We are tantalisingly close to 2025, and while the new year signals a clean slate in many ways, fashion isn’t always necessarily one of them. The trends that are big this side of the 31st won’t disappear at the stroke of midnight, replaced by even fresher looks; inevitably some of what we’re seeing now and will come with us into the next 365 days. And while this will apply to all of the main trend headliners, it’s also true for the smaller microtrends we’ve seen bubbling up recently.
What is a microtrend? This is what we like to call looks and pieces that are distilled down from bigger trends of the season, resulting in these smaller off-shoot trends. An example of this might be the top-to-toe leopard print outfits that we saw on the runways—while it’s rare to see someone wearing such a look, how the trend is being worn in real life is often a microtrend. In this instance, this could be the leopard print bags I’ve seen so much of on the streets of London lately.
While some might argue that microtrends have a shorter shelf life than more classic fashion items, this might be true, but I find them to be an effective way of cherrypicking the latest trends that work for you without having to overly commit. Plus, if you choose pieces because you genuinely love them and not just because you think they’ll make you look trendy for a while, you’re likely to want to wear them for years to come.
The microtrends we see at any given time often change with the seasons, and while we’re about to leap into another year, when we land, we’ll still find ourselves in winter. So, I thought I’d take a closer look at what fashion people are wearing to bring you a selection of chic winter 2025 microtrends that will feel just as current come January. Scroll on to see them.
6 Winter 2025 Microtrends That Will Make Your January Outfits Feel Fresh and New
1. Brown Leather Skirts
Style Notes: Brown has been one of the biggest colour trend of the past year, and I don’t see that changing in 2025 either. We’ve seen the hue take on a variety of different forms across the seasons and now, in the throws of winter, there’s a fresh update to consider. Enter the leather skirt, which many will consider to be a staple of the colder months. Now, I’m seeing fashion people all over trade in (or at least pause wearing) their black styles in favour of rich brown hues. The market? Well, it’s just as infatuated.
Shop the Trend:
M&S Collection
Leather Look Midi A-Line Skirt
The glossy texture of this skirt makes it look so high end.
Toteme
Leather Midi Skirt
This leather looks so buttery soft.
John Lewis
Leather Pencil Skirt
This pencil skirt will look gorgeous paired with a soft grey cashmere jumper.
Norma Kamali
High-Rise Faux Leather Midi Skirt
The full silhouette creates a pretty shape on the body.
2. Skinny Knit Scarves
Style Notes: Of all the items I wore in the early Noughts, the one that received the most airtime was undoubtedly my skinny knit scarf; I wore that thing until it was foundation-stained beyond repair. And now, for winter 2025, it joins the ranks of other Y2K trends that have come back in a significant way.
Shop the Trend:
H&M
Skinny Hole-Knit Scarf
This also comes in a black hue.
And this, a burgundy red.
Topshop
Seb Skinny Scarf in Yellow
Use this to breathe a new lease of life into your dark coats.
This isn’t knitted, but it was too cute not to include.
3. Rugby Shirts
Style Notes: Sports-inspired clothing was a big trend on the spring/summer 2025 runways, and we’re already seeing fashion people channel this by way of winter-friendly, long-sleeve rugby jumpers. Preppy but also cool, those in the know are wearing theirs with light-wash jeans, loafers and chunky socks. I’ll do the same, then.
Shop the Trend
Anthropologie
Stripe Rugby Shirt
Make like the model and wear with a pleated skirt to commit to the aesthetic.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Striped Cropped Jersey Rugby Shirt
According to Lyst, searches for Ralph Lauren polo shirts are up 70% month on month.
FP Movement
Rugby Tunic Layer
It doesn’t get more classic than navy and white stripes.
COS
Striped Jersey Rugby Shirt
4. ’80s Earrings
Style Notes: In winter, you’re often so bundled up or reluctant to take your coat off that you rarely see the outfit underneath. On the days where this is likely or you simply don’t have time to pour in the effort, just add a pair of bold and statement, ’80s-style gold stud earrings and you’ll instantly look put-together and polished.
Shop the Trend
THOMAS SABO
Silver Earrings in Drop Shape
These also come in silver if that’s more your palette.
Martha Calvo
14ct Gold-Plated Lori Stud Earrings
A refined take on knot earrings.
SUSAN CAPLAN VINTAGE
Christian Dior Gold-Plated Clip Earrings
These are actually from the ’80s!
Missoma
Ripple Stud Earrings in 18ct Gold Plated
So pretty, they deserve to be worn exclusively with updos.
5. White Tights
Style Notes: Tights are trending right now, which is excellent if you’re perpetually cold like I am. While I’ll never, ever part with my black opaques, stylish types are convincing me to try a different colour and, after hours of research, I can conclude that white is the shade of note right now. Look for full white tights or ease into the microtrend with a lace iteration.
Shop the Trend
Swedish Stockings
Freja Ribbed Wool Tights
The wool fabrication will make these tights extra toasty.
H&M
Patterned Fishnet Tights
Calzedonia
50 Denier Total Comfort Soft Touch Tights
I own these in black, and they’re the most comfortable tights I’ve ever worn.
Out From Under
Out From Under Maude Lace Tights
Lace tights are another key hosiery trend.
6. Asymmetric Cardigans
Style Notes: Sometimes it’s a small update to a core wardrobe staple that can have the most impact, and that’s definitely true of the slew of asymmetric cardigans that we’re currently seeing on the market. A chic-looking detail that instantly tells people you’re fashionable because you’ve chosen it instead of the status quo, who knew the positioning of a few little buttons could yield so much power.
Shop the Trend
& Other Stories
Asymmetric Cardigan
The black and white colour blocking here is stunning.
ZARA
Asymmetric Knit Cardigan
The gold buttons make this look even more polished.
Mango
Mango Bonchini Asymmetric Knit Cardigan
I’m very into this fold-over neckline.
River Island
Brown Asymmetric Button Up Cardigan
An asymmetric cardigan in the season’s biggest colour trend.
