2025 Fashion Trends: Lively’s Top 10 Forecasted Trends
Introducing the January Lively Lady: Wendy Stapleton!
Meet Wendy!
Wendy moved to Durango in 1998 for a job opportunity and never left! She has been a Physician Assistant for 30 years. Wendy currently works part-time at Animas Orthopedics and Southwestern Colorado Ears, Nose and Throat Associates. She basically stepped off the plane 26 years ago for her interview and knew that she had found her home!
Wendy has been married to her wonderful husband, John, for almost 16 years. John and Wendy met in the operating room and have been together ever since! Together they share an amazing 13 year old daughter, Morgan. In her spare time, Wendy enjoys watching her daughter play soccer, reading, attempting to quilt (lol), and enjoying the many outdoor activities Durango has to offer. She also enjoys spending time with her two dogs and Maine Coon kitty who is quite naughty.
Wendy’s favorite lively brands are honestly all of them, but if she had to choose - Wooden Ships’ cute and comfy sweaters, Dear John (partly because it has her husband’s name), Sanctuary, KUT From the Kloth denim, Z SUPPLY (especially their cozy loungewear), and Sage the Label (great price point for such cute clothes). Wendy loves shopping at lively because, “I love shopping at lively for the wonderful atmosphere and variety of clothing. I love ALL the lively staff who are always pleasant, fun and helpful. My daughter feels so comfortable going into the store to shop on her own. Honestly, it's like visiting friends while shopping”!
You can shop Wendy’s lively look below.
Photos by Niki Bryant Photography.
With a combination of predicted data from multiple fashion websites, inspiration from recent runway shows, and attending Spring/Summer 2025 market, lively can predict the top ten forecasted trends expected to make waves in 2025!
Suede
Suede is on track to be a standout trend for Spring/Summer 2025! Suede is being seen on everything from accessories such as larger bags to skirts and outerwear. In addition, we can expect to see a growth in matching sets as well - a suede blazer paired with a suede skirt or trousers.
The suede fabric in general is expected to grow 17% more among women compared to 2024. And it doesn’t stop there - suede loafers are expected to increase 30% - mainly adopted by the edgy consumer. The whole bohemian, relaxed yet sophisticated trend will have its return and suede will be the key player this year!
2. Yellow
The color that never fails to radiate—Yellow! From soft, creamy vanilla yellow to the bold richness of saffron, this vibrant hue is set to make waves in Spring/Summer 2025. Vanilla yellow trend is projected to rise by 11%, while saffron yellow will see a 6% increase from April to June, compared to previous years.
3. Hot Pants = The New Mini Skirt
Hot pants have emerged as the new alternative to the mini skirt, styled either by itself or paired with stockings. On the runway for this season it was featured in fabrics like cotton, knit, sequin, denim, and leather. The shape can be styled in various ways and can be worn with anything from party tops to cozy knitted cardigans. This fashion style is expected to see a 7% increase in popularity in 2025. The shape is forecasted to have a 14% increase particularly embraced by trendy Gen Z consumers.
4. Ocean Inspired
We can expect ocean influences in 2025 that go beyond the classic nautical aesthetic, instead the inspiration will take us deep into the ocean and everything that exists within it. Think vibrant, tropical blues, and mermaid-inspired dresses.
For Spring/Summer 2025, we anticipate a trend centered around ocean influences to evolve. This is indeed a theme for the more edgy, fashion-forward consumer. However, we can also expect to see these influences among mainstream consumers, playing with shades of blue and metallic colors alongside dreamy fabrics. For summer 2025, turquoise is forecasted to increase by 8% compared to 2024 while mermaid-inspired elements like sequins and fishtail maxi dresses are expected to grow between 17% and 20%.
5. Elevated Sportswear
It's not news that sports have long been a source of inspiration for the fashion world, but the lines between fitness and fashion are blurring now more than ever!
For Spring/Summer 2025, a shift toward softer, more feminine-coded sports like yoga, pilates, and ballet are being shown. Think about effortless mixed with a touch of cute elegance with a sporty twist. On the runways, brands like Casablanca and Ferragamo reinterpreted activewear in luxurious fabrics and playful color palettes, placing a spotlight on the feminine side of sports fashion. Sweatpants, which are estimated to see a 25% increase for Spring 2025 compared to 2024, are being styled with heels and bags to give off an effortless "on-the-go" vibe.
6. The Polo
This year's runway showcased a more tailored, feminine-fit polo with short sleeves, giving a slightly posh touch to outfits. These polo looks were often styled buttoned up, adding structure to the overall look. No longer confined to its traditional, boxy silhouette, the polo shirt is being reimagined for women with a modern, fitted cut that accentuates the female body. Designers during Spring/Summer 2025 were blending classic elements, like the signature collar and buttoned placket with new shapes and fabrics that elevate the garment from its sporty roots.
Slimmer fits, cropped versions, and softer fabrics like ribbed knits and stretch cottons will make the polo shirt shine during 2025. The Short Sleeved Polo Look is expected to increase by 11% and mainly adopted by the mainstream consumer.
7. Animal Print
For some fashionistas, Leopard print is less of a trend and more of a timeless staple. As we head into 2025, we can expect a fresh wave of animal prints to roar onto the scene. Animal prints are set to become the season's rising stars, with a projected 92% increase. Leopard and tiger prints, in particular, will shine and is forecasted to surge by 138% and 16%!
8. Thong Sandals
Thong sandals are stepping into the spotlight, and was seen on the runway in various shows as Dior, Burberry and Miu Miu for 2025.
The popularity of Thong Sandals is set to soar by an impressive 25%. During the same period and even more striking is the projected 31% increase in rubber thong sandals, mostly driven by the edgy consumer.
9. Strapless Dresses
Strapless dresses made a striking comeback on the Spring/Summer 2025 runways, blending minimalist charm with bold new textures. During Spring 2025, strapless dresses will increase by 15% and cater to the edgy and trendy consumer with effortless grace.
10. Asymmetry
Flowy skirts and one-shoulder tops are all fantastic examples of how asymmetry can elevate fashion pieces, making garments feel both fresh and contemporary. The design introduces an interesting, unique cut to more traditional shapes, and in 2025, we can expect to see even more of this trend.
In Spring 2025, asymmetric neck tops are estimated to increase by 6%, with significant adoption mainly among Gen Z and Millennials. During the same period, the asymmetric neck t-shirt is projected to grow by 10%, primarily driven by mainstream consumers, indicating great commercial potential.
Sources: Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Heuritech.