In this article, we’re exploring eight Spring 2025 trends with a focus on finding clarity around whether or not they will work for you.
I want to start by acknowledging The Everyday Style School podcast, which recently released their spring trend forecast and inspired today’s episode. What I love about trend forecasts is how they give us an overview of what’s happening in fashion, which provides insight into what you are likely to find in the stores.
What I’d like to do today is build on that foundation by helping you understand how to evaluate these trends through the lens of your Style DNA. I use DNA as an acronym for Design, Needs, and Aesthetic.
Let’s explore eight Spring 2025 trends, organized into four categories: Aesthetic Directions, Colors & Patterns, Key Items, and Accessories. For each trend, I’ll highlight the most important Style DNA factor to consider when deciding if it’s right for you.
Spring 2025 Trends: Aesthetic Direction
Trend #1: Fisherman-Core
This aesthetic is like nautical style but more earthy and less preppy. It includes practical elements like raincoats, textured fabrics, and a focus on functionality. The first thing that pops to my mind, right after raincoats, is fisherman sweaters.
The key Style DNA consideration here is Needs – your lifestyle requirements. Fisherman-core is perfect for those who:
- Live in climates with rainy spring weather and moderate temperatures
- Value functionality. If that is you, you get to be the stylish one this season
- Have outdoor-focused activities in their regular routine
Although this isn’t going to be a core aesthetic for me, I can give a nod to the trend with a necklace I’ve had for years. The hero never liked this necklace because he thought it looked like a fishnet 😆
Trend #2: Ruffle-Core
Here are some of the feminine details you might notice this spring: vertical ruffles, chiffon, lace, eyelet, and lingerie-inspired elements.
For this trend, your body’s Design elements are the most important consideration. Ruffles and romantic details tend to:
- Harmonize with naturally curved lines in your body
- Complement softer or rounder facial features
It is possible to find pieces where the ruffles are more structured or architectural rather than frilly. It’s also perfectly fine to sit a trend out.
Spring 2025 Trends: Colors & Patterns
Trend #3: Pastels
Soft, light, easter egg colors are popping up this spring with a fresh perspective that feels both nostalgic and modern. Like the houses in Edward Scissorhands.
The key Style DNA consideration here is Aesthetic. Many people simply don’t feel like themselves in pastels, and that’s perfectly fine.
However:
- Even those who typically avoid pastels might find one specific soft hue that resonates with them
- Or try a monochromatic color scheme, where you take the version of the color that works for you and just use a touch of the pastel version. Like a navy or a cobalt with a robin’s egg blue
If pastels don’t align with your aesthetic, don’t force it.
Trend #4: Checks, Plaids, and Gingham
For this trend, Design is the crucial consideration, specifically, the alignment of your facial features. Interestingly, standard grid-patterned fabrics (what designers call “on grain” patterns) tend to:
- Work best for people whose eyes are horizontal point-to-point rather than angled upward or downward
- Emphasize symmetry in your features
If you love checks but have more angled or asymmetrical features, look for designs where the pattern is set diagonally (bias-cut or on the diagonal), which adds a more dynamic quality.
Spring 2025 Trends: Key Items
Trend #5: Barrel-Legged Jeans
When considering this trend, focus on your Needs, like how many pairs of jeans you need, because barrel-legged jeans are surprisingly versatile across body types:
- The tapered leg shape visually elongates the legs
- The shape allows for comfort while maintaining a current silhouette
This shape has been coming on for a few years, so if you think you will end up with a pair sooner or later, now could be the time.
Trend #6: Sculptural Wedges
The most important Style DNA element to consider is a specific aspect of Design – the shape of your calf muscles. For alot of us, the shape of those muscles is visible.
- If the muscles look round, a rounded sculptural wedge would be really harmonious
- If you have more angular or even like triangular muscle definition, straighter lines in the wedge will look right
I especially love wedges for spring and summer now that most weddings are held in pastures.
Spring 2025 Trends: Accessories
Trend #7: Stacked Bangles
Call it an arm party and wear stacked bracelets.
For this jewelry trend, the key Style DNA factor is Aesthetic – your personal expression of beauty. This trend naturally appeals to:
- Maximalists
- People who enjoy mixing different concepts creatively
If your aesthetic is more minimalist, you might incorporate just one large geometric piece rather than a bunch of smaller pieces grouped.
Trend #8: Statement Belts
Belt styles are becoming focal points rather than just functional items, with wider widths, interesting textures, and distinctive buckles.
The most important consideration for this trend is Needs – specifically, practical wardrobe functionality:
- First and foremost, belts fulfill the essential need of filling visible belt loops
- You can minimize the number of belts needed by choosing ones that match your hair color and/or one in your best metallic
A statement belt can be the finishing touch that brings cohesion to your look while fulfilling a functional purpose. A timely and creative way of doing that would be to use a print belt to tie together an outfit composed of multiple different solid colors.
Applying Trend Insights
As you consider which Spring 2025 trends to adopt, remember that you don’t need to embrace all the trends. You will get the most longevity from choosing wardrobe items that work with your Style DNA and feel like you when you wear them.
Here’s something simple you can do this week to integrate these principles into your wardrobe:
Visit a store that carries some of these Spring 2025 trends, it could even be a thrift store, and select one item that represents a trend you’re curious but unsure about. Try it on.
If you want to study it objectively, take a photo of yourself in the item.
If you’re curious about diving deeper into understanding your unique Style DNA, my Essential Signature Style Guide will help to reveal your natural design elements and aesthetic preferences.