The Most Notable Spring 2025 Runway Trends to Know
During the Spring 2025 runway shows held in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, the most renowned fashion houses in the industry unveiled their collections, giving you a glimpse of the styles that will define your wardrobe as we emerge from the cold grip of winter. Don't get me wrong; I love the fall/winter season as much as the next person with layering, warmer, darker color palettes, and, of course, the holiday ambiance. But with an emphasis on uniqueness and forming one's identity through fashion, spring is now, and individuality is taking center stage as the new holiday season of celebration.
Next spring will be the perfect season for those looking to elevate their wardrobe, especially those looking to dress up more and add nostalgic grandiosity to their style. We saw maximalism take head at Alessandro Michele's runway debut for Valentino with beaded blazers paired with ruffled floral chiffon skirts, maxi dresses, veils, and lace, a design language some recall from Michele's tenure at Gucci. A light essence of femininity is back in the air with imperfect hemlines and bold color choices at Bottega Veneta, airy Parisian '70s bohemian glamour at Chloé and '80s Wall Street-like power suiting of traditional tailoring of feminine dominance at Saint Laurent. Here are the most notable trends to put a pen on for Spring 2025.
Back to the '80s
Remember when you first watched iconic pop culture media like Dynasty (1981-89) and the Mike Nichols film Working Girl (1988)? I hate to break to you for those who despise when the latest fashion trends at the time were lavish maximal jewelry, high-shouldered blazers, and we can't forget the crazy hair! Yes, the decade of opulence, excess, and extravagance accompanied by a perception of ethical deterioration is back for next spring, even if the luxury market of this decade continues to slow down. While shopping for quiet luxury designer bags to complete your outfit (and I champion being a proud outfit repeater!), you must add some lavish garments to balance your styling. At Bottega Veneta, Matthieu Blazy combined strong shoulder silhouettes with elegant, understated pieces and one-legged, asymmetric trousers. Anthony Vaccarello at Saint Laurent took a more traditional approach, giving tribute to the house's founder, Yves Saint Laurent, with models wearing his iconic eyeglasses to accompany their staunch power suits and oversized layering. Featured were double-breasted blazer jackets and wide-leg tailored pants looking very corporate, fashionable, and femininely masculine.
Luxe Bohème
Switching decades and cultural aesthetics, Chemena Kamali's debut at Chloé for Fall 2024 deserves recognition for reviving the bohemian aesthetic. I agree, but not just any boho we've seen in past years with short-lived American style trends, but this time around, it's Parisian—more extravagant, timeless, and feminine. Take Giorgio Armani's Spring 25 show on Park Avenue in New York with womenswear eternity embracing quiet, high luxury. The collection was a cohesive story, with looks transitioning from neutrals of beige to brown, then pink, followed by peachy hues and soft blues. I loved the beautifully tailored evening jackets and headwrap-like hats complimenting their grand, oval earrings. At Saint Laurent (hinting back to the '80s for a moment), gypsy pajama-inspired ensembles crafted from opulent damask silk were also present in classic Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche fashion.
Oh, Jackie-O!
Is it just me, or does bringing back the Jackie Kennedy Onassis style of the '70s make me feel hopeful for casual luxury at a time when your outfit gives a clue to timeless style? Sabato De Sarno's muse at Gucci was the late-style icon with archival print headscarves and big, Jackie-like sunglasses. Spring shines here with oversized trench coats, woven raffia matching sets, and floral lace dresses in Gucci fashion. Going back to huge sunglasses, have you seen the girls at Prada this season? Prada Spring 25 didn't give a new name to sunglasses but to a more alien-like look with visor-style hats. Jackie O '70s? Not so much. Space Age '60s? We got a new name for this category.
Prints and Patterns
It may surprise you, but plaid is set to be a prominent pattern for the spring season. The word derives from the Scottish Gaelic word "plaide," which initially described a blanket or cloak. As time progressed, this fabric evolved into various checked patterns, each with unique designs representing different clans. Today, plaid is remarkably versatile and contemporary. Even though I have preferred to wear such patterns more in the fall and winter, we're all about shaking things up over here. A brown plaid coat with broad shoulders layered over a waffle knit top, paired with denim-like leather jeans (Blazy and his leather trompe-l'œil mastery), complemented by a brown leather hobo bag featuring white stitching of look 31 at Bottega Veneta. We also have Burberry because why not?! The Burberry check print was used more diligently here but differently, as we’ve noticed with Daniel Lee using the check. I’ve noticed the plaid-on cargo pants paired with feminine tops for womenswear. As seen last season with earth tones, the trench was used pragmatically across various looks.
Pretty in Pink
The '80s again?! Ok, hear me out! I adore pink, which is evident for a spring color; this time, we see much more invention. The 'Barbiecore’ pink of 2023 might leave a few of you lightheaded, but here is the kicker: the shades of pale pink and blush (even rose gold, which I love) present a distinct narrative. The color attracts discerning tastes, particularly those who shy away from the bubble gum color choices, which can come off as a bit dated. We saw a lot of formal dresses this time with Pieter Mulier's Alaïa at the Guggenheim with balloon-like midi dresses in salmon pink in looks 39 or oversized outerwear in Odessa pink in looks 21 and 28 at Stella McCartney. Whatever your style says about you, the key is to keep it.. you! I'd experiment with pink and complimenting trends for next spring but make it formal for informal occasions. Play around with it! Anything is worth merely just putting on a T-shirt and jeans.