Seasoned writers always have a bank of words that they avoid using—words that they don't like using in their work for one reason or another. For me, the word "cool" sits on that list. In theory I take no issue with the word itself—it can be especially helpful in this industry where I use words and phrases like "trend" and "stylish" interchangeably—but what I do have a problem with is just how overused it is. I myself use it all the time—to a friend I might say, "your new cow print shoes are so cool" or "that piece of art you've chosen is so cool". It's a compliment after all and I love paying compliments.
Professionally, however, I've seen it thrown around in headlines and articles all too often that it has lost much of its impact. That said, there is a time and a place where the word "cool" really is justified, and I'd say the following slew 2025 outfits are definitely that.
Many of us are still trying to get our style on track for the year ahead—I know I'm still reluctant to assemble an outfit that goes beyond my favourite jeans or leggings, a cosy wool jumper, chunky socks and either my trusty Birkenstock Bostons for indoor wear or my simple black leather knee boots for outwith. It's because of this that I found myself in need of some much needed outfit inspiration, especially ahead of what's set to be a very busy Fashion Month. So I went looking for just that.
What I found was the way people are getting dressed for spring 2025 is so darn cool, it's hard to think of another way to describe it. In fact, it's almost indescribable. Instead, let me tell you about one of the looks I've found. It's someone wearing brown slingback heels and matching wide-leg trousers. Sounds chic right? Throw in the addition of a canvas barn jacket and it enters cool territory.
Below I've assembled seven outfits that have a particular attribute that makes them indisputably cool. Interested in seeing them? I thought you might be...
7 Cool Outfits to Try in 2025
1. Barn Jacket + Tailored Trousers + Slingbacks
Style Notes: This is indeed the look I was referencing above and I have to assume that seeing it for yourself cements why I've deemed it as being cool. Where a more formal looking cropped wool jacket or blazer would have looked perfectly chic, by opting for a more casual barn jacket, this look is made much more fashion forward.
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Barn jackets continue to be a huge trend this season.
H&M's tailored trousers come with rave reviews.
I know so many chic women who carry Métier bags.
Chicness is a pair of Gucci sunglasses.
These look so much more expensive than they are.
2. Leather Jacket + Pleated Skirt + Layered Belts
Style Notes: There's not just one piece contributing to the overall cool ranking of this look—there's two at play. Can you guess what they are? If you said the leather jacket as one of your answers, I hate to break it to you but that's not it. They might have connotations but, as far as 2025 is concerned, it's the pleated midi skirt that checks off one of the cool boxes. The other? The strategically placed layered leather belts.
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Free People's leather is always so buttery soft.
An elevated take on the knitted polo.
Khaite's belts are beloved by Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber alike.
Pleated skirts are a key buy for 2025.
Jimmy Choo has perfected the biker with this boot.
3. Blazer + Horseshoe Jeans + Heeled Boots
Style Notes: When it comes to assembling an outfit, a blazer, jumper, jeans and boots will never fail you. However, you might think it's the blazer that gives this outfit its cool edge. You're not wrong but, for me, it's the on-trend arch jeans that help to set this look apart from the rest you'll see on the streets. And what's cooler than that?
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A great capsule wardrobe investment that you can dress up or down.
The burgundy colour trend still prevails.
This is the ultimate 2025 status symbol.
H&M's denim department is next level this season.
A heel you can genuinely walk all day in.
4. Faux Fur Coat + Double Denim + Black Trainers
Style Notes: Sticking with jeans for a moment, I have a lot of time for the Canadian Tuxedo (the widely-known term for wearing denim on the top half as well as the bottom). I'm a Canadian citizen and feel patriotic whenever I wear the duo. This look is cool, no doubt about it, but it's the addition of black trainers (i.e. one of the biggest trainer trends of 2025) pictured here that puts this outfit into a whole other category of cool.
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The leather edging makes this faux fur coat look even more high end.
It doesn't get much more classic in denim circles than Levi's.
The perfect everyday bag (that also fits a laptop!).
Such a great wash.
Black trainers with white flashes will always be considered classic.
5. Jumper + Slip Skirt + Leopard Boots
Style Notes: Skirts are proving just as integral to 2025's fashion agenda as they were the year prior but it's now that I'm seeing more impressive skirt looks than ever. As people have gotten more confident in wearing them, we're now seeing new ways of styling them come through. My favourite? This elevated satin skirt which has been paired with but some very cool leopard print boots.
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Invest in a cashmere comb to make sure this knit stays looking sharp.
A chic way to make your outfit look even more personal to you.
This bag has been a hit amongst fashion people for seasons now, and it's appeal shows no signs of diminishing.
This staple skirt comes in a handful of colours.
Our editors love these Reformation boots—so much so, two own a pair.
6. Coat + Shorts + Sheer Tights
Style Notes: The unexpectedness of seeing someone wearing shorts at this time of year is enough to secure this look's place on my cool outfits for 2025 list. The sheer tights, bowling-style bag and long coat only further cement it.
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Prince of Wales checks never, ever date.
In my opinion, it's always worth investing in quality basics.
Miu Miu bags have never been more sought after—this style keeps on selling out.
You can wear tailored shorts when it's cold out—just add tights, boots and a knit.
I buy all of my tights from M&S.
8. Shirt + Sheer Skirt + East-West Bag
Style Notes: Sheer skirts are going to be a big trend this year, but they have been around for a while already. The key to making them look the 2025 part lies in the styling. Personally. I think this outfit featuring an oversized Oxford shirt is endlessly chic. That and the addition of the east-west shaped bag keeps it feeling extra current.
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A shirt I own in three colours already (including this classic white).
Tuck into jeans or use to layer up shirts like the above look.
Everyone (and I mean everyone) will think this bag is designer.
For more coverage, try layering some lace tights underneath.
Mark my words: T-bar shoes will be huge this year.
