6 Micro Trends from 2024 I’m Predicting Will Be Huge in 2025 (& 1 That’s Already Fizzling Out)

I’ve been very into the growing trend of Birkenifying handbags, i.e. personalizing with all manner of keychains, silk scarves, charms and chains, and feel very confident we’ll be seeing a lot more of it in the new year. It’s such an easy way to make something old feel new again, or put a truly one-of-a-kind spin on the hot handbag everyone owns. In fact, I’m calling it now: Kitschy bags themselves will be a must-have come spring. And further down the road you can bet we’ll all be hearing about the return of the Harajuku aesthetic, mark my words.

There’s no denying suede is set up to be one of the biggest trends of 2025, but I think corduroy (especially brown corduroy) will soon become another must-have material. Both have a similarly rich look and feel, but corduroy has the added benefit of a lower price point. Plus, there are so many variations with some placing the wales (the vertical ridges that give corduroy its signature texture) quite far apart and some much finer. Keep an eye out for tailored jackets, classic handbags and trouser-like, wide-leg pants all in cozy corduroy material to be making a comeback in the coming weeks and months.

The time has finally come to dig your old early aughts belt collection out from the back of your closet. It seems odd to say that belts were ever really out—they’re just such a practical wardrobe staple—but the new year is bringing with it not just the return of classic leather waist belts, but also totally unnecessary statement belts. These disco chains, rope cords, links of coins and leather obi belts don’t serve a function in that they aren’t tasked with holding up your pants or cinching in an oversize dress. Instead, they’re purely for fun, much like a statement necklace or earring.

In addition to corduroy and suede, other textured fabrics will also be on the rise in 2025. Lace, tweed, eyelash knits, sequins, embroidered denim, shearling, crochet—all these and more will take precedence over smoother fabrics like cotton, silk or cashmere. They’re an incredibly easy way to add depth and interest to an outfit without needing to stress over colors and patterns or complicated silhouettes. So, next time you find yourself reaching for a simple cardigan, why not swap it for one in a ribbed or cable knit wool instead?

Bows have been steadily growing in popularity for months now (if not years), but I predict they’ll reach all new highs very soon. Tie-front tops will be back en vogue once the weather starts to warm up, and bow-back dresses will be everywhere for the holidays and Valentine’s Day. But I’m also seeing more button-up shirts dotted with dainty bows, track pants and jeans with ties along the sides and tons of bags and shoes with bow adornments. Feel free to embrace this trend in any way you like, be it a small hair clip or a giant ribbon tied around your waist—bows of all shapes and sizes will be welcome in 2025.

Sorry to disappoint Ms. Edna Mode, but capes are indeed going to become the It outerwear silhouette of 2025. I like to think of this as the natural evolution of the scarf jacket. Chloé, Lovechild 1979, Toteme and Bottega Veneta all showed gorgeous draped cape-inspired silhouettes in their FW 2025 runway shows and now we’re about to see that trend really take off. Not quite ready to invest in a whole new winter coat? Try pining an oversize scarf or wrap around your shoulders to fake the look instead.

I don’t necessarily think this trend is going to die out right away, but I do think it’s one that’s very hard to pull off and not one I recommend investing a lot of money, time or energy in trying to crack. They end up reading very juvenile, which is wonderfully fun if you’re a recent post-grad going out dancing, but feels more out of place for a day at the office. Pass on this trend for now, and try an asymmetrical handkerchief hem instead for a more universally appealing silhouette.