The ICONS Spring/Summer 2025 Trend Report

Utilitarian-inspired separates are once again a key look this season, proving their status as a true forever trend. Our favourite interpretations came via Hermès, where sand jumpsuits were polished up with silver jewellery and leather accessories. At Tod’s, navy cargo trousers paired with a cotton blouse made for an effortlessly cool warm-weather look.

The enduring appeal of a white shirt knows no bounds, and this season’s catwalks are proof of that. The wardrobe staple was championed by numerous designers, demonstrating both its continued relevance and versatility. Take a cue from Ralph Lauren and use it to sharpen denim shorts on holiday. Add one to a lace skirt for summer weddings à la Michael Kors. Teamed with a black skirt, it makes for a timeless evening look.

Another wardrobe icon under the style spotlight this season is the trench. So, if you need any more reason to pull yours out again, this is it. For those looking to invest, a relaxed-fit, longer-length silhouette feels particularly modern, as seen at Dior and Issey Miyake. While a trench makes a perfect partner to weekend denim, as Stella McCartney proves, it works just as well over spring tailoring – ideal for your new-season workwear wardrobe.

A shirt dress is one of the easiest pieces to reach for in sunny weather – simply slip on and go. While it’s a classic, this season it has a renewed sense of energy thanks to the likes of Toteme and Bottega Veneta backing it on the catwalk. A relaxed silhouette feels effortless, so take off your waist-tie and wear it loose with sleek pumps and a luxe bag.

Sometimes, it’s a simple styling tweak that makes all the difference, and this season’s daytime clutch is just that. XL leather pouches cradled underarm – or, if you need two hands, carried with a wrist strap – will instantly update your on-duty day looks. The look is clean and sleek, so leave embellishments for evening and reach for plain styles in a goes-with-everything neutral.

Leather isn’t just for the winter – in fact you can wear your investment pieces well into the new season. The SS25 collections were full of styling inspiration, from luxe pleated maxis with sandals at Tod’s, to slouchy jackets and slacks at Bottega Veneta and blazers with slim skirts at Gabriela Hearst.

While denim is a wardrobe staple, as we move into the new season, it feels anything but basic. Rachel Comey and Ralph Lauren made the case for wearing matching denim daytime separates; choose between a tailored or relaxed silhouette. Tibi demonstrated the appeal of evening denim – just add a black top. However you wear it this season, the one proviso is to make sure it’s blue.

Be they nautical-inspired or graphic, stripes have a timeless appeal, and where introducing print into your wardrobe is concerned, they’re a fail-safe addition. The way to style them now is with a more-is-more mentality. Team your striped dress with a coordinating bag; layer a striped cardigan over a matching top. Playing with scale is an easy way to create an artfully clashed look.

The way to wear your striped shirt this season is grown-up and luxe, whatever the occasion. For the office, a classic blue pinstripe will inject interest to sleek tailoring, not to mention lighten the mood of 9-5 grey. Think about adding a shaped style to off-duty trousers – Fendi has all the inspiration you need. And add tan stripes to chino dressing for summer in the city.

This isn’t the first time sheer fabrics have been put forward on the catwalks; the difference is that this season they have a more subtle and wearable look. Our favourite interpretations saw sheer pieces teamed with structured separates: a floaty skirt with a T-shirt and blazer; a wispy blouse with a solid skirt. For just a hint of transparency, a sheer trim will create delicacy without baring all.

As we pack away boots until autumn, the shoe to step into now is a retro-style trainer. Think tennis or high-top shapes adorned with stripes, classic logos and coming in playful contrast colourways. These aren’t just for casual wear. Make like Gucci and add yours to a slouchy pant suit. Or use them to foil a feminine dress, à la Loewe.

Tailoring has undoubtedly become a pillar in the modern wardrobe, with the trouser suit remaining a particularly hardworking addition as we move into the warmer weather. Keep the look light by switching over to barely-there neutrals, such as cream, beige and ecru. Pale suiting works best worn tonally, so style with buff and tan accessories.

After what feels like a good few seasons of being on the periphery of the style conversation, skirts are making a comeback, specifically midis. Now’s the time to rediscover your favourites and add them into rotation. It’s all about low-key styling to give them a sleek rather than girlish look. Team yours with a V-neck jumper, leather blazer or crisp white shirt.