The 2025 Trend Forecast: A Fashion-Forward Year Ahead

News flash! Some familiar favorites are coming back with a fresh spin this year.

Published on Feb 27, 2025

Fashion continually reinvents itself by resurrecting bygone trends. Each season, distinct aesthetics rise to cultural prominence, and recent years have spotlighted a nostalgic reverence for the 1990s and early 2000s.

This year’s trends aren’t so much about reinvention as they are about refinement—revivals of past aesthetics, stripped of excess and reimagined for a generation that values both individuality and ease. What once felt era-defining now returns with a sharper focus, free from the constraints of nostalgia yet undeniably shaped by it.

There’s a newfound straightforwardness to the way these styles are interpreted today. The meticulous layering, hyper-stylized approach, and rigid adherence to aesthetic rules that once defined them have softened, making way for something more instinctive. Fashion in 2025 is all about pulling familiar elements forward and letting them settle into today’s sartorial consciousness. People are pulling pieces from different eras, mixing them up, and wearing them in ways that feel right for them. The result is a wardrobe that feels equally nostalgic and distinctly now, proving that style, much like history, has a way of repeating itself— just never in quite the same way.

This return to familiar aesthetics is taking shape in a variety of ways, with five key trends emerging as frontrunners this 2025. Each taps into a distinct era or sensibility but is adapted for the present with a more effortless, personal approach.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY, ILLUSTRATED BY BACS ARCEBAL

Boho Chic

Boho chic traces its roots back to the artistic circles of 19th-century Europe, evolving through the free-spirited fashion movements of the ‘60s and ‘70s. But it was in the early 2000s that the sartorial aesthetic entered the pop culture lexicon, thanks to personalities like Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, and the Olsen twins, whose off-duty style was defined by pairing flowing silhouettes with chunky gold jewelry and worn-in leather boots.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY | Printed Dress, P1490, H&M, SM Makati; The Macramé Skirt, P20,000, KILLJOY STUDIOS, Instagram.com/killjoystudios_official. Four-leaf Wedjat Necklace, P26,800; Krishna Heart Necklace, P23,500, J MAKITALO JEWELRY, Instagram.com/jmakitalojewelry. Small Bracelet Bag in Clay Brown, P188,500, CHLOÉ, Adora Greenbelt 5.

At its core, boho chic is all about creating a sense of ease—breathable, high-quality fabrics like silk and cotton, intricate embroidery, and playful details like tassels and ruffles. The trend typically favors an earthy color palette—shades like beige, olive, and rust—with occasional bold accents to add contrast to the easygoing silhouettes.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

On the runway, designers like Chemena Kamali of Chloé, Ralph Lauren, and Isabel Marant are giving boho a fresh spin, mixing in sheer fabrics, suede, fringes, and statement prints to their collections. Naturally, fashion folk are quick to take notes, incorporating the aesthetic into their everyday wardrobes. Consequently, the boho chic resurgence this 2025 is defined by effortless layering— think eclectic stacks of vintage jewelry, handwoven accessories, or a breezy dress styled with an embroidered skirt. After all, boho chic is all about embodying that free-spirited bohemian ethos, a sartorial look realized by mixing textures, playing with proportions, and adding a little luxe to the everyday.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

Animal Prints

Animal prints have long been a mercurial presence in fashion, cycling in and out of favor for centuries. Today, however, their resurgence signals a departure from the minimalist “clean girl” aesthetic. The 2025 revival embraces a bolder, more expressive approach—injecting a fierce edge into everyday dressing.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY | Leopard print blouse, P899; Leopard print jorts, P1490, H&M, SM Makati. Knit leopard print sweater, P6,500, COS, SM Aura. The Diana Shoes, P3799, JUANITA STUDIO, Instagram.com/juanitastudio

The origins of animal prints in fashion date back to the early 19th century, when Napoleon Bonaparte’s North African expeditions fueled France’s fascination with exotic textiles, with fur coats and rugs dominating aristocratic wardrobes. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that animal prints truly entered mainstream fashion., when actress Maureen O’Sullivan’s portrayal of Jane in Tarzan (1932) inspired women to incorporate the bold pattern into their own wardrobes. By 1947, the print made an appearance on the runway when Christian Dior’s New Look collection featured structured leopard-print pieces, elevating the motif to a symbol of high glamour.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

As the print gained traction, its once-exclusive allure began to shift. The 1960s and ’70s saw it adopted by the counterculture movement which favored faux alternatives over genuine fur. This democratization led some to view animal prints as passé. However, the 1980s saw a dramatic resurgence, as the era’s penchant for extravagance welcomed back the pattern in full force. Leopard, zebra, tiger, giraffe, and python prints prowled through the runway, championed by designers like Roberto Cavalli, Yves Saint Laurent, and Michael Kors. The trend continued well into the late 2000s and early 2010s, when A-listers embraced the print in breezy, lightweight fabrics.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

After decades, animal prints are reclaiming their place in fashion’s zeitgeist. Unlike previous iterations, the 2025 revival leans into statement-making casual wear. The motif now appears across denim, knitwear, footwear, and accessories, an eye-catching addition into standard wardrobe. This time, the styling ethos is all about layering and contrast—mixing prints with prints, playing with textures, and experimenting with varying depths of color.

Normcore

By the tail-end of 2024, people's biggest complaint was that there were too many microtrends to keep up with. Then there came an anti-trend that dared to defy them all: normcore. While microtrends push you to stand out or subscribe to a specific aesthetic, normcore invites you to blend in.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

Coined by trend forecasting group K-HOLE in their 2013 report, Youth Mode: A Report on Freedom, normcore was originally more of a mindset than a style—one that prioritized adaptability and belonging over individual distinctiveness. But in fashion, it’s come to mean something simpler: a wardrobe of unassuming, everyday basics. Of course, the concept of dressing “normal” existed long before the term did—just look at ‘90s sitcom dads, Steve Jobs’ uniform, or the effortless off-duty style of early 2000s cool kids. Think white T-shirts, button-downs, your favorite pair of jeans, sneakers, or in this case, flip-flops for a truly relaxed look.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY | Capri pants, P799; Brown blazer, P2490, H&M, SM Makati. Poplin Button Down in White, P4200; Thong Sandals in White, P4600, APARA, apara.com

And while “blending in” might sound like a fashion nightmare to some, there’s a certain freedom in normcore’s simplicity. No overthinking outfits, no chasing the next viral trend—just a closet full of pieces that always work together, making day-to-day dressing effortless.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

Fisherman Core

One of the most unexpected trends making waves in 2025? Fisherman Core. This nautical-inspired aesthetic is all about functional fashion—pieces that are practical, effortlessly cool, and, let’s be honest, pretty useful. According to Pinterest’s annual Pinterest Predicts report, this trend is picking up steam, with Gen Z leading the charge toward weatherproof, layered dressing. And with all the typhoons and rainy days we get in the Philippines, this might just be one trend worth holding onto—literally—for a rainy day.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY | White Collared Cable Knit Sweater, P9,900; Khaki Multipocket vest, P6500, COS, SM Aura. Checked Mini Shorts, P1990, H&M, SM Makati. Medium Paraty Bag in Black, P220,500, CHLOÉ, Adora Greenbelt 5.

At its core, Fisherman Core is all about utility and comfort—think water-resistant layers, cozy cable-knit sweaters, sturdy weatherproof boots, and classic striped tops. While it takes cues from traditional maritime workwear, today’s version has a more fashion-forward spin. Designers are playing with the look in fresh ways, from oversized sailor collars on the runway to influencers pairing rain boots with tailored pieces for an effortless, storm-ready vibe.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

What makes this trend stand out? It’s stylish without trying too hard, prioritizing comfort and practicality while still looking intentional. Whether you live by the sea, want to make rainy-day dressing more stylish, or just need an excuse to pull out a great raincoat, Fisherman Core proves that functional fashion can still make a statement.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

Gothic Romance

Goth fashion has always had an underground presence, thriving in subcultures long before the mainstream took notice. Its most influential era? The 1980s and early 1990s, when the post-punk movement turned dark, dramatic dressing into a full-fledged aesthetic. Bands like Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Cure, and Bauhaus defined the look—Victorian-inspired lace, darkly glamorous makeup, and layers of black that felt both rebellious and romantic.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY | The Lana Corset, P18,888, JUST BONITA, Instagram.com/justbonita8 . Waterfall Belt, P7,290, HA.MU, Instagram.com/_ha.mu_

Over the years, the aesthetic has evolved, shifting from its punk roots into something softer yet still undeniably striking. Rich textures like velvet, silk, and chiffon bring an old-world elegance, while corseted silhouettes, flowing lace, and deep shades of red, purple, and blue add to the drama. Accessories make all the difference—chunky jewelry, delicate gloves, and ornate headpieces pull the look together, striking the perfect balance between gothic and ethereal.

Now, Gothic Romance is creeping back into the spotlight. Lady Gaga has been serving gothic glamour at the Grammys, while Blumarine’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection embraced darkly poetic silhouettes. And with Nosferatu—starring Hollywood It-girl Lily-Rose Depp—on the way, this moody, romantic aesthetic is about to take center stage. If you’ve ever wanted to dress like you stepped out of a gothic novel, now’s your time.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANNIKA SY

Produced and Styled by the Preview Team

Photographer: Annika Sy, assisted by Joey Alvero

Creative Direction: Jana Jodloman and Bacs Arcebal

Production: Isha Fojas and Pau Singh

Fashion: Pau Singh

Makeup: Angelina Dela Cruz

Hair: Gab Villegas

Set Design: Rocket Design Studio

Videos: Jana Jodloman

Model: Lara Swift of Luminary Manila

Special thanks to Vani Altomonte