Whether in the library or on Mad Bowl, it is impossible to avoid the fashion crazes which make their way into students' wardrobes every semester. Throughout 2024, trends such as leopard print, barn jackets and Adidas Sambas flourished. These casual but chic styles could be easily dressed up or down — a fashion necessity as students move from afternoon discussion sections to nights on the Corner.
Now, almost one month into the new year, both University students and the global fashion world are predicting similarly adaptable styles, but with more bohemian flair. The increasing popularity of secondhand shopping suggests that more and more people will be sporting looks sourced from a variety of time periods. As the calendar keeps turning, expect timeless color appeals with daring bohemian patterns and textures to become common themes of 2025 fashion.
In 2013, Ph.D. graduates Tony Pinville and Charles Ollion created Heuritech, an Artificial Intelligence tool, to help fashion brands predict seasonal looks. The AI technology uses visual recognition and a forecasting model to analyze three million social images a day in order to project what trends will be out the door tomorrow. The Heuritech website boasts an impressive set of positive testimonials from various fashion executives, who applaud the technology for its ability to increase creative potential and understand consumer desires.
Therefore, though it might not be a personal preference, don’t immediately count Heuritech out for their claim that the fabric of 2025 is suede. That’s right — those tan jackets of grandparents that have been sitting in closets for decades? Consider asking the old folks to dust them off, given that this smooth velvety texture has recently appeared on many major Hollywood A-listers and fashion icons including Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lawrence and Cara Delevigne towards the end of 2024.
To go with the suede jackets, pants or maybe even hats, one might lean into another highly anticipated fashion trend of 2025 — ruffles. Spring 2025 collections from many hot new designers — including Niccolo Pasqualetti and Nensi Dojaka — heavily featured this decorative element. Whether one chooses to wear their ruffles lightly on the seams of shirts or voluminously throughout 70s inspired trousers, they will have some serious flair according to these recent catwalks.
Though runway trends might not immediately translate to daily styles, here on Grounds, many students are anticipating similar shifts towards classic fashion motifs. Futures in Fashion Association is a Contracted Independent Organization here on Grounds that connects students interested in the fashion industry through events like thrifting on the Lawn and socials. Charlotte Olson, FFA graphic designer and second year College student, gave some predictions on what colors will come to be known as vogue in 2025.
“I think we’ll see a big resurgence of timelessness in 2025,” Olson said. “Colors of navy, brown, crème, earth tones, and black. Pops of color may be pale yellow, red, baby blue or plum rather than stronger, brighter shades.”
This usage of vintage textures and quintessential color schemes is certainly a revert back from what was seen just five years ago, when social media influencers like Emma Chamberlain popularized vibrant pastels, graphic tees and checkered patterns across major apps like TikTok and VSCO.
In terms of patterns today, FFA has predicted a continuation of the prominence of polka dots. Avalon Bennett, FFA Instagram specialist and second year Data Science Student, is keenly awaiting more spots.
“Another trend I’m loving is polka dots, especially on dresses,” Bennett said. “I hope to see them everywhere, from Friday lectures to the Foxfield Races.”
Additionally, Bennett anticipates vintage branded boots gaining traction as University students trek throughout the icy walkways and spring showers.
“I’m also expecting to see a lot more boots,” Bennett said. “First, Hunter boots, bonus points for bold colors. I've been wearing my red pair all week in the snow, and second, Frye Campus boots, a staple to pair with all your favorite boho outfits.”
All of these classic clothing items can best be obtained by a trip to the local vintage or thrift store. Prices will not always be budget-friendly. Yet even expensive secondhand shopping reduces the strain on wallets in the long run — investing in quality pieces means fewer purchases.
Chineme Okibe, second year College student and head designer of RunWay — a clothing designer CIO in which members collaborate to model in and design fashion shows — agreed, noting an increase in students leaning towards enduring garments.
“I’ve personally seen people lean towards wanting higher quality and longer lasting pieces rather than fast fashion,” Okibe said in a written statement. “Thrifting and secondhand marketplaces are more popular than ever, and we’re seeing students prioritize quality over quantity, building capsule wardrobes with staples they can restyle again and again.”
It is hard to imagine that we will see a mass exodus from the Amazon Halloween costumes in 2025. Still, the prevalence of the secondhand market is equally difficult to dismiss, and the appeal of classic, yet creative, style even more so.
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