The fashion guide to saying no this year
Daria Orth, Staff Writer |
Fashion trends are interesting because they come and go, and often come full circle. Nothing ever really goes away, but nothing ever truly stays current either. It’s always old clothing fads that once broke the internet being reintroduced through a different style, and that’s one of the many things I love about fashion.
In 2025, all kinds of fashion trends from 2000s club styles to maximalist business-wear have been getting attention on social media and runways. While I’m usually easily influenced by trends, they still need to stand out to me and reflect my aesthetic. There’s been a few trends that I have never been a personal fan of that I have seen models pull-off wonderfully. It’s typically because it either suits their features or their outfit is disgustingly well styled.
With the fall semester starting up, I’m excited to start putting together some outfits that match what’s trending, while still staying true to myself.
My fashion trend “no’s”
Skinny jeans
Skinny jeans are a controversial fashion topic that is either loved or despised. In high school, I pretty much wore skinny jeans every day, and that was before I had found my personal style. Now they are making a comeback, but I refuse to ever put them on my body again. Instead, I find flared jeans or baggy low-rise pants much more flattering and stylish, paired with a tight-fitted crop top and belt of choice.
Oddly enough, however, I have seen skinny jeans styled “old money,” and it actually looks really nice. With knee high boots, skinny jeans, a turtleneck sweater layered under a long trench-coat, and a classy belt, the jeans work. It’s truthfully the only way I’ve seen skinny jeans styled correctly in my mind, and even I can see the appeal when worn this way. However, unless they are styled exactly like that, skinny jeans have no place in my wardrobe or anywhere in my outfit Pinterest board.
Jorts
Jorts refer to baggy or oversized jean shorts that hit at or below the knee. While I like baggy pants, I like them floor-length with my sneakers, just barely peeking through. I’m skeptical about jorts because they are baggy, but end around knee length. It’s a look that some people pull off really well—however, I am not one of those people. I do think they can be fashionable, but they just aren’t for me.
Animal print
I’ve never liked animal print clothing as I’ve always found it to be a bit tacky. Whether that’s fake crocodile leather, zebra print, or leopard print, I just don’t like how it looks. I have been seeing leopard print everywhere recently, especially in short bodycon dresses or corset tops. I do have to say I’m starting to feel open minded about leopard print though, and am curious to style it in the future. One of my Y2K purses has leopard print in the interior, which I don’t hate. I will even wear fur jackets, faux or second-hand, because those actually feel very classy, but you will absolutely never catch me in zebra stripes or cow spots.
Nike tech
Nike tech refers to Nike’s line of fleece wear, which includes jogger pants and zip-up hoodies. Nike tech is a big no for me. I can understand the outfit from a comfortable or practical standpoint, maybe, but for fashion? Absolutely not. There’s something about this vibe that reminds me of Victor’s orange tracksuit from Despicable Me. And it’s weird because I even like the Y2K Juicy Couture and Playboy women’s tracksuits that actually look completely different and very iconic. Now if we’re talking about Nike Dunk sneakers, then yes, those alone are very fashionable with a retro look, and I genuinely want a pair in every colour.
My fashion trend “yes’s”
Maxi dresses
As of lately, I’ve been loving long maxi dresses and the elegance that comes with them. I think they are so pretty and feminine, not to mention they come in so many different styles. Dresses with lots of frills, slits, and corseted bodices have been grabbing my attention the most. Some of them are skin-tight and flare out at the bottom, while others are more of a wide skirt with a princess look, but either way, I want a closet full of them for every season.
Layering skirts
A trend I have seen a lot of this year is layering skirts of different lengths with various clothing pieces to approach an outfit from a different angle. For example, layering frilly mini skirts over low-rise cargo pants or layering long maxi skirts under shorter dresses and oversized shirts. I think layering is a fashionista’s playground, so this is a trend I will be experimenting with.
Grandpa sweaters
I don’t know why I find borderline ugly knit sweaters cute, but I do, and they are perfect for fall. Maybe it’s how cozy they are, or they really do just remind me of something one of my grandfathers used to wear, but I think they are so much fun when the seasons start to turn gloomy.
Bag charms
I know so many people hate Labubus and other unnecessary bag charms, but I think they are so adorable and a simplistic way to express your personality. It just adds a little something to your tote that makes it a little more you and unique. And you can find pretty keychains at almost any market, so the idea of decorating your purse resonates with the maximalist in me.
The good thing about fashion is that it’s entirely up to you how you dress—these are just my thoughts. Clothing should be about what makes you the most comfortable, so wear what makes you feel good.
