Thursday, January 23, 2025

Looking Forward to Spring 2025 Fashions

There's plenty of snow outside my window, with plenty more to come before winter ends, but I'm already looking forward to spring - especially spring clothes! But the fashion design world has been looking forward to Spring 2025 even longer than I have: They strutted their latest spring creations on the catwalks at New York Fashion Week way back in September 2024. Here are some of the eye-catching looks shown by big name designers, as well as some more realistic and wearable fashions inspired by those designs.

Designer Look: This Bibhu Mopatra sheer organza cropped pantsuit features long, puffed sleeves, a high neck, a Y-shaped waist seam, black and white floral detailing, a ragged mid-calf hem, and a high-waisted cream-colored panty underneath. 

Wearable Version 1: The sheerness of the Bibhu Mopatra version is fine on the runway but not acceptable for daily wear. This more modest Eloquii cream lace jumpsuit ($299 from Eloquii) features an underlayer with a strapless sweetheart neckline bodice and fully lined wide-leg trousers, with a wide short-sleeved, round neck lace overlay. 

Wearable Version 2: If the sheer, cropped floral trousers are what you love about the Bibhu Mopatra look, check out these floral print wide-leg pull-on pants ($80 from Macy's). They feature an underlayer that stops just below the knee, allowing for plenty of sheer length before ending at the ankle. The matching blouse is also available ($60). 

Designer Look: This Bibhu Mopatra off-the-shoulder, ankle-length, black taffeta column features starburst crystal beading on the front and oversized draping puff sleeves that overlap at the front of the bodice. 

Wearable Version: For a similar silhouette, color scheme, and level of sparkle, check out this Dress the Population Black Label Tara off-shoulder sequin applique midi dress ($149 from Neiman Marcus). It features a flattering sheath silhouette, smaller dropped shoulders, and leaf-shaped sequin detailing, in a more versatile just-below-the-knee length. 

Designer Look: This Bibhu Mopatra outfit pairs cream-colored, baggy, soft jersey, cuffed cargo pants with a boxy, double-breasted, multicolor horizontally striped jacket and long matching necktie. 




Wearable Version: Wear a plain white tee or cami under this double-breasted, hip length Angashion tweed houndstooth plaid jacket coat ($48 from Amazon) in a more subtle black-and-white plaid, with a pair of soft off-white Adidas Essentials Linear Fleece Cargo Pants ($55 from Kohl's) serving as a comfy and fashionable base for this outfit. Finish off your look with a Guzosjo skinny scarf necktie ($5 from Amazon) in plain black satin. 

Designer Look: This Wiederhoeft short silver slip dress features a lacy narrow-strapped bodice, semi-sheer silver mesh fabric, and random hanging pink ribbons, accessorized with pink lace opera gloves. 

Wearable Version: Hit the club in a less sheer but equally sparkly Keep It Simple Sequin Lace Minidress ($53 from Akira). Black lace detailing along the bodice and hem tones down the super-shiny silver. No need for gloves or ribbon trim, but this Premium Lace Paisley Floral Envelope Evening Bag ($9 from Walmart) is a nice touch of color. 

Designer Look: The Wiederhoeft collection included a brown strapless corset-style dress featuring tan piping down the front and across the top of the bodice, with full tulle pannier-style inserts at the hip, topped with silver sparkle accents, as well as a similar white satin gown with a corset top with raised seaming and a dropped waistline with a wide self-belt at the hips over a slim column skirt.

Wearable Version: This Albina Dyla mocha corset gown ($450 from Albina Dyla) features similar corset seaming down the bodice, which joins the narrow skirt at a dramatic angle, along with a slightly higher neckline, and omits the extreme tulle extensions at the hip from the first look and the wide belt from the second. 

Designer Look: This PatBo black-and-white strapless minidress was very retro '80s with a super-short, super-full white bubble skirt and white butterfly design with a keyhole opening on the dropped-waist black bodice. 

Wearable Version: A less extreme but similar look is provided by City Studios' Halter-Neck Bubble-Hem Mini Dress ($69 from Macy's). The skirt is a little longer and less full, and the bodice features angled halter straps but is similarly fitted to the hip. 

Designer Look: This PatBo beachwear look features a copper-colored fishnet-style coverup with strategically placed dark orange butterflies and a fringed skirt starting at the thigh, over an orange bikini panty.  

Wearable Version: The designer version is a little too revealing for most of us, but this DKNY tier maxi-dress swim coverup ($40 from Macy's) provides plenty of coverage with peekaboo eyelet fabric that still has a light, airy feel and shows just a hint of skin. 

Designer Look: This two-piece PatBo look also has an '80s vibe, with a sleeveless, cropped, pale denim top with narrow straps, emblazoned with a large lace butterfly flecked with crystal beading, and drop-waisted ankle jeans encrusted with crystal beaded butterflies and silver beaded patterns. 

Wearable Version: The butterfly top is a little over-embellished for everyday wear, even casual wear, so substitute this cute Y2K denim crop vest corset top ($19 from Amazon) with wide straps, back smocking for a snug fit, and slimming princess seams and double-pointed hem. Add just a touch of lacy embellishment with a pair of Style & Co. high-rise embroidered-cuff crop jeans ($60 from Macy's) with embroidery just along the scalloped hem. 

Designer Look: This PatBo eggplant-colored off-the-shoulder swimsuit features front ruching, high-cut leg holes, and a large white floral ruffle edged in black along the top. 

Wearable Version: This less high-cut Flaxmaker Appliques Color Block One Piece Swimsuit ($30 from Flaxmaker Swim) eschews the dramatic ruching but includes a wide self-ruffle edged with a contrasting mauve floral ruffle. It also comes with a matching mauve sarong. 

Designer Look: This PatBo tan-on-cream print sleeveless sundress features a wide v-neck bodice with a basque waistline and a knee-length bubble skirt. 

Wearable Version: For similar lines but a little less extreme volume, take a look at this Flowering Day Dream Teal Blue Organza Midi Bubble Dress ($88 from Lulus). It features small bows at the top of the narrow straps, a criss-cross bodice with a tiny keyhole opening at the waist, a tie back, and a barely-bubbled full skirt.  

Designer Look: This LaQuan Smith rich chocolate brown fuzzy eyelash jacket features a bulky silhouette with square shoulders and wide lapels. The model wears it over a sheer catsuit with wide oval front keyholes. 


Wearable Version: For a similar boxy silhouette and fuzzy finish, opt for this Mango fur-effect lapels coat ($180 from Macy's) in a deep blue-green. It also features square shoulders and wide lapels, with a more cropped length. Instead of the sheer catsuit, try wearing it over a nude pair of Gloria Vanderbilt Avery faux leather mid-rise leggings ($18 from Shop Simon) and an ecru lace satin cami ($16 from The Loft). 

Designer Look: Tory Burch's spring collection includes this dark brown, flared, hip-length, belted jacket paired with taupe wide-legged trousers. 



Wearable Version: This cocoa brown double-breasted Alexia Admore Janna Longline blazer ($70 from Nordstrom Rack) has a similarly flared silhouette, nipped in at the waist with a wide self-belt. Wear it over a pair of Open Edit Wide Leg Pants in grey chia ($42 from Nordstrom). 

Designer Look: This red polka-dot Tory Burch coat dress features pointed red-lined lapels, long sleeves, a self belt, and a deep slit. 

Wearable Version: This burgundy Wrap V-Neck Polka Dot Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress with Belt ($26 from Amazon) has more traditional lines and a more casual, flattering silhouette, while still echoing the v-neck, belt, and polka dot details of the Tory Burch version. 

Designer Look: Tory Burch topped a pair of tan textured mid-rise pants with a sheer, purple, frilly, long-sleeved blouse



Wearable Version: Instead of a sheer blouse, wear this Inspire Chic Long Sleeves Self Tie Ruffle Mesh Bolero Cardigan ($24 from Target) over a Sweater-Knit Rhinestone Cami Bodysuit ($8 from Forever 21). Wear them with a pair of loose-fitting Easy Crepe Trousers ($24 from Gap Factory). 


Designer Look: This bold blue polka dot Tory Burch ensemble consists of a boxy, cropped, zip-front jacket with extended flared sleeves, a bright blue pencil skirt with a bit of sheen, and a long, open front polka dot overskirt. 


Wearable Version: The more tailored cut of this Polka Dot Single-Button Blazer ($48 from Baci) is more universally flattering than the boxy shape of the Tory Burch version. Pair the jacket with this graceful 19Momme Pure Silk Classic Elegant Skirt ($85 from SilkSilky) in deep blue silk with a hint of a flare at the hem for a professional and polished look. 

Designer Look: Tommy Hilfiger's collection was quite plaid-heavy, including this ensemble featuring a crosswise tan-and-black plaid maxi-dress topped with a demure cropped ivory cardigan sweater. 




Wearable Version: The head-to-toe plaid is a bit much, but you can get the same effect with an Esabel C. Button Down Long Sleeve Stretch Work Blouse ($25 from Amazon) in khaki under a white Newshows Cardigan Crew Neck Button Down Sweater ($22 from Amazon), with a YAL New York Classic Brown Plaid Skirt with Tie Waist ($42 from YAL New York), which features a tan-and-ivory cross-wise plaid, an A-line silhouette, and a mid-calf hem. 

Designer Look: This black-and-white satin slip dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim has mismatched straps, an asymmetrical folded skirt, contrasting black and white panels, a knee-length side train, and black trim at the hem. 

Wearable Version: The designer look seems like a mishmash of textures and lines, but I do like the contrasting panels of black and white and the diagonals they create, which is why I would opt for this Raimi wrap dress ($87 from Lovers and Friends). 

Designer Look: This pale yellow 3.1 Phillip Lim fur suit features flared pants and a nearly knee-length open-front jacket over a yellow fur bikini. Oh, and there's a cute red plaid bag. 





Wearable Version: Since non-models rarely wear bikini tops when we're not at the beach, replace the fur bikini with this soft yellow sleeveless Angie Fuzzy Knit Top shell ($96 from Greylin), and replace the furry pants with a soft yellow pair of Low Rise Ultra Loose Jeans ($72 from Abercrombie & Fitch). Then go ahead and top the whole look off with this slightly brighter yellow Fashion Winter Leather Fur Coat ($118 from Drachenko). And don't forget that pop of contrast with a red plaid shoulderbag, like this Signare Tapestry Hand and Shoulder Bag ($39 from Amazon). 

Designer Look: Kind of the non-fuzzy version of the previous look, this 3.1 Phillip Lim suit puts a mustard-colored single-button jacket over a strappy mustard bikini-style top, paired with wide-legged dark gold trousers. 



Wearable Version: Lean the colors toward a more flattering gold closer to the face and leave the more mustardy tones for the pants, by putting this unstructured Luvamia Casual Long Sleeve Blazer in Beeswax ($44 from Amazon) over a less-revealing yellow Allegra K Velvet Long Sleeve Crop Top ($26 from Amazon), and finish with the relaxed fit of these dark yellow Levoskoo Loose-Waisted Drawstring Wide Leg Pants ($15 from Walmart).

Designer Look: This 3.1 Phillip Lim hip-length, short-sleeve, jewel-neck top combines denim with camouflage print in a color block pattern. 

Wearable Version: This And Now This mixed-media patch-pocket button-front denim shirt ($45 from Macy's) creates a similar color block effect with geometric lines and less dramatic short sleeves and collared neckline. 

Designer Look: Once again, 3.1 Phillip Lim combines a monochromatic bra top, a long loose-fitting jacket (in this case, a sleeveless vest), and baggy pinstriped pants. 



Wearable Version: Skip the bikini and just button up this Mango Tie Waist Suit Vest ($80 from Nordstrom) or wear it open over a simple Scoop-Neck Tank Top ($7 from Old Navy).  Finish the look with these cream Vila linen mix pinstripe wide leg pants ($26 from ASOS). 


Designer Look: The Christian Cowan collection features similar black and white looks which include a scoop-neck top and pants with a cutaway front panel, both emblazoned with abstract graphic designs, topped with a long satin trench coat with wide cuffs and high pointed notch lapels. 



Wearable Version: Hope & Wonder Black History Month Long Sleeve Blouse ($26 from JC Penney) and matching Wide Leg Pull-On Pants ($33 from JC Penney) have a similar black-and-ivory abstract graphic print, a low collarband neckline, and slightly puffed sleeves. Finish the look with a spectacular Maniere de Voir Tailored Satin Trench Coat ($170 from Maniere de Voir). 

Designer Look: Christian Cowan's metallic silver minidress features a severe high round neck and cap sleeves, with a fitted bodice that flares into a short, bell-shaped skirt.  

Wearable Version: This Alexia Admor Oakless Sequin Flutter Sleeve Fit and Flare Dress ($90 from Nordstrom Rack) has a softer, more relaxed silhouette, with a wrap v-neck top that blouses loosely, elbow-length flutter sleeves, and a flared above-the-knee skirt. 

Designer Look: This hugely oversized gray-blue Jason Wu suit includes a shawl collar, hip-length, tie closure blazer with unfinished hem and visible white lining, and a matching gray-blue skirt also with an unfinished hem. 



Wearable Version: As ridiculous as the ill-fitting suit and unfinished hems are, the concept of a gray-blue suit jacket with a slim knee-length skirt is a very accessible look. This Olsen Tweed Biker Style Jacket ($196 from Macy's) and matching Olsen Tweed Skirt ($118 from Macy's) in ink blue create a similar feel, with both jacket and skirt featuring patch pockets and hemmed in delicate fringe echoing the unfinished hem of the Jason Wu suit, and the unstructured jacket creating a relaxed feel without looking sloppy or poorly tailored. 

Designer Look: Jason Wu's collection included this asymmetrical sleeveless black-and-white dress featuring wide straps, a single modified lapel, and a pleated white chiffon panel on one side of the skirt. 

Wearable Version: This Harper Rose V-Neck Color Block Maxi Dress ($89 from Kohl's) features a similarly contrasting navy and khaki color palette, with wide straps, a wrap silhouette, and wide contrasting asymmetrical hem, as well as a contrasting long belt. 

Designer Look: This loose-fitting cream Ulla Johnson spaghetti-strap shift maxidress is dotted with vivid three-dimensional red rosettes. 

Wearable Version: This Lovestitch V-Neck Slip Maxi Dress ($35 from Nordstrom Rack) has a loose, flowy silhouette and features printed rosettes rather than lumpy ones. It also features an inverted v-shaped hem in the front and back, and a border print. 

Designer Look: These silk Ulla Johnson pants feature vividly colored geometric patterns, and are paired with a simple ivory shirt and a long ivory duster splattered with coordinating colors. 




Wearable Version: Start the simpler look with a basic ivory Long Sleeve Polished Rib Button Through Tunic Shirt ($49 from Lands' End) topped with an ivory Skies Are Blue Velvet Notch Lapel Collar Neck Long Sleeve Rhinestone Duster ($65 from Dillard's) to add some pizzazz without getting too busy with colors, then catch the eye with a pair of EQQZD Printed High-Waisted Palazzo Pants ($28 from Amazon) in a vivid geometric print. 

Designer Look: This pale orange sleeveless Ulla Johnson dress features a round-neck bloused top with straight skirt, all in textured fabric and embellished with ruffles at the neck, sleeves, sides, and hem. 

Wearable Version: This Talbot's Jersey Maxi Shirtdress ($120 from Talbot's) in tiger lily orange loses the ruffles and texture, but the deeper color adds visual interest to the simple silhouette, which pairs a round buttoned collar, a self belt, and a deep but not too full ruffle at the ankle-length hem. 


Designer Look: This pale pink watermarked taffeta strapless Bach Mai minidress features an overlapping, notched front neckline and a bell-shaped skirt. 

Wearable Version: This deep rose pink Blondie Nites Strapless Sweetheart Neckline Roche Party Dress ($90 from Dillard's) features satin-finish fabric with a draped neckline, wrapped midriff, and skater-style flared skirt. Dramatic, but not too dramatic.

Designer Look: This Susan Alexandra x Rachel Antonoff black asymmetrical wrap miniskirt features a white-trimmed, scalloped edge, and is paired with a vivid blue cardigan sweater with a coordinating white-trimmed scalloped front and collar. 


Wearable Version: This Talbot's Occasional Cardigan in Sapphire Blue ($70 from Talbot's) features a round neck and large rhinestone buttons for a touch of sparkle. To echo the designer's asymmetrical wrap miniskirt, try this warm brown En Saison Campbell Faux-Leather Skort ($96 from Macy's), which features an o-ring side buckle. 

Designer Look: This strapless Susan Alexandra x Rachel Antonoff minidress is paired with a matching long blazer, in a subtle tone-on-tone brocade fabric. 

Wearable Version: The original chartreuse shade won't work on many people, but the deep taupe of this First Class Pinstripe Blazer and Mini Dress Set ($54 from Fashion Nova) is flattering on most skin tones. The subtle pinstripe adds a bit of texture, and the princess seaming and wide band across the bust of the dress adds shape and style. 

Designer Look: This Susan Alexandra x Rachel Antonoff three-piece black-and-white polka dot ensemble consists of a bandeau top, slim ankle pants, and a contrasting jacket with wide shawl lapels. 


 
Wearable Version: Start with a more modest Ralph Lauren Polka-Dot Stretch Cotton Crewneck Tee ($60 from Macy's) in a tiny polka-dot print, then top it with this MOA Collection Classic Draped Open Front Blazer ($23 from Walmart) in black-on-white polka dots. Finish your look with these Anne Klein High-Rise Belted Wide-Leg Pants ($99 from Macy's), which have a more forgiving silhouette that works for office as well as casual wear.  

Designer Look: This tough, athletic, street look from Kim Shui pairs a black leather bustier with a wide, loosely-laced front opening with a jersey micromini in a red and white splatter print.  



Wearable Version: Transition this look to the office or an evening out by pairing a black Satin Square-Neck Bow Top ($30 from The Gap) with a High Waist Graphic Print A Line Pleated Long Skirt ($15 from Amazon) in a funky red and white print. 

Designer Look: Designer Kim Shui accents a simple, white, off-the-shoulder jersey dress with a gorgeous periwinkle-and-white embroidered corset and a huge statement necklace. 


Wearable Version: Start with a really basic Compact Jersey Ribbed Midi Dress ($60 from Karen Millen), then cinch in the waist with this Scarlet Darkness Floral Boned Corset Belt ($15 from Amazon) in a delicate purple floral print with purple ribbon edging. Since this version isn't off the shoulder, you can skip the large statement necklace, but perhaps add some long earrings, like these Monet Jewelry Flower Linear Drop Earrings ($11 from JC Penney). 

Designer Look: This lilac Sergio Hudson suit pairs wide-legged belted chiffon trousers with a boxy, unstructured jacket over a slightly paler satin shirt.  





Wearable Version: Wear this Hotouch satin silk button down shirt in lilac purple ($30 from Amazon) underneath this Lavender Single-Breasted 2-Piece Suit ($179 from Elagia). And since the suit doesn't have belt loops, feel free to top it with this X&F Elegant PU Bowknot Stretch Belt ($8 from Amazon).

Designer Look: Another purple Sergio Hudson suit, this ensemble paired a soft gray round-neck jersey with pale periwinkle tapered ankle pants and matching square-shouldered notch-lapel jacket, accessorized with a gray belt. 




Wearable Version: Wear an elegant Theory Cashmere Shell in Light Charcoal ($117 from Saks Fifth Avenue) under a Kasper 3/4-Sleeve One-Button Blazer ($119 from Macy's) in California Sky, with matching Slim-Leg Career Pants ($79 from Macy's).  Finish up your look with a gray Skinny Vegan-Leather Belt ($15 from Gap). 

Designer Look: Tibi's non-traditional take on a traditional shirtdress features a collarband neckline, button front, dropped waist, and tied up skirt in a pale blue chambray with white pinstripe and a black leather belt.  

Wearable Version: For a more traditional style, this Ralph Lauren Striped Tie-Front Broadcloth Shirtdress ($185 from Macy's)  features a pointed collar, button front, three-quarter sleeves, knee-length A-line skirt, and a slimming waistline cinched in with wrap ties, in a narrow blue-and-white stripe. 

Designer Look: This strapless white cotton A-line Prabal Gurung minidress features a large embroidered palm tree on the front, and is topped with a basic tan trench coat. 



Wearable Version: This white Mistress Rocks Embroidered Strapless Cocktail Minidress ($119 from Nordstrom) features a tailored sheath silhouette, a folded detail at the top of the bodice, and flower-shaped cutouts at the hem. Top it with this soft tan Faux Suede Trench Coat ($40 from Forever 21). 

Designer Look: This strapless Prabal Gurung minidress with flared skirt features a gorgeous watercolor floral fabric and a matching jacket with a long tail. 




Wearable Version: This Alfred Sung Strapless Pink Floral Organdy Midi Dress ($223 from Shop Simon) features a similar soft, watercolor print, and an airy, flowy feel. Add a pale apricot Open Front Ruffled Cropped Cardigan ($25 from Amazon) for a touch of polish. 

Designer Look: Brandon Maxwell paired a blue satin bloused halter with a draped neckline with a matching satin silk straight skirt with a wide black band from waist to mid-hip.  






Wearable Version: The wide black band at the hip isn't overly flattering, but pair this Worthington Cowl Neck Sleeveless Satin Blouse in Bold Blue ($18 from JC Penney) with an Anna-kaci High-Waisted Satin Maxi Skirt in Navy ($28 from Target) and finish the look with a Elerevyo Satin Self-Tie Sash Belt ($19 from Target), and you'll get a similar but much more flattering effect. 

Designer Look: Ralph Lauren topped a pair of baggy distressed jeans with a classic white men's button-down shirt and an ivory tailcoat for a fascinating mix of formalwear, officewear, and loungewear. 




Wearable Version: To make this a not-on-the-catwalk look, we need to blend all three pieces into the same style, such as casual officewear. Keep the white button-down, something like this Oversize Button-Down Boyfriend Shirt ($26 from Old Navy), pair it with some nice, crisp, dark wash Casual Friday jeans, like these Ultra High Rise 90s Straight Jean ($60 from Abercrombie & Fitch), then give the look some personality with this Tweed Herringbone Cropped Blazer ($32 from Forever 21). 

Designer Look: This strapless pale-blue-to-navy ombre sequined Ralph Lauren column is simple yet dramatic. 

Wearable Look: Since not many of us wear head to toe sequins on a regular basis, the Ralph Lauren ombre look works better in this Nadia Ruched Midi Dress Gradient Blue ($54 from Selfie Leslie).  The crushed fabric is more forgiving of figure flaws, the wide straps hold everything in place, and the center notch and tiny keyhole add sex appeal without revealing much additional skin. 


Now go get that designer look so you're ready for spring!



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