something new generating buzz – especially across socials, where it feels like another “must-have” micro-trend pops up every week. Instead of trying to chase them all, we’ve taken a step back to look at what’s actually resonating with journalists and consumers for AW25.
Over the past few months, search and download data on Press Loft has highlighted some clear shifts. Instead of making you wait for the full 2026 trend forecast though, we’ve pulled together a mini edit of five key trends we expect to define the cooler winter months ahead. These are the stories that keep cropping up across fashion, interiors and gifting – a.k.a the ones actually worth your time and attention as we close out the year.
1. Dark Romance
This season’s romantic mood has taken a darker turn: vampy, gothic influences are stepping into the spotlight, but without the cliché, costume-y edge we usually associate with Halloween. Instead, this look is about leaning into our shadows as a quiet rebellion against the pared-back minimalism and “quiet luxury” that dominated the post-Covid landscape. The safe, templated aesthetic is being left behind in favour of something richer, moodier and more expressive – whether that’s done through subtle details or full-scale drama.
Across both fashion and interiors, lace and leather, flowing silhouettes, antique detailing and lush velvets are defining the aesthetic for AW25. Victorian gothic influences play a role, but the results feel anything but dated – perfectly timed, in fact, as pop culture embraces a revival of gothic tales like Nosferatu and Frankenstein. Wine-red hues, smoked glass, blackened metals and moody textiles add depth and texture, creating looks and spaces that feel atmospheric and unapologetically bold.
And this is just the beginning. As we move into spring, expect to see a softer, airier evolution of this romantic mood, proving that femininity – in all its phases – is the common thread leading us into 2026.
Related signals & keywords: velvet • oxblood • brass • antique details • victorian gothic • whimsigothic • boho
2. Chartreuse
Winter palettes are getting a jolt of energy this season, and it’s coming from a rather unexpected place: chartreuse. Sitting somewhere between lime and mustard, this zingy yellow-green isn’t exactly subtle – but that’s exactly why it works. After seasons dominated by muted greens, chartreuse feels like a deliberate shake-up, injecting playfulness and edge into winter styling this year.
We’re seeing it used as a clever accent across the board for AW25. In interiors, chartreuse glassware, lighting and textiles are bringing warmth and brightness to otherwise earthy schemes. In fashion, it’s being paired with deep reds, inky blues and plush textures for a look that’s bold without being brash. It’s the kind of colour that instantly lifts a space or outfit, proving that sometimes one statement shade is all you need.
While it might not be to everyone’s taste, chartreuse’s rise in popularity feels perfectly timed for the season – a flash of optimism that cuts through the gloom and makes everything else feel that bit fresher.
Related signals & keywords: acid yellow • chartreuse glassware • retro lighting • statement textiles • citrus accents
3. Reimagined Heritage
When the trend cycle starts to feel relentless, there’s something grounding about returning to looks that don’t demand constant reinvention. For AW25, that sense of ease is coming through in a renewed love for classic patterns and old-money tailoring, but with a fresher, more relaxed touch.
Across both fashion and interiors, patterns like houndstooth, tartan and traditional checks are stepping back into the spotlight. But the revival runs deeper than just pattern alone – it’s also about the silhouettes, accessories and materials that quietly signal heritage. Structured bags, silk scarves, pleats and relaxed tailoring sit alongside classic furniture shapes, warm woods and brass details, creating a look that feels polished yet approachable.
The appeal lies in its sense of longevity. In a landscape crowded with fleeting micro-trends, heritage styling offers a way to anchor spaces and wardrobes in something enduring, without feeling rigid or overly nostalgic.
Related signals & keywords: tartan throws • houndstooth upholstery • checks • modern prep • relaxed tailoring
4. Caffeinated Colour
Alongside heritage patterns, coffee-inspired hues are quietly shaping the AW25 palette. Chocolate browns, soft caramels and creamy oat tones, occasionally lifted with a hit of matcha green, are emerging as the perfect grounding shades – warm, versatile and just nostalgic enough to feel familiar, but elevated.
These hues are cropping up everywhere. In fashion, we’re seeing chocolate shearling, caramel leather and soft tailoring in rich, earthy tones. In interiors, think latte-hued cabinetry, matcha-glazed ceramics and plush velvet upholstery layered into schemes that feel tactile and cocooning. It’s a palette that works because it doesn’t shout – it builds depth and warmth quietly, offering a welcome alternative to cooler neutrals.
Looking ahead, these shades have real staying power. Brown is stepping into the role grey once held, acting as a flexible anchor for bold accents or building into tonal, layered stories that feel grounded but never flat.
Related signals & keywords: chocolate shearling • caramel leather • matcha ceramics • latte cabinetry • oat-milk neutrals • tonal layering
5. Analogue Energy
After years of hyper-connectivity and AI-driven everything, there’s a growing appetite for the tactile, the tangible and the intentionally offline. From journalling and painting to the return of MP3 players, vinyl and film cameras, analogue rituals are quietly reclaiming space in how we show up and switch off from the world.
We first spotlighted this shift in our 2025 forecast, and it’s clear that the appetite for slower, more tangible experiences is only continuing to build momentum. It’s not just nostalgia – it’s a reaction to digital fatigue. There’s something inherently grounding about slowing down and engaging with objects that don’t demand constant updates or notifications.
That same instinct is shaping how products are designed and styled. Quilting, embroidery, crafted ceramics and raw, textural materials are gaining traction for AW25, reflecting the desire for physicality and individuality that defines this movement.
More than anything, analogue energy is about creating meaningful moments through touch and ritual. As the digital world gets noisier, this quiet countertrend offers comfort, creativity and connection — and it’s only set to grow as we head into 2026.
Related signals & keywords: journalling • crafting kits • vinyl displays • stationery • quilting • embroidery • tactile gifting • handmade finishes
What’s next?
This round-up is just a glimpse of what’s bubbling up right now for AW25, but there’s plenty more on the horizon. As we move closer to 2026, we’ll be digging deeper into the ideas and movements set to shape the year ahead (with some already emerging quietly in the background). Keep your eyes peeled for our full 2026 trend forecast, coming soon!
In the meantime, if you’re looking for some inspiration for the festive season, be sure to check out our Christmas 2025 trend report (or watch our webinar here)🎄
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