Predicting 2025 Fashion Trends!

Somehow, 2024 is nearing it’s end. This year was somehow both  slower and faster than ever before. Fashion-wise, 2024 was very impactful for me, personally. I arrived at BU in January as a CGS student, and was inspired by all the creative and unique styles on campus. I was also in London over the summer, which drastically improved both my style and confidence. 

In the grand scheme of things, this year saw so many fashion trends, micro and macro, and supplied us amateur fashionistas with lots and lots of inspiration. In this article, I’ll be taking us on a journey through my trend predictions for 2025. I have three main aesthetics that I think will dominate the fashion scene, especially within our generation, each bringing its own set of statement pieces and accessories. 

1. Cowgirl Chic 

Western wear is on the rise. This movement has already gained traction with the return of cowboy boots, barn jackets, and Canadian tuxedos, but allow me to take it one step further. Next year, I believe (and honestly hope) that we will see more fringe and cowhide, two materials that add gorgeous texture to any outfit. And to clarify, when I say cowhide, I don’t mean merely cow print. I frankly would not wish the memories of 2020 that come along with it upon my worst enemy. Cowhide is a material similar to leather, yet it maintains the furry texture of cow hair. Cowhide and fringe will likely be all over accessories and outerwear, such as purses, boots, and cropped jackets. 

My next two might be more ambitious, but I expect to see the fashion divas in denim shirts and bolo ties next year. They are perhaps best utilized for more fashion-centric events, like concerts and festivals, but denim shirts and bolo ties could easily be incorporated into a simple,

neutral outfit to add some flare. I imagine bolo ties will head into the realm of jewelry, perhaps substituting metal buckles for crystals, charms, or even diamonds. At this rate, 2025 might be the year that cowboys take over the world. 

2. Vibrant Villainess 

Minimalism has had it’s moment. In 2025, I expect some grandeur to come our way. With the return of furs, boots, and mixing patterns, we’re likely to see these trends develop further but with more eccentricity and color. I hope to see patterned tights, oversized glasses, colored fur, and baroque influence seep into going-out outfits. 

The baroque period was a cultural and artistic era in architecture, fashion, and design that took place in the 17th and 18th centuries. This era was characterized by grandiosity, and in fashion, saw elements like ruffles, large collars, ribbon, corsets, and statement patterns. The designer Christian Lacroix is a good preview for this kind of style, as his designs are extremely grandiose, and were worn by many guests at the British Fashion Awards that took place recently. 

Along with more eclectic patterns, like houndstooth, herringbone, tartan, and argyle, I expect to see the reintroduction

of harder-to-style colors, like butter yellow, teal, and chartreuse. These trends may not go as far into the mainstream as others, but I’m confident the fashion girlies will soon get to work on dressing like a colorful supervillain. As fashion trends mature, as seen with the newfound popularity of wool trench coats, it makes room for less conventional types of clothing to make their way to the public. I personally am very hopeful for the emergence of this aesthetic, as I’d love to see some of these pieces on Comm. Ave in the months to come. 

3. Woodstock, Welcome Back 

The 70s trends have never truly left, but I expect to see them back in full force this coming year. This Fall season has

brought back suede fringe in all forms, and

that’s just the beginning of the Woodstock revival. In 2025, I see

shag haircuts taking over, along with the slow reintroduction of psychedelic and geometric prints, done in moderation and tastefully, of course. 

The main issue with 70s trends is their costume-like quality, leading people to find them cliche or overdone. What people fail to look into, however, are the less theatricalized trends from the iconic decade. Some 70s trends that I’ve already seen trickle into the fashion world are round glasses (see the Miu Miu glasses) and large, floppy collars (see the brand Damson Madder). 

Finally, I see– and this may shock some people– the poncho making its comeback. This doesn’t refer to the tassel nightmare that we all know (and some might love), but more specifically, a cashmere poncho that can be thrown over any outfit, whether for a breakfast date or a night at the opera. We all know fashion is cyclical, and the 90s have been the top dog for too long. 2025 will see some crazy patterns and unusual silhouettes deriving from 1970s style. 

Exuberant fashion is slowly becoming the standard. Unique, novel stylistic choices are garnering more praise online, and the wide range of style inspirations online are valued for their ability to cater to everyone’s personal tastes. What’s popular is no longer the pinnacle of fashion. The community of people both on and offline, in fast fashion and haute couture, and among college students and professionals is growing into a space that allows for unconventional pieces and aesthetics to rise to the forefront. I will personally always be an advocate for bringing something new to the fashion scene, as long as it feels true to you.