6 Costume Tendencies Defining 2025, In accordance with a Vogue Editor

2025 is the year of fashion’s new horizon, with new ways of thinking (see: shoe hybrids like Mary Jane trainers), surprising comebacks that no one saw coming (looking at you skinny jeans) and, as it turns out, a newfound reverence for dresses.

Indeed, the one-and-done wardrobe staple has been given a makeover. No longer are dresses breezy slip-ons for days where you can’t be bothered to think about what you put on your body, but a tasteful way to adorn yourself. This year, the major 2025 dress trends are all about sumptuous materials, sweet hues, a sense of whimsy and cuts that contour to the body.

Sure, this might be the year that cemented the return of bohemian chic, encouraged everyone to live out their coastal fantasy with the rise of “fisherman core” and continued the merry-go-round of creative directors. But on the runway and in real life, there’s a resounding sense of elevated simplicity that has emerged with the leading dress choices. Of course, I’m not alone in this observation.

“For the upcoming season, I’ve seen a real focus on styles that feel bold yet wearable,” notes Simone Oloman, Co-Founder and CEO of Need It For Tonight. “For example, tailored midi dresses with sleek, asymmetrical cuts are resonating for their understated sophistication. Meanwhile, the romantic trend is still alive and well, with tiered ruffles and flowing silhouettes.

“When it comes to colours and prints, jewel tones like deep emerald and sapphire are dominating for event-ready eveningwear, adding richness to occasionwear wardrobes,” Olomon continues. “At the other end of the spectrum, we’ve seen a lot of shoppers gravitating toward pastels and metallic finishes—gold and silver especially. In terms of prints, artistic florals and abstract patterns are still trending.”