It’s finally spring. The last few years taught me not to jinx a good summer by predicting one. So I’m going to say that it would be wonderful if the weather were anything like what we have here in the north. It’s hard to predict the weather, but the new season is in the stores, and it’s now time to take a look at Spring fashion trends for 2025. The SS25 catwalks were awash with different styles. It was almost as if the designers wanted to try everything and see what would stick. It’s the stage in the fashion cycle where retailers analyze what they have seen that has always fascinated me. I loved to watch the debates between trend-focused buyers and sales-focused merchandisers. They would argue about what would look good on the shop floor or window displays versus what actually sold. The second half of the week was spent in London, assessing the results. As usual, I focused my attention on the trends that were bought in small numbers in order to make headlines for fashionistas. I then narrowed down the search to the wardrobe updates that would work in the real world. Let me take you through Spring fashion trends for 2025, the most wearable styles you can find on the high street.
Do trends matter in midlife?
In the beginning, a more mature woman will ask herself, “Do I care about trends?” This is a valid question, especially during a period of global uncertainty, when everyone instinctively tightens their belts to save money, and frivolity is not a priority. In midlife, most women have figured out what they like to wear. They know which styles work best for them. But that doesn’t mean they should ignore trends.
Fashion is a social currency. It’s the equivalent of dogs weeing in a lamppost. The choices we make to cover our bodies are a clear indication of the current zeitgeist. And the mood behind trends reflects the feelings and attitudes of a country. It’s important to keep up with current events and social media.
A sarcastic reference to current fashion trends can be used to say, “I am still engaged”, as opposed to “I have checked out”. It can also be used to express “I am different/I disagree”. Some people ignore trends. Think about punks, goths and today’s indies who use their style to show that they do not subscribe to mainstream society. They run with a separate tribe. Wearing clothes is a visual statement of who you really are and how you view yourself. It’s your choice what you want it to say.
I interpret fashion from a midlife perspective. On an individual basis, I see little nods towards trends in an ensemble that is otherwise based on what you know will work for you to maintain visibility and be seen as a game player. A clever social reference shows you are still playing the game of life but on your terms. You can choose to play along or not.
It’s an important choice, but style is a subliminal form of social interaction, and a woman in her midlife who has the pulse on things stands out. It is uplifting to see a woman in her 50s interpret fashion rather than follow it slavishly. I think we give her a high five. Today, instead of giving you a full rundown of SS25 and all its glory, I’m going to pull out the wearable trends and talk through them. This post will help you tweak your wardrobe and give you some ideas on how to look current and engaging with minimum effort.
Spring Fashion Trends 2025: A Quick Rundown
Let’s look at some other trends in shops before I get to the more wearable ones. There’s a revival of skirts over trousers. Remember that from the 90s? It’s a look I hated, but you can find it in shops. There are trousers with a skirt-like apron on the front and a lot of skorts for hot weather.
There’s more transparency than last year. Voile and tulle are designed to be worn without bras and with big pants. You can also forget about the big pants.
The 90s power suits are back. They’re different from the sharp tailoring that was popular last year, but they’re still available, thanks to Rivals. The 90s power suit is back – a slight step up from last year’s revival of the sharp tailoring of the 80s, although they are still around thanks to Rivals.
Hotpants, which are super short and worn with cropped tops, are the mini-skirt of this year. There’s also a return of ’90s plaids for summer, a weave which has always made me grit and feels like a poor man’s tartan. This look is currently at Zara. It’s the worst 90s style, in my opinion.
Spring Fashion Trends 2025 – The most wearable
Let’s start with two options that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe.
Key Trend #1 – The New Boho
It may seem like yesterday to those of us who have been through many seasons. The Boho look, as exemplified by Sienna Miller during the noughties, was a trend we’ve seen a lot. It was the first major look to emerge in response to the desire for social media users of the time, and we remember it well. Early adopters scrambled for a “look” defined by daily postings of outfits with more drama than every day. Boho was the result.
Boho is a version of an original style that appeared in the 1960s to reject formality and old-world fashion. When you consider the current times, it’s not surprising that this same rejection of values is manifesting itself again through fashion. Boho is an antithesis to the stealthy wealth display we have seen in recent years. This was epitomized by the wardrobes worn by women from the Trump family. As always, fashion is being used to convey a message.
A nod to Boho in tan suede
It’s a little different this time, as it’s not as loose. And it plays with texture more. You can’t miss the tan suede, which is key to this look. It’s also a great way to add a little Boho style to your outfits. This is the best collection of leather and suede jackets available. The jackets have been so popular that they are sold out everywhere.
This one is still available in every size.
It is a men’s shirt, but you could consider going down a size.
This is a great option if you can afford it. A tan leather jacket gets a lot of wear. I have had mine since 2014, and it is always my first choice for cooler spring/summer/early fall days. The soft colour and finish go so well with lighter fabric.
You could also add a tan leather bag. It will quickly become your favourite for spring and summer because it goes with everything.
A suede bag or jacket is the easiest and most affordable way to add a Boho touch to your daily life.
Frothy Boho
As you can see, the full Boho style is very frothy.
This season, you will find frothiness all over. The brands have incorporated it into a more wearable form of transparency, and they’ve paired it with the trend of floral chintz. Floral chintz, also known as grandmother’s sofa, is set to become even more popular for AW25.
It’s everywhere, for both casualwear and formalwear.
And for formalwear…
…. It’s going to be crucial for graduations and weddings.
I caution anyone in their midlife to be careful. You’re only a fondant fantasy away from looking like the Queen Mother with this look. But then, I am not a fan of frills. You’ll see that all these dresses are waisted. The loose Boho Buffet dress is not to be found. It’s the piece that will age your look most quickly this summer. You can choose to wear your style.
Another easy way to show your support for the new Boho
You can also add a new Boho look to your wardrobe with a lace-trimmed blouse in white or cream. Pair it with jeans and a suede jacket, and you have the perfect outfit without any hint of floral or froth. This is a wardrobe staple, so it’s important to invest in good quality to avoid synthetic lace. Avoid anything round-necked or high-necked, as you may end up looking like a Victorian matron rather than the Boho Gypsy look you are aiming for.
This is guipure cotton lace…
By incorporating this with the polka-dot trend of the season, you can get two looks for the price of one (the pearl buttons at the neck are optional).
This one has a beautiful broderie neckline.
Quicker here and on the sale
A Note on Jeans for Boho
Boho is all about flared or wide-legged, high-waisted pants. This makes sense because of the 70s vibe. These pants are similar to the M&S pair that is always sold out, but they are better quality and made of heavier denim.
These are great for adding a touch of 70s drama. They’re generous and stretchy, so size down.
Boho T-shirts – Spring Fashion Trends 2025
Baby tees are all over the place. They’re longer than cropped tees but sit on top of the waistband. This means you don’t need to tuck in the shirt. These are designed to go with flared pants with a high waist, but they also look great with skirts. They are the best price I have found.
They also come in stripes.
This is a more expensive option, but it has a nice tactile finish and is made from a hemp blend.
You can also choose from merino/cashmere in a variety of colours.
Shoes are back in fashion. Fashion editors said that trainers would be the new shoe, but the fashion world is fickle, and it has now shifted back to a more elegant style. When I was in London, I noticed this trend amongst Gen Z and millennials. In the past few years, I have made it a habit to sit with a cup of coffee and see how many women I can spot wearing shoes in two minutes. For a long time, the ratio was 90:10 in favour of trainers. Last week, however, it changed to 50:50, Which is a drastic change.
What are people wearing now? It was still too early for sandals, so it was mostly ballet flats and strapbacks. Because of the wide proportions of the jeans, most looks are styled Boho 2025 in ballet flats. You can choose from the traditional, simple style, or I will add a few with arch support since I am often asked about them.
You can also choose the new “teacher style” ballet flats with a bow tie, although they have almost sold out within a week.