From Marks and Spencer to adidas, here are the 2025 purchases our fashion writers say are in their top buys of the year
The end of the year is in sight. And as 2025 comes to an end, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some incredible fashion, trends and more over the last 365 days.
We saw the renaissance of barrel leg jeans, hailed the humble polka dot, bowed down to chocolate brown hues and saw a whole host of colour-complimenting trends that encouraged us to indulge in some dopamine dressing. Leopard print’s rival – cow print – has also been huge this year.
Now, our fashion team is lucky to have the job of reporting on the best deals from much-loved brands and constantly having our finger on the style-pulse. This does mean, however, we’re not immune to falling victim to a good deal.
So we thought we’d share with you some of our favourite purchases of the year. From the adidas shoes we can’t stop wearing, to statement dresses that always get us compliments and the knitwear keeping us cosy this winter.
Eve’s picks
Oversized H&M Mohair Red Jumper – £64.99, now £50
I finally plucked up the courage to treat myself to this Oversized H&M Mohair jumper after payday in November. I opted for the festive, bright scarlet red to liven up my knitwear collection, and as soon as it arrived I fell in love.
With an oversized fit, it has a lovely relaxed style with wide arms – which I do often have to roll up when washing hands – while its crew neckline is the perfect design to have a white tee poking out over the top. It looks almost fluffy thanks to its mohair, wool and polyamide blend, and gives it such a luxurious look that exceeds its £64 price tag.
I’ve worn it to a whole host of occasions – walks through woodland, pubs, dinners, family outings, and more. My only qualm is that it can sometimes be a little itchy if worn on bare skin, which some may find annoying. Thankfully it’s not too noticeable for me.
The only other downside is that the red hue is currently out of stock, although there are 14 different colours to choose from – my alternatives were the pink, green or dark purple.
Nobody’s Child’s Felicity bandeau dress – £99
I first spotted this brown and cream Felicity dress on the Nobody’s Child website last year during summer. Not quite willing to part with almost £100 at that point, I waited for it to be restocked (it sold out rapidly) and was overjoyed when it came back – and on sale.
Having waited a long time for the dress, I was so nervous it wouldn’t suit me, but as soon as I put it on, I felt fabulous. Wearing it to three weddings this summer, I received a barrage of compliments (if I do say so myself) and found a range of ways to style it.
Crafted with a ruched bodice that neatly covers up any lumps and bumps, it then floats out into an A-line skirt. Oh, and it has pockets. Ideal for storing fans at summer weddings.
It comes to a midi length, mid shin, and is a bandeau style, although it has attachable straps should wearers want them. One thing I will say is that it does come up large. I’m between an eight and a ten, and the eight was the perfect fit, while the 10 wasn’t quite as supportive and, hitting the dancefloor at a wedding, many people would have got an eyeful.
Now, on the website, it looks like the brown version of this dress is sold out. However, it’s available in most sizes at either Next or ASOS.
For those who aren’t too fussed on the brown, Nobody’s Child has a black and white version of the dress, here. It also comes in block colours as well as a floral design.
Lauren’s pick: M&S Cream Cable-Knit Roll Neck – £36, now £18
The moment I came across this roll-neck jumper in M&S, all restraint went out the window. It went straight into my basket, and since then it’s barely spent any time folded away. The wool blend gives it that cosy, cold-weather softness you expect from a proper winter knit, while the cable design delivers serious festive-film lead energy.
What I didn’t expect was just how adaptable it would be. It’s an easy win with jeans and trainers for everyday wear, but it works just as well dressed up with pinstripe trousers and chunky black boots when I want something a little more polished.
I’ve owned it for roughly six weeks now and have had to consciously reach for other jumpers, purely to avoid looking like I own only one. It’s been everywhere with me: pub trips, cosy movie nights at my boyfriend’s place (worn with pyjama bottoms, obviously), weekend brunches, and even blustery seaside walks.
My only minor gripe is the cream shade, which isn’t the most forgiving for someone who’s always on the go and wears makeup daily; there’s already a faint foundation mark at the neckline. That aside, this M&S jumper has quickly become my most-reached-for knit this season, easily paying for itself in cost-per-wear within days.
Nisha’s pick: Adidas Samba OGs – were £95, now £80
I was eyeing these Samba OGs last year, but at the time, I decided to opt for the Adidas Campus instead. Then about two months ago, I spotted a girl wearing them in town, and that was it. My mind was made up.
I bought them in November and haven’t stopped wearing them since. They pair well with jeans, trousers and straight-leg joggers. They took some getting used to, as for the past two years I’ve worn trainers with chunky soles (notably Asics Gel NYC and the Campus runners), but after a couple of wears, I got used to them.
They’re great for easy, casual wear, and thanks to the neutral colourway, they pair well with almost every wash of denim you can think of. The same goes for tops and jackets; they complement everything in my wardrobe and have quickly become my daily go-to footwear choice.
I visited the Birmingham Christmas Markets earlier this month, and I accidentally stepped into a puddle, causing water to seep into my shoe. So, if you’re going to buy them, don’t wear them when it’s raining heavily – your socks won’t thank you for it.
Lucy’s pick: Alpaca Blend Striped Textured Relaxed Jumper – £55
As soon as Marks and Spencer dropped this year’s autumn and winter collection, I went in-store to see what was on offer. I’m a sucker for a striped clothing item and was instantly drawn to this relaxed fit jumper. I tried it on in cream and khaki and while that colourway is currently out of stock in most sizes, M&S have just dropped a warm toffee or rich burgundy alternative.
Super soft and cosy, it’s a jumper that might just become the hardest working item in any wardrobe. It can be worn anywhere from work to the weekend and I love how it looks styled with blue jeans. Simple in design, yes, but a staple piece that will never be off trend and can be loved for seasons to come.
I am careful when washing it as it’s made from an alpaca blend, but so far I’ve seen no bobbling or shrinking. The jumper comes in sizes extra small to extra large – I opted for a large as I wanted a slouchy look that could layered under jackets and coats.
Jess’ Pick: adidas Originals Handball Spezial gum sole trainers in brown and white – £90
As someone who tends to opt for a neutral palette, I couldn’t resist treating my wardrobe to these comfy adidas Originals Handball Spezial trainers in this wearable white and brown colour combo.
I like that they’re not too chunky, so they help to balance out wide leg trousers which are my preferred style of bottoms. Whilst I’d love to wear chic dressy things all week long, I’m often found in more casual outfits that fit my everyday lifestyle, so trainers are an essential that I get a lot of wear out of.
My one drawback is that I wouldn’t say these are the most practical trainers for winter weather due to their material, but the darker colour means they’ve yet to show too many marks even when I’ve been caught in a sudden downpour.
Overall, I think they’re a staple piece that I wouldn’t be without. They’re certainly an investment at £90, but I think given how long trainers usually last and how many outfits they can be paired with, the cost-per-wear is usually pretty decent, which is something I always look for in my clothing.
