I Asked Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director About 5 Can’t‑Miss Spring and Summer 2025 Trends—Here’s What She Told Me
From retro boho to polished garden‑party, plus three other aesthetics you’ll be reaching for all season.
While spinning through Spring 2025’s whirlwind of runway shows, previews, and presentations, Nordstrom’s Associate Fashion Director Linda Cui Zhang took note of the freshly sprouting warm-weather trend report. Among countless cores and aesthetics, Zhang tells Marie Claire that several styles are forecasted to rise in popularity during the spring and summer months, some of which have already reached full bloom.
“The boho-chic renaissance, pioneered by Chemena Kamali, creative director at Parisian brand Chloé, put feminine dressing at the forefront during fashion week,” says Zhang. Other American-based designers, such as Altuzarra and Sandy Liang, embraced nostalgia with '60s-era mod staples, like structured shift dresses, tailored skirt suits, and the often controversial capri pants.
Some labels even decided to champion an outdoorsy lifestyle through their lineups. Ulla Johnson crafted longline vests resembling gardener uniforms, and Coperni showcased striped rugby shirts fit for competition.
Meanwhile, floral dresses and vibrant matching sets from Anna Sui’s vacation-worthy collection evoked daydreams of sunbathing on the Italian Riviera (with an Aperol Spritz in hand).
Ahead, Zhang dives into the top spring and summer fashion forecast, swiftly filling up Nordstrom carts. As temperatures continue to rise, these sizzling styles will also find their way into your wardrobe, so you might as well stay one step ahead.
Western-Boho Frenzy
During the Spring 2025 fashion week circuit, Chloé and Zimmermann made it clear that boho is back—but with a twist.
Frilly lace blouses, ruffled dresses, and earth-toned accessories dominated several runways. “These romantic bohemian designs were balanced with rugged Western-inspired styles like sturdy jackets and bold hardware,” notes Zhang. Embrace the look with this free-spirited edit that features a soft yet edgy blend.
Practical Gardener
Ulla Johnson and Prada encourage you to embrace your inner horticulturist.
You don’t need a green thumb to embody the “practical gardener” aesthetic. Zhang explains that this outdoorsy trend is easily achievable through embellished utilitarian staples, sturdy handbags, durable clogs, and creative sun hats and shades.
“The look embodies a gardener's uniform that has been reimagined with an elegant sensibility,” Zhang explains. “Follow in the footsteps of Ulla Johnson, who captured the trend’s essence with functional pieces adorned with sophisticated design details.”
La Dolce Vita
Escape to the Italian shore with floral-adorned dresses from Carolina Herrera and Anna Sui.
“Allover prints, one-and-done dresses, and matching sets capture the spirit of a beachy ‘dolce vita’ vacation,” says Zhang. The fashion director notes that she first spotted this trend during Anna Sui’s Spring 2025 show. “I was drawn to Sui’s cheerful, maximalist approach to dressing for a warm-weather holiday,” she says. “Now, we’re seeing a growing demand for this aesthetic among our clients.”
Whether planning a coastal getaway or fantasizing about one, Zhang says, “Be sure to complete your look with flat sandals and a raffia bag (or jute)” to embrace the leisurely side of life.
Playful Mod
We might be living in 2025, but designs from Altuzarra and Sandy Liang look as if they’ve been pulled straight from the ‘60s.
Thanks to various ladylike labels, the fashion crowd is falling in love with whimsical mod dressing. “The Altuzarra show gently referenced symbols of '60s-era fashion with flouncy collars and pillbox hats,” says Zhang. “On other runways, there were sightings of capri pants styled with kitten heels, A-line mini dresses worn with sheer tights, and nipped-waist jackets paired with East-West bags.”
If you decide to embrace this delicate look, Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot, and Jackie Kennedy would surely approve.
High Sport
For a game-winning outfit, steal a page from the style playbooks of Tory Burch and OpéraSPORT.
With sophisticated shapes and soft details, Tory Burch and OpéraSPORT elevated their athleisure outfits with a high-fashion touch—track pants included. Zhang notes that other brands have also embraced this trend. “At the 3.1 Phillip Lim show, lace tops drew inspiration from American football jerseys, while pants mirrored traditional taekwondo silhouettes,” she explains. “Meanwhile, at the Coperni presentation, we got an up-close look at preppy rugby polos in vibrant shades, swimsuit jersey dresses, and nylon windbreaker jackets.”
Beyond the runways and showrooms, Zhang also noted sporty street styles, including "retro runners from Miu Miu and Puma that infused an athletic attitude into sharp, tailored looks."
