Are Microtrends Officially Over?

The fashion industry has experienced plenty of ups and downs this year. From creative director shifts to luxury slowdowns, brands are finding new ways to get creative. Short-lived microtrends have become essential at high street retailers, while giants including Miu Miu and Prada have capitalized on the movements with elevated poise. As consumers gear towards elevation within long-lasting garments, microtrends have slowly taken a backseat or developed into fully-fledged fashion movements.

Retail Intelligence Platform EDITED examines the evolving microtrend landscape as aesthetics fail to emerge strongly. Y2K and blokecore have stood firm since pandemic restrictions eased, taking over international avenues with slow-slung denim and graphic-heavy football shirts. While minimalistic wardrobes have steadily taken over, maximalist microtrends have risen and fallen instantly.

The office siren trend, spearheaded by Bella Hadid's sensual paparazzi shots, emerged at the beginning of 2024 and dominated social media platforms with 73% increased searches. From necktied suits to faux opticals, staple wardrobe items, including pleated trousers and skirts, saw 12% higher sell-out rates in 2024, while versatile button-downs and strappy kitten heels went from 101% to 224% in early months. Taken from the runways of Miu Miu, Prada, and Bottega Veneta, the hedonistic attire has slowly disappeared and been replaced by casual preppy styles and old-school academic references.

The off-pitch blokecore trends mellowed out during the fall and winter months, encountering a resurgence under the summer sunshine aligned with the EUROS football tournament. The Spanish-leading competition drove a 72%-76% uptick in purchases guided by young Gen-Z consumers, while football shirts and jorts have become warm-weather essentials with soaring consumption — becoming an unstoppable force beyond the trend circuit.

Quiet luxury was the name of the game earlier this year, peaking at 43% in Pinterest searches among the 25-34 age bracket. The movement has faded since, and select classics have fallen in popularity. Slouchy trench coats and strong-shouldered blazers once stood at the top, tumbling an average of -14% and substituted with graphic-heavy casualwear. The aesthetic has been mended by lavish, holiday-inspired preferences, with old money and Italian Riviera-themed collections shining bright at RHUDE and LOEWE with lightweight uniforms packed with excellence.

The mob wife look was expected to dominate in 2024 but disappeared as quickly as it arrived. From enlarged fur coats to vibrant leopard print, the moneyed aesthetic failed to make a splash, while the latter has maintained its presence aligned with Y2K preferences. Leopard print ensembles have grown by 98% year-on-year after appearing on Spring/Summer 2025 runways at Blumarine and GANNI, with zebra prints expected to lead after budding on Rihanna at Jacquemus' destination show.

Fashion gimmicks proved popular following the COVID-19 pandemic, with consumers gearing towards loud and eclectic styles that awakened their post-lockdown spirits. From MSCHF's Big Red Boots to Balenciaga's snacking chip bags, the impractical offerings were destined to fade. Wearable gear has become the norm, with footwear becoming sleeker and wardrobes targeting tradition. The oversaturation of microtrends has caused them to vanish quickly, and "74% of Gen Z is seeking out IRL experiences over digital, reflecting the shift away from buying viral items purely for content to emphasize pieces with offline IYKYK appeal," according to EDITED.

You can read EDITED’s full report here.

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Are Microtrends Officially Over?

Are Microtrends Officially Over?

Are Microtrends Officially Over?

Are Microtrends Officially Over?

Are Microtrends Officially Over?