From moto boho to underconsumption-core, these young designers weigh in on what's next.
New Year’s celebrations bring the return of resolution posts, vision boarding, in and out lists, goal-setting—and the start of a new trend cycle.
Every year, fashion giants like Vogue forecast what trends will hit netizens, particularly Zoomers, with viral success based on Pinterest Predicts. But how do these trend forecasts, and the implications of trend cycles, land with young designers? We asked four fashion insiders in Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love and sporty street style, for their take on how 2025 fashion will shape up*.
Right to the Core
When asked which of Vogue’s five trend predictions would influence local style, Gwendolyn Attridge, a 24-year-old copywriter for a large fashion brand in Philly, answered, “Moto boho.”
Moto boho was also the top choice for other insiders, mainly for its versatility (think elegance with an edge) and urban appeal to city dwellers. Cherry-coded and castlecore were also mentioned—cherry-coded, most notably, for its popularity in 2024 and easy use in accessorizing or indulging in “chaotic customization.”
“Cherry red has been all over the fashion scene and it’s a staple color,” said De’Jah Willis, a 27-year-old designer and visual merchandiser. “It can be pulled into different aesthetics, or ‘cores’ as they called them now, and adds pops of color to makeup, hairstyles, and outfits.”
Kevin Parker, the founder of Philadelphia Fashion Week, mentioned the rise of personal style in his response to Vogue’s trend forecast:
“Even though moto boho and castlecore will have an impact, I believe this new era of fashion is all about personal style. Some may follow trends on a micro level, but it's all about personal style and what works well with the body.”
For Celina Pierucci, a 24-year-old seamstress and designer who worked for the Urban Exchange Project, the forecast might simply be a style name change:
“I believe in the trend cycle that things always become popular again in the future. These new trends are what we saw 10 years ago, just with a different title.”
When asked to share their own trend forecasts, things got even more interesting.
Predicting ‘25 Style
“I envision niche internet labels having their moment, local girls going from skinny to baggy, mixing metals, and the return of timeless dressing for everyday fashionable people,” said Attridge.
“I predict that alternative fashion and experimental styles will dominate this season,” Willis said. “Expect bold colors, playful silhouettes, and a mix of cyber, vintage, and Y2K influences. Think dress-over-pants combos, funky accessories, and vibrant hues like pink, white, green, red, and teal. I also anticipate a rise in experimentation with Asian-inspired styles and silhouettes. Celebrities embodying these trends include Tyler, the Creator, Doechii, Doja Cat, and Megan Thee Stallion.”
“Mode breakers like LaQuan Smith and seasonless fashion are the future,” said Parker. “I predict brands, especially smaller brands, becoming more sustainable and using design choices that innovate size-inclusive fashion.”
“I know we have been talking about it for a while but I think true indie sleaze will come back,” said Pierucci. “I’m picturing the show Skins– bad ombré dyed hair (that I love!), marching band jackets, and boxing boots with a little dress and a lot of jewelry.”
However, right alongside the topic of trend predictions, lurking like a shadow, was the question of just how long the trend cycle would go on turning. One huge determining factor is business.
The Business Behind Trend Forecasts
For several years, Pinterest Predicts has been at the forefront of fashion trends by utilizing consumer data from its 537 million global monthly active users, 42% of whom are Gen Z. Pinterest claims that its trends last twice as long as trends “originating elsewhere” and touts an accuracy rate of 80%, with most trends being fueled by Zoomers (a consumer base that is currently stepping into their purchasing power).
The platform is expected to make over $1.1 billion in revenue in the next fiscal quarter, profits in no small part influenced by the success of Pinterest Predicts. These findings suggest just how much money is behind the veil and why brands are so motivated to tap into trend cycles to better understand and influence consumer purchasing decisions.
But with the rise of “underconsumption core” on TikTok and “de-influencers” on Instagram—reminding their followers of more mindful and sustainable lifestyles—the need for more grounded and personal style choices is evident. Maybe brands should adjust to meet young consumer demands?
Zoomers are known for taking up the mantle on environmental issues, and their actions and purchasing decisions back that up. A 2024 report from Deloitte found that out of the nearly 15,000 surveyed Zoomers, 73% took actions to minimize their impact on the environment and 64% were willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable products.
Trend cycles go the opposite way—feeding global consumption (which is 400% higher than in the 2000s) and unnecessary landfill waste (accounting for over 92 million tons globally), according to research from The Center for Biological Diversity. They also fuel a disconnect between how people view and express themselves through fashion, driving them to depend more on seasonal switch-ups or micro-cores to connect their fashion tastes to the world. Thankfully, personal style is on the rise.
Embracing Personal Style
When asked about the future of trends, our insiders spoke about personal style. Whether you vibe with this year’s forecast or want to put it on mute, building your signature look cuts through noise and “trend fatigue” by bringing back that human connection.
Staying curious about what styles speak to you is like a form of self-discovery and can even help build a more sustainable future. You can create your own aesthetic by reimagining how you use your wardrobe, experimenting with thrifted accessories, and getting creative with color combos or silhouettes. It doesn’t have to be a try-on haul. Here’s what the insiders had to say:
“I feel like the trend cycle is inevitable,” said Pierucci. “But at the end of the day, you shouldn’t change your whole personal style for every single trend. Go to a second-hand store or a thrift store for pieces that are not only cheaper but also more unique than what you’ll find at big brands.”
“I want to see more local people paying attention to trends and finding their style,” Attridge said. “While I think the forecast was great this year, I wonder if the trend cycle will ever collapse on itself due to how quick it is. The constant cycle of people chasing new styles because of a trend’s visibility is just unsustainable.”
“When researching a trend, take your own style into account,” Willis said. “What kind of clothing do you think you would wear? What are those style elements?”
“People are tired of trying to keep up,” said Parker. “So now I see consumers purchasing special timeless pieces that can evolve with their style. I think trend culture will one day be a thing of the past.” 🌀
*Responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
Amara Johnson is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or scrolling through Pinterest for style inspo. She loves finding the story in everything.