As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for consumers and businesses alike, with transformative trends emerging in e-commerce, lifestyle, and fashion. From the integration of artificial intelligence in online shopping to a widespread yearning for digital detoxes, and the blossoming of fresh jewelry styles, these shifts reveal how technology and a return to nature are simultaneously influencing global culture.
On June 4, 2025, DHL eCommerce unveiled its comprehensive E-Commerce Trends Report 2025, based on insights from 24,000 online shoppers across 24 key global markets. The report highlights how artificial intelligence (AI) and social commerce are reshaping online retail, while also emphasizing the critical role of delivery and sustainability in consumer decision-making.
One of the most striking findings from DHL’s report is that delivery options remain the top conversion killer, with 81% of shoppers abandoning their carts if their preferred delivery method isn’t available. Equally important, 79% of consumers will leave if the return process does not meet their expectations, underscoring that transparent, customer-centric logistics are essential not just operationally but as a core part of the sales funnel. Trust plays a pivotal role here, with three out of four shoppers refusing to purchase from retailers if they don’t trust the delivery and returns providers.
AI is rapidly becoming indispensable in the online shopping experience. According to DHL, seven in ten shoppers globally want AI-driven tools such as virtual try-ons, AI-powered shopping assistants, and voice-enabled product searches. Already, 37% of global shoppers—and nearly half of social commerce users—are making purchases hands-free using voice commands, signaling a shift toward more intuitive, tech-enabled journeys that blend convenience with delight.
Social commerce itself is taking center stage, with 70% of consumers expecting to shop primarily through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook by 2030. Seven in ten shoppers have already made purchases via social media, and 82% say viral trends and social buzz influence their buying decisions. This trend is particularly pronounced in markets like Thailand, where 86% of online shoppers buy through TikTok, and among Gen Z globally, where nearly half use the platform for purchases. The report projects social media sales to reach an astounding €8.5 trillion by 2030, more than twelve times the current volume.
Sustainability has moved beyond buzzword status to become a decisive factor in purchasing behavior. Globally, 72% of shoppers consider sustainability when buying online, with one in three abandoning their carts over related concerns. Among Gen Z, nearly half drop out for sustainability reasons. This generation also embraces circular consumption models: over half opt for pre-owned or refurbished goods, motivated by environmental values and cost efficiency. Moreover, 58% are willing to participate in recycling or buy-back programs offered by retailers, signaling a growing expectation that brands not only reduce their environmental footprint but actively empower consumers to shop more sustainably.
Meanwhile, Pinterest’s 2025 Summer Trend Report, also released on June 4, reveals a cultural shift toward unplugging and reconnecting with nature, dubbing this season the “Digital Detox Summer.” Searches for digital detox ideas surged by 72%, and digital detox vision boards skyrocketed by 273%, reflecting a widespread desire to step away from screens and embrace the outdoors.
The “Martha Stewart aesthetic” is experiencing a renaissance, with Pinterest reporting a 2,889% increase in related searches. This trend emphasizes garden-to-table cooking, flower gardening, urban farming, and fresh summer recipes, all echoing a back-to-basics lifestyle that fosters a deeper connection to nature. Complementing this are rising searches for summer detox drinks, up 566%, highlighting a focus on health and wellness through natural, refreshing beverages.
Gen Z is at the forefront of these lifestyle shifts, embracing thrifted home decor with searches up 488%, and rustic retreats with a 172% increase. Farmhouse cottage interiors—characterized by natural materials like brick, wood, and vintage finds—are trending strongly, with a 370% rise in searches. These home decor trends reflect a longing for authenticity and a tactile connection to the environment, as younger consumers seek unique, earthy aesthetics.
Travel trends mirror this desire to disconnect. Nature bathing—relaxing in serene environments such as forests and countryside—has grown by 32% in searches among Gen Z, while book retreats, which encourage mindfulness and mental relaxation, have doubled in popularity. Mountainous destinations are also favored, with searches for aesthetic hiking and summer mountain outfits rising, signaling a return to nature-focused travel experiences.
Creativity and nostalgia also define summer 2025’s cultural landscape. Searches for cute summer crafts rose by 106%, with book club culture surging in popularity among Gen Z. They are reviving early 2000s boho chic fashion, especially crochet micro shorts and short dresses, which have seen increases exceeding 1,300%. The color “Dill Green,” an earthy vintage-inspired hue, is forecasted as the summer’s defining shade, while the Summer 2015 aesthetic—featuring low-rise shorts, skorts, and iconic lip gloss keychains—is making a comeback.
Beauty trends among Gen Z blend personal expression with celestial inspiration. Searches for astrology-themed makeup have soared, with Virgo and Cancer looks up over 1,800%. Summer nail art draws from tropical fruits, hibiscus blossoms, and Italian summer vibes, while cool-toned beauty palettes featuring blues and reds are gaining traction.
In the world of jewelry, JCKonline’s June 4 coverage from the Las Vegas Jewelry Week previews three key trends for 2025. Brown emerges as a dominant color, seen in brown diamonds, quartz, tourmaline, and tiger’s eye, offering a grounding alternative to traditional black attire. Jade is predicted to be the gemstone star of the year, lauded for its unique tone that pairs beautifully with Montana sapphire, providing a soft yet bold look.
Given the rising cost of gold, jewelers are expected to get creative with alternatives like sterling silver, vermeil pieces, beaded gemstone jewelry, and leather accents. This trend toward diverse materials reflects both economic realities and a desire for fresh, unexpected designs.
Together, these insights from e-commerce, lifestyle, and fashion sectors paint a vivid picture of 2025 as a year of convergence between cutting-edge technology and a heartfelt return to nature and authenticity. Consumers are demanding smarter, more sustainable shopping experiences powered by AI and social platforms, while simultaneously craving real-world connections through digital detoxes, rustic aesthetics, and meaningful personal expression.
As businesses navigate this dynamic landscape, success will hinge on their ability to blend innovation with empathy—leveraging technology to meet evolving expectations without losing sight of the human desire for simplicity, trust, and connection.
