The fashion world lives from constant change, from large currents, shape all decades or eras, to small, fast -moving trends that only cause a sensation for one season.
What are macro and microtrends in fashion?
Macrotrends describe long -term developments that are often characterized by social and cultural changes. “They are often shaped by catwalks or international fashion messen and include trend currents that remain relevant over a longer period of time,” said Madeline Dangmann, Senior Fashion Editor at Glamor Germany.
Examples of this are the revival of certain decades such as the 1970s or far-contained styles such as the so-called office chic, which is characterized by clear lines, structured cuts and neutral colors.
In contrast, microtrends, which according to Dangmann often only have a short lifespan, concentrate on specific fashion elements, colors, accessories or styling ideas and are often strongly influenced by pop cultural phenomena. Just like the ‘Brat’ aesthetics, which was influenced by the sixth studio album by the English singer Charli XCX. “Microtrends are witnesses of an ever faster fashion world,” explains Carl Tillessen from the German Fashion Institute (DMI).
The digitization and the boom from Ultra-Fast-Fashion enable such trends to spread and implement rapidly. Favorable second-hand offers also contribute to the fact that the trends are accessible at all. Tillessen describes microtrends as “playful and entertaining” and compares it with the character of “Motto Parties”. This means that a new motto is issued almost weekly and those who enjoy it are part of it by implementing the motto for themselves or dressing accordingly.
Social media as an engine for the spread of microtrends
The spread of microtrends today depends more than ever on social platforms such as TikKOK or Instagram. “Trends can go viral overnight if they are taken up by influencers: inside or public life,” explains color and style consultant Jasmin Link.
A prime example of this was the ‘Barbiecore’ trend, which was triggered by the success of the Barbie film in 2023 and ensured a wave of pink-colored outfits worldwide. Or Beyoncé, who has spread the ‘Cowboycore aesthetics’ with her single “Texas Hold’ Em”. Which means that cow patterns are now announced.
According to Carl Tillessen, however, this fast -moving dynamic also means that many microtrends are no longer practiced or actually lived, but are only “being throidated”. “Some trends remain purely theoretically and only exist as a topic of conversation on social media,” explains the expert. “You no longer reach the streets, but above all meet a conversation purpose”.
Potential microtrends for the coming season
The question of which microtrends await us in the coming seasons is difficult to answer with certainty. They often arise at short notice and are strongly influenced by current events. But there are already some elements that could move into spring and summer 2025.
Micro skirts
“Often microtrends are extravagant or outstanding and therefore so interesting,” said Jasmin Link. One of the most striking microtrends, which could therefore continue to become more important in the coming months, are, according to the expert Micro-Skirts-ultra-short skirts that are inspired by the aesthetics of the 2000s. They are often combined with long coats, knee-high stockings or oversized blazers, which creates an exciting break in style, explains Madeline Dangmann.
Micro shorts, which are provided with unconventional details such as visible underwear or hanging pockets, could still be found in the collections and caused a sensation. “If you don’t want to show so much leg, you can breathe a sigh of relief,” said the expert. The MIDI length is coming back and totally trendy as well as flowing maxi skirts in Boho-Chic.
Lingerie look
Another microtrend that emerges is the integration of Lingerie into the everyday look. Kamisol Tops, top bras and negligees are worn more clearly, with the mix of sensual materials and sporty or simple clothing creating an interesting break in style, says Dangmann.
Dirty Denim and ties
Worn -up jeans with a deliberately dirty aesthetics – known as ‘Dirty Denim’ – could prevail in the fashion world, according to Carl Tillessen. Ties could also experience a comeback, this time in casual combinations with T-shirts or sporty clothing, according to the expert.
Sporty and elegant
The trend towards breaking the style between sportiness and elegance remains again this year. After short adidas sports pants in particular were combined with chic tops such as blouses last year, the so-called ‘Wrong Jacket Theory’ is now increasingly in focus. Sporty jackets are combined with elegant clothes or noble subdivision, explains Madeline Dangmann.