What a Fashion Psychologist Says to Shop to Feel Your Best for Spring, Based on Your Personality

I don’t know about you but whenever I pick out a pair of jeans, I don’t pause to consider what it means. “I’m lazy” or “I’m tired” comes to mind if I’m reaching for a sweatshirt, but that’s the extent to my conscious thought process. Now that I’ve met Jennifer Heinen, I’m looking at my fashion choices in an entirely new light. As a fashion psychologist, she examines the connection between clothing choices and every aspect of our identities: self-esteem, personality, mental health, emotional state, and beyond.

“Fashion psychology suggests that color serves as an emotional regulator—what we wear not only influences how others see us, but also how we feel about ourselves,” Heinen tells Real Simple.

With a new season coming up, I asked her what spring fashion trends for 2025 say about a wearer’s personality. But, before Heinen could do her magic, I reached out to experts Carly Mitchell, Mary Mitchell, and Sharon Board of Equipped Style. An image consulting and personal styling firm, they helped me find out which styles we can expect to trend come spring. The stylists identified each of the spring fashion trends listed below, as well as trending colors to watch out for.

Spring Fashion Trends for 2025

Trending Colors: Icy blue, powder pink, Mocha brown, classic red, marigold, and tangerine
What they say: Calmness, elegance, and approachability; high energy, confidence, and visibility

Classic Minimalism

Key styles: Stripes, satin pants and skirts, suede, pearlcore, sensible footwear
What it says: Sophistication, timelessness, clarity, warmth, composure

According to Heinen, this trend “attracts individuals who appreciate sophistication, structure, and timeless appeal.” Heinen explains, “People who favor this trend often exhibit confidence through subtlety, valuing precision, quality, and a refined aesthetic.” She adds that “minimalism in fashion is associated with self-regulation, cognitive clarity, and a preference for order and control.”

“This trend reflects an intentional approach to dressing, in which every choice signals a deeper understanding of personal identity,” Heinen adds.

Max Studio Faux Suede Midi Skirt

“A love for suede signals an appreciation for tactile comfort and understated richness,” Heinen says, adding that such textured fabrics “evoke warmth and trustworthiness.”

According to Heinen, “Wearers of suede often value classic, earthy sophistication while maintaining an approachable demeanor.”

Steve Madden Glimmer Imitation Pearl Mule

“Pearls have long symbolized wisdom, refinement, and tradition,” Heinen says. “Those drawn to pearls often embrace a blend of heritage and modernity, seeking to convey grace and poise.” If you’re embracing the pearlcore trend, Heinen says others might perceive you as “elegant, composed, and self-assured.”

Didk Mesh Tunic Dress

Oversized Maximalist

Key styles: Oversized athletic coats, windbreakers, pattern mixing, polka dots, bubble seams
What it says: Playfulness, creativity, willingness to take risks, cool, rebellious, adaptability 

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, you’ll also see oversized athletic coats (like windbreakers), pattern-mixing with stripes, polka dots, and bubble seams galore. (Yes, like your eighth grade school dance dress from Joyce Leslie’s!) Think layers of athleisure layering like Princess Diana, and brightly-colored pattern mixing a la Bronwyn of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

This trend “signals a personality that thrives on self-expression, playfulness, and confidence,” Heinen says. “Those who embrace bold layering, exaggerated silhouettes, and mixed patterns often exhibit high openness to experience—a trait linked to creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge norms.”

Mixed Fabric Bubble Hem Midi Dress

“Exaggerated silhouettes add an element of theatricality, signaling a bold, avant-garde personality,” Heinen says. Research in the field of fashion psychology suggests “oversized and exaggerated proportions create a subconscious sense of empowerment, as volume in clothing can make the wearer appear larger and more dominant.”

Short-Sleeve Tie-Front Top

Long-Sleeve Crewneck Base Layer

“Layering communicates depth—both stylistically and psychologically. Princess Diana’s approach to casual, yet sophisticated, layering embodied a blend of accessibility and high-fashion influence, making it a statement of both nonchalance and strategic styling,” Heinen explains. Psychologically, this style could indicate “adaptability and control over their appearance.”

Always Effortless Jacket

100% Organic Cotton Knit Blazer

Overall Feminine Aesthetic

Key styles: Lace, silk, sheer materials, tie-front shirts, bows, mesh
What it says: Gentleness, worldliness, poise, body positivity, confidence, intentionality

Expect lots of silky, lacy camisoles like the early ‘00s when Limited Too reigned supreme. Of course, these camis have gotten a mature upgrade that’s a lot less middle school, and a lot more chic. Bows will continue to dominate, as will silk and satin fabrics. These soft, feminine outfits are already taking over Pinterest as shoppers search for spring outfit inspo.

Delicate fabrics like lace and sheer textiles are associated with themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and refinement,” Heinen says. “These materials create a juxtaposition between exposure and concealment, often leading to perceptions of intrigue and sophistication. The choice to wear sheer or lace elements, particularly in everyday wear rather than just intimate settings, signals self-assured femininity and body positivity—a shift that aligns with modern movements in fashion psychology emphasizing personal autonomy in dress.”

Wdirara Lace Mesh Jacket Blazer

“The sheer and lace trend, particularly in the form of silky camisoles and delicate lace details, speaks to a personality that embraces sensuality, femininity, and elegance,” Heinen explains. Favoring this aesthetic could mean that you “often exude confidence through softness rather than boldness” and have a “nuanced understanding of self-expression that blends romance, nostalgia, and contemporary empowerment.”

Draped Mesh Top

Sheer, mesh fabrics are already taking over some of your favorite retailers, a trend that Heinen attributes to the current culture’s “idea of visibility and discretion.” She contends that sheer clothing “creates an air of mystery and softness,” blending “exposure with a sense of intentionality.” To rock this trend, Heinen says the wearer is “comfortable with self-expression” and yet prefers “a nuanced approach rather than overtly revealing silhouettes.”

Tie-Front Cardigan

PrettyGarden Tie-Front Baby Doll Blouse

This aesthetic is ripe with soft, feminine touches—a resurgence that, according to Heinen, reflects “a shift toward reclaiming femininity as powerful rather than passive.” She adds that “the silkiness and fluidity of these pieces suggest confidence and a comfort with one’s sensuality.”

Modegal Satin High Waist Midi Skirt

Lace Godet Maxi Skirt

Statement Pants

Key styles: Barrel jeans, track pants, bold stripes, cuffed jeans 
What it says: Creativity, uniqueness, individuality, independence, risk-taker, effortless cool

Make a statement with your pants. These are a long departure from the skinny jeans—even the mom jeans—of the past. This spring, barrel jeans are to denim as bubble seams are to skirts.

Heinen calls this trend “bold, confident, and expressive” and the wearer is, too. If you’re drawn to “unconventional pant silhouettes and striking patterns,” Heinen says you probably have a lot of “openness…a trait linked to creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge fashion norms,” adding that in these pants, you are someone who wants to “stand out, embrace individuality, and reject conventional uniformity in clothing.”

Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

“Statement pants tap into fashion as a form of identity construction,” Heinen explains. These pants “challenge the traditional idea that pants should be functional and neutral, instead transforming them into a focal point of an outfit.” 

What does that mean for you, the wearer? It points to “boldness, independence, and a willingness to take stylistic risks.”

AE Stretch Barrel Jean

Baleaf Track Pants

A statement piece outside of the gym or locker room, these pants signal “comfort, ease, and adaptability.” This trend might appeal to you if you favor “dynamic street style aesthetics.” It “creates a perception of energy, movement, and a laidback confidence” with a wearer who often exudes “a casual yet intentional style” that reflects “effortless cool.”

Fisherman Core

Key styles: Peter Pan collars, nautical stripes, Grandpa jackets, boat shoes
What it says: Nostalgia, practicality, rugged yet refined, love of nature, escapist

This somewhat surprising aesthetic has us raiding the closets of our dads and grandpas. It evokes “a blend of nostalgia, practicality, and understated elegance,” reflecting “a desire for comfort, heritage, and slow fashion.” It’s most likely to resonate with those who “appreciate a balance between classic maritime influences and modern styling.”

All in all, Fisherman Core is “rooted in workwear and vintage coastal attire,” giving off “a strong sense of personal authenticity” from a person who “gravitates toward fashion choices that carry historical or cultural significance.”

Pilcro The Keira Collared Button-Front Blouse Long Sleeve

We saw the Peter Pan collar throughout the 2010s, but Fisherman Core puts a new spin on this nostalgic detail. “Associated with innocence and playfulness,” Heinen suggests that “rounded collars soften one’s appearance, making the wearer seem more approachable and youthful.” Like the overall feminine aesthetic does, it “reinforces themes of romanticism and sentimentality in modern style,” with a tough Fisherman touch.

Pilcro Utility Swing Jacket

“Chunky knits, cardigans, and vintage-style fisherman sweaters add a sense of comfort, warmth and wisdom,” Heinen explains. “The ‘grandpa’ aesthetic conveys thoughtfulness, intellectual depth, and an appreciation for tradition, aligning with fashion movements that prioritize storytelling through clothing.”

Featherless Quilted Long Puffer Jacket

By Design Hadley Stripe Sailor Sweater

Sperry A/O 2-Eye Boat Shoe

“Rooted in functionality and coastal tradition, boat shoes reflect a desire for practicality and casual sophistication. Psychologically, classic leather or canvas shoes often symbolize adaptability, resourcefulness, and a connection to heritage,” Heinen says. “The preference for a timeless, durable shoe suggests an affinity for investments in wardrobe staples over fleeting trends. 

Animal Prints

Key styles: Leopard print
What it says: Power, confidence, strength, sophistication polish, boldness, assertiveness

If you’re a Housewives (or Fran Drescher) fan, then you already know this powerful aesthetic never goes out of style. Specifically, leopard prints are everywhere, and that translates to all clothing items—even denim.

“Leopard print is one of the most symbolically-charged patterns in fashion, historically associated with power, confidence, sensuality, and rebellion,” Heinen explains. “The resurgence of leopard print in pants, shoes, and bags suggests a collective shift towards bold self-expression and unapologetic individuality.”

FunkyMonkey Classic Leopard Print Flats

A leopard print wearer will “often display high extroversion, confidence, and a desire to make an impact,” Heinen explains. “Socially, it can signal “strength and dominance,” suggesting that the wearer exudes “charisma and boldness.” The timeless pattern proves “power dressing is no longer limited to structured silhouettes, but also to bold, statement-making patterns.”

Amazon Essentials Crewneck

Lioness Horseshoe Print Barrel Leg Jeans

Colorful Sneakers, Ballet Flats, and Sneaker Charms

Key styles: Low arches, chunky heels, colorful sneakers, ballet flats, charms
What it says: Authenticity, high energy, positivity, playfulness, authority, status

When it comes to footwear this spring, basically anything goes. It can’t be boiled down to one specific style, as chunky sneakers and low-arched kicks alike are both still “in.” What you can bet on is seeing a lot more color, along with yet another trend from the 2010s making a comeback: ballet flats. Further playing up the love for bold playfulness and color, sneaker charms and shoe charms will no longer just be for Crocs.

“Footwear is a powerful nonverbal cue in fashion psychology, revealing insights about personality, confidence, and identity expression,” Heinen explains. “Brightly-colored sneakers, pointed-toe shoes, and ballet flats each project distinct psychological messages, reflecting different aspects of the wearer’s style and self-concept.”

Veja Campo Sneakers

If you gravitate toward Vejas, it should come as no surprise that you likely value ethics and sustainability. After all, the brand is well-known for its eco-friendly practices.

“Research on sustainability in fashion shows that individuals drawn to eco-friendly brands like Veja often prioritize authenticity, social responsibility, and long-term investment in quality over trends,” Heinen explains. This wearer is aware, conscious, and thoughtful.

Madewell The Greta Ballet Flat

Ballet flats will always come in that quintessential rounded toe, like the last time they were in style, but we’ll also see them show up in more pointed-toe options now, too.

“Pointed-toe shoes have long been associated with status, sophistication, and authority. Unlike rounded or square-toe footwear, the pointed silhouette elongates the foot and leg, creating a streamlined and refined appearance,” Heinen says. She adds that “the sharpness of the shoe shape subtly reinforces a sense of assertiveness and control.” If you love a pointed-toe shoe, you might learn toward “structured, detail-oriented fashion choices” that project “confidence and precision.”

Lospfo Two-Piece Pearl Bowknot Shoe Charm

Inside the umbrella of footwear, the experts at Equipped Style identified a unique microtrend making some small but steady waves: shoe charms. 

According to Heinen, “the rise of shoe charms reflects personalization and playfulness, allowing wearers to add a unique, decorative element to their footwear.” The trend suggests an “emotional attachment to clothing” and “increases feelings of individuality.”

Sources:

• Spring fashion trends provided and fact-checked by Sharon, Carly, and Mary of Equipped Style, Image Consulting and Personal Styling
• Jennifer Heinen, fashion psychologist and coaching stylist behind StylMynd, podcast host, and member of British Psychologist Society