As summer 2025 unfolds across Europe and beyond, fashion enthusiasts are embracing a vibrant mix of retro revivals and bold prints, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber leading the charge. On June 21, 2025, Bieber was spotted at Bar Pitti, the famed celebrity lunch spot known for its star-studded clientele including Kendall Jenner and the Hadid sisters. She stepped out in a daring ensemble that perfectly captured two of the season’s most talked-about trends: the ever-divisive capri pants silhouette and the timeless polka dot print.
Bieber’s outfit was a study in balancing statement and simplicity. She wore white and black polka dot capri pants from the Spanish brand Paloma Wool, pairing them with a plain black sleeveless top. Her accessories were minimal yet chic—a thin-strapped gold watch, oval sunglasses, square-toed thong sandals, and a structured square mini handbag rounded out the look. Her beauty choices echoed this understated vibe, with her long brunette hair kept loose and natural, and her nails painted in a subtle frosé pink. Accompanied by musician friend Justine Skye, Bieber’s appearance marked a slight departure from her usual style, thanks to the bold print that commanded attention.
Polka dots have been a recurring motif on runways and streets alike over recent seasons. Designers like Moschino and Rodarte have showcased the pattern in floaty, feminine dresses perfect for sun-soaked days, while creatives such as Bode, Brandon Maxwell, and Talia Byre have offered artistic and playful twists on the classic dot. Bieber’s choice to pair the print with capri pants—a silhouette that has sparked debate among fashion circles—illustrates the trend’s growing acceptance. The capri pants, also known as pedal pushers, have been steadily rising in popularity since last autumn and are a staple in Bieber’s wardrobe, complemented by her penchant for barely-there shoes and oval sunglasses.
This resurgence of capri pants isn’t isolated to Bieber alone. Fashion icons like the Olsen twins have championed the silhouette on The Row’s runways, and stars including Bella Hadid and Zoe Kravitz have also been spotted embracing the pedal pusher revival. The silhouette’s appeal lies in its vintage charm and practical summer-friendly length, reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic style in the film Sabrina. A golden tan, of course, only enhances the crispness of white-based statement prints like Bieber’s spotted trousers.
Zooming out from celebrity style, the broader European summer fashion scene of 2025 is a vibrant celebration of color, texture, and nostalgic nods. Emily Dawes, senior shopping editor at Who What Wear UK and a respected voice in fashion circles, has identified ten key trends defining the Euro-summer wardrobe. Drawing from European fashion influencers and her own extensive industry experience, Dawes notes that many of these trends are not only stylish but also accessible, with many readers likely to already own pieces that fit the bill.
Leading the list are sarongs—versatile, lightweight wraps that can be styled in myriad ways, from beach cover-ups to chic tops paired with linen trousers. Alongside sarongs, bandeau necklines on dresses and tops are making waves for their effortless chic appeal, embraced even by minimalists. As temperatures climb, minidresses are enjoying a major comeback, worn with everything from flip flops to knee-high boots, the latter favored by Gen Z fashionistas.
Speaking of footwear, flip flops have reclaimed their place as summer staples, especially along the sun-drenched shores of the Ionian, Adriatic, and Mediterranean seas. The trend favors simplicity, a direct counterpoint to the chunky sandals that dominated earlier in the decade.
Capri pants, a nod to ’90s and early 2000s fashion, remain a standout trend. Stylish wearers are pairing them with bikini tops and mules to evoke a vintage siren vibe, perfectly suited to the European summer’s laid-back yet polished aesthetic. Complementing this retro revival are headscarves—ranging from delicate crochet to sleek monochrome silks—offering an easy way to elevate summer staples.
For those drawn to romantic styles, pretty blouses in cream, floaty, and boho varieties are gaining popularity. Fashion insiders are experimenting with these pieces, wearing them as cover-ups or pairing them with masculine bermuda shorts for an intriguing contrast. Accessories are also evolving, with cord necklaces emerging as a must-have to refresh last year’s summer outfits instantly.
Another Y2K throwback making a splash is the halterneck, particularly polka dot halter dresses that are expected to be spotted all along the Riviera. Finally, cute little shorts in diverse styles—lacey, silky, gingham, puffball, embroidered, and sporty—offer a playful alternative to denim cut-offs, pairing well with everything from vintage T-shirts to linen shirts and hoodies.
What ties these trends together is a shared spirit of fun, versatility, and a willingness to embrace both the past and present. Whether it’s Hailey Bieber’s confident polka dot capris at a celebrity hotspot or the effortless elegance of a sarong on a Mediterranean beach, summer 2025’s fashion narrative is one of joyful self-expression. It’s a season that invites everyone to experiment, mix prints and textures, and, above all, enjoy the art of dressing for the sun.
