From statement-making unique silhouettes to nostalgic revivals, 2024 was a year of bold choices, timeless elegance, and experimental flair, and as 2025 unfolds, the fashion world is already buzzing with fresh trends and the quiet retirement of old favorites.
So, before you hit the refresh button on your wardrobe, decide with us what 2024 fashion trends should make the cut in 2025!
The Y2K Comeback
Y2k fashion came back with ten times more sass in 2024. Picture this: a crop top paired with denim bottoms (clinging tightly to your waist with the most obnoxious leather belt you own), and a hobo bag slung over your shoulder; To accessorize you take a maximalist approach, adorning yourself with vintage sunglasses, a beret, and chunky necklaces; Finishing off with a pair of the cuntiest kitten heels in your shoe collection.
The clothes in a quintessential style mood board for an old Nollywood film featuring baddies, dominated Instagram over the past year—from the biggest models of the moment to girls next door, everyone favored the y2k trend.
And you know what? We are here for it!
Verdict: Let’s keep taking a nostalgic trip with fashion reminiscent of the iconic early 2000s era. The Y2K staples are so fun and versatile, they can stay forever.
In!
The Fiery Cherry Red Heels
There’s no denying that red was the color of 2024, and with the exploration of this bold and sultry color came cherry red patent high heels, which in my opinion, is the sexiest fashion item to ever exist. Deep cherry-toned heels with a pointed toe are a surefire way of dialing up any outfit, whether plain or daring.
Verdict: Every girl needs a pair of cherry red heels. It’s super glamorous in such an understated way, that it should be a wardrobe staple.
In!
Just Jorts
Jorts are jeans shorts, except that they aren’t short shorts, but rather, an awkward length that takes a while to get used to. My initial reaction coming across jorts was…confusion. I wondered, “What in the jumpe is going on in here? Does this hideous-looking piece of denim want to be long or short? It seriously needs to pick a side”. But the thing is, I am no longer uncultured. The fashion girlies convinced me that jorts are stylish AF. Brownie points to this iconic piece for being in the top 3 most comfortable types of denim staples.
Verdict: Women haven’t given jorts as much love as they should be getting. It may seem a bit ugly to pull off—yes, I know you don’t want to look like someone’s Nwa Boy in Phone Village, but let’s take some lessons from some fashion girlies and give them a chance in 2025.
In!
The Ruffle Shorts Craze
I have a love-hate relationship with ruffle shorts, and while my emotions are leaning strongly towards loving them, I can’t shake the feeling that they simply just look like undergarments no matter how much the outfit eats.
Really, I see a gorgeous woman rocking ruffle shorts amazingly, but whenever I try to fully appreciate the fashion, it won’t sit right with me. There’s always a voice in my head saying “Girl, stop with this pampers nonsense and go put on some actual bottoms”. I’m so sorry.
Verdict: Ruffle shorts are cute, but also sort of…ridiculous. It’s time to retire these girly boxers, don’t you think?
Out!
Bubble Skirts
Bubble skirts were left, right, and center—from red carpets to streetwear. There was no escaping it in 2024. Designers embraced innovative fabrics from cotton to organza, making these playful and versatile pieces floaty yet structured. It gave fashion enthusiasts the license to lean into a whimsical yet statement-making style, blending the dramatic with everyday wearability.
Verdict: In! Like Mad.
Classic Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are timeless and with its resurgence over the year, this shoe came back with a modern twist: There were the Square-toe and pointed options standing alongside the classic round-toe silhouette; Rich textures like patent leather, velvet, fish-net, and quilted finishes elevated their appeal; Embellishments such as bows, straps, rhinestones and metallic accents breathed freshness into this capsule wardrobe essential.
Verdict: Ballet flats are endlessly versatile and add polish to every outfit—from relaxed jeans to tailored suits and flowing skirts—they are definitely in!
Drop Waist Chic
Drop waist dresses with their contoured and elongated bodice that fall to a waistband hitting below the hips, before billowing into a full skirt, brought a sense of effortless sophistication to the fashion scene. Their relaxed fit and flattering flow made them a go-to choice for those seeking comfort without compromising on elegance.
They came in different styles proving versatile for both casual daywear and glamorous evening looks. We saw drop waist dresses in flowing fabrics for a breezy effect to more structured materials for a more contemporary edge; Drop waist dresses in minimalist designs with clean lines to bold patterns and intricate embellishments. And, we loved them all!
Verdict: I would always cherish fashion pieces that don’t compromise on style for comfort. Drop waist dresses offered a fashionable break from uncomfortable and tight-fitting corset-core and BBL silhouettes. Because of this, they will forever be famous.
In!
Bows, Bows, Bows
Bows were back in a big way all through last year and this time around, this delicate ultra-feminine accessory came all grown up.
They were everywhere: on our tresses, pinned to our dresses, fastened to our shoes, adorning any fashion item you can think of. Bows effortlessly combined girlhood with sophistication proving to be a timeless detail that will stand the test of time
Verdict: Even though bows channeled a romantic, vintage-inspired aesthetic, I would like to see less of it in 2025. They had their very much-deserved moment, but at a point, it started to feel stale and dare I say, a little bit too childish. Let’s give it a break this year, please.
Out!
Capri Pants
Just like Jorts, capri pants had me hella confused initially. But as more baddies donned these figure-fitting cropped trousers, I became a believer.
Verdict: The minimalist monochrome matching two-piece pairing seemed to be a popular choice, styling-wise and it was super cute until it became quite overdone. I would love to see more women take bolder steps styling their Capri pants this year—wear it with a sheer top, sporty polos, leather jackets, blazers, etc. Seriously, more energy, more passion!
In!
Cottagecore and Milk Maid Dresses
Cottagecore and Milk Maid Dresses—with their flowing silhouettes, delicate florals, puffed sleeves, and ruffled accents—continued to enchant the fashion world in 2024, offering a dreamy escape into rustic romanticism.
Nevertheless, I believe we have had enough of pretending like we are on the set of a Bridgerton or we are a trad wife running a farm. It was super pretty while it lasted but quite frankly, these dresses have no personality.
Verdict: Unless you have a cow to milk or a plantation to run, leave your cottage-core dresses deep down in your wardrobe all through 2025.
Out!
Beaded Bags
All thanks to designers like Maira Champ and Lala the bead maker, beaded bags were a gorgeous standout accessory in 2024 for IT girls who wanted to add texture and personality to their outfits.
Verdict: I loved loved loved the playful sophistication of beaded bags. Their uniqueness makes it a must-have accessory for anyone looking to make a fashion statement in 2025.
In!
Share with us your favorite fashion Ins of 2024 and and the ones that should immediately get out in 2025!
