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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.

Shop the Look:

COS

Leather-Collar Field Jacket

MÉTIER

+ Fernando Jorge Ease Embellished Suede Clutch

Gucci

Oval-Frame Sunglasses

& Other Stories

Patent Leather Slingback Pumps

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.