Balletcore revival
You don’t have to brave a barre class to ooze the minimalist chic of a ballerina (although, kudos to you if you do). The SS25 catwalks were awash with Nutcracker-worthy looks, from 16 Arlington’s sleek buns and body-skimming silhouettes, to more overt ballet references, such as Simone Rocha’s avant garde tutus. Short of walking into the office en pointe, this trend is easy to emulate with soft pastels, satin pumps and neatly-laid edges. Think Misty Copeland meets off-duty model.
Clockwise from top left: Midi Skirt, River Island, £46; Ballet Flats, Oliver Bonas, £125; Glued 4 Brows & Edges, Got2B, £5.85; Thong Bodysuit, Skims, £70; Afro Puff HH, The Feme Collection, from £7.99
Off-kilter
Forget perfect symmetry – this season is all about the unexpected. Designers like Nensi Dojaka and Labrum sent artfully unbalanced silhouettes down the runway, from slashed hemlines to asymmetrical necklines that feel effortlessly cool. The look isn’t just for clothing either – think mismatched earrings, side-swept hairstyles and offbeat layering that can extend to your skincare routine. The key? Embracing imbalance. If it feels wrong, it’s probably right.
Clockwise from top left: Top, Next, £28; Earrings, PRYA, £30; Dress, H&M, £12.99; Trousers, Maniére De Voir, £109.99; Skin Renewal Serum, Grown Alchemist, £58
Draw the line
Stripes are getting a bold new makeover, and the only rule is that there are none. At Sinead Gorey, 2006-era pop-punk stripes made a comeback, while Jingdong presented preppy horizontals paired with ‘old money’ trenches and tweed co-ords. Whether you’re mixing widths, directions, or colours, more is more. Lean into the trend with unexpected pairings, because classic stripes are just the beginning.
Clockwise from top left: Candy Stripe Detangling Spray, R+CO, £25; Hat, Claudie Pierlot, £109; Euro Straight HH, Premium Now, from £21.99; Trousers, TU, £18; Trainers, Monsoon, £55
Say it loud
Statement tees are far from a fleeting trend, and 2025 is keeping the conversation going. Sassy slogans, political statements and tongue-incheek phrases took over the runways, from Chopova Lowena’s streetwise energy to Ashish’s knitted affirmations. The best part? There’s a slogan for every mood. Style yours with sharp tailoring or laid-back denim – either way, let your clothes and accessories do the talking.
Clockwise from top left: Hair Grips, Umberto Giannini, £10; Shopping Bag, The Feme Collection, Free in selected stores; CrazySexyCurl Honey Setting Foam, The Doux, £15.99; Jumper, 4TH & Reckless, £40; Necklace, Wolf & Badger, £35
The new neutral
Move over, beige – ‘Mocha Mousse’ is the shade of the season. This rich, warming brown dominated the SS25 collections, with designers like Tolu Coker and Masha Popova proving that neutrals don’t have to be boring. Whether you opt for a silky slip dress, dark-to-rich-brown ombre hair extensions, or a bronzed make-up moment, this hue brings understated luxury with a side of espresso-toned dimension.
Clockwise from top left: Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy, Rhode, £24; Velvet Fit Lipstick Refill in Baranagomi, Suqqu, £30; Jacket, Boden, £170; Juliet Shoulder Bag 25, Coach, £375; Bare Lace Glueless Lace Wig, Sensationnel, from £55
