STYLE NOTES:

THE NEW CULT CLASSICS

Your guide to the season’s 10 instant standout designs - the ones that have quietly built a devoted following both online and on the street.

WORDS: TOM KEOWN 05.11.25

More than just a daily practicality, getting dressed is an art form. It’s an external communicator of who you are: your interests, your mood, your taste level. In short, your sartorial choices matter. Thankfully, the recent collections have provided no shortage of knockout designs that are all you need to demonstrate you have exceptional taste. And the rest of the global fashion community agrees; these are the boots, bags and more that have garnered the largest devoted following in the shortest space of time.

Below, read our 10 most envy-inducing cult buys for AW25. It’s an edit curated in collaboration with Amirah Strand, an internet cool girl who’s grown a cult following of her own thanks to her well-honed aesthetic that blends classic luxury with contemporary edge.

1. THE BIG BUCKLE BOOTS

According to Amirah, the appeal of these Miu Miu boots lies in their versatility – they're ‘comfortable enough for long city walks but chic enough for a day out with the girls.’ Low-key in black leather, they’ve still been easy to spot outside all the shows courtesy of an abundance of buckles, squared toes, and a particular biker-inspired sensibility that all the fashion girls know works best when contrasted against the most delicate slip dresses and the primmest of skirts.

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2. THE SUEDE LOAFER

Co-opted in recent years by every style tribe from clean girls to millennial minimalists: the loafer isn’t going anywhere. However, the most recent iteration of the loafer signals a return to its timeless roots. Constructed from soft suede in chocolate-brown, Saint Laurent’s Cassandre Penny loafers are free from adornment save the house’s monogram logo in gleaming golden hardware – the only detail required to send them straight to the top of every French fashion fan’s wish list.

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3. THE BARN-STYLE PUFFER

Once reserved for ski trips and country walks, the puffer has officially gone city. Bottega Veneta’s tech-nylon take is an elevated reimagining of the barn-style silhouette, down-padded yet retaining that signature Bottega structure. Crucially, it’s detailed with the coveted Intrecciato weave in tonal leather at the collar, a subtle motif that’s unmistakably Bottega to those in the know.

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4. THE MINI SUEDE BAG

“This little suede bag pulls any outfit together,” says Amirah. “It’s compact yet surprisingly roomy, and I love mixing textures - the soft suede adds the perfect autumn touch to any look.” Miu Miu’s Arcadie bag is exactly that: a small, structured statement in rich, earthy suede. Subtle logo detailing keeps it understated yet unmistakable, whilst the tactile texture elevates everything it’s paired with. A silent star of the season, it’s what the girls have been reaching for when they want to make an effortless statement.

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5.THE ‘90S-STYLE SHOULDER BAG

Canonised in popular culture by the likes of Rachel Green and Carrie Bradshaw, the shoulder bag is a style that defined the ‘90s, and like those two iconic characters, the bag’s cult following has only increased with time. A design lauded for its versatility, the recent collections have offered shoulder bags primed for both day and evening. At Jacquemus, the Le Bisou Perle shoulder bag demonstrates this versatility, however Amirah prefers to wear hers for nights out: ‘I fell in love with the beaded detailing on this bag. It’s the perfect statement piece for an evening out! It adds just the right amount of personality to elevate your outfit.’

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6. THE HERITAGE CHECK SCARF

A timeless staple in winter wardrobes around the globe, the heritage check scarf from Burberry reemerges this season with a slimmer silhouette and fringed edges. Woven from cashmere, it doesn’t lean on logos – it lets the Burberry signature check speak for itself. The check has been a cornerstone of the brand’s identity since its inception that’s lost none of its cultural currency. In fact, it just keeps getting cooler as the Burberry name continues to be taken to new creative heights under the direction of Daniel Lee.

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7. THE LAYERED TANK T-SHIRT

One of the benefits of the return of colder weather is the ability to experiment with silhouette through the use of layering. At Acne Studios, this applies to more than just outerwear. The long-sleeved top layered under a vest automatically says ‘90s grunge’, and this season, the Swedish fashion house is offering a readymade option that takes the effort out of trying to look effortless. Worn beneath a bomber or a flannel shirt, it’ll have you feeling like Winona Ryde in your favourite ‘90s cult classic.

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8. THE OVERSIZED SUNNIES

Billowing layers, frills, that Padlock bag : the Chloé boho aesthetic is officially back. This time, under the creative direction of Chemena Kamali, it feels dynamic and modern - not a lazy rehash of the early-noughties boho heyday. If you’re not sure where to begin your boho revival, start with the sunglasses. Finished in classic tortoiseshell with golden logo detailing and softly tinted lenses, this aviator pair delivers instant Chloé charm. Oversized to just the right degree, they give off the perfect “hiding-from-the-paparazzi” energy.

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9. THE LEATHER MIDI

The leather midi has been having some serious street style moments recently, and this iteration from Prada has been leading the charge. Made from faded, crinkled leather with heavy-duty metal details on the belt, it’s unmistakably tough-luxe, and infuses both daytime and party looks with the right amount of attitude that the fashion crowd’s been craving. It’s free of logos, embroidery or patterns, but no matter – this distinctive silhouette is instantly recognisable to those who keep up with the latest from Mrs. Prada and Mr. Simons.

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10. THE V-NECK KNIT

Perhaps more than any other brand of late, it’s Miu Miu that truly caters to those who prefer their fashion a little on the strange side. The brand forfeits classic ideas of style and femininity for something infinitely more interesting and intellectual. Even the most traditional seeming design has something slightly ‘off’ about it. Take this V-neck jumper, for example. Made from a lightweight knit with ribbed edges, it features a double-layered effect that automatically caught Amirah’s eye: ‘This is the perfect knit to stay cosy through colder autumn nights while still feeling effortlessly polished. I love how the double-layered detail adds structure and instantly elevates even the simplest look’

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