Beginning in Dec. 2024, countless fashion houses, commentators, and influencers have already begun looking for this year’s next big fashion trends.
Before social media, people had to wait for trends to be distilled down to the masses through fashion houses and runway shows. However, through widespread social media platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Instagram, clothing trends are more accessible than ever. While most of the internet does not realize it, these trends have been carefully curated over the past few years as they rise to popularity.
“The shift from making clothes as a necessity to buying clothes based on style made fashion fun. It also made ready-to-wear options available in department stores that advertised the need for new looks every season,” said author Elle Magana Mireles in her piece Evolution of Fashion Trends from the 1950s to Present Day.
In a consumerist society with virtually every trend at our fingertips, it’s easier than ever to subscribe to any online subculture or trend. Therefore, it’s crucial to mindfully consume fashion so that it can be seamlessly incorporated into your everyday style, rather than a short-lived whim that ends up in a landfill.
“I don’t typically buy clothes often, if I see styles online that I like I try to replicate that with clothes that I already have,” said junior Madison McNanna.
With this in mind, trends are still a fun way of self-expression and connection to the fashion landscape, and 2025 is set to be a promising year as things slowly make their way to the mainstream. So, here are the top three 2025 trends to ramp up your style.
80s Punk, Grunge Trend
Following the common cycle of recycling trends every 20 years, the 80s has entered our fashion landscape. This year, it is forecast specifically counterculture punk groups of the 80s like New Wave and street punk will start entering the mainstream, consisting of loud dark makeup looks and edgy geometric pieces.
“I believe the grungy punk look gives a much more grounded feel while still valuing unorthodox strategies of styling everyday wear,” said senior and aspiring fashion student Ethan Hannah.
“However instead of such a heavy focus on the departure of realism, it intends to value ideas of lifestyle, expression, and activism,” Hannah said.
To make it practical for everyday wear, smudged dark eyeliner, combat boots, and leather jackets are all staples most people have in their closets.
Incorporating themes of youth and rebellion through your own interests is the perfect way to embrace this trend while honoring the history of the subculture.
After all, there’s nothing “more punk” than fighting the mainstream.
Doll-eyed Trend
This “doll-eyed” aesthetic gained traction with the rise of the coquette aesthetic in late 2021.
The aesthetic pulls from the childish elements of coquette that are already popular, like bows, kitten heels, and plaid skirts. However, the dolly vibe incorporates elements of twee to give more of a funky, unique look.
“The bright and dreamlike doll aesthetic coils have amazing creative potential when it comes to exaggerated silhouettes, intense shades, and patterns, and allow realism to be suspended,” said Hannah.
These can be made more practical by playing with texture, adding more color to your wardrobe as statement pieces.
Hot tip? Focus on your accessories, like bright-colored bags with fun shapes or curated jewelry that feels true to you and your style.
Fishing Frenzy Trend
A stick-out forecast on the Pinterest predicts profile was coined the “fisherman aesthetic.”
However, this style is more masculine leaning with over-sized sweaters, earthy color palettes, and an emphasis on slowing down to enjoy nature, particularly water.
This trend takes inspiration from the coastal grandmother aesthetic from late 2023.
Collecting trinkets or doodads from your travels contributes to the eclectic feeling of this aesthetic and accessories with coastal themes and graphics are perfect small ways to seamlessly incorporate the trend into your wardrobe.
The aesthetic feels warm and inviting while exuding personality.
“I like the colors and I think it’s good for simplified style for people who don’t want to go all out for fashion,” said McNanna.
This trend is relatively easy to recreate, any local thrift store will have a plethora of baggy sweaters to choose from.
Combined with basics from your own closet, select pieces will create that lived-in, warm feel.
Hello! I'm Fionnuala Quinn. I'm currently a senior at OHS and this is my third year of journalism. Apart from journalism, I am involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, Best Buddies, and horticulture club. I'm so thrilled to serve as EIC this year!
