Breaking down 2025’s top trends, Fashion editor Polly Rogers writes her year in review, the cute, the fad, and the fugly.
From Labubus to polka dots, 2025 was a year and, unfortunately at times, an overconsumption nightmare. So, in retrospect, let’s revisit the products of our FYP’s over the last 12 months and review what were once must have items and see which purchases were a wise decision and which are most likely going to clutter up charity shops and landfills in the near future. And, looking at trend predictions for 2026, we will guesstimate what we will be buying in high street stores and seeing around campus; from the lecture hall to the library.
With a throw back to our childhood roots this year, it was commonplace to see toys being repurposed, such as Calico Critters (aka Sylvanian Families) alongside the many Labubus and Sonny’s Angels that were making the laps around college campuses as bag charms or laptop accessories; excessive, maximalistic and decadent, these were a big trend boom, cluttering keychains amongst bows and other chunky charms. The majority of these were impulse purchases in vape stores and at Urban Outfitters checkouts. Bows were still present since their popularity spike in 2024, but veered away from the previously puffy, silky, satin bows, into daintier DIY knots; lacey loops on the ends of plaits and around pigtails were welcomed and allowed a whimsy, seemingly homemade over store-bought. Other hair accessories included metallic clips, widespread over slick backs, which were more chaotic than clean girl, emphasis on the Phoebe Buffay coded buns over crisp and perfect ballet sleek. Scrunchies encasing hairdos were at large, in trend and in size! Often matching with an outfit to create a coord look. Chunky and intricate nails soared in popularity, with nail charms and gems becoming a widespread statement, often with metallic hardware to tie in with the jewellery worn. Watches were also big, used as charms and badges, carrying outfits and time simultaneously; they could be seen on necklaces and bracelets and even rings.
What I can only call Celtic core really took off in the big 25. Claddaghs were a huge trend, on tees and accessories, FADA brought out a collection in collaboration with Aoife O’Farrell and it tied perfectly with the surge of over the top ghetto gold jewellery. Seemingly, these are here to stay and will stick around as we head into the new year, as Irish couture in general is on the rise. Brands such as Ditsy Bits surged in popularity for gifts this holiday season, no doubt they will be all over our Dublin streets and pub scene as spring approaches. Irish jerseys had their moments intermittently throughout the year, especially the Fontaines x Bohs jersey in spring being a Drury Street staple. In the early summer, GAA shorts paired with baby tees and cute graphic tanks were a eurosummer must - a feminised Paul Mescal aesthetic donned while strolling Dun Laoghaire pier or snoozing on interrailing transport. The stripes tied in with Adidas on foot. Irish scarves for fall could be seen all about, Seeking Judy and Aoife Cawley's products were under purchasing frenzy. Pellador, as well, was ever popular, paired with maxi skirts and jorts - just add a Guinness and these 2025 fits were complete.
Prints that popped in 2025 included gingham, leopard and polka dots! Red and white were in my opinion the colours of 2025, and the fabrics being lace and cotton. Maxi skirts were popular tied in with boho belts that echoed Coachella 2014. Drop waist was big from spring into summer, with puffball skirts still to be seen, formalwear was rather casual in hindsight, and these trends seem to be out of cycle fast, leaving those with a tucked hem wondering if their purchase, while puffy, was perhaps pointless. Teeny tiny micro shorts were at large, from black decadent lacy and glittery going out outfits, to babydoll coquette bloomers in white and gingham.
While shoes such as Adidas and Onitsuka Tiger trainers are still in trend since 2024, we can see throughout the year how, with their rise in popularity, is the rise in the endless bid to have a rarer and nicher pattern than the masses. Silver and gold shoes, as well as leopard print, floral and embroidered, extra became the new basic. Lacy laces added a further trending touch. Cowboy boots had their 5 minutes in late spring, especially in bright or unusual coloured leathers. Dolly shoes and ballet flats are still on a steady rise, although the large buckles and hardware atop toes are still yet to be determined as a fleeting trend or mid 2020s a staple.
With all this said, what's to come? Different predictions are drifting around the internet, and while none are guaranteed, some I'm hoping to see include legwear; socks, tights and legwarmers coming back in storm, but going further than seen before. Layering of legwear and tights with funky patterns and textures, playing with opacity and colour, using the fun and flirty colour as a statement within an outfit, especially in the early months of 2026 when it’s cold outside, allowing your outfit to be seen while bundled up all nice and warm in your afghan or peacoat. Statement everything is in, including statement coats, which, personally, I am super happy about! Also, the statement necklace from the 2010s has been creeping up on us for the longest time but, finally, in 2026 it's going to return with a twist. Instead of its cheap, plastic, tacky predecessor paired with business casual clubbing look, in 2026 it's going to take on a lavalier effect, whimsical and vintage. Dark and tarnished metals with gems and pearls are the new necklace to appear, perhaps even layered with velvet chokers and cameos for a slight 1920s or Victorian nod. Instead of bulk horizontally, it’s going to be big in a vertical length, think large loopy layers. So, will 2026 be the year of the statement? Only time will tell!