Here are the FW25 trends according to Edwin van den Hoek

The current unpredictable weather may have been a blessing for forecaster Edwin Van den Hoek, who presented his fall/winter 2025 trend forecast to hundreds of fashion professionals at an event in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Here, as the sun showed its face intermittently, Van den Hoek showed that winter 2025 has plenty to offer, the highlights of which FashionUnited will share.

Van den Hoek managed to immediately silence the audience during his FW25 trend presentation, which he started by pointing out that the line between an authentic lifestyle and a perfect lifestyle is increasingly blurred. Social media is full of half-naked muscular men showing off in the most advanced technology gym or the most beautiful wellness center. What we don't see is that this wellness center is not connected to their bathroom at all, but is often just a rented space. Botox is also becoming increasingly popular among men. In general, DIY is in demand.

Added to this is the complexity of artificial intelligence (AI), which can generate virtual models, Van den Hoek continues. These can simply come out of your screen. It is a movement that everyone in the room, young and old, can identify with. On the other hand, the trend forecaster sees a development in which the countryside and nature are once again being appreciated. This movement has been around for some time, but is taking on new forms for FW25. The reappreciation of nature is reflected this season in rural living and in cutting up and gluing second-hand clothes.

To make the trends visually clear, Van den Hoek divides his trend forecast into four major stories. During the presentation, the forecaster talks about new developments, but also mentions old favorites. Some trends have not yet blossomed and this is particularly evident for the FW25.

Extraordinary men's clothing for FW25

In a world where everyone can say and share whatever they want, it is sometimes difficult to get a message across. You have to be bigger, crazier, more striking. This is a reason to seek out the extraordinary and enter the world of fantasy. In the world of fashion, this means playing with transparent fabrics, sometimes digitally created graphics and materials with a brushed and fluffy texture. This is accompanied by a color palette that includes light pastel tones and in which pink hues, similar to those of lipstick, play a leading role. For the most daredevils among us: strong contrasting colors, such as purple and orange. Anything goes.

Classics get a futuristic twist

Those who like to stay in the “classic” corner but are still willing to innovate will find inspiration in the Impressive trend story. redesign Classics with a futuristic touch and square silhouettes. Particular attention is paid to the cut of the upper body. For example, raga sleeves return and voluminous shoulders are (once again) formed, which are reinforced by generously high collars.

What's also important is that we're not done with the layering trend yet. After all, it's winter and that means that cocooning can begin. Although this trend peaked around the corona crisis, it is now taking on somewhat different forms. For example, down jackets will still be present, but wrapping oneself up is also coming back in a different way, reminiscent of religious practices, for example by covering one's head. Impressive exudes a relaxed atmosphere and should above all radiate comfort. Grey tones and sturdy knitwear are therefore characteristic of this story.

Folklore and country

Unlike access to AI and the fantasy world, there is a return to a basic Country life. That means: wool socks, Fair Isle sweaters and a cup of tea or chocolate milk in hand. The folkloric look is back and is mainly found in the white-grey-black combination, but multi-coloured compositions, such as camel, khaki and red, are also possible. Checks are also important in this trend. You can probably guess that the checked shirt, or a look alike in the form of a jacket, will be seen everywhere in FW25. This trend takes the candidates from the room to the forest to chop wood on a winter's day.

Now that we're in the countryside, we're not saying goodbye to the country trend that Beyoncé and Pharrell Williams have brought back for Louis Vuitton. Here and there, we're also opting for a landscape print.

No frills, but get out the scissors

Finally, the tension between masculine and feminine is evoked. While previous trend presentations focused mainly on ruffles and extravagant outfits, this movement takes on another dimension for FW25. “We will change the shapes with scissors,” explains the trend forecaster. Jackets are cut short and tops have deep V-necks. In addition, fabrics are glued together. This story is also about using what we have. Second-hand items are characteristic here. Real pearls retain their value, but oversized items get a new look.

This trend also shows that the men's skirt has not yet had its best moment. It may not be a serious competitor commercially, but it certainly deserves a podium, concludes Van den Hoek.

Whether newcomers or long-time favourites, Van den Hoek’s trend forecast shows that both are present. It’s up to you to find your way through this source of inspiration and adapt your features to the trends of FW25.

This article was originally published on FashionUnited.NL. Translated via AI and edited by Rachel Douglass.