How fashion trends that were predicted after the SS25 shows in October have played out in reality now that spring is truly in swing.
Throughout every fashion season, luxury brands have the near impossible task of predicting the future — determining what consumers will wear for the upcoming season. The Spring/Summer 25’ shows took place in September and October of 2024, across major cities such as Paris, Milan, London and New York. During this time, luxury houses showcased what they foresaw consumers desiring in their wardrobe for spring of 2025. However, with the fast-moving nature of the trend cycle as well as various external factors such as an impending recession and a rapid shift towards political and social conservatism, trends are likely to change before the season truly arrives. As spring quickly approaches, let’s take a look at how the trends may have shifted from their debut on the runway to the streets.
What was Predicted to Trend in Spring
After shows and presentations wrapped up in October for the Spring/Summer 25’ season, there were a few trends seen across collections such as petal pink, romantic silhouettes and large hoop skirts, all trends that predicted to take the fashion industry by storm come springtime. However, the following trends were some of the larger takeaways from the Spring/Summer 25 runway season.
- Ornate embellishments, embroidery and beading
Across all garments, but more specifically on dresses, sweaters and two-piece suits, designers showcased the intricate beading and dazzling embellishments on brocade dresses and jeweled jackets in the ultimate show of glamor. One example of the complex beading on display can be seen in a long sleeve Balmain dress, pictured below, in which the red-lipped artwork was made from thousands of hand-embroidered, shimmering beads according to Dazed. Designers also dressed up more utilitarian pieces with bedazzled elements to elevate the whole ensemble.
Left- Fendi SS25, Middle- Prada SS25, Right- Balmain SS25
- Polka dots
While stripes have continued to have their dominance in streetwear fashion, the luxury scene highlighted polka dots as the latest popular pattern. The pattern seemed to take on the life of a neutral and was used as the foundation for exciting outfits across numerous brands. The basic, repetitive nature of the print allows it to be a versatile fabric. From classier, more elegant silhouettes to playful and daring looks, the print’s popularity this season can’t be denied.
Left- Valentino SS25, Right- Moschino SS25
- Modern socialite
Multiple looks presented during the Spring/Summer 25’ season were reminiscent of late ‘90s socialites such as Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. In the form of simple silhouettes and classic tailoring, these ensembles define “the modern socialite.” Some examples include neutral colors with details such as Peter Pan collars paired with coordinated gloves. Overall, the tone of these looks is feminine and “classically ladylike” in attempts to exude old-school elegance.
Left- Gucci SS25, Chanel SS25, Jil Sander SS25
- Bohemian motifs
As the recycling of decade-trend fashion continues to push forward, the rebirth of Bohemian fashion has shown itself in full force. With brands such as Chloé, Isabel Marant and Zimmerman leading the charge, there was a surplus of distressed fringe, billowing skirts and delicate lace across the board in a slew of pastel tones and various shades of beige. Chloe’s marketing content for this collection has been very simple and clean, with photography against white backgrounds, while Zimmerman’s campaigns have been more immersive with on-site photography at beaches, resorts and outdoor pools. The difference in marketing approach could be due to the fact that Chloe is a French brand, with French culture not usually associating itself with a Bohemian aesthetic. Zimmerman, however, is an Australian brand, a culture more connected to Bohemian motifs such as a connection to water and clothing silhouettes that mimic textures found in nature.
Left- Chloe SS25, Right- Zimmerman SS25
- Nautical inspired ensembles
Catering towards the Spring/Summer aesthetic, sailor and sea motifs were scattered across collections in the form of preppier outfits. These sailor inspired pieces were often shown in the American flag colors: red, white and blue, which lent themselves to look more patriotic. These nautical looks merged with East Coast prep, including details like Breton stripes, boat shoes and netting details. American brand Tommy Hilfiger has been especially prominent in this category because of the color story’s ties to American patriotism, which has been heavily pushed because of the Trump administration which is increasingly nationalistic.
Left- Tommy Hilfiger SS25, Marni SS25
With the spring season fully upon us, streetwear fashion and fashion content on social media have highlighted which trends have stuck with consumers and which have fallen out of circulation from the trend cycle. Some smaller trends have enveloped into others, such as polka dots being seen across numerous aesthetics, while others have stood on their own. Sociopolitical factors such as the current political climate, consumer spending habits and upcoming popular events have affected the impact of certain trends, leaving the modern socialite, Bohemian motifs and nautical inspired ensembles at the forefront of the industry.
- Modern socialite
With the Trump administration leaning into more “traditional” values, there has been a shift in clothing presentation, one which naturally aligns with the style of the reimagined modern socialite. Due to the simplistic silhouettes, neutral tones, and taste for “classic” styling, this trend has taken on a more conservative flavor than initially showcased on the runway.
- Bohemian motifs
Bohemian motifs have been prevalent in the fashion scene for the past year, but it seems their influence is inescapable come this spring. The biggest catalyst, apart from the natural trend cycle, was the Chloé Fall/Winter 24 show, where Chemena Kamali debuted her first collection as creative director of the brand. The most popular pieces from the collection included the sheer, light blue ruffled dress worn by Daisy Edgar Jones and the sheer, tan mini dresses, one of which was seen on Sydney Sweeney. Subsequent collections from Chloé, alongside the resurgence of 2010s cool girl Bohemian icons such as Zoe Kravitz and the Olsen twins, has cemented this trend as a staple of the season, especially because of upcoming music festivals such as Coachella and Stagecoach which have long been a playground for Bohemian style.
- Nautical inspired ensembles
The maritime direction of many runway ensembles has become an increasingly relevant trend as many people combine the timeless sophistication of nautical details, such as crisp white and navy, with more playful proportions. According to Lyst, the demand for ‘Breton stripe’ has increased 388% this quarter. For those looking to dress more preppier, perhaps for reasons previously mentioned, or if they are wanting a way to look effortlessly refined, this trend has become the perfect foundation for spring wardrobes.