From Polka Dots to Pastels: What's trending in 2025 fashion?

By: Ariella Thompson

Soft pastels, dainty lace, and retro polka dots–2025 spring fashion is serving nostalgia with a fresh modern twist. If you’re ready to embrace the prettiest, most playful trends of the year, here's your guide!

Pastel Takeover

Spring has always been a time for bright, fun colors, but many have adopted a softer and delicate color palette this year. Pastel colors like powder pink, butter yellow, baby blue, and pistachio green are huge this season. These soft and feminine colors can be seen on runways and school hallways alike. Designers like Sandy Liang have been proving how versatile these dreamy hues can be. Sandy Liang is an important founder in this year's pastel craze. Sandy Liang SS24, one of her most recent collections, was a tribute to Sophia Coppola's 1999 cult film 'The Virgin Suicides.' It featured classy buttercream-colored ballet flats, baby pink ruffled dresses, and butter yellow accents. These collections embrace the newfound popularity of pastels in a way that feels both nostalgic and modern! 

Prints & Textures

Although the colors may be delicate and soft, 2025 fashion is also about embracing the bold, eye-catching details. The right print or texture can help elevate any outfit. From cute, playful polka dots to pretty florals and shimmery embellishments. Nails, clothes, and shoes are all covered in these gorgeous patterns this spring. Polka Dots, nobody can ever make me hate her. She’s the ultimate retro print and can be spotted (literally) on everything. Whether it's a dainty babydoll dress or a cute miniskirt, this timeless print brings a fun and youthful pop to any outfit. I personally think florals never went out of style; they are just so generational. Florals in 2025 have also been a big hit, with micro florals on sundresses, bold oversized prints on runways, and even embroidered floral accents that add fun texture. April showers do bring May flowers after all. Spring break is coming up, so adding a touch of sparkle and craftsmanship to everyday dressing is key. Think a cute embroidered top with a sequin-adorned skirt for a dinner on vacation, or even an embroidered top with jeans and sambas to dress down but still be chic. Whether worn casually or dressed up, these textures and prints bring an elevated, artistic feel to 2025 style.

Accessories That Elevate A Look

This year's accessories are all about layering, nostalgia, and self-expression. More is more, whether it's a wrist full of bangles, lace peeking out of your jeans, or unique charm bracelets. This year, the little details make the biggest impact. Charm bracelets are making a big comeback this year, giving people a way to personalize their outfits to a new level. With oversized charms that tell a story. Minimalism is out and maximalism is in—stacking bracelets is the move for 2025! You can see people mixing engraved bangles, beaded bracelets, charm bracelets, and chains to create an effortlessly cool layered effect that brings any outfit to the next level. Lace isn't just for dresses; it's appearing in unexpected ways. Lace-trimmed boxers, lace socks, and see-through lace tops for layering are adding a delicate, vintage-inspired touch to modern outfits. 

The Comeback Of Preppy & Sporty Staples

Sporty fashion is having a major revival this season, blending nostalgic classics with a modern, effortless edge. From the return of Adidas, polos, and Lululemon, this trend proves that looking polished and staying comfy go hand in hand! Adidas is my go-to shoe brand since they make shoes that are stylish and comfy. One thing about Adidas is that they offer a wide range of shoe options to match any outfit. Once a character-school classic, polos are getting a modern refresh with fitted, cropped, and oversized variations. Pair an oversized polo with some baggy pants for a streetwear vibe or a fitted polo with a denim skirt if you're more into the feminine look; polos are proving to be one of the most versatile wardrobe staples of this year. Lulu’s defined jackets and sculpting leggings are redefining athleisure. The brand’s defined jackets and leggings aren't just being worn at the gym; you can see them being worn in the mall and school halls. These pieces are making a statement beyond the gym!

The Rise Of Feminine Silhouettes

This spring is about embracing feminine silhouettes: soft, structured, and effortlessly elegant.

From flowy babydoll dresses, statement skirts, and structured blouses. This trend is about celebrating the shape and movement of clothes. Often detailed with lace, ruffles, and bows, babydoll shirts and dresses are being worn nonstop this year. Designers like Sandy Liang and Simone Rocha are bringing life to the silhouette with soft pastel colors, lace, and bow details that are just gorgeous. Fitted blouse: This structured yet feminine piece is making a comeback with puffed sleeves and cute patterns that pair well with anything. Blouses are no longer just for the office! Skirts are always a big hit in spring; whether they are mini, midi, or maxi, skirts offer endless versatility. Micro minis add a Y2K-inspired touch, while flowing maxi skirts in floral or gingham prints bring an air of effortless elegance.

To wrap things up, spring 2025 fashion is about mixing the old with the new. From pastel hues and polka dots to feminine silhouettes and sporty staples. This year is all about versatility– whether you pair a babydoll dress with sneakers, style a polo with a mini skirt, or layer bracelets. Fashion isn’t about following what's trending or the rules, it's about making each piece your own. So mix and match, embrace the styles that make you feel confident!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kearns, Sarah. "Sandy Liang SS24 Is an Homage to the Whimsy of Girlhood." Hypebeast, May. 2025, p. 1.https://hypebeast.com/2023/9/sandy-liang-ss-24-spring-summer-2024-collection-new-york-fashion-week-runway

"The 11 Spring 2025 Trends to Know from New York." Fashionista, May. 2025, p.1.https://fashionista.com/2024/09/new-york-fashion-week-spring-2025-trends

Cooper, Leah Faye. "Hope for Flowers Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection." Vogue, May. 2025, p. 1.https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2025-ready-to-wear/hope-for-flowers