The Who What Wear Podcast: Spring 2025 Shopping Guide – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 19, 2025

In the Spring 2025 episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, hosts Bobby Schessler and Kristen Nichols delve into the hottest trends and essential pieces for the upcoming season. This comprehensive guide covers everything from nostalgic 1960s influences and romantic silhouettes to the evolution of sporty styles and relaxed suiting. Whether you're a trendsetter or someone who prefers classic styles, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable tips to refresh your spring wardrobe.

1. Recapping Spring 2025 Runway Trends

Nostalgia Meets Modernity

Kristen Nichols highlights a significant resurgence of 1960s-inspired fashion. She notes, “The New York downtown set is dressing kind of like Audrey Hepburn, with pillbox hats and gloves” ([03:39]). This nostalgia is evident across major brands such as Michael Kors, Valentino, and Celine, and is embraced by celebrities like Kendall Jenner, who donned an elegant gray skirt suit at Couture Fashion Week in Paris.

Romantic Revival

The podcast emphasizes the return of romantic styles characterized by pastels and floral prints. Kristen observes, “Pastels in general are returning in a big way, which is really fresh and fun” ([03:46]). Brands like Loewe and Victoria Beckham are presenting avant-garde floral designs, while streams like personal style and individuality take center stage with elements like bag charms and sculptural belts enhancing simple outfits.

2. Shopping Recommendations for Key Trends

1960s Nostalgia

• Skirt Suits: Aritzia offers a peplum-shaped blazer in a trending gray color, perfect for channeling the 60s elegance.
• Iconic Pieces: For those looking to invest, the Dior bar jacket remains a timeless choice, available both new and vintage.
• Car Coats: From New York's Lafayette148 to affordable options at Madewell, and designer selections at Prada and Miu Miu, car coats are versatile staples. Vintage enthusiasts can explore options on eBay.

Pillbox Hats

Kristen suggests hunting vintage pillbox hats on eBay or exploring brands like Gigi Burris and Totem for modern takes ([08:25]). These hats add a chic, vintage flair without overpowering contemporary outfits.

3. Styling the 1960s Vibe

Rather than adopting a full retro look, Kristen advocates for integrating standalone 60s elements into modern ensembles. For example:

• Car Coat Combination: Pairing a car coat with slingback heels creates an effortlessly stylish appearance.
• Mix and Match: Combining a mini skirt with a casual T-shirt balances nostalgia with current trends ([08:37]).

Kristen emphasizes, “You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume” ([08:37]), encouraging listeners to blend retro pieces seamlessly with everyday attire.

4. Embracing Cool Girl Romance and Boho Styles

Floral and Flowing Silhouettes

The return of romantic and bohemian styles is marked by floral dresses with modern twists. Kristen points out, “We’re seeing a lot of flowy fabrics like chiffon and organza that feel light and fresh” ([09:57]). Designers like Victoria Beckham and Chloe are introducing asymmetrical necklines and voluminous silhouettes that add an ethereal touch to spring fashion.

Slip Skirts and Dresses

Slip skirts and dresses, especially those with lace trims, are gaining popularity. Kristen shares her personal favorite from J. Crew, praising its versatility and affordability: “It just really fits into this trend” ([12:09]). These pieces can be dressed up with blazers or dressed down with casual tops, making them essential for any wardrobe.

5. The Evolution of Sporty Style

From Athleisure to Elevated Sporty Pieces

The podcast explores the shift from traditional athleisure to integrating sporty elements into non-workout outfits. Kristen describes, “Sporty pieces are now being styled in ways that are not gym-appropriate but rather chic for weekend wear” ([13:26]). Examples include nylon windbreakers paired with mini skirts and heels, creating a balanced look that merges casual and dressy elements.

Sneakers Take Center Stage

Sneakers remain a key accessory, with retro 70s track and field styles making a comeback. Popular choices include Adidas SL72 and Drews Van Noten’s all-leather designs. Kristen also recommends technical running sneakers like ASICS Gel 1130 and New Balance 530 for their comfort and style versatility ([15:47]).

6. Relaxed Suiting: The New Workwear Trend

Leading the Trend

Saint Laurent is credited with popularizing relaxed suiting, featuring oversized blazers with broader shoulders and looser fits ([17:09]). Other designers like Bottega and Stella McCartney are also contributing to this trend by reimagining traditional workwear with a feminine twist and creative accessorizing.

Affordable Options

For those seeking budget-friendly suiting, Kristen recommends brands like Frankie Shop, Zara, H&M, Vince, and Theory. Bobby adds, “Vince has perfect-fitting trousers that pull beautifully at the bottom” ([19:50]), highlighting the availability of stylish, oversized suits without the high price tag.

Styling Tips

Kristen advises purchasing intentionally oversized pieces, especially in women's apparel, ensuring proper fit in the shoulders: “You want to make sure that the jacket is fitting you in the shoulders before committing” ([20:43]). Bobby shares his success with women’s jackets in larger cuts, finding the right balance for an oversized yet tailored look.

7. Spring 2025 Power Colors

Pastel Dominance

Pastels, particularly powder pink, butter yellow, and baby blue, are the season’s power colors. Kristen notes, “In the spring 2025 collection at Chanel, it was a sea of pastel” ([21:44]). These soft hues offer a fresh alternative to the long-standing minimalistic neutral palette.

Styling Colors

For those hesitant to embrace color, Kristen suggests subtle integrations:

• Layering: Wearing a pastel slip skirt with a black coat and sheer tights, inspired by Zoe Kravitz’s look ([22:34]).
• Accent Pieces: Adding a colored sweater or T-shirt underneath a neutral outfit to introduce pops of color discreetly ([23:59]).

Bobby echoes this approach, recommending layering and using accessories to introduce color without overwhelming the outfit.

8. Essential Accessories and Outfit Formulas

Elevating Neutrals with Accessories

Kristen emphasizes the importance of accessories in completing outfits:

• Classic Slingbacks: Manolo Classic slingbacks can elevate any look.
• Silk Scarves: Tying scarves around bag handles or necks adds subtle prints and color.
• Sunglasses: Varieties from polished Celine Triumph to funky shield goggles can transform an outfit ([24:19]).

Versatile Outfit Ideas

• Draped Sweaters: Styling sweaters around the shoulders or tying them at the waist adds dimension and color ([26:16]).
• Trench Coats: Pairing trench coats with tied knots and belts introduces a contemporary twist ([26:16]).

Kristen shares, “An outfit I saw recently had a white T-shirt and white skirt with a pastel yellow sweater tied around the waist” ([26:16]), showcasing a balanced and stylish ensemble.

9. Brands to Follow for Timeless and Trendy Pieces

Kristen recommends several brands that cater to both trend enthusiasts and those who prefer classic styles:

• Emerging Buzz: Kalmier, gaining attention for its everyday elevated pieces.
• Classic Staples: Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, Madewell, Vince, Theory, Toteme, Kate, Tory Burch, and Banana Republic offer a mix of timeless and contemporary fashions.
• Designer Favorites: Higher-end options from Saint Laurent and The Row provide luxurious takes on current trends.

Bobby adds his favorites, including Banana Republic for its versatile offerings and Vince for exceptional tailoring ([27:58]).

Conclusion

The Spring 2025 episode of The Who What Wear Podcast serves as a definitive guide for fashion enthusiasts looking to update their wardrobes with the latest trends and timeless pieces. From embracing nostalgic elements and romantic silhouettes to integrating sporty styles and relaxed suiting, listeners are equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to curate a stylish and versatile spring collection. With expert tips on styling, color integration, and essential accessories, this episode ensures that regardless of personal style preferences, everyone can find something to enhance their spring fashion journey.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristen Nichols at [03:39]: “The New York downtown set is dressing kind of like Audrey Hepburn, with pillbox hats and gloves.”

• Kristen Nichols at [03:46]: “Pastels in general are returning in a big way, which is really fresh and fun.”

• Kristen Nichols at [08:37]: “You don’t want to look like you’re wearing a costume.”

• Kristen Nichols at [12:09]: “It just really fits into this trend.”

• Kristen Nichols at [20:43]: “You want to make sure that the jacket is fitting you in the shoulders before committing.”

• Kristen Nichols at [21:44]: “In the spring 2025 collection at Chanel, it was a sea of pastel.”

• Kristen Nichols at [26:16]: “An outfit I saw recently had a white T-shirt and white skirt with a pastel yellow sweater tied around the waist.”

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by Bobby Schessler and Kristen Nichols, providing listeners and readers alike with a clear roadmap to navigating Spring 2025’s fashion landscape.