Spring/Summer 2025 accessories are redefining the concept of practicality and self-expression, offering a bold antidote to the restrained spending and economic challenges of recent years. This season, runways were anything but minimalist, showcasing an array of statement pieces— from stacked belts and eclectic bag charms to versatile clutches and high-impact footwear.
Amidst economic headwinds and escalating luxury prices, accessories remain a cornerstone of the fashion industry, bridging aspirational luxury with tangible desirability. According to the Lyst Index, seven of the top ten most-searched styles in Q2 of 2024 were accessories, reinforcing their enduring impact on fashion.
This season’s trends tap into the evolving consumer psyche with shoppers seeking products that resonate emotionally, whether through playful bag charms that invite personalisation, retro-inspired sneakers that blend comfort and style or high-high-top sneakers that echo fashion’s love for functional statement-making. These pieces reflect individuality, celebrate craftsmanship and offer timeless appeal— qualities that are increasingly valued in today’s market.
| Accessories provide a gateway to luxury for a broad spectrum of consumers, offering longevity, versatility and status. |
For brands and designers, S/S ’25 is an opportunity to innovate within these categories. By incorporating trends like layered belts, sculptural pumps and adaptable clutches, collections can strike a balance between high-fashion creativity and consumer accessibility. Accessories are not just an add-on— they are the statement-makers for the season and here, we present to you the top six leading the way forward.
THE RISE OF OVERSIZED BAGS
Oversized bags dominate S/S ’25 as a must-have accessory, merging practicality with statement-making design. This trend caters to a lifestyle that demands versatility, offering ample storage while doubling as a bold style element. From soft, slouchy totes to structured, oversized briefcases, the impact of these mega bags lies in their adaptability. Proenza Schouler showcased wide shoppers paired with nautical stripes and tailored trenches, while Jil Sander reimagined briefcase styles with casual, unzipped edges, making them effortlessly chic. Stella McCartney’s pillow-like iterations added a plush, tactile dimension, ideal for day-to-night transitions.
Consumers, driven by a need for both utility and individuality, gravitate toward accessories that marry function with fashion. Oversized bags align with this psyche, offering a solution for the modern, on-the-go lifestyle without compromising on style. Designers and brands can embrace this trend by experimenting with innovative materials such as recycled leather, canvas and soft vegan suede in muted neutrals and understated prints catering to minimalists and bold hues and oversized hardware tapping those seeking standout pieces.
ELEVATED SNEAKERS
Sneakers with high-high-top silhouettes and innovative designs are redefining footwear aesthetics. These styles blur the lines between sporty functionality and high-fashion appeal, offering an edgy yet versatile addition to modern wardrobes.
In S/S ’25, high-top sneakers are mimicking boots in their lace-up construction. Stella McCartney, Ann Demeulemeester and Dior embraced this bold look, with McCartney showcasing sleek athletic vibes, Demeulemeester channelling gothic romance and Dior blending elegance with Olympian strength. Loewe explored ankle-height iterations in striking colour-blocked combinations, while Chloé softened the trend with earthy tones, ideal for laid-back summer styles. On the other end of the spectrum, Miu Miu presented minimalist low-top sneakers with sporty, understated palettes, catering to casual yet chic sensibilities.
High-high-tops offer a rebellious, urban aesthetic, perfect for pairing with structured tailoring or breezy casuals. Designers and brands can tap into this trend by experimenting with materials like lightweight mesh, recycled fabrics or metallic accents, enhancing breathability and sustainability. Offering customisable elements such as interchangeable laces or detachable accents can increase consumer engagement.
DOUBLE-BELTING AND BELT STACKING
Spring/Summer 2025 cements belts as more than just functional accessories— they emerge as statement-making essentials. Double-belting and belt stacking are leading the way this season, bringing a bold and eclectic flair to outfits.
Hip chains, woven designs and utility belts added dimension and versatility, making this trend a playful way to enhance minimalistic looks. Mismatched materials— think scarf ties, charms and bejeweled belts— create striking contrasts, offering endless possibilities for personalisation. This creative approach bridges accessories with apparel, emphasising individuality and craftsmanship.
Miu Miu dominated this trend with stacked belt styling, showcasing multiple belts layered over everything from tailored separates to flowing dresses.
For consumers, this trend resonates with the desire for uniqueness and self-expression. Belt stacking offers a customisable element, allowing wearers to layer different materials, patterns and designs to reflect their personal style. Additionally, the trend aligns with the growing preference for reworking existing wardrobe pieces, giving consumers a sustainable way to refresh their looks.
CLASSIC PUMPS REVAMPED
Classic pumps take on a renewed significance for S/S ’25, blending vintage-inspired silhouettes with modern craftsmanship to celebrate individuality and understated elegance. This season, designers have reimagined the pump, incorporating thoughtful details that align with the broader narrative of ‘soft power’, described as uplifting, positive and women-friendly.
Bottega Veneta’s pointed red pump, a bold yet refined statement piece and Chloé’s criss-cross style that brings sensuality to its bohemian aesthetic, stood out on the runways. Saint Laurent’s glossy ‘Jeanne’ pumps, adorned with gold-toned YSL hardware, offer versatile elegance and Khaite’s subtle take on ‘toe cleavage’ adds a playful nod to individuality, while Prada revisits icons from its archives with winged tips that evoke nostalgia and sophistication. Bottega Veneta expands its intrecciato universe with sculptural pumps, showcasing innovation within a timeless framework.
Pumps for S/S ’25 cater to a wide range of occasions, from effortless daytime looks to elevated eveningwear, making them a versatile addition to any collection. Experimenting with materials such as woven leather, patent finishes and unique embellishments will ensure relevance. Offering styles in both neutral tones and bold colours provides options for classic and statement-making consumers.
BAG CHARMS
This season, bag charms are transforming handbags into canvases for personal expression. As accessories become increasingly about individuality and storytelling, charms provide the perfect medium for customisation, adding a playful, sentimental or artistic touch to any look.
The trend has been building momentum and is poised to dominate this season. Pinterest data reveals a 274 per cent year-on-year surge in searches for bag charms and a 27 per cent rise in antique brooch interest, indicating a growing consumer inclination towards personalised embellishments. The runways echoed this sentiment, with cutesy and eclectic charms making appearances on handbags and totes. Versace and Coperni embraced jangly accents for a dynamic effect, Chloé leaned into its bohemian roots with chintzy trinkets and Fendi combined plush floral sprigs with luxuriously soft designs, bringing a whimsical elegance to its bags.
For brands and designers, this trend offers endless potential for innovation. Collections can include customisable charm options, collaborations with artisans for bespoke designs or even upcycled elements for a sustainable edge.
RETRO SNEAKERS
Drawing from the sophisticated sportiness seen across ready-to-wear, designers have infused nostalgic charm into athletic footwear, appealing to both casual and elevated styles.
Gucci set the tone with minimalist, box-fresh white sneakers, perfectly juxtaposed with a slate-grey tailored ensemble, exemplifying understated elegance, whilst Miu Miu embraced a vintage vibe with patinated burgundy and navy sneakers styled playfully with contrasting ankle socks, adding a youthful touch. Proenza Schouler opted for bold, graphic black-and-white designs, already proving popular in retail. Loewe introduced a high-top version of its cult-favourite Ballet Runner, fusing retro aesthetics with contemporary appeal.
For designers and brands, this trend offers room to explore distinctive materials like aged leather, suede or mesh for a vintage feel, while incorporating contemporary elements such as bold colour-blocking or subtle metallic details. Capsule collections celebrating sports heritage or collaborations with athletic brands can further enhance the appeal.
DAY-TO-NIGHT CLUTCHES
Spring/Summer 2025 ushers in longer days and the promise of spontaneous evenings, demanding versatile accessories that seamlessly transition from work to social outings. This season’s standout is the day-to-night clutch— an essential for the modern wardrobe.
On the runways, brands like Toteme, Dries Van Noten and Loewe showcased sleek grab-and-go clutches that embody effortless sophistication. Bottega Veneta’s ‘Long Andiamo’ clutch epitomises this duality, offering an understated yet striking option for those dashing from the office to after-hours events.
For added versatility, Loewe’s ‘Flamenco’ clutch takes centre stage with its chunky gold-tone chain strap, a dynamic detail that doubles as an accessory. The strap can be detached for an elevated evening look or left dangling to exude casual luxury, making it an ideal choice for a packed social calendar.
Brands can capitalise on this trend by offering clutches in a variety of textures such as smooth leather, metallic finishes and soft suedes to cater to diverse occasions. Incorporating detachable straps, convertible silhouettes and vibrant hues will further enhance their appeal, ensuring these clutches become a cornerstone of S/S ’25 collections.
