2025 Fashion Trend Predictions, featuring an interview with Annika Lautens
As the New Year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to breathe new life into your wardrobe with the trends set to define 2025. From cozy-chic layers that’ll keep you warm through winter’s chill to bold, vibrant colours radiating optimism and renewal, the year ahead is shaping up to be an exciting mix of styles. We tapped into insights from Annika Lautens, Fashion News and Features Director at Fashion Magazine, to dive deep into the industry’s pulse—covering everything from colours and fabrics to celebrity influences and personal style shifts. Whether you lean minimalist or maximalist, 2025’s fashion forecast has something just for you.
Colors of 2025
Get ready for a dynamic palette that’s as fresh as it is sophisticated. Lautens predicts butter yellow, icy blue, “petal” pink, and avocado green will be the shades dominating wardrobes and runways this spring. These hues speak to a sense of renewal and optimism while offering plenty of versatility to carry you through all seasons.
Celebrities are already ahead of the curve. Think Daisy Edgar-Jones’ pastel tones on her recent press tour, or Zendaya’s show-stopping red carpet looks, curated by stylist Law Roach, consistently pushing the envelope for both personal and designer fashion. As Lautens points out, the resurgence of vibrant colours mirrors a broader cultural shift towards individuality and a more relaxed, authentic approach to style. Whether you’re throwing a colourful coat over your go-to neutrals or adding pastel accessories to your favourite jeans, 2025 is all about having fun with colour.
Boho’s Big Comeback
In the spirit of self-expression, boho is back—but with a modern twist. As Lautens explains, “Boho is about freedom and expression, and it carries an ‘anti-establishment vibe.’” This revival couldn’t be more perfectly timed, resonating with today’s cultural mood and channelling the free-spirited vibes of the ’60s and ’70s. Expect to see crochet tops, fringe details, and flowing silhouettes making their way into your wardrobe.
Brands like Chloé and Isabel Marant are leading the boho renaissance, bringing those early-2000s Sienna Miller festival vibes back into the spotlight. For the bold, even skinny jeans are creeping back onto the scene.
Lautens notes, “We’re seeing runways rife with trends, including boho, with brands like Chloé taking the lead with celebrities moving towards it.” This return to boho isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a celebration of creativity and freedom, inviting us to embrace the bohemian spirit in fresh, inspiring ways.
Minimalism vs. Maximalism
One of the most intriguing divides in 2025’s fashion landscape? The tug-of-war between minimalism and maximalism. On one side, capsule wardrobes are gaining ground as consumers gravitate toward more thoughtful, intentional purchases. “People are exhausted by micro-trends,” Lautens observes. “Moving forward we are going to see a real emphasis on collecting vs styling and the real effect of purchasing things that are bringing us joy and emphasize our personality.”
But don’t count out maximalism just yet. It’s making a bold statement both on the runway and in everyday style, with layers, eye-catching accessories, and head-turning outfits taking center stage. As Lautens puts it, “Fashion has always been about serving the fantasy, and the red carpet is no exception.” From Marie Antoinette-inspired couture to “fisherman chic” (yes, you read that right), 2025 invites you to pick a side—or better yet, embrace both.
Sustainability: The Contradiction of Gen Z
Sustainability remains a hot-button issue, but as Lautens points out, it’s complicated. “Gen Z loves to preach sustainability, but their rising buying power is also fueling the rise of fast fashion giants like Shein,” she notes. It’s a tricky balancing act between ideals and affordability, especially as financial pressures mount.
Still, there’s reason to be optimistic. Lautens highlights the continued growth of thrifting and the efforts of brands like Chloé that prioritize ethical practices. “We have more clothes on this earth than anyone could ever need,” she says. The real challenge lies in motivating consumers to shop more consciously—because, as Lautens warns, “We are seeing the effects of climate change in real-time and people are going to be forced to confront the consequences of not shopping sustainably.”
Celebrity Style and Playful Fashion
Of course, no trend forecast would be complete without a nod to the ever-influential world of celebrity fashion. Lautens’ style icons? Zendaya (“forever and always”) and Margot Robbie, whose Barbie press tour served up playful, statement-making looks that shook up both womenswear and menswear.
Menswear is also seeing a playful shift, with trends like short shorts and crop tops gaining mainstream traction, along with a broader embrace of gender fluidity in fashion. This trend perfectly encapsulates the spirit of 2025: fashion that’s expressive, joyful, and unapologetically individual. “Life’s too short to be so serious with your fashion,” Lautens says. “People should have more fun, experiment more, and give themselves more grace, so if that means fisherman—yes please.”