A new year is coming, and that can only mean one thing: The refresh button’s about to be pressed on everything to do with fashion. Luckily, since it’s about to be 2025 and the internet’s faster than it used to be, we don’t have to pause for buffering. In fact, all of the year’s first It items have already been set live, ready to be purchased, worn, and likely shared by the thousands on social media. Impatient shoppers, rejoice! There’s no reason to wait until New Year’s Day to start buying 2025’s coolest, most sought-after pieces.
To create the below list of year-defining items, I dug into the S/S 25 runway collections; Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest; recent celebrity street style; and everything retailers just stocked for the lead-in to the new year. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so I can spot a future-viral piece from a mile away (even with my very subpar eyesight). I narrowed them down from hundreds of options to a more digestible 30 pieces, all of which you can find and shop ASAP below. For a guide to what to buy in 2025, keep scrolling.
ZARA
Silk Blend Blouse Zw Collection
If a top has an attached scarf or cape-like detail in 2025, buy it, especially if it costs under $100. Trust me, this trend isn’t going anywhere, and it looks just as elegant when paired with vintage Levi’s as it does with a slip skirt or pair of sleek, tailored trousers. I’ve seen gorgeous options that cost thousands, and yes, I wanted them, but I recently acquired this Zara option and got so many compliments on it, proving you don’t always have to shell out big (unless you want to) on of-the-moment pieces.
Madewell
Triple Metal Keeper Belt
This belt has been buzzing for over a year now, but Madewell keeps tweaking it slightly to keep it on top—quite successfully, I might add. This time around, the brand made it in navy-blue suede, an unexpected choice that’ll have people begging you to share a link to purchase one of their own.
Citizens of Humanity
Baretta Relaxed Straight Jeans
In 2025, expect denim styles to be slimmer and tailored, like a stovepipe or straight leg. Though there will always be room for a baggy pair or two, cleaner lines and less puddling at the hem are suggested in the year ahead. This pair, in particular, checks every box, with a super-high waist that’s flattering and sophisticated. Just remember to try them on—I sized down two sizes when I got these in order to ensure a snug fit wear after wear.
Freja New York
Mercer Bag Oat
Freja’s latest It bag has hit the market just in time for 2025’s arrival. The Mercer, an east-west silhouette with a rounded, dual shoulder handle and zip-around opening, is quickly growing in It status. It’s just a matter of time before fans of the brand, like Jennifer Lawrence and Hailey Bieber, are seen carrying one in either oat, espresso, or black.
Toteme
Satin Slingback Pumps
One way that I like to learn about the next cool pieces in fashion is to hang out with chic people and see what they’re wearing—easy. These luxe chocolate-brown satin slingbacks from Toteme are what they’re wearing.
I swear one day, no one was wearing suede trench coats, and the next, everyone was. These aren’t super readily available yet, but by 2025, they will be. In the meantime, if you want a spectacular option and are willing to spend a bit to get it, this Helsa brown pick is a certified winner.
COS
Molten Pendant Necklace
Adding a sculptural pendant necklace to even the simplest of jeans-and-tee or slip-dress outfits makes a world of difference. Just ask Jennifer Lawrence—she’s always wearing this style of necklace, and it always looks chic.
Nordstrom
Cashmere V-Neck Sweater
Next year, particularly the early months of it, will be defined by cashmere—and lots of it. Everyone’s stocking up on the luxurious knit fabric in the form of pants, sweaters, accessories, and even shoes! It’s cashmere’s world, and we’re just living in it.
Gucci
Horsebit Ballet Flat
I swear every other unboxing on my TikTok feed of late features this brand-new pair of GG logo Gucci ballet flats with a Mary Jane strap and sharp square toe. They are very cute and therefore won’t stay in stock for long.
j.crew
Stratus Pant in Textured Satin
Is it just me, or have black trousers suddenly been replaced by silk and satin loungewear pants? Not that I’m mad about it. Going into the depths of winter, opt for comfort over all else with these luxe-looking bottoms that almost always feature a drawstring waist and pajama-like drapey fit.
Gap
Vegan Suede Slouchy Tote Bag
This bag went *off* at the end of 2024 in the cognac colorway, but now that it’s available in an even richer chocolate option, I’m predicting a second wave of fame going into the new year.
Arthur Sleep
Globetrotter Glide Mules
It’s the year of the slipper—the fancy slipper, that is. From Charvet to The Row to Arthur Sleep, everyone cool is rocking luxe travel slippers made of suede and leather as we enter 2025. No, you can’t wear them outside (though Jennifer Lawrence and Dakota Johnson have a tendency to), but there’s nothing more “rich” than taking off your painful heels or boots and slipping on a house shoe the second you enter the safety of your home.
Babaton
Publication Wool Cashmere Coat
To be honest, a great coat is iconic in any year, but with winter really kicking off, now’s the perfect time to invest in a long-term-relationship piece of outerwear. This coat is made of a mix of cashmere and wool, and the big shoulders make it feel like a designer item instead of a quite-affordable pick.
Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner have been wearing wool bandanas like this one around their heads all winter so far.
GIGI BURRIS
Tentley Embellished Wool-Felt Hat
Vintage hats are the accessory of the season, but don’t fret if you’re not in the mood to scour eBay and Etsy right now. You can find new options that just look retro easily thanks to brands like Gigi Burris and Mains de Vapeur.
phoebe philo
Padded Jacket with Gathered Waist
Phoebe Philo’s leather cinched-waist jacket really kicked off this silhouette trend, but more and more, I’m seeing designers take a liking to it, experimenting to find their own take. Chloé Sevigny recently gave it her stamp of approval for a premiere event for the Netflix show Monsters, and if the ultimate It girl says it’s cool, it is.
COACH
53mm Rectangular Optical Glasses
Sunglasses are out; eyeglasses are in. Not really, but sleek, sexy opticals are having a moment, whether you actually add prescription lenses to them or not. I won’t tell if you won’t.
j.crew
Fitted Pullover Sweater in Tencel Lyocell Blend
Next year is going to be all about luxurious, refined takes on classic wardrobe items. Take this polo-collar pullover for instance. It’s more sophisticated and elegant than a T-shirt or oversize sweater but possesses the same classic and effortless air about it.
ZARA
100% Wool Box Pleat Skirt ZW Collection
I have an eye for Zara items that will go viral and sell out in a very short period of time. This skirt is one such item. I just received one and got stopped not once but twice by people on the street asking where I got it. It gives me serious Prada vibes and fits beautifully.
ALAIA
Teckel Top-Handle Bag in Suede and Leather
The most-wanted handbag of 2025 has already been revealed, and it’s none other than Alaïa’s brand-new Le Teckel Clutch, which comes in black and burgundy suede as well as black leather. Everyone’s talking about this bag right now, and soon, everyone (chic) will be carrying one.
COS
Merino Wool Bardot Dress
If you want to achieve The Row’s overall look in 2025, start your shopping journey with this COS off-the-shoulder dress, similar to an option from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s lauded fashion brand that Ariana Grande recently wore. It’s gorgeous, timeless, and at $150, a fantastic deal.
KHAITE
Cedar Glossed-Leather Pumps
Peep-toe shoes will be making a shocking resurgence come 2025, starting with this pair by Khaite that we just shot on Grace VanderWaal for her In Focus interview story. Sleek, sexy, and unexpected, these pumps are at the very top of my wish list for winter, spring, summer, and fall.
By Malene Birger
Rowani Lamb Leather Jacket
If I had to pick just one item that fashion editors are fighting the most over right now, it’d be By Malene Birger’s leopard-print outerwear. From the brand’s Resort 2025 collection, this coat and its longer big sister are selling out at lightning speed despite their fairly high price tag. I know I want one…
j.crew
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Textured Satin
If you snagged a lace-trim slip skirt or dress in 2024, cheers to you because this is one trend that’s staying put going into the new year, especially after Zoë Kravitz was seen sporting a similar look to the above J.Crew skirt in NYC.
ZARA
100% Silk Polka Dot Jacquard Tie
Following Saint Laurent’s viral S/S 25 show, everyone cool I follow on Instagram is styling their go-to button-down shirts, blazers, and suits with a tie. I guess it’s time I learn to tie one.
Balenciaga
Rodeo Medium Croc-Embossed Top-Handle Bag
The Le Teckel Clutch’s only real competition in the bag department in 2025 is Balenciaga’s Rodeo top-handle, a timeless flap bag that Hailey Bieber’s been sporting a lot lately. Other fans include Justine Skye, Lindsay Lohan, and Vittoria Ceretti.
Nordstrom
Merino Wool Cardigan
High-neck, classic cardigans might seem boring in theory, but the brands that’ll dominate in 2025—I’m looking at you, Prada—are breathing new life into them, especially colorful options like this one.
Polo Ralph Lauren
Relaxed-Fit Cotton Shirt
1. Anything Ralph Lauren is perfect, and 2. this shirt will go perfectly with your new tie. Tuck it into jeans and throw on a cool sport coat or style an entire suit for something a little more dressed up.
Levi’s
501® ’90s High Waist Straight Leg Jeans
Levi’s define style 365 days a year, every year, and they always will. The brand’s been around for literally 150 years, making the best denim on the planet that entire time.
Ugg
New Heights Cozy Clogs
Jennifer Lopez’s already fully on board with the viral New Heights Ugg boots and clogs. They give you just enough lift while simultaneously keeping your toes cozy and warm all winter long.
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