London’s streets are the real runway this winter
Forget the runway shows in Paris or Milan. If you want to see what winter 2025 really looks like, walk down Oxford Street on a Tuesday morning or catch the 8:15 bus from Camden to King’s Cross. Londoners aren’t waiting for magazines to tell them what to wear-they’re making it up as they go. And this season, the vibe is bold, practical, and strangely comforting.
1. The oversized wool coat is back-bigger than ever
It’s not just a coat. It’s a statement wrapped in 80% pure wool. Londoners are swapping their fitted trench coats for oversized wool coats that hit mid-thigh or lower. Think double-breasted, slightly boxy, and often in charcoal, deep olive, or muted rust. The trick? Pair it with slim pants or a fitted dress so the silhouette doesn’t swallow you whole. You’ll see it on commuters, artists, and even the barista at your local coffee shop. Brands like <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>COS</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a Scandinavian minimalist brand known for clean lines and high-quality fabrics</span></span> and <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Massimo Dutti</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a Spanish retailer offering elevated basics with a European edge</span></span> are selling out. And no, it’s not just for the wealthy-thrift stores in Peckham and Hackney are flooded with vintage 1990s Balenciaga and Burberry coats that now cost under £50.
2. Leather pants, but make them soft
Remember when leather pants felt like a costume? Not anymore. This winter, Londoners are wearing soft, stretchy leather pants that move with you. They’re not the stiff, shiny kind from the 2000s. These are matte, slightly slouchy, and made from recycled or plant-based leather. You’ll spot them paired with chunky boots and oversized sweaters on the Tube. The material? Think mushroom leather from <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Mylo</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a biofabricated material made from mycelium, used by Stella McCartney and others</span></span> or apple peel waste from <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Vegea</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a sustainable material derived from grape pomace from winemaking</span></span>. They’re durable, warm, and surprisingly breathable. And yes, they’re washable-just turn them inside out and air dry.
3. Layered knits with texture, not bulk
No one wants to look like a walking quilt. The new layering rule? Thin, textured knits stacked like a puzzle. Start with a fine-gauge merino wool turtleneck, add a cropped cable-knit cardigan, then top it with a longline vest in a different weave. The trick is mixing textures: ribbed, bouclé, and herringbone. You’ll see this on women in their 20s and 60s alike in Notting Hill and Shoreditch. The key is keeping the color palette muted-cream, oat, slate, and burnt sienna. Brands like <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Eileen Fisher</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a US-based brand focused on sustainable, timeless knits</span></span> and <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>John Smedley</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a British brand making fine-gauge knits in Derbyshire since 1784</span></span> are favorites. And don’t skip the sleeves-long, slightly dropped shoulders are everywhere.
4. Chunky loafers with traction
Heels are out. Sneakers are still here, but the real winner? Chunky loafers with rubber soles. They’re low, wide, and built for London’s wet sidewalks and uneven cobbles. The most popular styles are in dark brown or black, with a slight square toe and a 1.5-inch heel. You’ll see them with wool socks peeking out-no more bare ankles in January. Brands like <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Clarks</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a British footwear company known for comfort and durability since 1825</span></span> and <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Prada</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">an Italian luxury brand that reimagined the loafer with a chunky sole in 2024</span></span> are leading the charge. The best part? They go with everything: jeans, skirts, even tailored trousers.
5. Metallic accents, but subtle
Glitter is dead. But a whisper of metal? Still alive. Londoners aren’t wearing full silver jackets. They’re wearing metallic thread details-a single stripe down a coat seam, a silver zipper pull, or a tiny metallic button on a wool hat. It’s the kind of detail you notice only if you’re looking closely. You’ll find it in <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Stella McCartney</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a sustainable luxury brand known for innovative materials and cruelty-free design</span></span> collections and in independent designers selling at Spitalfields Market. Even the NHS staff at King’s College Hospital are wearing coats with metallic thread trim-because why not add a little elegance to the grind?
6. The return of the wool beanie-no logos
Beanies are back, but not the ones with giant logos or neon pom-poms. This season, it’s all about plain, unbranded wool beanies in natural tones. They’re hand-knitted, slightly slouchy, and made from British wool-mostly from the Lake District or Yorkshire. You’ll see them on students, delivery riders, and pensioners alike. The material matters: 100% undyed wool, untreated, breathable, and warm even when damp. Brands like <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Johnstons of Elgin</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a Scottish mill producing luxury wool accessories since 1797</span></span> and local makers on Etsy are selling out. And no, you don’t need to spend £80. A simple one from a market stall in Brixton costs £12 and lasts three winters.
7. Scarves as art
Londoners don’t just wrap scarves-they drape them. This winter, scarves are longer, wider, and often hand-dyed. You’ll see them in asymmetrical shapes, with watercolor-like gradients in indigo, rust, and slate. Some are made from recycled silk, others from recycled plastic bottles. The trend isn’t about warmth alone-it’s about expression. Walk through Covent Garden on a weekend and you’ll spot scarves that look like abstract paintings. Designers like <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Bodice</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a London-based brand creating hand-dyed textile art for clothing and accessories</span></span> and <span itemscope itemtype="https://schema.org/Thing"><span itemprop="name"><strong>Ecoalf</strong></span> <span itemprop="description">a Spanish brand turning ocean plastic into fashion</span></span> are leading the charge. The trick? Fold it once, let it hang naturally, and don’t tie it. Let it move with you.
Why this matters beyond style
This isn’t just about looking good. It’s about adapting. London’s winters are wetter, windier, and colder than they were a decade ago. People are choosing clothes that last, that feel good, and that don’t harm the planet. The oversized coat? It’s a single piece that replaces three layers. The recycled leather pants? They’re made from waste. The unbranded beanie? It’s made by hand, not a factory. Fashion here isn’t about chasing trends-it’s about building a wardrobe that works for real life.
What’s not trending
Don’t expect to see puffer coats everywhere. They’re still around, but mostly for tourists or people who commute on bikes. Neon colors? Gone. Logo mania? Out. And anything labeled "limited edition" or "drop"? Most Londoners are tired of the hype. They’re buying less, but better.
Where to see it for yourself
Head to Camden Market on a Saturday, or walk along the South Bank after work. Watch how people move. Notice the way scarves fall. See how coats are worn open, not buttoned. That’s the real trend-not what’s on Instagram, but what’s on the streets.
Are these trends only for young people in London?
No. These trends span ages. You’ll see women in their 70s wearing oversized wool coats and chunky loafers just like 20-year-olds. The focus is on comfort, durability, and personal expression-not age. Fashion in London is increasingly ageless.
Can I afford these trends on a budget?
Absolutely. Many of the key pieces-like wool beanies, oversized coats, and loafers-are available secondhand. Markets like Portobello, Brick Lane, and Vauxhall’s thrift stores have excellent finds. A £30 wool coat from 2020 still looks new and fits the trend perfectly. The real cost isn’t in the price tag-it’s in buying less and choosing better.
Do I need to buy new clothes to follow these trends?
Not at all. Most of these trends are about how you style what you already own. Layer a thin knit under a jacket. Wear your old leather jacket with wool trousers. A new scarf or pair of loafers can refresh your whole look without buying a new wardrobe.
Are sustainable materials actually warm enough for London winters?
Yes. Materials like Mylo, Vegea, and recycled wool are designed to trap heat efficiently. Many are tested in UK weather conditions and perform just as well as traditional leather or synthetic fabrics. The difference? They’re breathable and don’t trap moisture, which actually keeps you warmer.
Why are loafers replacing boots?
Loafers offer more versatility. They work with dresses, trousers, and jeans. They’re easier to slip on and off in crowded places. And with rubber soles, they handle wet pavement better than many boots. Plus, they’re lighter-ideal for walking long distances on the Tube or through parks.