The story of Tory Burch’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection begins with what she describes as “twisted American sportswear.” Sleeves are tossed over shoulders, and winkingly mismatched materials bristle with pins. “It’s literal and figurative,” she says. For years, Burch’s guiding light has been the historic designer Claire McCardell, who also counts Donna Karan and Calvin Klein among her acolytes. “In the 1940s, Claire McCardell genuinely invented American sportswear and revolutionized the way we dress,” Burch says. “Her designs encouraged self-expression and empowered women with a casual elegance that is as relevant today as it was 75 years ago. Everything was intentional, nothing was frivolous, and comfort was as vital as glamour.” Burch’s collection is shot through with a liberatory freedom of movement that connects garments as disparate as joggers and tea-length dresses.
Here, CULTURED Fashion Editor Ali Pew dives into the runway details that culminate in this harmony of complexity and ease.
COLOR THEORY
Pick your palette: Focus on three main colors, with two that are contrasting. Focus on primary shades, which keep the mood especially sporty.
Style it: Employ slouchy, oversized fits and polished layers, and let sleeves hang long rather than rolling them up.
Accessories: Keep it minimal, but with details that tie back to sportswear, like the shade of eyewear or the practical pockets on the bag.
SPORTSWEAR
Pick your palette: One key color with multiple shades and tones. Tonal with subtle contrast.
Style it: Wrap a scarf loosely around the shoulders for effortless ease reimagined with tonal color-blocking, or pin a sleeve back with a brooch for an extra dose of the joyously unexpected.
Accessories: Add something “off.” This can include leopard print, an intricate dangling ear cuff, or flat square-toe boots that read equestrian-meets-Italian artisan.
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