Before the read
Expect a blend of nostalgic favorites and fresh silhouettes—from jelly shoes to barrel jeans.
Yes, Y2K revivals are going strong with capris, polka dots, and ballet-inspired sneaker styles.
Not quite, but the unique, sculpted barrel-leg is taking over as the next cool-girl staple.
Y2K revivals, ballet-inspired looks, and cool-girl classics—this is what summer 2025 style is all about.
Summer 2025 fashion trends see a combination of soft, structured, and refined reinterpretations of the styles from the early 1990s and 2000s. From ballet sneakers to the barrel-leg jean silhouette, we’ll be seeing these iconic trends on people throughout the sunny season.
Spring colors were a dominant trend this 2025, carrying over into the summer wardrobes. Shades like butter yellow, spring green, powder pink, and sky blue have made waves on runways, the streets, and social media. Trend experts predict these colors will stay strong throughout the summer season. These colors are a great statement and pop of color, worn in bags, cardigans, and shoes. This summer, we’ll be seeing these colors incorporated into summer-wear apparel.
Jelly Shoes and Barrel Jeans
Barrel-leg denim is still cool this summer, and while a fashion trend, experts don’t predict this to become totally mainstream. The unique “barrel-like” silhouette is definitely a cool-girl staple, elevating any basic outfit. Defined by a high waist, exaggerated curve, and tapered ankle, these jeans are a blend of the ongoing wide-leg denim trend and the returning slim-fit trend. Its relaxed yet sculptural profile makes it a go-to bottom for any summer fit.
This summer, try styling a denim capri with summery sandal wedges, a trendy tank top, and an iconic bag. Or, go with the Y2K classic pairing with kitten sandal heels, a sequined top, and a fun purse.
Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and many other fashion sources have noticed that jelly flats, the so-called “ugly” shoes of the ’90s, are also making a striking comeback. Why the sudden love for jellies once again? They’ve been elevated, with unique silhouettes and colors, yet still provide a unique visual appeal with their transparent texture. These flats pair well with minimalistic ensembles, bringing a nostalgic touch to a now contemporary trend this 2025.
A fan-favorite, capris have slowly re-entered the fashion scene after some exposure on social media and the return of Y2K fashion over the past few years. Wear them as oversized or skin-tight denim, or in stretchy materials in reds and blacks trimmed with lace. This summer, try styling a denim capri with summery sandal wedges, a trendy tank top, and an iconic bag. Or, go with the Y2K classic pairing with kitten sandal heels, a sequined top, and a fun purse.
Pretty in Polka Dot
We love polka dots! For some time, social media labeled polka dots as outdated and aged. Now, polka dots are everywhere and are predicted to be a huge trend this season. From dotted purses and black and white dresses to colorful polka-dot tops, the trend can be worn countless ways and defines cool-girl style this summer. The print has appeared in collections by Jacquemus, Altuzarra, and the like. Polka dots this season work as both a graphic, trendy statement and an updated, modern nod to vintage femininity.
This next trend was bound to happen, following the ballet-core trend seasons ago. The sneakerinas are a hybrid of ballet flats and sneakers. Acne Studios’ metallic ballet-flat sneakers are a perfect option if you’re looking to add this summer trend to your wardrobe. This hybrid design does not sacrifice comfort for fashion. Fashion mogul Bella Hadid was also paparazzi’d wearing a statement yet classy pair of sneakerinas, which only blew up the trend even more. Definitely consider adding a pair of sneakerinas to your cart as a surefire way to elevate any look this season.
Linen is a summer staple every year because of its lightweight, breathable material. This 2025 season, we’ll definitely see even more versatile linen designs, incorporating unique silhouettes, cut-outs, and two-piece sets.
Of course, a summer classic, seashell jewelry will be making waves this coming season. Think: a large seashell pendant hanging from a simple chain, or beaded shells across the neck, and a personal favorite, silver seashell jewelry.
Spring colors were a dominant trend this 2025, carrying over into the summer wardrobes. Shades like butter yellow, spring green, powder pink, and sky blue have made waves on runways, the streets, and social media.
On brand with the aquatic trend, nautical stripes will be an iconic style on the streets this summer. Featured on a variety of clothes, from oversized shirting to sculptural dresses, designers from SS25 have reintroduced classic navy-and-white striping with an emphasis on proportion and textile innovation. The result is a clean look that blends traditional maritime style with a trendy, cool-girl aesthetic.
Soft draping, inspired by Greco-Roman silhouettes, is growing hot—from celebrity fashion to runway designs, meaning we’ll be seeing this all summer 2025. Expect flowing chiffon, asymmetric lines, cape dresses, and fluid cocktail silhouettes. Bottega Veneta and other luxury houses have brought forward this aesthetic with wearable interpretations that feel ethereal, yet with the ability to be dressed down for more casual occasions.
This 2025, summer trends have resurrected the nostalgia of previous fashion eras that we once thought died. The trends are defined by evolution. While fashion is pulling from its history, people are finding ways to elevate with such visual creativity. And while the trends are also embracing some bold choices, like sneakerinas, polka dots, capris, and barrel jeans, the best aspect of each is its versatility. Each trend is designed for real life, so that we can wear them out and about these coming months, with the potential to be styled beyond this season.
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The Wrap
- Summer 2025 style blends early 2000s nostalgia with modern minimalism and playful color palettes.
- Barrel jeans bring shape and structure, offering a middle ground between wide-leg and slim-fit denim.
- Jelly shoes make a bold comeback with elevated designs, texture, and summer-ready versatility.
- Polka dots return as a standout print, seen across bags, tops, and designer runway looks.
- Reimagined capris, styled with wedges or kitten heels, are trending across Y2K fashion circles.
- Sneakerinas, the hybrid of ballet flats and sneakers, offer both comfort and off-duty model chic.
- Bold colors like spring green, sky blue, and butter yellow dominate both casual and elevated summer looks.
