I Practically Live on TikTok—These 8 Fashion Trends Are Worth Checking Out
If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m as Gen Z as they come—and yes, that means I live and breathe TikTok. At this stage, the hours spent on the app have clocked up to practically years of my life, and yet, I return to it daily with the same enthusiasm. Why? Because there’s always more fashion inspiration to find.
When countless fashion girls are eagerly telling you that the Damson Madder leopard-print cargo pants are not just a neutral item, but now a wardrobe staple, it can be hard to separate fashion fact from fiction. But as a fashion editor, I have the skill set to differentiate social buzz from real-life dressing. My favourite pastime is tracking emerging trends from the runways and seeing how they align with what the insiders are shopping, wearing and talking about. It’s this fusion of high fashion and real-world style that never fails to spark my creativity and inform my personal style. Yet, I’m acutely aware that I was raised in an era of digital literacy, and my brain is formed to decipher social algorithms. For someone who may feel easily overstimulated, the sheer volume of information and constant influx of trends on social apps like TikTok can be utterly overwhelming, but my job is to decode the trends and pieces you can skip from the items and looks that are actually worth your time (and money).
After diving deep into the digital fashion world by combing through every corner of TikTok, I’ve found eight key trends that I think are worth the hype for this summer.
8 TikTok Fashion Trends That Actually Matter in 2025
1. Cute ‘90s
Style Notes: If there’s one trend dominating the conversation right now, it’s the cute take on '90s style, a nostalgic revival that captures the essence of the decade’s most iconic looks: effortless minimalism, clean silhouettes and just a hint of playful edge. From the slinky slip dresses made iconic by supermodels to the straight-leg denim and white tanks favoured by Winona Ryder and Gwyneth Paltrow, ‘90s fashion carved out a cool-girl aesthetic that still resonates.
Picture ribbed knits, worn-in leather jackets, tiny sunglasses and strappy black sandals—pieces that feel as fresh today as they did 30 years ago. And it’s not just vintage shops feeling the love; designers and high-street brands alike are embracing the throwback. Labels like Miu Miu, and Khaite are championing elevated basics and minimalist tailoring, whilst TikTok and Instagram feed the resurgence with a mix of modern interpretations and secondhand gems. If you’re dusting off your slip dress or searching for the perfect low-rise trousers, take inspo from @sabinasocol—’90s cute core is less about replicating a moment and more about embodying a mindset: confident, effortless and slightly cheeky. In 2025, it's not just a trend—it’s a mood.
Shop Cute ‘90s:
TONY BIANCO
Leather Loafers
I love these soft, deep-brown, ruched-front leather loafers. Embodying modern minimalism and a nostalgic 90s feel, they’re an everyday-styling staple.
TikTok’s fashion-forward users are endlessly creative when it comes to tortoiseshell — matching their nails to their headbands and their sunnies to their claw clips. These sunglasses are a fresh, modern take on the trend, tying it all together.
TORY BURCH
Mellow Mary Jane Jelly Shoes
You can't think of ‘90s cute and not think of jelly shoes, and this pair from Tory Burch merges the mesh shoe aesthetic with the playfulness of the jelly shoe to create something truly extraordinary.
2. Tortiseshell
Style Notes: From Audrey Hepburn to Zendaya, tortoiseshell continues to dominate as one of the standout accessory trends of 2025. Whether in sunglasses or hairpieces, this iconic pattern blends elegance with versatility, making it a staple for both vintage-inspired and modern chic styles. Grace Kelly’s use of tortoiseshell accessories in the 1950s set the stage for an era of refined sophistication, and today, it remains a symbol of understated luxury. Its warmth and organic aesthetic seamlessly complement any outfit, adding a touch of timeless class without overpowering the overall look.
Shop Tortiseshell:
CELINE
Celine Large Hair Claw in Acetate
Isn’t this just perfect? A claw clip, in the hands of lesser designers, could veer into gaudy territory, yet, with the iconic Celine logo, it maintains a sense of elegance.
LE SPECS
Outta Love Polycarbonate Oval-Frame Sunglasses
A fashion-person favourite, these look way more expensive than they are.
Monica Vinader
Gold Vermeil Gemstone Link Stud Earrings
These oval studs are simple and so versatile. Simply stunning!
3. Micro Miniskirts
Style Notes: Think Carrie Bradshaw, Britney Spears and Paris Hilton—the miniskirt is back, but with a twist. A bold rejection of conservative styling, this iconic piece is undergoing a modern reinvention. Influencers like @linda.sza are pairing micro silhouettes with oversized shapes to create a reverse hourglass effect, offering a striking contrast that feels both fresh and empowering. With designers such as Miu Miu, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta adding contemporary touches through interesting fabrics and updated silhouettes, the micro skirt has found its place in the fashion spotlight once again. From classic pleated minis to asymmetric cuts and playful prints, my favourite fashion figures are reinterpreting this timeless trend in their own unique ways.
