It may seem like fashion trends are coming at an alarming rate. Especially when viewed through the lens of social media. However, it is important to distinguish between macro and micro trends. Macro trends are influenced by factors in society and the environment and can last for years or even decades. There is a trickle-down effect that affects each fashion season. Because women’s clothing shapes remain largely the same year after year, the devil, as they say, is in the details.
With the ready-to-wear catwalk shows just a few months away, the buying season for SS25 has already begun. To prepare, we can look at four key seasonal themes and the key styles within each theme.
In a time of political and environmental unrest in both the US and Europe, consumers will look for fashion that offers the comfort of tradition or the excitement of escapism, among other qualities.
Quality in everyday clothing
As working women return to the office, there is a desire to look put together. This trend has evolved from the macro trend of modern minimalism that began in the 1990s with the rise of Prada. It is the 2025 version of ‘quiet luxury’ or ‘hidden wealth’, with tailored separates and elegant knits, often in neutral tones combined with bright colours.
A new look at the twinset
Inspiration: Fendi SS24
The updated twinset features a fine knit cardigan with a matching knit tank top replacing the more usual top. It can be styled with a variety of trousers or a mid-length pencil skirt.
The fitted blazer
Inspiration: Gucci SS24
In addition to looser coats, you’ll see more tailored double-breasted blazers. This one was shown in a tinted neutral and features a shawl collar. It can be styled with matching shorts or slim-leg trousers.
The long vest
Inspiration: Hermès SS24
Look for floor length vests paired with high cut wide legged trousers. This version was shown in a neutral shade.
In Bermuda shorts
Inspiration: 3.1 Phillip Lim SS24
Bermuda shorts remain trendy because they are versatile enough to style with a number of other garments, including knits, polos and shirts. This look was executed in a light blue linen blend, paired with a loose-fitting jacket and a white linen shirt
The short trench coat
Inspiration: Michael Kors SS24
After a few seasons of wearing long trench coats, it might be time to try a shorter version, like this belted, knee-length double-breasted trench coat in lilac suede.
Dark decadence
‘Black is back’ and while SS25 styles are likely to be a little more understated than in previous seasons, there will be no shortage of glamour. This theme can be traced back to menswear, Saint Laurent’s ‘Le Smoking’ and a fascination with interwar Berlin.
The leather dress
Inspiration: Alexander McQueen SS24
Black leather or faux leather has become a seasonless staple. For SS25, look for strapless tops and dresses. This version was shown on a mid-length column dress with a large rose print.
The tuxedo vest
Inspiration: Dolce & Gabbana SS24
Since Yves Saint Laurent first introduced “Le Smoking,” also known as a tuxedo for women, in 1966, we’ve seen versions of the look on the runway more often than not in every season. Dolce & Gabbana showed off a black DB vest with dropped shoulders and satin lapels. It can be styled with tuxedo pants, tap pants, or hot pants.
The printed column dress
Inspiration: Carolina Herrera SS24
The midi column dress is set to be a key style for the SS25 season. Wes Gordon showed a midi column dress in black satin with a purple and green floral print and matching accessories
The sequined evening suit
Inspiration: Pucci SS24
Another Le Smoking-inspired look: as seen at Pucci, a black sequined jacket with satin lapels and contrasting prints was styled with matching trousers with side stripes.
The crocheted dress with fringes
Inspiration: Alejandra Alonso Rojas SS24
Feathers and fringes continue to be popular with consumers. For this look, a black crochet dress was adorned with long layered fringes and paired with gold metallic strappy sandals.
A nice vintage piece
Since the turn of the century, almost 25 years ago, looking back at the fashions of bygone eras and reinterpreting them has been a macro trend. Chemena Kamali’s first collection for Chloé for FW24 proved once again that historical romance will be in the air next season.
From Edwardian blouse
Inspiration: Chloé FW24
In the early twentieth century, ‘Edwardian’ fashion meant emulating that of the Queen (Edward VII’s wife), with high necklines and lace trim. Chemena Kamali showed a version, pairing it with blue jeans and a chain belt.
The antique lace dress
Inspiration: Dior SS24
Expect to see lace items that have been dyed to look antiqued, such as this ‘spotted’ ruffled dress that was shown at Dior.
The strapless dress with a full skirt
Inspiration: Simone Rocha SS24
50s inspired styles are trendy and this look from Simone Rocha is a great example. She showed a strapless white ankle length dress with appliqués
The lingerie inspired bralette and skirt
Inspiration: Ermanno Scervino SS24
Lingerie items as a replacement for the more usual tops and bottoms have been making an appearance on the runways lately. They can look decadent or sweet, like this white cotton bralette with pintuck detailing and lace trim that was shown with a matching skirt
The romantic print dress
Inspiration: Zimmermann SS24
Combine printed cotton or linen with lace for a romantic summer look. As seen at Zimmermann, a deep V-neck dress in butterfly and floral print panels, cotton and lace was styled with a lace halter top and blue denim
Weekend wonders
‘Sport meets Street’ is a macro trend that has been around for decades. In this iteration, garments are easy and wearable, but still have power thanks to bright colors or sharp details.
The ribbed tank top
Inspiration: Ferragamo SS24
Tank tops have been a staple on the runway for a few seasons now and they’re here to stay. In this example, a red cotton knit halter top was worn with a neutral waistband over a white short-sleeved tee.
The knitted romper
Jumpsuits, onesies and rompers are versatile enough to wear to the pickleball court, brunch or an afternoon at a museum.
Inspiration: Gucci SS24
Gucci showed a romper in navy pointelle knits with a sporty navy and red ribbed collar and cuffs.
De shiftjurk
Inspiration: Marimekko SS24
This Jackie O-approved iconic 60s style is back in fashion. A sleeveless dress with a white, pink and orange floral print in the 60s style was shown by Marimekko
The balloon skirt
Inspiration: MSGM SS24
Another throwback, this time to the 80s, when skirts like the ra-ra and the crinoline were given maximum detail. The balloon skirt has been seen on many catwalks lately. In this example, a white and pink mini skirt was styled with an oversized polo in a multi-coloured print.
De oversized blouson jas
Inspiration: Undercover SS24
While other tops seem to shrink in proportion, blouson jackets are becoming oversized. As seen at Undercover, an oversized coat in a multi-coloured print was styled with matching baggy shorts.
Source: fashionunited.nl
