The new year can hold all kinds of unknowns for most people, but for fashion experts and trend forecasters, it's already mapped out — or at least most of it.
With fashion constantly evolving, 2025 is shaping up to be a year defined by individuality, sustainability and nostalgia. Experts are predicting trends from Mocha Mousse to thrifted bootcut jeans.
Here are some of the top upcoming trends for this year so you can stay ahead of the curve.
'90s minimalism
Maximalism is still out and minimalism is remaining a staple in 2025 fashion. In the wake of 'No Buy January,' a trending New Year's resolution centered around not buying new items, consumers are saving their money by wearing simple and sleek outfits.
"I like minimalistic fashion because I just feel like it's classic and you can't go wrong with basic," said Lulu Bianco, a freshman studying fashion business.
Minimalism has been going in and out of style for decades as fashion trends are circular, but the 2025 version of minimalism will have a '90s flare to it with brands like Calvin Klein leading the trend.
"90s minimalism is going to come back because it's tailored items in a relaxed way with quality behind them," said Kristin Bjorge, a professor at ASU FIDM and a fashion stylist.
To add this trend to your closet, look for tailored, laid-back styles in muted colors such as gray or plum. The idea isn't to look at minimalism as bare-bones as Kim Kardashian's house, but more as a refined office style that can transition from day to night.
Unique accessories
Funky accessories are taking the runway by storm. Beginning last year, unique accessories are still taking over your jewelry boxes. Meaning, those bag charms and personalized shoes in your closet are still in style.
"I've noticed that wearing big chunky, charm necklaces where you can make them personalized is in," Bianco said. "You can express yourself through jewelry."
From Coach covering spring's bags in faux stickers to Chopova Lowena sprinkling studs on hair bows and sneakers. At labels such as Moschino and Saint Laurent, models walked the runway laden with as much jewelry as they could carry. (Chaotic layering, a close cousin of this trend, also appeared at Miu Miu and Acne Studios.)
"I think that some sunglasses are a popular accessory." Bjorge said. "You're seeing a lot of sunglasses on the runway like Coach did (with) bubble sunglasses. And I think those could get popular because they're scalable."
With sunglasses being a quick addition to anyone's closet, if you want to look like you just came back from New York Fashion Week visit your local thrift store to find some funky shades. And don't stop at just sunglasses – start showing off your personal style with gigantic hair bows, sneaker charms, busy necklaces and layered keychains — more is more.
Brown is the new black
Every year, Pantone releases its color of the year. While vibrant shades like Peach Fuzz and Viva Magenta have won the title in the past, 2025's winner is Mocha Mousse, a warm mid-tone brown.
Brands such as Bottega Veneta and The Row showcase structured wool trench coats and oversized blazers in the warm brown hue. Prada and Loewe are featuring mocha-colored leather handbags with sculptural details and quilted textures, solidifying the shade's dominance in 2025.
"I'm seeing it already and I've already purchased it myself, this color that Pantone is calling Mocha Mousse," Bjorge said. "I don't think that most people think they like it, but brown is a great color because it's less harsh than black, obviously, and it's more friendly than gray. So I think we're going to see a lot of brown because it's easy to pair with denim."
Being the new black, Mocha Mousse is easy to pair up or down with jeans or a silk skirt, becoming the new staple in every fashionista's closet.
Bootcut jeans (thanks Kendrick)
Red carpets, star-studded films and stages like the Super Bowl halftime have long been the originators of up-and-coming fashion trends. With Kendrick Lamar's recent Super Bowl halftime show, his appearance was not only captivating but also sparked a new fashion trend.
While taking the stage, Lamar donned a pair of low-rise, blue-wash bootcut jeans designed by Hedi Slimane, the creative director for Celine. After the performance, searches for bootcut jeans surged on Google by 5,000%, according to an article by the New York Post.
"The celebrities that are influencing fashion the most are the ones that are making bold moves in their creative endeavors or the public eye," Danielle Testa, a professor at ASU FIDM, said in an email . "Following the Super Bowl, where Kendrick Lamar wore a pair of Celine bootcut jeans, we are expecting to see bootcut grow in popularity more quickly than originally anticipated!"
This year is sure to have plenty of celebrity-influenced fashion trends, and Lamar's jeans are just the start. For students who want to recreate their favorite celebrity looks, turn toward thrift stores and second-hand shops as celebrities often borrow from the past to create new looks.
Do your own thing: individualism is in
In 2025, following mass-produced trends is out and individualism is taking center stage. Designers are offering customizable pieces that reflect personal styles.
Gucci is leading the charge with mix-and-match suiting, offering detachable lapels and reversible blazers. Maison Margiela is highlighting deconstructed fashion, with asymmetrical patchwork denim and hand-painted trench coats, making each piece one of a kind. Meanwhile, Schiaparelli is pushing bold self-expression with surrealist accessories.
"Individualism is central to fashion in 2025, so the great news is, my advice for fashion-forward individuals is simple: Be yourself and wear what you like," Testa said in an email. "Don't be afraid to be playful! Mix up your favorite work pants with your favorite casual tee, try an unexpected pair of shoes, and have fun with fashion."
Embracing your style this year is the best way to be on trend. Whether it's through mixing and matching clothing you already own or thrifting unique garments, fashion in 2025 is all about standing out.
Edited by Senna James, Sophia Ramirez and Katrina Michalak.
Reach the reporter at thutche1@asu.edu.
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Tiffany is a freshman studying fashion design in business administration. This is her second semester with The State Press.
