by MARSHALL BONE
Fashion trends on Instagram seem to pop in and out faster than you can keep up. One minute it’s gingham and bows everywhere, the next it’s burgundy tights and cheetah prints dominating your For You page. So, what’s trending right now? Which styles are your favorite fashionistas flaunting and which ones are already on their way out? Let’s take a look.
The It-Bags of 2025
The micro handbag trend from last year died quickly once we realized just how impractical those itty bitty bags were. The focus soon shifted to roomier tote bags, with more and more influencers posing with big bags that can hold more than just a lip balm. This year, we seem to have found a middle ground with mid-sized bags like the east-west and doctor handbags.
Regular-sized tote bags are still popular, especially those quilted puffy handbags in soft pastels and neutrals. At the same time, slouchy and relaxed silhouettes have made a strong comeback. Stiff, boxy handbags have completely lost their appeal.
Suede purses are also making their way back into our wardrobes. But only time will tell whether they’re here to stay.
Easy Breezy Dresses
No one’s judging if you’re still obsessed with bodycon dresses, but the soft girls of Instagram have everyone swooning for flowy linen maxi dresses this season. There’s just something so effortless and carefree about them. Who doesn’t like a breezy dress that’s comfortable, stylish, and versatile?
Soft fabrics and voluminous silhouettes are all the rage right now, and the bohemian charm of Umgee dresses is fully being appreciated. Structured outfits are taking a backseat just like structured handbags. This year is all about laid-back silhouettes that feel easy to wear and carry.
Colors in Highlight
Neutrals will always be a timeless choice, but a little color goes a long way towards making your outfits stand out. We loved cherry red last year, but powder blue and blush pink are grabbing everyone’s attention now. In fact, they’re one of the key fashion trends of spring. Popular fashion influencers are bringing personality to their looks with powder blue tights, purses, coats, and other pieces.
Pops of oranges are also everywhere, from shoes and bags to bold jewelry. Butter yellow is surely having its moment right now. Fashion queens are also obsessing over the mocha brown palette. It’s a refreshing neutral that’s quickly gaining favor over plain ol’ beige.
Prints With Personality
If you were upset over polka dots being tossed into the fashion archive, you’ll be happy to know they’re back with a bang. This print is a classic so it was only a matter of time before it found its way back into our wardrobes. However, this time they’re even bolder than before.
And if you thought animal prints were on their way out, think again. Last year was all about cheetah prints but in 2025, we’re experimenting with fresh, unexpected options like Bambi and Dalmatian prints—all vegan and cruelty-free, of course. These prints are all about making a statement, so subtlety is out the door. Snake prints are still in rotation but with a pastel makeover. Only leopard prints have quietly faded into the background for now.
Capes Are Back
Your coats are chic but do they dramatically billow in the wind? If not, they should. Cape coats are one of the stars of 2025 Instagram fashion trends and even fashion giants are proudly showing off their own takes on this style on the runways. It’s thrilling to see fashionistas dressing up as if they’re the main leads of a period drama.
Practical Shoes With a Stylish Edge
Everyone was wearing high-top shoes in the 2000s thanks to pop icons like Avril Lavigne and Rihanna. But all fashion trends eventually get replaced. Thankfully, fashion is also cyclical, and so retro high-tops are undergoing a revival. The updated loafers with scrunched leather, square toes, and boat shapes are also going viral. Penny loafers? They’re back too! Woven shoes, thong sandals, and platform clogs are some other unmissable spring 2025 shoe trends you need to keep your eye on.
Sculpted Silhouettes
A key fashion trend we’re welcoming into our outfits this year is fluidity and movement, as seen in the case of boho dresses becoming a loose and flowy fashion favorite. However, the goal is to also look like a modern art installation by adding elegant twists and artful drapes to our ensembles. The fashion girlies are embracing tops, dresses, and skirts with sculpted looks reminiscent of the statues crafted by ancient Greek and Roman artists. It’s a modern, high-fashion look that looks exceptionally flattering on everyone.
Jewelry Trends Stealing the Show
Looking to update your jewelry collection this year? Then, some of the trends you’ll want to hop on are pearls necklaces, cuff bracelets, statement rings, and retro watches. If you love stacking your jewelry, feel free to go bold with layered necklaces, because they’re still very much in vogue. In addition to pearl necklaces sneaking back into the limelight, dainty pearl earrings and bracelets are also seizing everyone’s hearts this year.
Manicure Moments
We can’t talk about Instagram’s biggest fashion trends of 2025 without also mentioning current nail trends. Cat-eye nails and soap manicures are leading the way to a more sophisticated and practical approach to nail art. Cat-eye nails are particularly a hit among those who love the understated shimmery chrome nails look. The soap nail trend shows a leaning towards a more natural, “freshly washed” look and the rising popularity of mocha mousse only further proves it.
The cycle of Instagram fashion trends may be fast-paced, but one thing is clear: 2025 fashion is all about balancing comfort and practicality with bold touches that add life to every outfit. So, which of these viral trends are you adding to your wardrobe?
Marshall Bone is a writer, copy strategist and all-around stylish guy who has been following trends in GQ for more than two decades. Voted best-dressed both his junior and senior year, Bone has continued this legacy and can be found covering various topics from men’s fashion to self care and grooming. He enjoys reading and is based in the greater Los Angeles area.
