Vintage trends coming back in 2025

Every January, we make plans and resolutions, wondering what direction the newly started year will take. We ask ourselves what the make-up trends for 2025 will be, which nail polishes we will choose for our manicure, what hairstyles we should try at the next hairdresser's appointment, whether our approach to wellness will change, and how much space we’ll need to make in our wardrobe for new trendy pieces. After closely studying designers' proposals, who increasingly draw from the past and their maisons' archives for inspiration, many of us may embark on a treasure hunt through flea markets and resale apps. In recent years, major brands and celebrities like Zendaya and Bella Hadid have demonstrated the potential of vintage pieces. We've made them an integral part of our wardrobes partly to save money, partly for sustainability, and partly for coolness. What items will define our vintage shopping this year? Will we continue to dress like Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in the nineties, or will Matthieu Blazy's arrival at Chanel make us fall in love with iconic double-C pieces? Prada fans might hunt for the Miu Miu SS05 collection, while Donatella Versace enthusiasts might go for the Versus SS97, both reimagined for SS25. And what should everyone else buy? Key hints can be found in the latest fashion month, but to prepare for upcoming vintage shopping sprees, let’s recap the past trends set to define 2025.

Vintage trends 2025: Boho Vibes from the '70s

Seventies bohemian style will be a key trend in 2025. Confirming this are the SS25 collections from Valentino, Isabel Marant, Rabanne, and especially Chloé, where Chemena Kamali designed fluid silhouettes, airy, billowing dresses in almost sheer fabrics like chiffon, in light hues such as cream, white, yellow, and pale pink. During our vintage shopping sessions, we should look for transparent fabrics and artisanal details like beads, embroidery, lace, ruffles, fringed jackets, suede pieces, crochet tops, clogs, and oversized sunglasses to wear like Sienna Miller in the early 2000s or, even better, like Stevie Nicks, Cher, and Janis Joplin in the '70s. Fans of the cowgirl style can draw inspiration from Bella Hadid’s recent outfits featuring suede jackets and bags paired with cowboy boots and slim-fit jeans flaring widely at the bottom.

Sporty Spice

Remember Mel C, aka Sporty Spice, with her cropped tops, Adidas pants, and sneakers? Or the girls from the '80s series Fame? Or Paris and Britney with their Juicy Couture tracksuits? Study their looks and check out the SS25 collections from Tory Burch, Tod's, Loewe, Balenciaga, and Ferragamo, where models seemed fresh out of a ballet class. Each brand, in its own way, has created a mix of comfort and sophistication, presenting layered outfits that blend preppy fashion, balletcore elements, and athleisure. What should we add to our 2025 fashion wishlist? Hoodies, varsity jackets, tracksuits, rugby shirts, bodysuits, wool tights, over-the-knee socks, and pieces in technical fabrics.

Futuristic Flair

Prada's SS25 collection brought retro-futuristic style back to the forefront with metallic dresses inspired by Blade Runner, covered in sparkling sequins, paired with oversized rubber-soled shoes and details reminiscent of the '60s, Paco Rabanne's creations, and Pierre Cardin's Space Age. Space, exaggerated alien-like forms, metallic fabrics, and surgical silver, often combined with utility wear like parkas and windbreakers or more cute, girly items, also drew attention on the recent runways of Balenciaga, Junya Watanabe, Louis Vuitton, and Rabanne. Toning down and making this space-age glamour more contemporary is the key to wearing the futuristic trend in 2025. Go for ’60s-inspired tops and dresses, or, to keep it simple, pick an accessory with an alien edge.

'80s Maximalism

With its broad, square shoulders, power dressing, and voluminous hairstyles, 2024 already hinted at a return to the '80s. This year, the inspiration becomes even more explicit, embracing the maximalist side of the Dynasty era and Joan Collins. Polka dots, animal prints, brocade jackets, ruffles, denim-on-denim, oversized silhouettes, broad shoulders, and eye-catching accessories appeared on the SS25 runways of Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Duran Lantink, Acne Studios, and even Bottega Veneta. Those who want to stand out and add some edge to their daily wardrobe should study the looks of Brooke Shields, Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, Grace Jones, Molly Ringwald, and, of course, Lady Diana, while hunting for vintage pieces by Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler, Versace, and Alaïa, as well as Christian Lacroix, perfect for special occasions.

Hollywood Glamour

Experts believe that after the many '90s looks, the upcoming red carpets will see a return to old Hollywood glamour. Will we see Kim Kardashian, Sabrina Carpenter, and Bella Hadid paying homage to Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor,  Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly? Likely. As already evidenced by the sophisticated hairstyle inspired by Veronica Lake, the major inspirations will come from the '40s, featuring opera gloves, long, body-hugging gowns that highlight curves, feathers, sequins, and plenty of charm. Prada, Erdem, and Dolce & Gabbana have already embraced this golden age. How many of us will follow suit?

Lingerie and Floral Prints