2024 was predicted to be structured – metallics, high-rise trousers, an encore for the business casual – and, as it unfurled, interspersed with fun – mismatched prints, statement pops of red, sequins, Sambas, jewellery stacks, slogan baby tees. For 2025, runway and emerging online trends herald a different evolution, with carelessness, fun and fluidity taking centre stage.

Floaty fabrics and bohemian revival

Tulle, lace and chiffon wafted their way across a number of collections this spring and pre-fall 2025 season. Often pastel, these billowing, fairy-like fabrications speak to a wider resurrection of boho chic. Crumbs have been dropping for months: from the persistence of the floaty white maxi skirt, to the mismatched, gem-studded jewellery stacks glittering across Pinterest. Six months ago, TikToks proclaiming a ‘boho chic summer’ were grabbing upwards of 10k views: a small, but promising crowd. Now this revival announces itself in full force, both online and on the runway.

“…From the persistence of the floaty white maxi skirt, to the mismatched, gem-studded jewellery stacks glittering across Pinterest”

Statement belts are in – studded, dripping metal and gemstones, layered, thick. Boho chic also spells the rise of suede, tassel and fringe, staples of Western iconography. The transition is already in place for fringe boots in particular: from the polished, square-toed looks of 2023, to the less polished slouchy boots and Frye boots craze of mid-to-late 2024, things are bound to get looser.

Indie sleaze

Though more polished than its original, today’s indie sleaze – regenerating since mid-2024 – cultivates a veneer of disarray that complements bohemian airiness. Together, the two threaten to usher in an era of rhinestones and studs, bejewelling everything from belts to bags. And we cannot ignore the potential of the controversial comeback of skinny jeans, an indie sleaze essential. One visit to TikTok might find you knee-deep in skinny jean discourse. Some maintain they only work with long boots; others tout their sleek stylishness in this era of jeans three sizes too big. Balenciaga daringly offers the suggestion of double denim centring skinny jeans. Over the top, or just ridiculous enough? It’s for you to decide.

While the skinny jean stigma subsides, jeans will taper and bags will balloon. The bulky, slouchy leather bag of the 2010s may just undergo a rebirth, sanctioned by Gucci’s pre-fall 2025 show. The Longchamp Le Pliage – 2025’s darling – has had its time. Exclusive, structured: it’s time for them to go in this incoming era of curated chaos. A big leather bag can be sourced from any good charity shop or secondhand app, both cheap and inclusive.

“Tudor-esque ruff collars dominated the runway, echoing 2020’s Peter Pan collar fad”

Contentious trends

A few controversial trends loom on the horizon. Statement collars (à la Sandy Liang) are one of them. Tudor-esque ruff collars dominated the runway, echoing 2020’s Peter Pan collar fad. Wedges could at last make their return; if 2024 was the year of the kitten heel, I’m calling it that 2025 will breathe life back into the casual springtime shoe that dominated the early 2010s. This is heralded by the growing popularity of the Isabel Marant sneaker, which seems just a step behind a full-blown wedge resuscitation.

What's still clinging on?

Not everything in 2025 is new. The trend of layering is poised to continue in increasingly more inventive ways. The dress/skirt-over-jeans look has already been courting the mainstream, but could it be time for a new contender: skort over jeans? With the domination of Lululemon Define jackets, Nike track pants and Adidas samba sneakers, expect a continued rollout of athleisure goodness, sanctioned by Schiaparelli and Balenciaga, with major retailers clinging to their coattails.

From hair to necklaces to clothing, bows have been inescapable in 2024. But it seems the bows-everywhere trend is muting to a single, tastefully placed detail which asks politely for a second of attention, rather than screaming so loud you’re forced to notice it. Still, maximalism persists elsewhere. Bag charms saw a surge in 2024; from Miffy keychains at UO to handmade clay hearts and Sylvanian Families pierced, chained and retailed on Depop. These will maintain their momentum, along with the clutter of ring-stacking to bangle-balancing. Pattern-wise, polka dots will continue to prevail, and the resurrection of indie sleaze means we may not yet see the back of leopard print.

What can we take away from this?

2025’s spring/summer wardrobe flirts with false fluidity. From the gauzy chiffon romance and free-spirited boho fringe, to clacking arrangements of jewellery designed to look as if they were hastily thrown-on instead of meticulously picked out. It feels undeniably affected, a continuous gesture towards a carelessness contradicted by its deliberate construction. But despite the falsity, there’s something authentic about the promise of wearability with, rather than despite, the glamour.