The 10 Must-Haves On Team NET-A-PORTER’s FW25 Wish List
From romantic lingerie dresses to luxe leather jackets and statement knits, FW25’s runways delivered plenty to get excited about this season. Here, our fashion experts reveal the leading looks on their radar right now…
PAINTBOX BRIGHTS Lydia Zacharis, buying manager
“I’m not usually one to wear much color; however, after happily embracing the elegant brown, burgundy, and khaki hues of the past few seasons, I’m ready to experiment and can’t resist the bolder shades seen on the FW25 runways. With designers such as Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford and Antony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent lifting the mood with vibrant pinks, greens, reds, yellows and purples, I’ve suddenly found myself craving a maxi dress in bright red or pink satin, along with some tailored separates in rich jewel tones.”
LUXE LEATHER JACKETS Gillian Brett, head of fashion content
“My favorite show of the FW25 season? Khaite. I studied film at university, so I instantly geeked out on the references to the late director David Lynch. But what’s lived rent-free in my mind ever since are those leather jackets. There were long, languid trenches, hip-hitting bikers, and flight jackets with cozy shearling collars. So, I’m on the hunt for the perfect leather jacket and currently deliberating between Nour Hammour’s oversized ‘Ariste’ style and Róhe’s funnel-neck version. A leather jacket is definitely an investment piece, but it’s also something I know I’ll wear for many years to come, as leather only gets better with age. I’ll size up slightly so I can wear it with chunky knits underneath. They’re a great evening jacket, too—I love a slip dress with an oversized biker jacket.”
COMBAT BOOTS Sabina Khan, junior fashion editor
“One of my most-worn pairs of shoes has to be combat boots. Living in London means much of the year is cold, gray or rainy, so a sturdy pair is essential. For the office, I’d opt for something more minimal and refined, like this lace-up pair from Aeyde – ideal with a long wool skirt and blazer or a knitted midi dress. I also love Burberry’s buckled suede boots, perfect for weekends outdoors, worn with boyfriend jeans, a cozy knit and a long wool maxi coat.”
LINGERIE DRESSES Alice Casely-Hayford, content director
“I’ve always loved the ease, sexiness and versatility of a slip, so I am leaning into lingerie dressing this season. It’s not a look that I’m wearing on the school run, but it’s a trend that can be surprisingly chic and demure. I’m particularly drawn to the figure-hugging silhouettes, beautiful sensual drapery, and lace trims seen on the runway at Chloé and Ferragamo. When paired with the right tailoring or jacket and appropriate footwear, lingerie dressing doesn’t have to be revealing or over-the-top. A long silk dress is at once a bit bohemian but still effortlessly elegant – the perfect transitional piece to take you from the last days of summer right up to party season.”
PENCIL SKIRTS Abbi Minchin, buying editor
“The FW25 shows were full of power dressing references – perfect for back-to-the-office inspiration. Collections featured bold shoulders, cinched waists, and corporate gray – all of which were paired with a humble pencil skirt. Despite its simplicity, it’s a piece that exudes confidence and is a great choice for day-to-night (or work-to-dinner) dressing. I plan to style mine with an oversized shirt, stacks of jewelry, and a commuter tote. While most were paired with sky-high heels on the runway, for those of us not quite ready to take that plunge, consider styling with ballet flats for a more relaxed approach.”
TOP-HANDLE BAGS Colleen Ross, fashion content editor
“While I love the everyday ease of a slouchy, oversized tote or crossbody bag, I often find myself wishing I had something a touch more polished for special occasions and events. Thankfully, the FW25 shows have answered my prayers by offering up an array of irresistibly chic top-handle bags – from Victoria Beckham’s piston-clasped vanity cases to Erdem’s rose-tipped ‘Bloom’ tote in burgundy patent leather. I love the idea of wearing one to the office with relaxed tailoring or denim for a modern take.”
BEADED JEWELRY Viktoria Tomasevic, shopping editor
“I usually gravitate toward dainty, minimal jewelry, but this fall I’m leaning into statement beaded pieces that are bold enough to stand out yet refined and in keeping with my personal style. I have my eyes on Lizzie Fortunato and Hunting Season in particular – both brands’ take on the trend feels elevated with just the right balance of color and texture, so it still feels like me.”
BRITISH HERITAGE STYLE Kristen Neillie, fashion editor
“From traditional fabrics to barn jackets and riding boots, the runways were awash with nods to British heritage style – but in a way that felt modern and fresh. While Altuzarra, Burberry, and Max Mara all championed polished, feminine silhouettes, brands including Missoni and Khaite took a slightly more directional approach, which I’ll be leaning into this season – think plaid or argyle knits paired with leather or an oversized tweed blazer layered over a mini skirt and loafers.”
NOVELTY KNITS Connie Daw, junior shopping editor
“The joy of the cooler weather, for me, is wearing knitwear. While I usually opt for more understated styles, the FW25 shows gave a not-so-subtle hint that I should do the exact opposite this season – with novelty knits dominating the runways. I loved Khaite’s argyle sweaters, which looked so chic styled with leather and faux-fur, and the striped V-neck from Etro’s opening look. Whether you want to mix colors and prints for a characterful clash or keep it simple by dialing things down with sleek wardrobe staples, it’s a piece that will make the transition into fall a lot more fun.”
BRAIDED BELTS Phoebe Unwin, buying manager
“We’ve seen a rise in woven leather handbags recently, and it’s beginning to translate into smaller accessories, too. A braided belt is a great artisanal touch to any outfit and a subtle way to nod to the craft-like textures that have emerged on the runways over the past few seasons. I am loving the ‘Hollyhock’ style from cult belt brand Déhanche, and Loewe’s iteration with a more statement gold buckle. For something a touch more classic, you can’t go wrong with Anderson’s.”
The models featured in this story are not associated with NET-A-PORTER and do not endorse it or the products shown