Nostalgia is poised to dominate the fashion landscape in 2025, as evidenced by the recent runway shows and the Golden Globes, which serve as a barometer for emerging trends. The year’s first major red carpet event showcased a blend of classic styles and modern interpretations, setting the stage for what’s to come. From corduroy dresses and trench coats to corsets, the echoes of past decades are reverberating through contemporary fashion. Homegrown designers and fast-fashion brands alike are embracing this nostalgic wave, making it easy to spot these trends in everyday wardrobes and on social media platforms.
### Nostalgic Fashion Trends
The resurgence of nostalgic fashion is not merely a fleeting trend; it reflects a broader cultural longing for simpler times. Designers like The Row have made corduroy a staple in their collections, while celebrities such as Kriti Sanon and Diljit Dosanjh have been spotted in trench coats that reinterpret classic silhouettes. Sanon’s feathered trench at London Fashion Week and Dosanjh’s sleek black version for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlight the versatility of this timeless piece. Corsets, too, are experiencing a renaissance, with various interpretations that blend historical elements with modern aesthetics.
### Playful Motifs
Another exciting trend for 2025 is the incorporation of playful motifs into fashion. Designers are increasingly drawing inspiration from childhood memories, infusing their collections with whimsical prints and designs. Dhruv Kapoor’s spring-summer 2025 collection featured a fabric bunny print, reminiscent of childhood stuffed animals, adorning dresses, pajamas, and jackets. Similarly, Moschino’s use of the cheerful smiley emoji on jumpers and bags signals a desire to reconnect with the joy and simplicity of youth. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift towards embracing nostalgia and the comfort of familiar symbols.
The emergence of the ‘villagecore aesthetic’ further emphasizes this theme. Anuradha Chandrashekar, co-founder of ICH NEXT, notes that patterns inspired by folk art—such as Gond Bhil, Warli, and Chittara—are set to become integral to mainstream fashion. This aesthetic celebrates the richness of rural life and encourages a slower, more deliberate approach to style.
### The Year of the Snake
As we move into 2025, the Chinese zodiac designates it as the Year of the Snake, and animal prints are expected to take center stage. Following the resurgence of leopard print, which has been dubbed an “outrageous neutral” by designer Michael Kors, the snake print is making a comeback. Fashion forecaster Heuritech predicts that sleek snake prints will dominate collections, appearing on everything from jackets and shoes to shirts and trousers. Dries Van Noten’s spring-summer collection showcases this trend, while Pharrell Williams has demonstrated how to mix and match exaggerated snake prints with other motifs, creating a bold and dynamic look.
### Color Trends
Color will play a pivotal role in defining the fashion landscape of 2025. While Pantone has declared Mocha Mousse as the color of the year, both neutrals and vibrant hues are expected to coexist harmoniously. Fashion forecaster WGSN, in collaboration with Coloro, has identified Future Dusk—a shade that straddles blue and purple—as a key color for the year. This shift towards darker shades is a response to the increasing complexity of global challenges, with consumers gravitating towards versatile and durable colors.
Social media platform Pinterest echoes this sentiment, predicting that dark cherry red—a color symbolizing passion, richness, and ambition—will permeate various aspects of life, from home decor to fashion runways. This duality in color trends reflects a desire for both comfort and bold expression.
### Shine Bright
The Golden Globes showcased a notable shift in red carpet fashion, with celebrities opting for metallics over the traditional black. This trend underscores the versatility of shimmering fabrics, which can evoke both futuristic and retro vibes. Designers like Rick Owens and Gaurav Gupta are experimenting with distressed metallics and high-gloss finishes in their collections, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion. Streetwear brands such as Zara and H&M are also embracing metallics, incorporating them into ripped jeans, jackets, and skirts, making this trend accessible to a broader audience.
As 2025 unfolds, the fashion landscape is set to be a vibrant tapestry of nostalgia, playful motifs, animal prints, dynamic colors, and shimmering fabrics. Each trend reflects a unique interplay between the past and present, inviting individuals to express their identities through a rich and diverse array of styles. Whether through the lens of nostalgia or bold experimentation, the upcoming year promises to be an exciting chapter in the world of fashion.
