I can’t believe I’ve been writing these seasonal trend reports for 18 years now!
And while I always cover what’s in and how to update your wardrobe, it’s occurred to me I’ve never really explained WHY trends matter, especially when it comes to your style and your career.
If that last part made you cringe, let me clarify. I don’t mean “trendy” for the sake of being trendy!
And when I say “trends,” I’m not talking about fads. I study what has staying power and what doesn’t.
Here’s the real reason trends matter for your career:
If you want to be seen as up to date in your skills and aware of what’s going on in the world, your style needs to reflect that too.
Do you need to follow every trend or dress a certain way to be skilled or smart?
Absolutely not!
But if you’re still relying on the same basics year after year, especially if they’re showing their age or feel a little outdated, people may perceive your skills the same way.
They probably won’t say it out loud. It’s all subconscious. But it can affect how seriously you're being taken.
That’s why I always recommend keeping your style current.
Do you need to buy a whole new wardrobe every season?
Not at all! That would be ludicrous.
Do you need a few fresh pieces if your closet’s running on empty? (Maybe you purged too much?)
Yes! Especially if getting dressed for work is starting to feel like a struggle.
If you’re ready for a few smart professional wardrobe updates, you’re going to love what I’ve pulled together this season.
This isn’t a full trend roundup, just my top 5 picks that’ll give you the biggest bang for your style buck.
And let’s be honest… it’s always fun to see what’s new!
So without further ado, my
Professional Wardrobe Updates:
5 Spring Trends
1. Butter Yellow (A Subtle Pop for Your Professional Wardrobe Updates)
I know! I’ve been talking about yellow for a few years now, but this year it’s actually in the stores and all over the internet.
This super light shade can be tricky to wear, but what I’m seeing is that in addition to butter, there are more pieces in a wide range of yellows. More than I’ve seen in a long time.
One thing to keep in mind: icy, pastel shades like butter can come across as less authoritative than brights or neutrals. To balance out the sweetness, go for tailored silhouettes in structured fabrics if you’re wearing it to the office.
2. Blazers (The Tried-and-True Power Move for Professional Wardrobe Updates)
Blazers as a trend might bring to mind Miranda Priestly’s line, “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.”
But hear me out. Blazers are EVERYWHERE.
Instead of just being considered workwear basics, they’re being treated like real fashion.
And of course, a well-fitting blazer is never going out of style. Spring 2025 is a great time to stock up.
Beyond the traditional styles, here’s what I’m seeing:
- Collarless jackets
- Cropped blazers
- Oversized styles (which in my opinion are the trickiest to pull off)
3. Matching Sets (Unexpectedly Polished for Work and Beyond)
Matching sets have been around for a few years now, but they’ve reached new heights this season. Some retailers even have full categories just for them on their sites.
A lot of what I’m seeing are suits, which is fine with me 😀 but there’s definitely a wider variety this year.
One set worth mentioning is the short suit.
I know what you’re thinking… “I’m not wearing shorts to the office.”
And I get it. But depending on your industry, and especially in a longer length, they can come in handy for those in-between situations like retreats, outdoor happy hours, or events that aren’t exactly work but still kind of are. You know what I mean.
4. Stripes (A Subtle Way to Signal Confidence in Your Professional Wardrobe)
Stripes aren’t exactly new, and they’re never really “out,” but they haven’t been super easy to find in recent seasons.
Like a lot of the trends I report on, there are years when stripes are everywhere. Then suddenly, you can only find them in more traditional or sporty stores.
This spring, pinstripes are my pick. They’re flattering, polished, and always give boss vibes.
5. Vests (The Sleeveless Secret Weapon for Smart Professional Wardrobe Updates)
While vests in all shapes and styles are showing up everywhere and at every price point, the longer, collarless, cutaway versions feel the newest to me.
That said, there’s really a vest style that flatters everyone.
There are plenty of advantages to wearing one. In the simplest terms, it’s an easy, breezy alternative to a jacket.
Just a little heads-up. This isn’t the right piece for every work occasion. It depends on your industry, your schedule, and how polished you want to feel that day.
That’s a wrap on my top 5 trends for spring 2025!
If you’re thinking about making a few professional wardrobe updates but you’re not sure where to start, I’d love to help. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh perspective and a couple of smart additions to make your entire wardrobe feel new again.
You can book a complimentary Bye Bye Boring Wardrobe style consult right here ⬇️