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
Stripes were a grounding pattern on the Spring 2025 runways at Proenza Schouler, Erdem, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Tory Burch, and Khaite.
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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.
Staud Eiza Striped Knit Maxi Dress
Libertine Eton Striped Short Blazer Jacket
Frame Striped Cotton-Blend Cardigan
Wearable Leggings
Leggings were strategically layered on the ruwnays at Preonza Schouler, Tibi, Toteme, and Sonia Rykiel.
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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.
Norba Stirrup Jersey Leggings
ALAÏA Skirt-Paneled Merino Wool Pants
Pink for Those Who Hate It
Soft pinks appeal to even the naysayers on the runways at Brandon Maxwell, Khaite, Alaïa, Proenza Schouler, Jason Wu, and Erdem.
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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.
Third Form Exclusive Visions Lace-Trimmed Maxi Dress
High Sport Exclusive Kick Stretch-Cotton Knit Cropped Flared Pants
Strategic Sheer
Wearing sheer doesn’t have to be risqué with the season’s offerings at Tibi, Toteme, Brandon Maxwell, and Ralph Lauren Collection.
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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.
Ulla Johnson Amal Sheer Stretch-Cotton Lace Turtleneck Top
JW Anderson Draped Twisted Sheer-Crepe Maxi Skirt
Khaite Tallin Sheer Mesh Turtleneck Bodysuit
Perfectly Cape-able
Instead of heavy, structured designs, spring’s capes emphasize fluidity and ease, crafted from delicate fabrics like soft jerseys, taffetas, and lace at Alaïa, Khaite, Toteme, Erdem, and Tibi.
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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.
Toteme Embroidered Wool-Blend Scarf Jacket
Women’s Reversible Cape With Scarf Neck
Bigger, Baggier Fits
Designers—from Proenza Schouler to Tory Burch—are leaning into voluminous, wide-leg styles—ranging from relaxed baggy denim to flowy tailored trousers
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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.
Agolde Ellis Pleated Denim Wide-Leg Trousers
TWP New Didi Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
The Frankie Shop Piper Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
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.
(Image credit: Courtesy of brands)
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.
SIMKHAI Carrie Fringe Wool Wrap Coat
Lafayette 148 Handcrafted Fringed Knit Sweater
Diotima Langley Fringed Wool-Satin Wide-Leg Pants
Sport-Luxe
Designers like Tory Burch, Prada, Tod’s, Missoni and Tommy Hilfiger evoke sporty on the runways.
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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.
Prada Logo-Detailed Stretch-Jersey Biker Shorts
Sporty & Rich X Yankees Cotton Sweatpants
Wallpaper Florals
Wallpaper florals covered coats at Bottega Veneta, covered clashing separates at Versace, and covered slinky spaghetti-strapped day dresses at Prada.
(Image credit: Courtesy of brands)
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.
Posse Raquel Floral Cotton-Silk Maxi Dress
Magda Butrym Floral-Appliquéd Silk Top
Posse Romeo Vest Red Floral
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