As the leaves shift color and temperatures dip, the fashion world turns its eye to bold textures, sculptural shapes, and hybrid classics. For Fall 2025, runways are mixing nostalgia with innovation — but the best part? Many of these trends are sewist-friendly. Below, I break down the key runway trends, how to style them, and (of course) sewing pattern ideas so you can bring them to life in your own wardrobe.
1. Sculpted Volume & Bold Silhouettes
What’s happening on the runway:
Designers are pushing shape boundaries — think strong shoulders, exaggerated sleeves, structured draping, and bold volumes. The emphasis is on presence.
thefashionspot.com/runway-news
How to wear it:
- Use statement sleeves (bishop, lantern, puff) on otherwise simple garments
- Keep one piece voluminous (e.g. top or coat) and balance it with a slim bottom
- Play with shoulder structure or darting to sculpt lines
- Vogue 1704 — loose with sleeve options, great for adding volume
https://simplicity.com/know-me/me2016?searchid=22548561&search_query=know+me+2016
- Know Me 2016 By Beaute J’adore — a great dress with voluminous sleeves
2. Funnel-Neck Outerwear & High Collars
Runway signal:
One outerwear silhouette that’s showing up everywhere: the funnel neckline or sculpted high collars. It gives a modern edge while remaining functional for transitional seasons.
https://www.vogue.com/article/funnel-neck-jacket-trend
Style tip:
A funnel collar works wonderfully when you leave the neckline clean — minimalism around the collar helps it stand out. Use contrasting textures (e.g. wool body + silky lining) to add interest.
Pattern picks:
https://www.stylearc.com/shop/pdf-sewing-patterns/parker-coat-pdf/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20826394261&gbraid=0AAAAADx9iyKjMFQyjZ2AMKQ5MmiGQEIe9&gclid=Cj0KCQjwovPGBhDxARIsAFhgkwRcZ4daIeJrHXHPJjKzhf8vwH73Yme4cCLyvqDu_qsI9zVlLGS5wd4aAioOEALw_wcB
- Style Arc Parker Coat Pattern — longline with clean lines — you could adapt the collar to be more funnel-like
- Style Arc Esme Designer Knit Top
3. Polka Dots, Snake Print & Print Mixing
Trend notes:
- Polka dots are making a strong comeback — from subtle tonal dots to bold graphic ones.
- Snake prints are especially trending this fall. The trick is using them in tonally subtle ways (e.g. jackets, accessories, or print panels) so they feel luxe not loud.
- Many shows mixed unexpected prints — florals + geometrics, micro + macro scale layering.
Sewing ideas:
- Use polka-dot voile or snake-print quilting cotton for parts of a garment (collar, pocket flaps, cuffs)
- Try a blouse or skirt in a statement print and pair it with a neutral bottom
- Use pattern placement (mirrored prints, contrast panels) for visual interest
Pattern suggestions:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1296559192/ada-dress-sewing-pattern-women-pdf
- Ada Dress Sewing Pattern — with tiered skirt, you can mix prints on tiers
https://simplicity.com/simplicity/s9702
- Simplicity Misses’ Empire Dress (S9702)— gentle gathers and silhouette that handles prints well
4. Little Leather Jackets & Uptown Punk Edge
Trend pulse:
Leather (and faux leather) is always a fall favorite, but for 2025 it’s cropping up in unexpected ways — cropped moto jackets, leather inserts, belted blousons. Cosmopolitan+1
How to DIY it:
- Use faux leather for yokes, sleeves, or panels on a jacket
- Try a cropped version of a longer jacket pattern
- Add edgy details like zippers, grommets, or contrast topstitching
Patterns to explore:
https://simplicity.com/simplicity/s3107?searchid=22525804&search_query=s3107
- Simplicity 3107- A 2 piece faux leather set with cropped moto jacket and high waisted pant
- Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket Pattern— the jacket portion could be shortened or adapted for leather insert
5. Romantic Lace, Pearls & Feminine Flourishes
Runway notes:
Lace is being reinterpreted with strength — think lace + sharp tailoring or statement shoulders. Oversized pearls, bold jewelry, and romantic details punctuate the season’s maximalist accessory mood. Harper’s BAZAAR+1
Style tip:
Balance: if your garment has lace or ruffles, keep the rest of the outfit clean. Use pearls as focal points (neckline, buttons) rather than full statement pieces.
https://simplicity.com/mccalls/pdm7530?searchid=22525813&search_query=McCall%27s+7530
McCall’s 7530 – An a line dress with beautiful lace overlay (photo from www.simplicity.com)
Sewing pattern fits:
- Use lace overlays or inset panels in bodices
- Add ruffles only on one area (cuffs, neckline) to avoid overdoing it
- Accessorize your sewn garment with oversized pearl accents
6. Suits, Coordinated Sets & Skirt Sets
Trend story:
Matching jackets + skirts or pants are returning with energy — but with more personality (color, texture, unexpected proportions). W Magazine
How to DIY:
- Use the same fabric for jacket + skirt or pants to create a cohesive set
- Play with contrast facings, piping, lining fabric to hint at “set” without being matchy-matchy
- Try mixing textures (wool jacket + leather skirt) but in the same color family
Pattern combos:
https://simplicity.com/simplicity/s3073?searchid=22525823&search_query=s3073
- Simplicity Misses’ Jacket & Pants Pattern — you already get a built-in duo
https://simplicity.com/butterick/b6933?searchid=22525858&search_query=b6933
- Butterick 6933 Jacket & Pants Pattern — Such a great set!
- Use a skirt pattern (e.g. pencil, A-line) and adapt it to coordinate with your jacket
Final Stitch
This fall is about personality, drama, and mixing the unexpected — and sewing gives you the power to reimagine these runway looks in your own way. Whether you start with voluminous sleeves, a funnel-neck coat, or a punky cropped jacket, each piece you sew is a statement of both style and craft.