2025 Fashion Trends: What’s In, What’s Out, and How to Stay Stylish
I’m not a huge fan of wearing trends, but the longer they’re around, the more likely I am to dabble in them. I believe in the longevity of the classics, but I also like my outfits to have a modern twist. Trends used to last anywhere from 3-5 years, but the advent of social media has them cycling through faster. The more wearable the trend, the longer they will hang around, but once they’re out, they quickly become passé, especially for women over 50.
I thought it would be fun to look at the fashion trends that are phasing out for 2025 and the ones that are coming in for 2025. Take all of these with a big grain of salt, and don’t shoot the messenger. This post is informational, not prescriptive. I believe personal style needs to represent you and not be a carbon copy of what someone tells you to wear. A stylish and versatile wardrobe needs to strike a balance between investing in timeless classics and sprinkling in a few seasonal trends. Think of trends as the condiment on your outfit, not the main dish.
What’s Phasing Out For 2025
Sadly, I just got my long denim skirt last fall, so I waited too long to try this trend. Luckily, it’s semi-classic, so I will continue to wear it, perhaps with a more modern shoe.
- Long Denim Skirts have had their moment longer than many of us wanted, and they seem to be phasing out of popularity for 2025. Pencil skirts are gaining in popularity, so if that’s your vibe, go for it.
- Cherry Red was hugely popular in everything for 2024. In 2025, red will be less prevalent in clothes but still popular for bags and shoes.
- Mesh flats have had their day and are being replaced with classic leather and fabric flats. See-through (plastic) shoes are making a comeback…just beware of the squished or mashed-toe look.
- Quiet luxury is slowing down. It won’t disappear, but it won’t be as prevalent as it has been in recent years.
- Cowboy boots will not dominate the way they did this past fall, which makes sense because footwear gets lighter in the spring.
Fashion Trends That Are In For 2025
- Boho chic is making a return for 2025, but it’s not the boho you remember. This newer iteration is more streamlined than in years past. Rather than clashing prints, think maxi skirts, fringed and embroidered outerwear, along with some semi-sheer fabrics and lots of layering.
- Athleisure will continue to thrive in elevated fabrics like cashmere and silk. Matched sets will elevate the look.
- Less minimalism and more maximalism. It’s not going to be logo mania, but eclectic looks with a mixture of textures will trend this year. Personal expression is where it’s at!
- Animal prints of all types will continue to be popular for 2025, including Cow, Lynx, Zebra, and Snake.
- Polka dots, stripes, and other subtle patterns will dominate.
- Skinny jeans never did make the comeback we were promised, nor did jeggings because looser legs are so prevalent.
Footwear Trends
- Loafers of all types are in for 2025. I don’t think they’ve ever been out but chunky soles will morph into slim, sleek styles in softer leathers and suede. Classic, minimalistic, and Bass Weejuns are also back in a big way.
- Leather boat shoes are back for 2025, and their nostalgic appeal aligns with the resurgence of the preppy, Americana aesthetic.
- Mary Janes continue to be popular with multiple thin straps.
- Sporty and retro court sneakers are still going string into 2025 with everything from casual and semi-dressy outfits.
- Boho clogs with studs and wooden soles are a great way to incorporate the boho chic resurgence and add a fun touch to wide-leg jeans.
Jeans on Trend for 2025
I styled some 2025 jeans trends here in this post.
- The Barrel jean trend will continue for 2025.
- Wide-leg and cuffed jeans will also keep going strong this year, as will classic straight and flare denim.
- Jorts are showing up in stores. These are mid-thigh or knee-length, baggy jean shorts.
- Mid-rise jeans are prevalent and are almost as prevalent as the high rise.
You may also enjoy How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants for Women Over 50.
Accessory Trends
This is where the fun happens in many women’s outfits. Accessories make the difference between just wearing clothes and styling them to express your personality.
- East West bags continue to be popular. Top handle satchel and doctor bags exude elegance and return for 2025. Oversized bags are also popular, as are oversized clutch bags.
- Charms on everything. Charm necklaces, bracelets, and bag charms continue to be popular. It’s all about personalization and creating your unique look.
- Brooches on everything. They’re a fabulous way to add an interesting element to classic clothes. Vintage brooches are the most interesting, so dig through your drawers or source them from online stores.
- Pearl jewelry is never out of style, but this year, it’s more popular than ever.
East West Bags
How to Wear The 2025 Trends Over 60
So what does this mean for you? It means you can pick and choose what you like and add a splash of it to your wardrobe. Not every trend will resonate with your personal taste, and that’s okay!
Select the ones that feel fresh but also work into your current wardrobe. You can also experiment with a trend by dipping your toe in. For example, instead of an ultra-wide leg, opt for a slightly wider leg than your usual and pair it with a classic cashmere sweater for a polished modern look that doesn’t feel overly trendy.
Many of these 2025 fashion trends may already be in your wardrobe, so have some fun playing with what you already own.
Are any of these trends tempting? Do you already have a few in your wardrobe?
I bought a black off the shoulder cocktail dress and it has a gold zipper on the back. Is that still in style? Am exposed gold zipper?
I remember when is was really popular, but I’m not sure I see it that often now. That said, if you love it wear it. If you don’t, wear a wrap or jacket to cover the back.
I just bought a Cherry red handkerchief linen shirt from Eileen Fisher and I love it. I’m sorry to hear the Cherry red color’s popularity is ebbing but I’m going to wear it, it’s a cheery color. I may have missed it, might you in a future post, talk about skirts? I love the look of tea length flowy ones but am not sure how to style them.
You should absolutely wear and enjoy your red shirt. Red is classic.
East West bags must be new, no reviews on Amazon. Love the bag, prices on Amazon are affordable. Love the coffee colors.
Oh I remember gauchos! They were ugly back then and can’t imagine them on anyone over 30 and tall and very thin. I do love the wide leg , trousers cut, straight leg jeans and pants but all high rise. I hate wearing mid rise anything, very uncomfortable for me. It is very hard to find high rise straight leg or what is being called kick flares which look like boot cut to me. I’m 5’1” and 137-139 depending on bloat or a cookie baking binge, so I recently bought online from Gap, a sweatshirt in Lp, I love it, very soft, I have returned the joggers in Lp as they were too short! I ordered the regular to replace them. I also ordered the flare leg sweatpants and they zip front one with the collar and in light Heather grey. Fingers crossed on the pant length. I can’t wear loafers, bad arthritis in my feet. I live in Easy Spirit shoes mostly are sneakers both tie and slip on. I also love my clogs from them. All have nice soft soles and insoles. I wear 6.5W but in theirs I wear a 7W. I’m not too into boho but I will watch what you do with it Jennifer as I love the way you dress.
The boho you describe is what I wear. I don’t go all crazy quilt and fringed. The east-west bag in very useful for when I’m in the wheelchair. It sits nicely on my lap.
I’m usually a few years behind with trends so this information may help me be more updated. I won’t miss long denim shirts & cowgirl boots & I love boho so I’m happy with the new trends. I recently ordered a pair of loafers which I thought had been popular for years. And when we were in France last fall I noticed all the shoe stores had flats with multiple straps so when we got home I ordered a pair online. Yay, my shoes will be up to date! Also, an idea for you: could you sometime write a mini fashion dictionary with definitions of fashion terms like barrel jeans, pencil skirt, east west handbag, etc. It would be nice to have this in one blog that I could refer to. Thanks for all your advice!
That’s a great idea. The shoe you are describing is a Mary Jane. They come with single and multiple straps. I just ordered some.
I didn’t know what an east west bag was either. When I looked at your link, I found I have just such a bag I bought at a market in Italy a few years ago. I loved the unique shape but haven’t used it much. Guess I was ahead of the curve and will put it in my rotation now.
Awesome! I love the shape too
Hi – very useful and informative post today, thank you! By the way, auto-correct got the spelling wrong for Bass Weejuns. 🥴
Lol, it sure did. Thanks Barbara
I LOVE long denim skirts! My style in the 70’s and 80’s was boho chic and I’m still drawn to it. I’ve generally had a long denim skirt in my wardrobe all these years but don’t have one now (doesn’t fare well in the dog park). But Weejuns I can never wear because shoes like that fall off my feet unless they have a deeper vamp and narrow or slim widths. My feet are the only thing about me that is still skinny! 😂
Continue wearing what you love!!
I downloaded the apps 4 Acne Studios & Net.a.porter… imo luxury always conveys what’s in style even if u do not decide to buy. Of course, I am partial to mimicking style icon Audrey H. Minimalism rules ppl!
I’m happy to hear that the heavy lug sole on loafers is going away. I’ve never really liked that look and when I tried a pair on in the store I found them uncomfortable and unattractive. So 2025 will very likely see me adding a pair of loafers to my shoe collection once more. I LOVE charm bracelets! My mother started a sterling silver one each for me and my 2 sisters when I was 2 years old, which I refer to as my Milestone bracelet, since the charms have to do with things like my Baptism, First Communion, first day of school, my first ballet recital, my Sweet Sixteen birthday, graduations, etc. I started another bracelet when I joined the Air Force and its charms record my travels. My third bracelet’s charms reflect my hobbies and other activities. All the 3 bracelets are “traditional” style, and dangle from the chain. My husband gave me a Pandora charm bracelet when we got married in 2020, so now I’m collecting charms for it to celebrate our married life together. Sometimes I will get one of the bracelets out and go through the charms reminiscing about the event or experience they represent. I’ve begun writing down these memories in a journal along with pictures of each charm that will go to my eldest niece along with the bracelets when she eventually inherits them. I also own my grandmother’s gold charm bracelet that has all her bowling charms on it. She was an avid duckpin bowler and she always wore the bracelet for luck when she played. Do you find that you have special memories that come to mind when you wear a piece of inherited jewelry?
That’s magnificent!! Many of my pieces, both inherited and non inherited hold precious memories. Even my scarves! Thanks for sharing yours with us.
I really must be behind the time — what does Boho mean? As for the latest trend in pants/slacks — I hope the lantern pants exit soon. I see these and just think clown pants! This is where I really like that you stress wearing what makes you feel comfortable and confident. It is a good reminder. Thank you!
Thank you for this post! These trends all seem wearable, which is nice. I love loafers, but I have not figured out how to wear them casually yet. Maybe my fashion eye hasn’t yet adjusted to the look of wide legged bottoms with loafers! The pops of red trend is fun though. Also, with boho coming back, I have even found my perfect shade of brown!
Loafers look great with a wide leg pant or jean because they offer great balance to the visual heaviness or the leg shape.
I love the slender loafers but will hang onto my lugged soles. My balance is not great and soles with traction are very helpful. Sneakers and boat shoes are both good for Spring, though, I think. Sadly, I find charm bracelets annoying: if you work at a computer or desk, the charms flatten and dig into your skin. Many bracelets do this, but charms are the most uncomfortable. Also passing on barrel jeans: does anyone else think they make you look knock-kneed?
Thanks for the informative post! I didn’t know what an east west bag was either, and I like to look of it! I rely on crossbody for every day, but the east west bag would be fun for occasional use. I have a question about jeans with knee high boots worn on the outside over skinny or straight leg jeans. Is that off trend these days?
I’m not seeing that look at all these days. I used to wear it a lot but have stopped for now.
Enjoyed the post! I am happy to know that charm bracelets/necklaces are in, as I already own several (and I’m eyeing a charm style belt at Chico’s that has coins and pearls). Last year I made a sharp turn away from jeggings (which previously was all I wore) and went all in with the wide leg and flare leg jeans trend, so I’m delighted they aren’t going away in 2025. Love your blog, Jennifer!
Chicos always has great ones. One of my favorite brooches is from them.
I am surprised to get a frizzle of excitement about the Bass Wejuns. I haven’t worn them since I was a teenager. I’m already considering getting some. Now, just tell me that saddle shoes are back and I’d be thrilled 🤣
I do have a few of these trends in my wardrobe. I’m having trouble finding the right pair of jeans as I have been wearing tight legged ones but I do have some straight legged also. The flare are so long on me and when I have them hemmed they don’t come out right. I’ll stay on the hunt. Really happy that pearls are still in!
There’s another technique for shortening jeans that retains the original jeans hem. I think a lot of tailors are familiar with it. It may cost a couple dollars more, but it’s worth it! Jeans don’t look obviously hemmed.
Enjoyed the post. Question: What are East West bags?! Thanks
An east west bag is wider than taller. Many have long straps close to the center. They look like this.
ahhh Thank you, Jennifer. 🙂
My pleasure. It’s a weird name. I saw my first one last summer and was immediately drawn to the shape. I’d love to try one.
Polka dots, pearls and charm bracelets!! Some of my favorites!
Mine too!! Think of the fun we’ll have with what we already own.
Jorts? That’s a new one for me!
Me too. The ones I’ve seen remind me of gauchos