BY: Asia Shamir Ferguson
Summer 2025 = nostalgia reimagined. Over the past three seasons, there’s been an uphill obsession with nostalgic films, music, and fashion. While Y2K doesn’t necessarily fit the dress code at the office, there are certain style elements from the past we can take to the workplace to stand out and create a sense of individualism, experimentation, and personal style.
Use this list of summer 2025 trends to keep your office wear lightweight, flowy, yet still practical and unique.
Checkers & Plaid
While prints and stripes are not new, especially if you’re a maximalist, checker prints and plaid have been reimagined on runways across Paris, Milan, and New York in funky silhouettes and bold colorways. To incorporate the trend into your weekly office looks, plaid heels, knee-length checker-print skirts, and striped button-ups are a good place to start. For the true fashionistas, many brands and designer labels have experimented with mixing and matching plaid patterns. If you’re feeling bold, this summer may be the perfect opportunity to remix your favorite trouser-blouse combo for the office.
In summer, with the desire to wear fewer fabrics and still be dress-code compliant, plaid offers more flexibility and range. Additionally, swapping out your traditional black or brown loafers, heels, vests, or blazer for a fun complex plaid a few days a week can bring new life to your summer wardrobe.
Practical & Sporty
Working women need a phenomenal wardrobe that won’t only turn heads but also provide comfort and functionality. Thus, enter the windbreaker jackets and utility pants. Athleisure can be chic, and utility pants in trouser-like styles can be a life-changing addition to a working woman’s wardrobe. Both additions are available in breathable and lightweight fabrics that can be enjoyed in and out of the office during the warmer months.
Windbreakers styled with cotton slouchy trousers are the perfect outfit combo for balancing the beaming thermostat in the office, in contrast to scorching heat outdoors. Utility pants and breathable trousers-like pants will be lifesavers that will help you stay cool, calm, and dress code compliant.
This summer, we’re not sacrificing comfort for style, especially when transitioning from weekend outings to midday lunch runs.
Skirts meet trousers
On the topic of trousers, as the temperature rises and we rotate our closets to prioritize lighter fabrics, linen and cotton pieces will be your best bet! However, we understand that classic trousers can get boring after a while. Opting for the slouchy fit only goes so far for the women who prefer versatility. Thus, enter skirted trousers.
This nostalgic styling technique may remind you of the teens and tweens of the ‘99s and the ‘00s. However, this time it’s chic and elevated for the working women and everyday outings. The idea of any layers in the summertime seems deranged. Nevertheless, this new trend is still summer-proof as it upgrades your office look by embracing new silhouettes.
“…nostalgia reimagined is an idea that will stick for seasons to come…”
Schoolgirl skirts
Still on the topic of skirts, when you’re in need of a flowy alternative, pleated maxi skirts in satin and silk fabrics could be a game-changer.
Whether you’re gliding through the office doors, remote, or working hybrid, knee-length or maxi skirts styled in a preppy way can bring back nostalgia, perfect for warmer weather.
The Fringe continues…
Last summer, fringe was a trend due to Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter uproar and an overall love for the western cowboy aesthetic. This time around, the fringe is worn as an elevated chic addition to trousers, maxi dresses, skirts and button-ups. The next time you create your office ensemble, try switching out a basic piece with a carefree fringed upgrade.
Although trends are meant to be taken with a grain of salt, nostalgia reimagined is an idea that will stick for seasons to come, as it welcomes women to embrace their unique personal style rather than hiding in the box of trends and aesthetics. This summer we’re stepping back into carefree, expressive dressing!
Asia Shamir Ferguson is an Atlanta-based fashion, culture, and entertainment journalist. Asia is part of Generation Z of storytellers, fashion writers, and creatives.
