With an ever speeding up trend cycle, Summer ‘25 is looking to be different from the last. From the different styles of shorts, to tanline debates, fashion this season is certainly fresh.
Micro Shorts Go Mainstream
Short shorts are emblematic of Summer, appearing everywhere both online and real life. But this season’s denim short craze looks a little different.
Last year, jorts were all the rage, with hems dancing below the knee. Fashion tends to be reactionary, therefore it’s no surprise that this year the shorts are almost risque in inseam length.
These short shorts have two details that felt characteristically different enough to note. First, micro shorts are becoming increasingly low rise, a departure from the belly-button height waist bands of the 2010’s. Second, I’m seeing less raw, ripped denim on display. 2024 was the year of the clean girl, so a lot of clothing is taking on a more polished look. I also believe that by selling hemmed, unripped shorts, the (increasingly) fast fashion industry can mimic the appearance of quality fabrics that don’t fray.
Bikini Tan-Lines
Fake tan is back, as NHS students could tell you by looking around any given classroom. However, instead of the Playboy Bunny tanning stickers of the early aughts, teens are intentionally giving themselves bikini tan lines. Online, influencers get the look by wearing a bikini when applying fake tan. This style is a step above sun-kissed, adding a fun detail to any sleeveless outfit without wearing another layer.
Fake tanner is much easier than checking the UV index hourly, or sitting in the sun all day. But don’t get “tan blindness”; Use self tanner liberally. If someone tells you that you look orange, chances are you do.
Sunkissed Makeup
Back from 2024 is this very pink trend. Like the faux bikini tan lines, sunkissed makeup is done to produce the effect of being in the sun (in an intentional, put together, “clean-girl” way, you can’t just go in the sun). Characterizing this look is its strong blush, blush that runs over the nose and up to the temples. Cream blush sticks from Rhode Beauty or Pixi are run across the face, avoiding the under-eye area, to create a unique redness. By choosing where the color goes, the “sunburn” looks more flattering on the face. Some even use sunglasses as a guideline.
However, if you’re like me, you might want to stay away from this lobster-esque look. When your face is naturally red, adding an across the face blush can look more like inflammation.
Overall, 2025 is going to be a year for the fashion history books. Whether you follow trends or not, look out for micro shorts, faux tan, and sunkissed makeup on both your feed and in real life.
