Sunny or cloudy, these are the hottest 2025 summer fashion trends you’ll be seeing everywhere this season — according to top style editors. Read on for the inside scoop!
Hottest Trends in Summer Fashion
Dreaming of longer days, sun-soaked afternoons, and balmy nights? Me too. These can only mean one thing—summer! If you’re ready to shed the layers after months of bundling up and want to step into the summer season with the freshest fashion trends, I’ve got the scoop for you.
2025’s summer styles are effortlessly cool, playful, and packed with timeless pieces you’ll want to wear on repeat. From breezy silhouettes to coastal themes, to standout accessories, this article highlights 7 of the hottest summer trends according to the top fashion editors and runway insiders.
Let’s get into it!
1. Fisherman Core
Move over Coastal Grandmother…“Fisherman Core” is here and this trend is set to make a significant splash this summer, blending nautical nostalgia with modern fashion sensibilities. With this trend you’ll see a perfect mix of slouchy button-downs, bucket hats, fisherman knits, and striped garments.
The aesthetic draws inspiration from traditional maritime attire with a cool-girl, modern appeal. According to Sophie Dweck, Associate Shopping Editor for Town & Country Magazine, you can “take “fisherman-core” a step further with playful accessories, such as fish-shaped bags and jewelry.” – lucky for us, Shopbop has a whole Fisherman Core section to shop and help you get the look!
This trend emphasizes comfort and practicality, making it ideal for warm-weather. I also expect to see a surge in fisherman sandals, cable-knit sweaters, and other coastal-inspired pieces as fashion enthusiasts embrace this sea-inspired trend.
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2. Boho Revival
Just in time for festival season, boho styles are back with a modern twist. Designers like Isabel Marant and Saint Laurent are embracing suede vests, rustic textures like fringe and suede, tiered dresses, and paisley prints, offering a luxurious yet free-spirited vibe.
As much as I love a good fringe jacket, Jessica Beresford, Financial Times fashion journalist, says “this season’s bohemianism is felt most acutely in accessories, where designers are going large on studded, slouchy bags, stacks of medallion necklaces and suede boots.”
I have a strong feeling we will continue to see the cool-girl @jujuverastudio Petra Shell Necklace everywhere this summer – it has the perfect modern bohemian feel.
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3. Soft Sugary Shades
Soft candy hues like marshmallow pink, sherbet lemon, pistachio green, and saltwater taffy blue are dominating the color scene in 2025, according to Elle Canada’s Spring/Summer trends report. Designers are moving away from bold fuchsia tones, embracing these subtle shades to bring a fresh and romantic touch to their summer collections.
These colors look beautiful in soft cardigans, pretty sets, pointelle knit tees, and flowy dresses. If you lean to a neutral wardrobe like I do, try adding in a touch of pastel with a muted blue or butter yellow knit sweater over your shoulders (paired with off-white denim and a simple white tee).
Don’t miss Shopbop’s entire butter yellow trend section to browse!
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4. Ballet-Inspired Sneakers
Not for the faint of fashion heart, the trending footwear, dubbed “sneakerinas,” by Vogue, merge the grace of ballet with the comfort of sneakers. The popularity of these franken-shoes is gaining momentum and they are predicted to be all the rage this summer. Featuring delicate details like ribbon laces and satin finishes, paired with supportive rubber soles, they are unique yet practical.
Fashion icons such as Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa have been spotted embracing this style, and just this month, BLACKPINK’s Rosé showcased Puma’s Speedcat Ballet shoes. I love that this fusion offers a stylish and versatile option for summer outfits, making sporty looks with leggings or biker shorts a little more feminine.
I’m putting these MiuMiu beige suede ballerina sneakers on my wish-list!
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5. Smocked Silhouettes
Smocking, a centuries-old technique, is experiencing a welcomed resurgence. Brands like Hill House, Aritzia, and Madewell are incorporating smocked designs into dresses, tops, and skirts, offering flattering fits that accommodate various body types while maintaining chic and feminine details.
This smocked top from Aritzia is so cute and I love this smocked off-the-shoulder poplin dress, perfect for summer winery trips!
As noted by InStyle, “Smocking provides both aesthetics and comfort thanks to its elastic properties, which offer a flattering, fitted silhouette without compromising ease of movement.” With its combination of historical charm and modern wearability, I’m thrilled that smocked clothing will be a trending staple this summer season.
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6. Bowling Bags
The bowling bag is emerging as the must-have accessory for summer 2025. Designers like Hermès, Moschino, The Row, and Stella McCartney have embraced this silhouette, offering variations from mini to oversized styles. With its rounded top and structured form, the bowling bag adds a touch of retro sophistication to any outfit.
Natalie Munro, WhoWhatWear UK’s news writer says, “The style set’s new travel companion, the bowling bag is the 2025 trend that fashion people are reaching for day-in and day-out,” . I personally love the versatility and widespread appeal of a bowling-style bag.
Whether you’re heading to the office or out for a casual day, this trending bag offers a chic and functional addition to your summer wardrobe!
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7. Gorgeous in Gingham
Plaid and gingham patterns are continuing right from being a spring trend into a summer hit this year. Rendered in softer colors and shapes, these patterns are being used in various garments, from tailored vests to midi skirts, offering a fresh take on these classic prints.
Stylist’s fashion director, Lucy Reber, says “As gingham is often associated with feminine style, opting for androgynous cuts – like (a) boxy button-down shirt – switches things up.” I also love gingham dresses like this new style from Zara.
There are truly so many ways to wear gingham this summer – in small doses or large. It’s up to you!
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I hope you loved this list of the hottest predicted trends for summer 2025. Be sure to check out our summer section for tons of outfit inspiration, no matter your style or budget!
If you loved this article, don’t miss 15+ Perfectly Aesthetic Beach Outfits For Summer!
