5 Fashion Trends ELLE Editors Are Leaving Behind in 2025—and What They’re Shopping Instead

There’s certainly much to reflect on as we head into the new year. And while we’ll be looking back at 2024’s standout moments in TV, music, film, and pop culture, we’d also like to take this moment to spotlight the fashion. As picky style editors, we’re always keeping tabs on the latest trends. So, to provide you with some fresh inspiration, I asked my colleagues to share the outdated aesthetics they’re waving goodbye to in 2025, as well as the ones they’re most excited to adopt instead.

According to their insights, this next chapter is all about embracing comfort and timelessness—plus a few unexpected pieces to round out your collection. Eager to dive in? From jeans to footwear, scroll on to find exactly which trends ELLE editors are ditching next year and what they’re replacing them with.

Out: Baggy Jeans
In: Stretchy Pants

“Dare I say it: I’m officially ready to push my baggy jeans to the back of my closet for refined fitted silhouettes, especially skinny pants that gently hug the body. Often, fashion trends are a reflection of how we feel, and I think we all could use a comforting hug to get us through any potential challenges in the new year. The stretchy pants worn by models at the Prada 2025 runway show instantly come to mind, but I’m taking outfit inspiration from Ulla Johnson’s resort 2025 lookbook. Similarly, I plan on wearing extra-long variations of the narrow trend in the office with a ladylike jacket and pointed-toe kitten heels peeking from underneath the hems.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead

Out: Lug Sole Shoes
In: Sleek Riding Boots

“As a short girl, I’m generally on board with a shoe that’ll give me more height. But I’m ready to swap my chunky lug soles for a pair of riding boots and go full equestrian like the models at Ralph Lauren’s Hamptons show. Call me Kate Middleton.”—Claire Stern, digital director

Out: Leopard Print
In: Snakeskin and Zebra Print

“I say this with love in my heart towards all things leopard, but it’s over for me in 2025. It’s a classic, for sure, but it’s reached a ubiquity dangerously close to basic. For that reason alone, I’ll be opting for other animal prints in spring/summer 2025, like zebra at Schiaparelli or snakeskin at Dries van Noten. I love to elevate animal prints by choosing sleek silhouettes like an East West bag from Khaite and topping them with modern, sculptural jewelry to modernize the polarizing patterns.”—Madison Rexroat, accessories editor

Out: Film Merch
In: Unique Fashion Collabs

“I’m bracing myself for impact as I say this, but I have to speak my truth. First, it was Barbie, now, it’s Wicked. I think I’ve had enough of the fashion-movie crossovers. I can’t be the only one who doesn’t want to wear a film title like a logo, right? What I would like to see more is cool brand collaborations, like Collina Strada’s with Baggu or Harry Styles’s Pleasing with J.W. Anderson.”—Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor

Out: Sky-high Heels
In: Minimalist Slingbacks

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m ready to leave impractical heels in 2024. I’m not saying all heels—just ones that aren’t as sturdy enough for running around NYC. I’ll admit that I used to be that girl teetering on and off the subway in stilettos, but in 2025, comfort comes first, and I’m embracing everyday elegance in sleek slingbacks.”—Alexis Bennett Parker, commerce content lead