As I develop my personal style, I've found myself pulling away from fleeting trends and instead being drawn to pieces with a longer lifespan.
This is especially true throughout summer, when holiday-friendly bold hues and loud patterns come to the fore; they often leave me feeling unlike myself. However, for 2025, I've noticed a number of different looks emerging that are still modern but also feel polished and timeless enough to last in your capsule wardrobe for many years to come.
With the minimalist mindset that dominated 2024 still current, it seems fashion people are gearing up to incorporate it into their on-trend summer dressing. And if you're anything like me and trying to be more intentional with the items you purchase this year, it feels like we've finally found the sweet spot between style and sophistication.
After scrolling through my Instagram feed, I've spotted some pretty trends that are timeless yet adaptable and feel fresh for summer 2025. Gone are the days when elegant dressing was synonymous with boring. Now, we can elevate our outfits in unique ways that still feel true to our personal style, and work well for minimalists and trend-lovers alike.
From the revival of the polka-dot dress to 2025's trending sandal styles, keep scrolling to discover the nine elegant trends that I'll be buying into this season to elevate my classic wardrobe.
9 Elegant Fashion Trends to Update Your Summer 2025 Wardrobe
1. Polka-Dot Dress
Style Notes: Polka-dot dresses have long been associated with almost stereotypical '50s style, but in 2025, they're making a comeback in modern silhouettes and fabrics. The perfect balance between vintage charm and fresh newness, this is a pattern I've been seeing everywhere recently. Pair it with minimal jewellery and classic accessories to allow the dress to do the talking.
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Take this from day to night by swapping out the ballet flats for some slingback heels and a statement clutch.
Super easy to wear yet very elegant, I'd pair this with low-heel sandals and a raffia tote to the office.
This dress has a subtle romantic feel that's perfect for a summer holiday.
2. Lace Blouse
Style Notes: Romantic and effortlessly sophisticated, a lace blouse is an easy throw-on that you can use to dress up your jeans or denim shorts this summer. The lace detailing adds interest and breathability without being too revealing, making it the perfect summer layer to add to your wardrobe.
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I love the frilly Peter Pan collar on this.
When it comes to elegant yet affordable blouses, Zara never disappoints.
A boho dream.
3. Capri Pants
Style Notes: Gone are the days when the only acceptable way to wear capri pants post 2008 was as gym gear. In fact, in recent years, they've solidified themselves as a sleek summer staple that you can wear with T-shirts, tank tops and lightweight cardigans alike. Cropped just below the knee, they blend comfort with a style of dressing much more elevated than your typical leggings. Pair with kitten heels for an elegant take on a casual trouser trend.
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Sleek, simple and easy to style.
How luxe is this burgundy hue?
I'd style mine exactly like this.
4. Suede Sandals
Style Notes: Suede has dominated my Instagram feed since last autumn/winter, with everything from trenches and jackets to loafers and totes spotted on my favourite influencers and all over my go-to brands' offerings. For summer 2025, sandals have solidified themselves as the newest suede item that fashion people are championing, adding a polished touch to any jeans, skirt or dress outfit this season.
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These are selling out quickly, so act fast.
This khaki colour will pair well with all of your summer neutrals.
I genuinely can't believe these are from the high street.
5. Striped Linen Trousers
Style Notes: Linen trousers are a spring/summer staple, but when they want to add a more polished touch to their outfits, fashion people turn to pinstripe iterations as the ultimate way to look smart and remain comfortable in the hot weather.
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A sophisticated mix of black and beige, this is a pair you can wear in or out of the office.
The perfect outfit for an English coastal staycation.
H&M has some of the best linen on the high street.
6. Leather Basket Bag
Style Notes: A style championed by Dragon Diffusion, the woven basket bag is a hybrid between a durable leather tote needed for long days out and the boho spirit of a classic raffia basket bag. Opt for yours in neutral hues to match everything from office attire to your beach outfits.
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For those who prefer a lighter colour palette in summer.
This leather basket bag is an update on Loewe's original raffia style.
This could easily pass as a designer tote.
7. White Poplin Skirt
Style Notes: Nothing says summer like a white skirt. Clean (if you can keep yours that way) and extremely versatile, the white poplin skirt has been a fashion-person favourite for many years now. Whether you style it with a boxy tee, a button-up shirt or a pretty blouse, it adds an instant touch of classiness without feeling too fussy.
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Whilst a white skirt transcends seasonal trends, there's no doubt it looks particularly fresh in summer.
Comfortable and chic in equal measure.
I'll be re-creating this entire look from now until early autumn.
8. Metal-Frame Sunglasses
Style Notes: Metal-frame sunglasses will subtly elevate your summer outfits without feeling too bold. Whether you opt for a square, round or rectangular shape, metallic frames will not only go with every colour and pattern you own, but will also add a touch of effortless edge to all your outfits. If you prefer to make a statement, opt for a pair with coloured lenses.
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These went straight on my summer wish list.
I love the baby-blue lenses on this pair.
Simple, yes. But so very chic.
9. Tailored Shorts
Style Notes: An elegant upgrade from your typical denim shorts, tailored pairs are ideal for those who want the polish of trousers with the comfort of jorts. Pair them with suede sandals and a tank on casual days, then dress them up with a silk cami and kitten heels for evenings.
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I'd opt for a slightly longer pair, like these from Reiss.
I'm obsessed with the pleat detailing.
Chocolate brown isn't just for winter.
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It's Settled: Fashion People in NYC Are Obsessed With This Non-Denim Skirt TrendLet Ciara show you how it's done.
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My Love Language Is Summer Linens and Cottons—J.Crew and Anthropologie Speak It FluentlyHeat-wave approved.
