Style Guide - May 2025
Here’s a thoughtfully curated guide to the top fashion trends that are currently defining the vibrant style of New York City in May 2025. These exciting looks are making significant waves both on the glamorous runways and in the bustling streets, seamlessly blending bold aesthetics with effortlessly wearable flair.
🌊 Nautical Stripes: Maritime Meets Manhattan
Nautical stripes are making a strong comeback, reimagined for urban settings. Designers like Proenza Schouler and Sacai showcased varied stripe aesthetics, from bold and oversized to subtle pastel hues. Oprah Winfrey was recently spotted in NYC embracing this trend with cropped striped trousers and a navy sweater. InStyle
🌸 Florals with an Edge
Floral patterns are emerging as a noteworthy trend in men's workwear for spring 2025, blending traditionally feminine motifs with rugged utilitarian fashion. Designers like Dries Van Noten and Japanese label Kapital explore floral motifs across different forms—from padded organza jackets to denim blazers—pushing the boundaries of gender norms and aesthetics in menswear. Financial Times
✂️ Sculptural Cutouts & Sheers
Designers are embracing sculptural cutouts and sheer fabrics to create bold silhouettes. Brands like Khaite and Alaïa have showcased dresses with dramatic cutouts and translucent materials, offering a blend of elegance and daring style. ELLE+1Byrdie+1
🧵 Fringe, Ruffles & Textural Drama
Fringe is revived for the new age, found on dresses, jackets, skirts, and even handbags. Designers like Area and Palomo Spain have incorporated fringe in dramatic ways, adding movement and texture to their pieces. Insiderlyfe+1Reviewtique |+1Byrdie
🎀 Bows & Feminine Accents
Bows are making a significant impact, with designers like Tanner Fletcher and Palomo Spain incorporating oversized bows into their collections. This trend adds a touch of femininity and playfulness to various outfits. Business Insider
👜 Bag Charms & Personalized Accessories
Bag charms have become a defining accessory for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, often seen adorning handbags as a form of personal expression and identity. These charms range from stuffed toys to miniature photo frames and even NFC-enabled collectibles. Business Insider
🎨 Color Trends: Pastels & Neons
Pastel shades like lilac, butter yellow, and pistachio green are dominating the color palette for spring 2025. Designers are also embracing neon colors, with electric greens and flaming pinks making bold statements on the runway. Insiderlyfe
👔 Preppy Coastal Chic
The preppy aesthetic is back, blending classic elements like tailored skirts, polo shirts, and loafers with coastal inspirations. Think crisp white linen, nautical stripes, and soft-leather boat shoes for a polished yet relaxed look. Heritage Mode Maisonsundays
♻️ Upcycled & Sustainable Fashion
Sustainability is at the forefront, with designers embracing upcycled fashion made from repurposed materials. Brands like Miu Miu and Diesel are incorporating patchwork, distressed denim, and reworked vintage pieces into their collections, promoting eco-friendly fashion choices. Reviewtique |
These exciting trends are significantly shaping the dynamic fashion landscape in New York City this May. Whether you're in the process of updating your wardrobe or simply seeking fresh inspiration, embracing these emerging styles will ensure you remain ahead of the curve and fully embody the vibrant spirit of the city.
This is your official permission to ditch those tight jeans and wholeheartedly say yes to wide-leg pants all summer long. As a curvy girl living in the bustling city (which means I’m walking everywhere and sweating almost constantly), wide-leg styles have become my reliable go-to. They are wonderfully breezy, easy to dress up for a special occasion or down for a casual outing, and they make me feel like the main character every single time I stroll down 125th Street.