Podcast Summary: Style-ish – "The Trends That Will Define 2025"

Episode Information:

• Title: The Trends That Will Define 2025
• Release Date: January 7, 2025
• Host/Author: Shameless Media
• Description: Style-ish is the podcast for all things fashion, brand, business, and beauty.

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of 2025, hosts Madison Sullivan Thorpe, Annika Joshi Smith, Joanna Fleming, and trend forecaster Tully Walter dive deep into the fashion, beauty, and branding trends expected to dominate the coming year. The conversation is vibrant, informative, and filled with insightful predictions that promise to shape the industry's landscape.

Leaving Behind: Trends to Say Goodbye To

Annika Joshi Smith emphasizes the importance of updating brand strategies by moving away from influencer-centric marketing:

“[02:14] Joanna Fleming: ...brands need to go back to rewarding their customers because that's who's shopping their brand.”

The hosts concur on abandoning outdated practices such as persistent discounting and micro-trends. Annika specifically critiques microdermabrasion in beauty routines, advocating for more advanced and skin-friendly treatments:

“[07:00] Annika Joshi Smith: ...microdermabrasion is just outdated. We've got so many better treatments... it's a killer for the skin barrier.”

Another significant trend to leave is the resurgence of tanning culture, particularly among Gen Z, which poses serious skin cancer risks:

“[09:22] Annika Joshi Smith: ...almost half of Gen Z deliberately sit in the sun to work on their tans. And 37% of them knowingly use less or no sunscreen when doing so.”

The hosts call for brands to refrain from approving content that glamorizes sunburns, drawing parallels to smoking in advertising:

“[11:27] Annika Joshi Smith: ...brands need to do better... you shouldn't be smoking in your paid content... why can't not being sunburnt be in the brief as well?”

Embracing New Trends: What’s In for 2025

1. Moto Boho

Tully Walter introduces "Moto Boho" as a fusion of bohemian aesthetics with urban edge, featuring elements like paisley suede, fringing velvet, and corduroy textures. Accessories play a crucial role, with slouchy leather bags and modernized clogs making a comeback.

“[22:30] Tully Walter: ...motoboho is an urban take on boho that combines light, ethereal layers with tough accessories.”

Celebrity endorsements, such as Chloe’s latest collection and Daisy Edgar-Jones' stylish appearances, have significantly propelled this trend forward.

2. New Animal Prints

Moving beyond traditional leopard prints, the podcast forecasts a diversification in animal-inspired patterns:

“[31:05] Tully Walter: ...new animal prints like ocelot, snakeskin, and zebra are set to take center stage in 2025.”

Brands like Tony Bianco are already showcasing these diverse prints, and accessories like snake-themed shoes and zebra heels are expected to add personality to minimalist outfits.

3. Castle Court & Medieval Core

Influenced by cultural phenomena like Wicked and Game of Thrones, the Medieval Core trend introduces opulent, storytelling-driven fashion. Expect big dresses with cinched waists, full skirts, and luxurious detailing reminiscent of medieval aesthetics.

“[36:01] Joanna Fleming: ...fisherman aesthetic blends nautical stripes with medieval influences, inspired by Chanel's 2010 resort show.”

While some hosts express reservations about fully embracing this trend, selective integration through event wear is encouraged.

Color Trends: Cherry Coated and Beyond

Tully Walter highlights "Cherry Coated" as the standout color of 2025, characterized by opulent reds such as oxbloods, wines, and burgundies. These hues are versatile, suitable for both bold fashion statements and subtle accessories like nail polish and lipsticks.

“[39:39] Joanna Fleming: ...Cherry Coated has seen a 325% increase in searches year-on-year. It's echoed by brands like Muumu and Alaia.”

Complementary colors like powder pink, emerald purples, and navies are also on the rise, offering multiple avenues for incorporating these rich tones into everyday fashion without substantial investment.

Brand Strategies: Edutainment and Meaningful Partnerships

Joanna Fleming and Tully Walter discuss the evolution of brand strategies, emphasizing the importance of combining education with entertainment (Edutainment) on social platforms. Successful campaigns are those that resonate deeply with brand identity and consumer values, avoiding superficial collaborations.

“[18:26] Joanna Fleming: ...education meets entertainment. Brands like Ralph Lauren are setting the gold standard with interactive and culturally relevant campaigns.”

Meaningful partnerships that align with brand ethos, such as Ralph Lauren’s collaborations and Venmo’s localized campaigns, are poised to define successful branding in 2025.

Setting Up for Success: Personal Insights

As the episode concludes, each host shares personal strategies for navigating the year ahead:

• Annika Joshi Smith advises listeners to audit their beauty products, ensuring they are not using expired items that could harm their skin.

“[46:51] Annika Joshi Smith: ...check the expiry dates on your beauty products and refresh your bathroom cupboard.”

• Joanna Fleming introduces the concept of a "word of the year" instead of traditional New Year's resolutions, encouraging a focus on embodying a specific trait throughout the year.

“[47:39] Joanna Fleming: ...use your notes app to list every time you embody your word of the year. It’s like a gratitude journal without the daily writing.”

• Tully Walter emphasizes the importance of personal wellness, planning to embark on a journey that includes practices like acupuncture and cupping to enhance well-being.

“[48:13] Tully Walter: ...2025, I'm going to dive head first into my wellness journey.”

Conclusion

The "Style-ish" episode on 2025 trends offers a comprehensive look into the future of fashion, beauty, and brand strategies. From abandoning outdated practices and embracing new aesthetics to understanding color dynamics and personal well-being, the hosts provide valuable insights for listeners eager to stay ahead in the ever-evolving style landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• Madison Sullivan Thorpe introduces the episode:

  “[01:07] Madison Sullivan Thorpe: ...our trend report, courtesy of our very own Annika Joshi Smith and Pinterest's Tully Walter.”

• Tully Walter on customer loyalty:

  “[05:12] Tully Walter: ...it really generates a different type of value. It doesn't say, hey, we're going to gift you something, we're doing this for you.”

• Joanna Fleming on meaningful collaborations:

  “[19:44] Joanna Fleming: ...a collab is a collab until it really makes sense.”

• Tully Walter on Cherry Coated color trend:

  “[43:10] Joanna Fleming: ...Cherry Coated has seen a 325% increase in searches year-on-year.”

This episode serves as an essential guide for fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike, outlining pivotal trends and strategic shifts poised to influence 2025's style narrative.