Winter is a rough time stylistically for most. As we reach the depths of the cooler season, our wardrobes can start to feel lacklustre and uninspiring, often trading warmth for style and uniqueness and any sense of joy. Generally, we prefer to steer clear of micro trends for their fleeting and consumption-driven nature, but during such a joyless time, sometimes indulging in a little sartorial moment that is out of your usual routine can lift the spirits.
As we wait for the Fall/Winter 2026 runways in February to understand what our favourite designers are thinking about this season, we look back at the Fall/Winter 2025 moments that have emerged as micro trends this year, from lace tights at Isabel Marant and McQueen, to a case for the ‘Wrong Coat Theory’ at Miu Miu and Tory Burch.
Ahead, four winter micro trends you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe this season.
A Really Great Sock
Miu Miu FW25, Valentino FW25, Miu Miu FW25
Shutterstock
Socks were a focal point on the FW25 runways, particularly coloured ones. On Alessandro Michele’s Valentino FW25 runway, we saw knee-high socks in hues of vibrant green intercept the collection, while at Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada sent a series of high-shine knee high pairs down the runway, in pale blue, baby pink, burnt orange and grey. When paired with a neutral outfit, a collared sock adds a little depth to an otherwise ordinary look.
Season Of The Ruff
Ann Demeulemeester FW25, Ralph Lauren FW25; McQueen FW25
Shutterstock; Ralph Lauren
Neck ruffs were very much a happening moment on the Fall/Winter 2025 runways in early 2025. Designers such as Ralph Lauren, McQueen’s Sean McGirr, and Ann Demeulemeester’s Stefano Galicci all demonstrated a revival of the Elizabethan trend. For those who lean towards the gothic inclination, try a frilled, pirate-y shirt to poke out of a jacket or coat for a bohemian approach to winter.
Laced Up
McQueen FW25; Isabel Marant FW25
Shutterstock
In the hosiery department, lace tights made an appearance on last year’s runways, both at Valentino, McQueen, and Isabel Marant, adding a sense of glamor and rock ’n’ roll to each look. At Isabel Marant, lace tights were paired with mini dresses and leather jackets, while at McQueen, it was all about lace on lace—models departed onto the runway in black lace dresses paired with lace tights, offering consistency to the looks.
The Wrong Coat Theory
Coperni FW25; Tory Burch FW25; Valentino FW25.
Coperni FW25; Tory Burch FW25; Shutterstock.
We’ve written about the Wrong Coat Theory before, and Fall/Winter 2025 was the moment that solidified this styling trick within the trend cycle. At Tory Burch, suit jackets were worn with velour track pants and jersey shirts, while at Coperni, techy raincoats were offered up layered with slinky, sexy bodysuits and stockings. The purpose of the wrong coat theory is to use your jacket to throw a look off so that it ends up being right, and for FW25, this was proven ten-fold!
