Four Trends Shaping How We Dress Now

While our feeds skew towards northern hemisphere spring, dressing for the colder months requires a different read. Looking to the recent autumn/winter runways out of Europe, four clear trends have emerged, each offering a practical way to rethink winter dressing.

From tactile layers to a shift away from clean-girl aesthetics, the season leans towards texture, ease and warmth. Pieces from the latest Uniqlo x Needles collaboration – a tightly edited, three-piece release – offer an accessible way into each, blending everyday functionality with Japanese streetwear sensibility.

Check out our top four trends that are in right now – and how exactly to wear them.

Texture

This year’s runways saw a handful of tactile numbers – from voluminous faux furs to dalmatian prints and the return of the teddy. But closer to home, fleece has become the most wearable entry point.

The Uniqlo x Needles fleece full-zip jacket captures that balance – textural without feeling excessive. Layer it over a button-up and pair with a soft wool skirt to elevate the look, finishing with heavier footwear to ground it.

Spontaneity

There’s been a shift away from the strict confines of quiet luxury, with a move towards more spontaneous styling. We’re seeing more effortless looks that are casual and not formulaic.

Add an oversized scarf, a mix of patterns or textures, or an unexpected addition of a thrifted piece to your outfit and you’re halfway there. A good styling tip is to take a leaf out of Jacob Elordi’s book and consider mixing feminine and masculine garments for a unisex look that feels all your own. This preppy fleece cardigan in black stripe is the perfect piece that feels familiar, but with enough detail to shift an outfit.

Rich earth tones

Earthy palettes remain central this season, but with more depth. Think chocolate, camel and muted beige, alongside softer, milky neutrals. This links with the recently-viral “poet core” trend taking over our feeds – a style very much rooted in the academic, preppy professor wardrobe.

A tonal approach makes this easier to wear. The Needles x Uniqlo beige fleece wide pants in beige, paired with a matching zip jacket, creates a cohesive look that feels considered without being overly styled.

Soft structure

With more sportswear taking over the runway, we’re seeing a move away from oversized tailoring, channelling a more modern look that pairs tailored pieces with casual or less structured pieces.

Rework last season’s oversized suiting with softly structured, sport- or tech-leaning pieces to bring a sharper edge to winter dressing. This Needles x Uniqlo fleece grandpa-style cardi in eggplant purple is a great way to bring a casual vibe to suit pants and a tee. As a bonus, it’s made from 100 per cent recycled materials.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Uniqlo. The Uniqlo x Needles collaboration is available for a limited time in-store, launching April 23rd.