Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Week Trends
Sparkles, Boudoir, and Polka Dots!
By: Gabriella Amorosi
Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Week felt like a personal love letter to me, the girl who constantly finds herself staring into her closet, dramatically sighing, "I have nothing to wear." From Paris to New York, I saw designers not just sending clothes down the runway, but sending a message: fashion should be fun. And I was here for it! The dreamy silk slip dresses made my heart skip a beat, while the boudoir-inspired looks had my jaw on the floor. I fell head over heels for the mini dresses and shorts that showed off just the right amount of leg—it was like every piece was made for my inner "hot girl" to come out and play. Looking through all the runway pictures, I picked up on some trends, and here were my favorites…
One trend that truly sparkled its way through the runways of Paris, Milan, London, and New York Fashion Weeks was—quite literally—sparkles! But this wasn’t your average glitter. It was the sultry allure of shimmery, sexy slip dresses that had me rethinking everything in my wardrobe. The floor-length, sparkle-covered gowns from Akris, Andreadamo, and Burberry offered a fresh twist on the classic feminine slip dress, transforming it into something even more mesmerizing.
Sparkly slip dresses are like the ultimate fashion upgrade—taking a timeless piece and dialing up the glamour in the most effortless way. While a simple slip dress is already iconic for its elegance and ease, adding sparkle elevates it into a true statement piece. It’s the kind of dress that turns heads without even trying, effortlessly conveying that perfect balance of “I just threw this on” while looking like a shimmering goddess.
Of course, along with the trend of sparkle, there was Alexander McQueen, which delivered one of my favorite collections. The dresses stood out to me for their intricate designs that incorporated sparkle and played with texture and movement. Each piece was so breathtakingly beautiful that it felt like it was designed for the nights I want to take on the city, cocktail in hand, feeling like the main character.
The next trend that caught my eye across all the Fashion Weeks was boudoir-inspired fashion. In this context, boudoir refers to a style that pulls directly from the intimacy of lingerie—delicate fabrics like silk, lace, satin, and chiffon, crafted into pieces meant to be seen beyond the bedroom. Collections from Balenciaga, Chloé, Gucci, and Christian Cowan embraced this aesthetic, offering a sensual yet sophisticated take on femininity. These pieces, with their corsetry, bralettes, and slip dresses, weren't about being overtly provocative. Instead, they felt like a celebration of softness—a way to showcase the parts of ourselves we might typically keep hidden, and allowing them a little more sunlight.
What really struck me about these collections was that they weren't about being provocative for the sake of shock value. They were about owning your softness, letting the world see you in all your beauty. Like, "Yeah, I'm wearing sheer lace top on a night out with the girls, and no, I won't apologize for looking this good." It's this intoxicating mix of strength and vulnerability as if you're saying, "I'm both delicate and powerful; deal with it."
In my opinion, the boudoir trend we saw on the runways felt like a reference to the 1920s, with silhouettes and aesthetics that echoed the glamour and freedom of the flapper era. Dolce & Gabbana, in particular, nailed that roaring twenties vibe with their takes on this style, making me feel like I was watching a modern-day Gatsby party unfold on the runway. It's always fascinating how fashion constantly references the past while still pushing us forward into new territory.
The last trend I spotted on the runway was something I didn't expect to love but now can't get enough of—polka dots! I know, right? Carolina Herrera embraced this trend in such a playful way, with dresses completely covered in classic black and white polka dots that felt timeless yet fresh. On the flip side, Valentino took a more colorful approach, using polka dots in colors like royal blue and burnt orange, bringing a sense of whimsy and fun to their collection.
What I love most about this trend is how it instantly lifts your mood. There's something so carefree and joyful about polka dots, like they're reminding us that fashion should be fun. Whether it's Herrera's sophisticated take or Valentino's bold, vibrant patterns, polka dots are having a moment!
In conclusion, Spring/Summer 2025 Fashion Week was a whirlwind of trends that felt like they were tailor-made for someone like me, always searching for that perfect blend of fun and fashion. From sparkling slip dresses to boudoir-inspired looks and playful polka dots, each collection had something that made me fall in love with fashion all over again. Designers reminded us that fashion is more than just clothes—it's about expression, confidence, and, most importantly, joy. And I can't wait to bring some of that runway magic into my wardrobe.
