Despite this holiday season coming to an end, I fear I have forgotten one last ‘t’ on my list. It’d be in your best interest to dust off your mother’s crystal and pour a helping hand of bubbly for what I’ve got to say next. And if a glass of bubbly isn’t enticing enough for you, let it be known that I’ve only just tied the bow on a gift I’ve been wrapping for you all. So, gather round readers because I’ve got the exclusive scoop on what’s hot and what is so not for this year. The weather may be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t look hot. Let’s talk about what’s in for 2025.
That’s Hot #1: I’ve got four words: Cheeky. Cozy. Classy. Captivating. If you haven’t caught on by now, I’m referring to crochet pieces of fashion. Crochet is a cute and cool way of making your outfits more cheerful. The ‘Granny’-esque hobby of crocheting has become popular among younger crowds, thus providing environmentally friendly and creative ways of approaching fashion while building personal style. Although the hobby of crocheting is all the rage, if you’re like me and don’t know how to make your own pieces, I’ve found that crochet cover-ups and swimwear double for great pieces to layer with during the winter. Lately, I’ve been on the hunt for crochet caps. They give my outfits a blast to the past with a dash of the 70s era. These are absolutely to die for and can be comfortable throughout all seasons, warm for braving a Northeastern winter, but also dainty enough for cruising coastside during the summer. They’re accommodating of different hairstyles, including straight hair, curly hair and even braids or locs.
That’s Hot #2: It doesn’t matter where you’re going. “Brazil. Morocco. London to Ibiza. Straight to LA, New York, Vegas to Africa,” sequins are your final destination. The glint of the sequins shimmering under the sunlight, whether in the winter or summer, will surely keep you hot. Sequins are a staple piece of an it girl’s closet. I would know, for obvious reasons. Picture this: you’re in the club, or better familiar to us Bucknellians, your favorite downtown fraternity house. The lights are low, and the LEDs are reflecting off your shiny top. You’re dancing and, slowly, all eyes pan to you. Everyone can’t help but stare at you, the stargirl. If that’s not enticing enough, I’ll also add that dressing up in fun materials can boost your mood as you ward off this winter’s depression. It keeps things interesting and lively, reminding you of the slurpees you’ll sip on the beach days to come.
That’s Hot #3: Straight is so last year, and everything that’s not straight is in. I’m talking about asymmetrical garments of course. Asymmetrical tops and dresses add flare and multi-dimensions to your outfit, especially when paired with low-rise jeans. I find that asymmetrical pieces of clothing look best with fun prints such as floral and even additional dimensions like ruffles. Let’s also talk about topping. Once again, completely fashion-related, I’m referring to skirts and dresses on top of jeans. Yes, many refer to it as a fashion tragedy of the early 2000s, but fashion risks are like an aphrodisiac to me. I say: the bolder, the better. This fun way of layering can also be fashionable during the winter when done with heavy clothes and in the summer with flirty, lighter fabrics. Countries like Denmark and Sweden are blazing the trail with the reemergence of this fashion trend, but I fear the Scandinavians are not doing it right… Sometimes, when paired incorrectly, the style can appear bulky and ill-fitting. Nonetheless, the trend is still extremely cute when done well.
Since we’ve concluded my shortened list of what’s hot, it’s only appropriate to move on to what’s so not.
So Not #1: First things first, I am a secret admirer of athleisure wear and find it can be fashionable when accessorized in creative ways. What I am not a fan of is pairing a Lululemon ‘define’ jacket with jeans. The ‘define’ jacket and jeans is reminiscent of the 2010 Soccer Mom look in the most negative way possible. Lululemon athleisure is a soft luxury style; however, when paired with jeans, it mixes two vibes in an unconventional and ugly way. Jeans are cute with a Juicy Couture jacket or even cropped Nike jackets, but not a Lululemon jacket. Mismatched pairings are cute, but this pairing is pure madness.
Lastly, I will bid farewell to this holiday season with my final So Not. It is so not hot to wear ballet flats. They had their moment, and I especially liked the heeled ones, but they’ve got to go. Obviously, they’re a staple piece, timeless for classy outfits and everyday workwear, but there are so many other flat shoes that can make one’s outfit look significantly better. I’m a huge fan of Mary Janes or even loafers. The loafers are reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator’s CMIYGL era, which I haven’t left yet (sorry to the Chromakopia fans). However, I see the Tabi shoes have gotten quite popular, with celebrities like Lily-Rose Depp pairing them with a trench coat buttoned to the TOP. I approached this trend with nothing but RESPECT. I was sweet and willing to see where it would go, but the big-toed cartoon-like shoes just have the craziest look.
Fashion, once again, is a representation of one’s personality and an accumulation of their identity. It’s entirely subjective, and what’s hot or so not for me may very well be the complete opposite for you, and that’s okay. However, if you need some tough-love guidance on what to wear and what not to wear, always remember that I’m your girl!
Signing off for now.