The fashion world is buzzing as the quarterly Lyst index for Q2 2025 reveals the latest trends and brand rankings, while the upcoming fall 2025 collections promise a personality-driven season full of eclectic styles and fresh layering techniques. From the surge in footwear fascination to the revival of prep-inspired looks and bohemian influences, this year’s fashion landscape is as diverse as it is dynamic.
Leading the pack in the Lyst index, Miu Miu reclaimed its top spot after briefly ceding it to Loewe in the previous quarter. Alongside Prada, Saint Laurent, and Coach, these brands continue to dominate the buzz, with COS standing out as the only high-street label nestled at number seven, just behind The Row at six. This ranking underscores the growing consumer appetite for both luxury and accessible fashion, blending exclusivity with everyday wearability.
What’s capturing the collective imagination this quarter? Footwear, hands down. The phenomenon is striking—six out of the top ten hottest items are shoes, marking a rare moment when a single body part commands the sartorial spotlight. From the quirky Vibram Fivefinger shoes, reminiscent of the Nike Air Rift, to the timeless Ancient Greek Sandals and Iro ballet flats, feet have become the centerpiece of style conversations. Notably, The Row’s Dune flip-flops have seen a remarkable surge in popularity, especially after actor Jonathan Bailey was spotted wearing them on a London red carpet, signaling a shift towards understated yet culturally resonant footwear.
Katie Lubin, Vice President of Brand and Communications at Lyst, highlights the cultural impact of The Row’s minimalist yet status-symbol footwear. She explains, “They’ve hit the sweet spot where minimalist aesthetic meets maximum cultural cachet, creating products that function as both wardrobe staples and status symbols.” This sentiment resonates with the broader trend of consumers seeking pieces that are both functional and emblematic of personal style.
The flip-flop frenzy is quantifiable—searches have skyrocketed by 68%, with shoppers gravitating towards affordable options from COS, Havaianas, and Tory Burch. Tory Burch, in particular, has made waves with its “pierced” silhouettes, offering bolder statements within the low-key footwear arena. Beyond flip-flops, the list of coveted shoes includes Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers and Miu Miu’s suede logo-embossed boat shoes, styles that have enjoyed a steady comeback since early 2024. Ballet sneakers, such as Puma’s Speedcat flats, have also paved the way for this footwear-focused moment, blending comfort with chic.
Meanwhile, athletic dressing maintains its stronghold, with Adidas track shorts ranking third in popularity. Celebrities like Paul Mescal and Zoë Kravitz have played a pivotal role in elevating these sporty staples by pairing them with unexpected accessories like heeled mules and luxury bags from Saint Laurent. Burberry, too, has experienced a resurgence in menswear, particularly with shirting and swim shorts. Earlier this year, the brand revisited its roots through a festival-inspired campaign featuring Cara Delevingne and the Gallagher family, demonstrating how nostalgia and celebrity endorsement continue to drive fashion relevance.
Looking ahead to fall 2025, fashion takes a turn towards personality-driven expression. The season embraces a spectrum of styles, from minimalism to maximalism, with an emphasis on how clothes are worn rather than just what is worn. A wave of “book-smart styling tricks” emerges from prep-inspired looks, offering innovative ways to refresh classic heritage pieces. Layered button-downs, sharp pencil skirts, and relaxed varsity jackets provide a fresh take on modern academia, challenging traditional prep rules with ultra-layered ensembles.
Miu Miu’s runway spotlighted spectacles as the season’s must-have accessory, adding an intellectual edge to the look. Brands like Bally and Polo Ralph Lauren offer valuable layering tips, while Auralee and Khaite stand out for their knitwear expertise. This scholarly aesthetic blends sophistication with a youthful twist, appealing to those who appreciate a polished yet approachable style.
Departing from the trend of ultra-quiet luxury, fall collections incorporate texture and movement through fringe, tassels, and dramatic draping. This “maximalism for minimalists” caters to those who have outgrown stark simplicity but still crave refined elegance. Labels such as Ferragamo and By Malene Birger experiment with craft and texture, while Alaïa, Fforme, and Rôhe explore expressive shapes that add dimension and personality to minimalist wardrobes.
The feminine spirit also infuses the season, evident in collections from Chloé to Dries Van Noten, which transcend typical boho clichés to present a more nuanced, empowered aesthetic. Chemena Kamali’s three-season tenure at Chloé exemplifies this with the “Nomadic Spirit” trend, characterized by flowing blouses, knits, and layered jackets over maxi skirts, complemented by rich embroidered details. Flat footwear, hefty low-slung belts, and layered jewelry—especially long pendants—ground these billowing silhouettes, creating looks that feel both timeless and contemporary. Notably, the trend of long pendants has been building throughout summer 2025 and is set to continue into the fall, offering a versatile accessory that bridges seasons.
In sum, the fashion landscape of 2025 is marked by a dynamic interplay between comfort and statement, heritage and innovation, minimalism and maximalism. Whether it’s the unexpected spotlight on feet or the intellectual revival of prep, the season encourages individuality and thoughtful expression. As consumers navigate this rich tapestry of trends, they are invited to curate wardrobes that speak to their unique stories and evolving tastes.
