There is plenty of noise about the demise of fashion “trends” – and industry debate about whether the term is still relevant. The old-fashioned view that a few trends hold sway for an entire season has long gone. Instead, a multitude of fads come and go quickly.
Micro trends, driven by social media as much as fashion runways, will be a feature of 2025. That means flexibility, which can add a new edge to any wardrobe and keep dressing up fun. There is no need to get stuck in a sartorial rut, either. From animal prints to athleisure, burgundy to boho, there will be no shortage of micro trends to follow over the next 12 months.
In a bid to keep fast fashion at bay, many of my tips for 2025 are based on what is coming up and built around things you probably already own. The key to these ideas lies in the styling – the way you put your own twist on a concept. The result? Absolute freedom to pick and choose the things that appeal most.
So whether the vibe you want to channel is timeless classics or ultra-feminine layers, here are some ideas to explore for wardrobe inspiration in 2025.
Animal prints
Proving yet again that fashion is cyclical, leopard, zebra and even tiger prints are set to be a staple of 2025. Seen across Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli, leopard in particular has almost become a new neutral and can be mixed up for an easy update. Think midi-length skirts, a cosy cardigan or a sharp, printed trench coat. Cavalli even did an entire coat in zebra. However, if the idea of wearing animal prints feels too much, try adding a zebra print bag or a tiger stripe shoe for a new flourish.
Beautiful burgundy
First championed by Sabato De Sarno at his Gucci debut in September 2023, this deep wine red shade is still very much a mood for 2025. Seen at Max Mara, Ferragamo and, of course, Gucci, the sensual shade adds a stylish direction to any outfit and looks equally great worn head to toe, mixed with lighter neutrals for a touch of city chic, or with black for wintry cosiness.
Everyday embellishment
Why should sequins, shimmery fabrics and surface embellishments be saved only for special occasions? For 2025, this thinking can be thrown out the window by making what was previously only eveningwear a valid option even for the daytime.
The key to making this work is to wear said sparkles in a more low-key way, such as pairing a sequinned skirt with loafers and a T-shirt, or throwing a sparkly jacket over a pair of jeans. Likewise, that beaded evening bag that only sees the light once a year, can now enjoy new life worn during the day for a sense of je ne sais quoi.
Sporty separates
Athleisure has been around for a while, but while previously that pivoted around relaxed, almost decadent ease, for 2025 this new sporty edge is about mix and matching. Chances are some of these key pieces are already lurking in the back of a cupboard somewhere, so wear a tracksuit top with a classic skirt, or follow Off-White's lead and tie the same zipped jacket around the hips on a dress, or throw a hoodie under a dress a la Stella McCartney.
While Ferragamo's choice of going down the route of ballet leotards as daywear might be a bit much for some, Miu Miu's pairing of shrunken bomber jackets with elongated tennis skirts is perfectly doable.
Designer denim
Once upon a time, denim on the high-fashion runway would have been unheard of – but now it is the mark of a welcome continuing trend. Seen across the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Chanel and Balenciaga, jeans have clinched a well-deserved place in the fashion lexicon.
Seen in myriad washes – from black to pale blue or high-waisted to hanging off hips – this long-term fashion staple is enjoying a new lease of life and could be the perfect piece to mix with some of the other micro trends here.
Hero jackets
Perhaps it's the knock-on effect of the Gallagher brothers going back on tour, but for 2025 it seems everyone is racing to make zip-up jackets, parkas and cagoules the hero of every look. This may seem a no-brainer for menswear but, in one of fashion's fascinating moments, this is menswear influencing womenswear.
Seen at Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Hermes, oversized men's blazers, funnel-neck technical jackets and long, zip-fronted jackets have popped up, worn over metallic long skirts or belted over a straight-cut skirt and bandeau top.
Boho revival
One carry-over from autumn/winter 2024 is the boho revival that has been headed by Chemena Kamali at Chloe. Relaxed yet refined, Kamali’s take on boho is an effortless mix of ease with luxuriousness, a mood that has also been taken up by the likes of Isabel Marant and Alexander McQueen.
Taking its cues from 1970s Parisian chic, this trend translates as plenty of lace trimmings and peasant blouses, with high-waisted flared jeans and skinny-fit jackets. Or look to Valentino, where Alessandro Michele added a tranche of richly surfaced bohemia with heavily beaded dresses and skirts inspired by the Roaring Twenties.
