SEPTEMBER is here, which means it’s officially time to transition your wardrobe into autumn.
This season, prints are making a strong comeback – from polka dots to checks, they’re taking centre stage on the catwalks, and the has followed suit.
Going dotty on the Moschino catwalk
Copenhagen fashion week was full of stripes
Prints are such a great way to add a new dimension for your outfits, as they can elevate your look and are surprisingly versatile so can be styled in many different ways.
If the thought of incorporating prints into your wardrobe feels overwhelming, or you’re unsure on which will suit you best, there are plenty of ways to experiment – for example, try accessories like a neck scarf, bag or belt.
Or if you’re ready to make a bold statement, we’ve also got you covered.
Here, Assistant has hand-picked her favourite printed pieces, big and small, that are on the high street right now but selling out fast!
POLKA DOTS
The polka dot print is a staple that will truly never go out of style, but recently it’s made a major comeback
- Peplum top, £16, Nasty Gal – BUY NOW
- Dress, £39.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Midi dress, £40, Albaray – BUY NOW
- Blouse, £15, River Island – BUY NOW
- Midi skirt, £6, F&F at Tesco – BUY NOW
- Socks, £12, Damson Madder – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £49, Omnes – BUY NOW
- Bag, £60, Sisters & Seekers – BUY NOW
The great thing about polka dots is that they come in big and small designs, plus you don’t have to opt for just black and white, as there are lots of colourful options out there.
If you want to try out the trend in a subtle way, this Sisters & Seekers bag or these Damson Madder socks are a fun entry point.
Blue is set to be a standout shade for autumn, making this dress from an ideal choice for any occasion.
And this Nasty Gal puffball top is a great option for party season, which will be here before we know it!
If you’d prefer a smaller print, this satin skirt from is a timeless piece that will mix seamlessly into your wardrobe, while anyone wanting to make a statement should look no further than these wide-leg trousers from Omnes.
STRIPES
Make a statement for autumn with big, bold and colourful stripes
- Polo shirt, £29, John Lewis & Partners – BUY NOW
- Dress, £21, New Look – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £55, French Connection – BUY NOW
- Tie, £15.99, Bershka – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £17.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bag, £15.99, Parfois – BUY NOW
- Denim jacket, £52, Joules – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £90, Adidas – BUY NOW
Vertical stripes are good for giving the illusion of elongated legs, and these trousers from are lightweight and comfortable, thanks to their elasticated waist.
If you want to wear stripes head to toe, then this dress is a great option, and its neutral tones make it easy to style.
Androgynous fashion is also a huge trend set to dominate this season, with ties making a comeback – this striped one from Bershka will elevate your look to the next level.
This striped shirt from French Connection is cinched at the waist, but if you want a boxier, oversized look then a striped rugby shirt or jacket will work as an ideal layering piece.
ANIMAL PRINT
It’s not just leopard print that we’re loving: cow, snake and zebra are also in our top picks
- Blouse, £79, And/Or at John Lewis & Partners – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £30, Albaray – BUY NOW
- Cami top, £45, Abercrombie & Fitch – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £29.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Bag, £69, River Island – BUY NOW
- Belt, £6, Primark – BROWSE HERE
- Skirt, £59, Never Fully Dressed – BUY NOW
- Trainers, £95, Gola X Anthropologie – BUY NOW
Leopard print has been massive for a few years now, but the trend has widened out this season with plenty of other animal prints – from cow to snake – also making appearances on the runway.
Most animal prints are made up of neutral tones, so investing in accessories is a good way to embrace the trend across multiple outfits.
This belt from is just £6, while this cow-print bag from River Island looks far more luxurious than its £69 price tag.
Leopard and cow-print footwear has been hugely popular already this year, but if you’re after a unique style, then check out this brand-new Gola X Anthropologie collaboration complete with baby-pink details.
This cow-print cami would look great paired with denim jeans and offers an easy, understated way to tap into the trend, or you could go full-force with these zebra trousers from Zara.
CHECKS
Checks are super-versatile and can add timeless charm or a contemporary edge to an outfit
- Top, £129, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Blazer, £50, Monki at ASOS – BUY NOW
- Blouse, £17.99, Reserved – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £49.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Skirt, £18, George at Asda – BUY NOW
- Top, £75, COS – BUY NOW
- Bag, £68, Charles & Keith – BUY NOW
- Cardigan, £29.99, New Look – BUY NOW
Checks are arguably the easiest trend to get on board with new-season style.
Whether you opt for a traditional tartan, formal houndstooth or playful gingham, they all feel pretty timeless.
Mango’s miniskirt is an excellent dupe of Miu Miu’s A/W runway version, and if you prefer a maxi silhouette, George at Asda has a pleated style for just £18.
A check blazer is a wardrobe essential and this Monki one comes in at under £50, ensuring a great cost per wear ratio.
For something a little more special, this top adorned with 3D flowers from Massimo Dutti is a timeless investment piece that also comes with a matching skirt.
If you love texture, but are looking for something more subtle, then this floaty blue blouse strikes the perfect balance.
Or you could introduce checks to your wardrobe with this houndstooth bag from Charles & Keith – it’s a great mid-market brand with plenty of good-quality styles that’ll last you for years.
AW25 Fashion Trends
Fashion writer, Lauren Goodwin-Grafton, says these are the top 6 trends from the hottest catwalk designers for autumn/winter 2025…
CHOCOLATE BROWN
Rich and decadent, chocolate brown is emerging as the must-have shade of the season. Expect to see it everywhere and prepare to style it head-to-toe for a luxe look. We’re taking our lead from the sumptuous suede tote bags at Miu Miu and oversized leather clutches at Gucci. A faux fur coat in the tasty shade will be your statement buy for the season, inspired by Fendi, Prada, and Balenciaga.
LACE
Delicate yet daring, lace is making a bold comeback this autumn, gracing everything from high-neck blouses to floor-sweeping gowns in moody, romantic hues and brights. Bella Hadid graced the Saint Laurent catwalk in a bold-shouldered blue lace co-ord while Chloe brought boho back (of course) with ethereal nightie-inspired lace dresses. Work it into your wardrobe with denim or tailored separates.
THE SKIRT SUIT
The autumn catwalks featured plenty of tailoring, but this season, Givenchy, Calvin Klein, and Gucci paid homage to the elegant pencil skirt suit – designed with nipped-in waists, bold shoulders, and retro silhouettes. Wear yours with a flouncy blouse and patent pumps or parade your ladylike pencil skirt with a classic white shirt. Chic!
PLAID
The quintessential autumn print is back for fall, and the heritage-core trend makes the perfect foundation for any wardrobe. From classic tartan to muted checks, plaid looks super expensive when worn in rich, earthy tones and classic navy shades. Choose chunky knits, tailored coats, kilt-style skirts, and pair with sturdy boots for a look that’s equal parts country charm and city sophistication.
LEOPARD PRINT
Let’s face it, leopard print never truly goes out of style, and it’s considered a neutral. Proof, well, designers went full throttle for the print. There were statement coats at Versace, bold bags at Fendi and wow-factor wild co-ords at Saint Laurent. It’s up to you how you wear it. Whether you shop for a statement piece that does all the talking or dip your toe in with an accessory, it’s all about animal.
LEATHER
Sleek and versatile leather is another trend stealing the spotlight this season, look to Prada, Moschino and Victoria Beckham for inspiration. You can easily work the trend into your own autumn/ winter wardrobe with a timeless leather jacket, buttery-soft leather blazer, a pair of wide-leg trousers, or a structured midi skirt.
