2025 Fashion Trends I Could Do Without

Fashion isn’t something I’d say I’m particularly involved in. For most of the year, I dress sort of like a teen boy in a 2008 low-budget film. There are a few events where I’ll put in the effort to dress up, but my day to day is lived in slacks and graphic tees. This doesn’t mean I’m not up to date on what’s popular though. My TikTok ForYouPage shows me dozens of videos from those that are on top of the trends even if I can’t be bothered to participate myself.

Here are some of those trends that made me wonder if fashion was really forward, or, just like the 2000s we’re now emulating, it’s recessing.

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Jelly Shoes

This year is the revival of the early 2000s, as much as I would like to pretend it's not. I have some vivid memories of jelly shoes from my childhood. None of these memories are good. I vividly recall in preschool when I wore jelly shoes and ended up having some of the worst blisters in my entire life. It was not a fun experience. In the summer heat affecting America, I couldn’t imagine strapping a pair of these on and walking down the streets. Maybe just trade these in for some more typical sandals. Your feet will thank you.

Office Siren

As an aesthetic, I can completely see where these individuals are coming from – it looks sleek, elegant, and pretty. People want to present themselves in a way that’s alluring. However, there have been instances, allegedly, that people were fired and sent to HR because of the office siren aesthetic. It’s clear that younger workers aren’t understanding the proper office attire whether that’s because of lockdown frying people’s brains, or Gen Z simply being naive. No matter the cause, we as a collective need to tighten up a little, and maybe leave the more risqué outfits for Friday nights.

Fringe

Fringe is part of the rise of the western vibe that I don’t really get. Now, perhaps that’s because all the people I see going for this aesthetic live in Midwest suburbia, but I don’t see many farm hands breaking out the fringe. Those with these pieces are far more likely to be cosplaying farmers than actually driving a combine or herding cattle. Some fringe looks nice, in the right settings – like parties. As part of an everyday outfit though, it seems a little impractical. I’ve had to deal with clothes getting stuck on things all the time in the past. It’s not fun.

Bubble Skirts

I’ve seen a lot of influencers on TikTok rocking the bubble skirt, but I’ve never seen one style it in a flattering way. To me, they are way too toddler-esque in all the worst ways. I’m all for the comeback of mini skirts and varying hemlines, but the bubble skirt doesn’t work for me. It doesn’t help that I’ve seen it in a bunch of questionable fabrics like metallic –something that doesn't look too great on any piece of clothing. If we really want this decade to be a callback to the 2000s, I suggest denim skirts and ruffles.

Double Denim

Speaking of denim, double denim is something in concept that seems like it could be really well executed. Emphasis on seems. After all, there’s a multitude of types and colors of denim to spice things up. However, many times it seems like people opt for the classic dark blue uncut denim. Kind of bland. The second objection I have to double denim is the lack of comfort. I’m not opposed to jeans and I have a few denim jackets, but I would rarely call any of those pieces comfortable. Like other fashion trends, denim is hot as well, something I couldn't imagine breaking out in June. If you couldn’t tell, this heatwave is truly getting to me.

Leopard Print

Call me a hater, but I don’t like most animal prints on principle. They always seem to clash with the rest of the pieces in an outfit. Plus, they go out of fashion just as quickly as they came in. Does anyone else remember how cow print was all the rage back in 2020? Yeah, you don’t see many people wearing that anymore. I expect leopard print to be just as quick to depart. Animal prints, like bubble skirts, always remind me of children too, which is far from the fashion forward appeal I think it’s supposed to have.

Cropped Trench Coats

Now maybe it’s because I can only think of Castiel when I hear “trench coat”, but I can’t get behind cropped trench coats. Trench coats in general end up making people look like PIs in a noir film – which is great if that’s what you’re going for. The cropped version of this iconic piece looks very bulky and overall uncomfortable. The ones I’ve seen with belts and all? Even more bulky. The summer heat the Midwest has been hit with also makes me wonder how someone could be wearing a jacket in these blistering months. New York may be a fashion capital, but it's also hitting the upper 80s. So maybe ditch the coats this time.

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Despite what this list makes it seem like, I don’t hate all the trends. Jorts can still be styled nicely and striped polos – especially long sleeves – are something I’ve had my eye on for a while. What these TikTok microtrends do though is create a mindset of compulsion to shop and to fit in with the rest of the crowd. Which isn’t that the opposite of what fashion is all about?

We should focus on breaking barriers, creating something new, and most of all, finding a style that you like. It doesn’t matter if it's not the norm or maybe someone gives you a second look on the street. Be you. And yes, if the style you like and strive for happens to fit in with what I’ve listed above, I still say go for it. After all, I’m a far cry from the fashion police.