Whether you subscribe to the latest trends or not, it's hard to ignore the seismic shift in how people dress. Last season, forecasters toyed with the idea that maximalism would eclipse minimalism—and that we may have witnessed the peak of quiet luxury. While that's not entirely the case—especially with newsletter-beloved brands like Toteme gaining enough traction to debut on the runway for Spring 2025—there has been a noticeable championing of individuality.
Looking ahead, nostalgia plays a key role, with a resurgence of personal expression that pulls inspiration from past decades (see the revival of these Y2K-era denim bags or even Uggs as proof). And if you're seeing capri pants everywhere, you're not imagining it, and there will be even more on the horizon early next year—especially as we draw in on the leg-baring spring season. At the same time, there's a growing affection for blending those familiar silhouettes with modern twists; some of the best and most wearable looks include fringe on C-suite tailoring and strategic hints of sheer that feel more elegant than reminiscent of the early 2000s.
The moment is less about conforming to a singular trend and more about embracing the freedom to craft your style narrative wherever it lands on the spectrum. Designers have taken notice and are helping lead the charge.
Whether it’s cleverly layering a dress over trousers, adding an unexpected stripe or abstract print to an otherwise muted ensemble, or going entirely off-script, we're slowly stepping away from Tok aesthetics and algorithm-driven style (although there's an anomaly when an Olsen style hack, a la the 'Olsen Tuck' is involved). But as a whole, we (as in fashion, as in people) are inching towards rediscovering the art of self-expression. Here are some standout styles touting that ethos.
Changing Stripes
In medieval Europe, stripes were reserved for society outcasts—but during the American Revolution, the pattern became a symbol of freedom and forward-thinking. With that sentiment in mind, it’s no surprise the runways are once again embracing them—inadvertently or otherwise. As one of today’s most classic motifs, a broad stripe can skew preppy, but you don’t have to pair them with boat shoes to embrace them. For Spring 2025, stripes are gracing everything from sharply tailored suits to slinky blouses and statement coats, offering a fresh, refined take on the standby pattern.
Wearable Leggings
Leggings, tights, boxers, and even briefs have replaced pants for several seasons. But for spring, leggings assume a different role as the best supporting actor. They’re strategically layered under ankle-grazing trousers and Bermuda shorts and peeking out under mid and full-length tunics.
Pink for Those Who Hate It
It’s rare to hear a serious person profess their love for Barbie pink, but spring’s embrace of pale pink and blush tones is a different story altogether. The hue appeals to sophisticated palettes, and those who recoil at wearing a head-to-toe bubble gum look. From ethereal sheer dresses to suits to coordinating separates, the Spring 2025 offerings have a refined take that's hard not to ogle over.
Strategic Sheer
Let’s clarify: naked and sheer are not synonymous, and embracing the trend doesn’t mean revealing everything. This season, light, gauzy layered dresses, open-weave sheer skirts layered over semi-sheer hosiery, and intricately embroidered textures paired with minimalist separates are reclaiming sheer and putting it back into wearable territory.
Perfectly Cape-able
Capes are great in theory but often feel pretentious or even costume-like when swapped for a coat. Such is not the case with spring’s offerings. Lighter than traditional outerwear, these capes focus on the effortless, billowy drape of soft jerseys, taffetas, and lace. They’re affixed to the backs of dresses or softly layered over them.
Bigger, Baggier Fits
Exaggerated proportions are a major theme for Spring 2025, and pants are no exception. Designers have embraced voluminous, wide-leg silhouettes, from baggy denim to roomy tailored trousers to barrel-leg jeans. For the season to come, they're crafted in fluid fabrics like silk blends, linen, and cotton, with subtle details like pleats and button embroidery—showcasing a fresh (and comfy) approach to easy dressing.
Fringe Frenzy
Fringe took center stage on the Spring 2025 runways, injecting movement and texture into Prada’s leather-fringed skirts, Bottega Veneta’s fringe-sleeve coats, and Ferragamo and Proenza Schouler's full-fringe dresses. Whether in delicate wafts or bold, sweeping statements, fringe proved its power to transform even the most basic silhouettes into a head-turning piece to bookmark for the season ahead.
Sport-Luxe
A playful nod to athleisure emerged on the runways with sporty elements like a technical windbreaker trend, bold color-blocking, and biker shorts styled alongside fashion—like sequin dresses and floor-length furs. This sports-luxe aesthetic adds a touch of bold kitsch—and deliberate contrast—to just about any look.
Wallpaper Florals
Awash with all-over wallpaper florals that channel vintage nostalgia, retro blooms felt plucked from your great aunt's '70s living room. They dangled from dresses at Bottega Veneta, covered clashing separates at Versace, and adorned slinky spaghetti-strapped day dresses at Prada.
