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Trends We Loved, Struggled to Make Work, and Some We’ll Lowkey Keep Wearing

In 2025, our closets did the most—from debating maximalist tendencies to hanging on to minimalist energy, retro revivals, and self-expressive everything. Some trends made us fall in love all with our accessories all over again (hi, bag charms), while others might’ve peaked.

As we think about our new looks for 2026, here are the trends that had our attention in 2025.

The Scene-stealing Micro Trend

Whether you were inspired by foodie trinkets, Labubus, or just ridiculously cute add-ons, these charms gave new life to old favorites with a spark of personality. From fuzzy poms to tiny, adorable creatures, 2025 proved that what hangs from your handbag says just as much as what’s inside it. Expect these to follow us into 2026 with a little more elevated edge.

Maximum vs. Minimum

Some days, we wanted sequins, chaotic layers, and sheer statements. Other days? Simple white tanks and clean tailoring. This year was a sartorial tug-of-war between "more is more" and "less is best." Next year? Both can stay. Depending on your vibe and your calendar, it can be fun to dress for the mood.

Retro Comebacks

The 2000s still had a grip on us this year. Jeans got lower, and butterfly clips flew in. It’s fun and nostalgic, but we may keep the baby tees and toss the tiny sunglasses we could never really make functional.

Gender-neutral

From major runway moments to your fave street style moments, 2025 made genderless dressing the moment. The future? Less “menswear” or “womenswear,” more just… wear what feels right.

Individuality

Thrifting has never been more en vogue, entering into personal style chapters that made us all choose what we loved instead of what was on display in a fast fashion store. By prioritizing sustainability, we’re not just curating outfits, we’re curating identity and having so much fun with it. Thrift hauls, upcycled fits, and IG-worthy reworks aren't just trends—they're a movement that’s only gaining speed.

From beauty MVPs that earned a permanent spot on our shelves to under-the-radar gems we now can’t live without, these are the tried-and-true faves that got the Newsette team through 2025. This is what sparked joy, simplified our routines, and just made us feel like “that girl.” So, consider this your insider pass to the products we’re still obsessing over.

1. YSL Lip Duo, 2. Cyklar Perfume Oil, 3. Helsa Leather Jacket, 4. Soft Services Retinol Hand Treatment, 5. Kulfi Staining Lip Oil, 6. Alo Yoga Leggings and Bra Set, 7. Freja New York Black Bag, 8. La Bonne Brosse Brush (Take the Quiz for Your Perfect One), 9. Oura Ring, 10. Made In Stainless Frying Pan

2025’s Biggest Cultural Moments

This past year felt like a collective reset. Less spectacle, more intention. Culture moved away from chasing every micro-trend and toward moments that reflected how people actually wanted to live, work, dress, and consume. These weren’t just things we watched unfold—they subtly reshaped taste, values, and the collective mood.

Pop Girls Ran the Narrative
2025 belonged to women who controlled their own storylines. Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend era proved that pop can be playful and strategic. Meanwhile, artists leaned into humor, self-awareness, and internet fluency instead of polish-for-polish’s sake.

The Softening of “Success”
Quiet luxury wasn’t just about clothes—it was a mindset. Fewer logos, more longevity. More conversations about rest, balance, and opting out of grind culture without disappearing entirely. Think ambition, but on your own terms.

Reading Became a Flex (Again)
BookTok evolved. It wasn’t just romance and fantasy dominating feeds—essays, literary fiction, and backlist titles had their moment. Carrying a book became as intentional as carrying a bag.

IRL Is the New Algorithm
Pop-ups, run clubs, supper clubs, and niche meetups surged as people looked for connection beyond screens. Community became the new clout—and brands that understood that won.

The Bottom Line: 2025 didn’t feel louder—it felt clearer. Culture shifted toward self-definition over spectacle, intimacy over virality, and taste over trend-chasing. Less “look at me,” more “this is me.”