They say that nothing is certain in life except for death and taxes—and perhaps those seasonal trend forecasts. But these reports don’t just fall out of the sky, and there’s a reason why magazines, influencers and media in all respects are predicting what’s going to be popular in the coming months. But what are those trends and why are we gravitating towards them right now? With guidance from Pinterest, the latest runway shows, and insights from fashion psychologist Dr. Dion Terrelonge, we’re unpacking predicted trends and explaining the possible reasoning behind their popularity.

Sea Witchery

Coming off the heels of 2023’s Mermaid Core and 2024’s Office Siren, the rest of this year will see a marriage of both styles with sea witchery. According to Pinterest, slick and sultry beauty (like this slick and glimmering hair and makeup from Dreaming Eli SS25) and iridescent and shell-like fabrics (like Look 20 from Loewe SS25) will all come together with a gloomy twist. 

As to why we’re seeing this collision? It’s a reflection of the times we’re living in and the push to continue evolving. “When you think of a mermaid, you think of naivety—a freshness.” Terrelonge suggests. “It’s moved from that to a slightly wiser, sultry and more grown-up version. … The playfulness and lightness [from earlier iterations] have gone, and I think we’re seeing darkness creep in.” 

The step towards darkness coincides with WGSN, a leading trend forecasting company that’s predicting darker and richer tones on the rise. The mature nature of this trend also reflects the grave state of the world, like a looming recession or climate change, forcing people to abandon whimsy and swap it with seriousness. But this trend isn’t all doom and gloom. “Psychologically, we associate colours like deep royal blues and purples with mystery and intrigue,” Terrelonge explains, “we think of magic.”

So what does a pull towards this trend say about you? You probably enjoy the extravagant, playful and mythical styles of dress inspired by mermaids, but find yourself evolving with the times.

Fisherman Aesthetic

Another sea-inspired trend on the horizon for the rest of the year, the fisherman aesthetic is the scaled back option for the nautically enthused. While the trend is characterized by cozy garments like fisherman knit sweaters, the reason why this trend may be entering the mainstream is less comfortable to grapple with. 

Terrelonge draws a connection between the return to utilitarian, workwear garments, history and the current rise of masculinity in the mainstream. “In the last couple of years, there was a stronger lean [in menswear] towards femininity—think nail polish, ruffles and skirts on men. It was lovely,” she says, comparing the styles seen historically on figures like Louis XIV and what coincided during that era. “During the great male renunciation [in the 18th century], men stopped dressing for fun and started dressing more practically.”

She draws parallels to the rise of uber-masculine energy displays at tech companies like Meta, adding, “Although there’s no kind of [official] renunciation right now, I’m wondering if this is a slight take on the return to utilitarian dressing.”

Theories aside, if you gravitate towards this practical way of dressing, you prioritize comfort, regardless of gender, if you’re working or even fishing.

Castlecore 

A unique trend Terrelonge says trend forecasters haven’t seen in a while, castlecore features motifs that reference the medieval period, like chainmail fabric, dramatically sleeved dresses and antique jewelry. 

Chappell Roan, an early adopter of the trend, famously donned a medieval-inspired outfit at the MTV Video Music Awards while famously telling off paparazzi. But what does it mean? “It’s a literal interpretation of sartorial armour,” Terrelonge says, noting how modern-day clothing can be a vehicle for protecting the self societally. “[This world isn’t]  the same place their grandparents lived in, where they were told that if you study hard in school and you get a good job you’ll be able to buy a car and go on holidays.” 

No matter what someone may be protecting themselves from—societal or environmental—the castlecore aesthetic implies that not only is one prepared to fight, but to step into their power, too.

Moto Boho

Ushered in by Chloé’s FW24 collection, Pinterest is calling for the rise of Moto Boho, a more practical and wearable version of the free-spirited silhouettes seen on the runway. Pairings like leather combat boots are juxtaposed with lace-trimmed dresses, and flowy sleeves are topped off with tough leather coats.

“It feels like a modern interpretation of boho,” Terrelonge explains. While the trend was last popularized in the early 2000s, worn by style icons like Mischa Barton and Sienna Miller, “[This time around], they’re saying: “Yes, I’m feminine, but I can be soft and hard. I can be delicate and strong.” 

While trend reports may come and go with each season and make for a fascinating read, Dr. Dion Terrelonge reiterates that they’re still hypothetical. “As the year goes on, some of [these trends] may take off, while others may fall by the wayside,” she says. “A trend only becomes a trend once people buy into it.”