I know, it’s January, but did you know the spring runway shows happened during fashion week…. Back in OCTOBER! I’ve been excitingly holding out on publishing this for awhile but as I am now starting to see some of these trends materialize on my feed, I know it’s time!
Now before I start talking about the trends, I have to talk about where these trends come from, the runways. Many people fail to appreciate it and definitely fail to understand it. Runway fashion is often described as “unwearable”. Yes, it is, that is the point though. Runway fashion is meant to be the most extreme representation of what will be the defining trends of the season, hell the DECADE. Think about the 60’s, now the 70’s, now the 80’s, and then finally the 90’s. I am sure I could ask you to dress according to each decade and you could easily accomplish it. Fashion, like music, can completely define a decade or season. The actual clothes on the runway are often not the clothing meant for the stores. Runway looks are art, sculptures meant for a gallery and to serve as inspiration for other art. These shows happen in October and influence what department stores and other “Fast Fashion/High Street” stores like Zara, H$M, and department stores buy for the shelves. Now there were almost 600 covered spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Runway shows, so this is by no means an all encompassing list, nor are these all trends that I myself will be wearing, but rather these are the trends that I feel will be the most defining of the season as a whole based on what was seen on the runways of the larger more influential fashion houses. With that being said, here we go!
All the Patterns, Fabrics, and Textures
Fresh take on Florals
Last spring it was all about the Rose. We saw rose patterns and embellishments on everything from shirts, dresses, swim, even chokers. But this spring is those small, feminine floral patterns. These are your grandmothers florals. Think small ditsy floral patterns like wallpaper or that quilt on your nana’s bed. These are the lilacs, baby’s breath, and your forget-me-nots. I think we will see these in dresses and I think we will see lighter, quilted hunter jackets in this style. I have my eye on some at Alter’d State.
Stripes
If you saw the looks from the Louis Vuitton spring runway shows you already know…Stripes will be HUGE this spring. I am talking all stripes but there are a few specific stripe styles I think we will see a lot of. That is the Rugby Stipe. This is usually a wide horizontal stripe in a bold color sandwiched between two smaller stripes in a different color. Like the green shirt that one guy from Blue’s Clues always wears. I’m definitely aging myself by making this an article for millennials as the gen z and alpha kids won’t know who I’m talking about. I probably won’t buy a rugby shirt because I couldn’t see myself in it before, and I can’t see myself wearing it once the trend moves out. Instead I’ll opt for the more timeless stripes I already have. I realized when I was going through my closet that I actually own quite a bit of striped styles so I will definitely be partaking in the stripe movement.
Polka Dots
I feel like the stripes and the polka dots are both transitional tools meant to help shift the pendulum from minimalism back to maximalism. It’s the perfect transitional trend because it also mends itself well to the simple elegance of old money. It’s Connecticut Prep goes sailing so get out those Sperrys. I LOVE a good Sperry for summer, a classic IMO. Polka dots and stripes both add interest and character to a look while staying classy, sophisticated, and not too overwhelming. So if you cringed when you read that Maximalism is back, fret not, just get a cute polka dot or striped neck scarf and jazz up your purse 👜.
Plaid
Yes, that’s correct! Plaid, which tends to be more of a fall winter trend was all over the spring runways. The way I’ll be styling this trend is by opting for plaids in lighter spring colors or neutrals. I just purchased a white/cream plaid coat from Alter’d State that I think will be worn a lot this spring! You can also try other types of plaid adjacent patterns like Gingham (which I LOVE for spring) or checkerboard.
Tweed/Twill/Boucle
While this is another that may traditionally have been seen as a winter staple, we are breaking traditions in 2025, starting with summer tweed. this blends well with the old money / quiet luxury aesthetic we saw in 2024 and is still going strong. This is a heavier fabric so as things heat up
Suede
Suede started trending in Autumn Winter 2024 and will be carried through as a major trend through out 2025. Suede everything. Bags, Hats, Shoes, Skirts, Blazers, Coats, Ect. The Suede Coat I have had my own eye on just when half price and I will be scooping it up asap! Great thing about this is that it wont go out of style as long as you choose something classic. Suede can be hard to care for so make sure you carefully read any care instructions especially if you are splurging on something nice.
Sheer
Sheer not anything new or revolutionary. It has been a staple on the runway for many years now. I personally feel the sheer movement began when the Kim Kardashian reign was at its highest and she still had a chokehold on fashion and society. We saw some wild fads I am so glad to have steered clear of like bicycle shorts with stripper heals and fully sheer tops when she was dominating the media. Something I am so glad to be moving on from. Bye, Bye Brazilian butt lifts hello Ozempic. Anyone else notice the return of super skinny models to the runway? I feel like recent medical advancements have set society standards back several years. Just like the ever changing ideal body type, the way we are styling sheer is also changing. This sheer is more tastefully done. Small panels of sheer in shirts and pants, Sheer over skirts, Sheer sleeves, Ect. Just a peek though!
Animal PRINTS (not realskin/fur! 🤢)
If you invested in animal prints this fall, fear not, they are still trending in a major way. If you want something that’s a bit more timeless, leopard is always the way to go. But on the runways, the trend was a bit more non traditional. We saw zebra, cow print, snake, ect gracing the spring shows. I personally already have a lot of leopard and snake prints from previous years but I might invest in something fun like zebra or cow print handbag. These prints were still all over the resort shows as well as in the prefall 2025 shows. Hang on to your furry tails because animal prints are here to STAY for 2025 and I am here for it. Let’s just keep it kind and keep it Faux girlies.
The Pallet for Spring
Mocha
Let’s talk color now. What better color to start the conversation than Pantone’s color of the year, Mocha. I picture this as a soft neutral tan but on the cooler side. Like your coffee after you put the cream. But just like someone’s coffee preference, there can be as much difference in these shades as well. Find the mocha shade that compliments you best and splurge on something nice because this is such a timeless staple color that you will reach for again and again all year round and year after year.
Pretty in Pink
Let’s talk about the “it” color of the year now. Say goodbye to the bright Barbie Pink from last year and make room for a softer ballerina pink. In fact say hello to all things Ballerina/Barre/Pilates for activewear. The secret about Pilates and Barre is out and everyone wants that Pilates/ballerina body. This was a hard choice over Butter Yellow or Powder blue which will also be huge. It’s just not practical as a business to produce every item in every color. A brand may release the same sweaters in differenct colors each season. The colors they choose to produce are often defined by the colors seen on the major runways. This last fall/winter the colors that captivated store shelves were Chocolate Brown and Muled Wine. These colors were everywhere and you’ll see the same thing with Blush Pink this spring. I think this is a result of the fashion pendulum is swinging away from the boxy masculine styles and we are definitely seeing a feminine reassurance. Perhaps this could also be influenced by the new Wicked movie like how Barbie pink stemmed from that feature film.
Powder Blue
Perfect shade for spring and one you can actually start wearing now. This frosty blue can make for such a pretty winter color as well so feel free to start wearing this color now. This spring will be all about the pastels! Shocking I know.
Butter Yellow
Yes, I am still on my Butter Yellow tangent and I am sticking with it. I still think butter yellow is going to have a big moment. I feel like she’s been lurking on every runway just waiting to explode and what better time than spring. While I have an abundance of powder blue and pail pink, I only have 1 or 2 pieces in this fun yellow color. It might be time to fill that closet hole…
Pistachio
Many of the trends I find myself writing about were present when my interest in fashion first began. It was 2012 and old school fashion blogging was all the rage. This was when bloggers were still mostly posting to Pinterest and were just beginning to move onto Instagram. I was just graduating high school and all I wanted to spend my big girl money on was riding boots, skinny jeans, chevron maxi dresses, and anything mint. As always with fashion, we NEVER wear the same thing twice. We always find ways to breathe new life into old ideas. With the return of many 2010-2015 era trends returning, so is that trendy soft green. The new mint green is just a tad less Tiffany and has a bit more jade. It’s Pistachio and I am here for it.
Micro Trends
Skant
This one is VERY controversial. This is the crazy, revolutionary style we will see define 2025. Every year there is one crazy out there trend. Last year we saw the “Jort” this year its the “skant”
What is the Skant? Well it’s the skirt over pants hybrid. Yes, this look has been resurrected from the 2004 grave it should have stayed in. As much as I hate it…. It. Was. Everywhere. Matthew Blazy from Botega Veneta even released one that was a skirt over trousers… but the trousers had only one leg…. It was very avant guard.
Just like with the Jort, I will similarly not be participating in this trend. If there is something on a runway or in a store that I would not have been at all interested in prior, is still not something I should be interested in now. Fashion trends are meant to serve as a directional arrow for your own creativity but should not replace it. Meaning, you should stay you. Don’t wear something solely because it’s trendy.
This is obviously not a trend that I think will last, it’s a fad. If you are going to dip a tow into these dangerous waters, here is how I would do it. Think Desert babe in Dubai. Linen pants under a long linen tunic top like the styles traditionally seen in the Middle East and Asia. It should be classy and sophisticated, not Ashley Tidsale on the red carpet Circa 2004.
Hot Pants
Nothing makes me happier as a mother than to learn about the return of Micro Shorts and Micro Mini Skirts…. Right as my preteen daughter starts middle school. Can we bring back the Jorts? This trends is only for the GROWN ladies. Girls, go put your baggy cargo pants back on! If you are no longer bound by school dress codes, feel free to rock your hot pants and show off those long model legs! Proceed with caution though as this can tread into dangerous waters and look trashy if not correctly. One way I liked the look was Paired with a traditional boxy Chanel tweed jacket and Tights. BTW for tights, get a white pair. Trust.
Asymmetry
Asymmetry is here! This is a fun one that can actually be very flattering and feminine. We saw a lot of high low hems, dresses that drape down to one side or the other, pants with only one leg and more. The high low hem is one that I actually haven’t seen in a few years and I was eagerly awaiting its return. I own this beautiful pastel blue high low skirt. The under skirt is short and has a sheer over skirt that drapes down in the back almost floor length. It’s gorgeous but felt very dated so I haven’t worn it in many years. ITS PERFECTLY on trend this spring and I am so glad I have held onto it. It’s not just high low though. Maximalism is back and any way you can add interest and flair is fair game. One shoulder tops, Uneven/unfinished hems, high in the front with flowing trains in the back, ruffles cascading down one side, a cinched side waist, or even a large cutout over one leg on a body con dress.
One surprising way we saw asymmetry styled in 2025 in which we have not seen before. Pants with only one leg. I am not even going to elaborate on this one as I obviously think is ridiculous but is worth mentioning. One legged pants is an extreme version of asymmetry. Asymmetry is still the main idea and I just think there are better ways to style it. This is a little too 2035 and I am still trying to get used to the idea of 2025.
Bubble Hem
Bubble Hems started last year and are still going strong. In back the bubble hem is expanding into other forms. Bubble pant, Bubble midi skirts and dresses, even sleeves. I almost bought one last year when the summer styles went on sale but decided not to… kinda wish I had because they are still all the rage. If you are like me and missed the boat, fear not. It’s all about the silhouette created and we saw many designers opt for using different materials to create the same silhouette, like Taffeta and Chiffon for Tutus. Try a long Maxi Skirt or shorter skirts with layers of ruffled delicate fabric like a tiered wedding cake.
Fringe, Sequins, Feathers, Ruffles, Beads
With Maximalism on rise again so are all the embellishments. The Chanel jackets from the Spring 2025 show were embellished with everything from fringe, sequins, feathers, and even Peter pan collars. They were elaborate, extravagant, and screamed “shut up, look at me, and eat your cake”. Seriously if Marie Antionette was wearing these around I might be temped to take her head as well…. Only for the jacket though. Its all about the details in 2025
Capes
Capes were a big trend. I LOVE the look of cape as it can it can be so chic and European BUT they are tremendously impractical as they offer very little warmth. There is a very brief window before spring gives way to summer wear these can be worn and I don’t know if that is enough reason to purchase if you value cost per wear. I can see these showing up in formal dressing in the form of flowing trains.
The Aesthetic
Old Money
Old Money is still holding on for dear life and your pieces will still be very trendy in 2025 but be warned. I would start changing your buying habits as Simplicity, Quiet Luxury, and Old Money is on its way out. Fashion is a pendulum and when it swings in any given direction for it to swing back.
The laws of the physics of fashion cleary state that everything must have an equal and opposite reaction. As a millennial I hated the baggy high waisted “mom” jeans my mother wore in the 90’s and instead wanted bell bottoms and skinny jeans. Now our children, Gen z/Gen alpha think our skinny jeans are “mom” jeans and opt for the opposite, high waisted 90’s style and baggy cargo pants. Now Skinny’s are inching there way back into the scene but don’t get excited, it not a comeback yet. Now this is just to emphasize that fashion swings back and forth like a pendulum, we get bored, we want new.
Boho
Here is your new. Chloe shocked us all last year with their full return to the bohemian Chic vibe that originally set them apart. Bohemian is as defining to Chloe as Tweed is to Chanel. I feel the bohemian look fits so well with Maximalism. Is all about character, personality and textures. Sheer Gossamer fabrics, flowing maxi dresses, chunky statement belts, long layered jewelry, and oversized handbags.
Athlesure
Athlesure has always been part of fashion for a while now and likewise, it ebbs and flows with the tides of changing trends. In 2025 in will be all about Pilates and ballet core. Think pastel pinks sets, leg warmers, and uggs. We also saw many tench coat and utility style jackets paired in unconventional ways.
Graphite and Jade 