Looking Ahead: What’s In (and What’s Next) for 2025

The world may be ending, but we’re still curating our vibe for this year

January is finally behind us, and after sharing some of my personal hot takes for 2025 in the first days of the year, I couldn’t resist putting together a special edition for THE COOLIST. This time, I’m diving deeper into my favorite ‘ins’ and sharing the things I believe will have a big moment in 2025.

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From a renewed love for physical media to personalized planners and maxi accessories, I’m excited to share what’s currently inspiring me. And what better time than the start of a fresh new year to highlight these favorites? I know you might be tired of seeing countless unfounded opinions parading as trend research, especially at this time of year, but I aim to bring you something thoughtful and genuine.

I recently came across a quote shared by Ana Andjelic in her global weekly newsletter, The Sociology of Business. In one of her latest editions, titled “Nobody Knows Anything”, she wrote:

End-of-year brings a mild frenzy in trend forecasting, especially in cultural industries, mostly because nobody knows anything. As William Goldman—the Oscar-winning writer of screenplays for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—said a long time ago: “The best we can do is make a guess, and if you’re lucky, an educated one.”

Having studied trend research and worked in related areas, I can wholeheartedly agree. With that in mind, here are some of my favorite predictions -or educated guesses- for the coming year. I hope you enjoy them!

One-piece Swimsuits

As a Brazilian, I won’t deny that I have always loved bikinis more than anything. We have some of the best—if not the best—swimwear brands in the world, exporting a multitude of designs across the globe. But I have to confess that one-piece swimsuits have been growing on me for a while now.

One of the biggest downsides of wearing a one-piece has always been the tan lines that come with it. However, as part of a generation that prioritizes skincare, wears sunscreen religiously, invests in fake tans, and avoids excessive sun exposure, the appeal of the one-piece swimsuit has never been stronger!

The designs are amazing—chic, versatile, and effortlessly stylish, my ideal combination. Beyond the seaside or pool, they seamlessly transition into everyday outfits, making them perfect for long-awaited summer days. With countless variations, there’s something for everyone. Personally, I love neutral tones that go with everything, but bold prints and maximalist options are just as stunning!

Curated by Me: Haight Clothing, Adriana Degreas, Lenny Niemeyer, ViX Paula Hermanny

Maxi Accessories

2025 will be the year of redefining personal style by embracing originality, and what better way to do this than by investing in oversized statement accessories? Channel your inner Michèle Lamy and elevate even the most basic, quiet-luxury outfit with these bold additions.

You don’t have to overhaul your entire wardrobe to refine your style and rebrand yourself for the new year. There’s nothing more valuable than pieces that not only complete your looks but also hold sentimental meaning. Whether it’s a bold cuff gifted by your grandmother and passed down through generations, a pair of sculptural earrings you discovered in a small-town market while traveling, or an archival statement necklace you managed to source, maxi accessories tell a story.

They add depth, character, and a personal touch that no trend can replicate. And there’s nothing cooler than not just following trends (let’s be honest, we all fall for them at some point—I’m guilty of it myself!) but truly loving every piece you own. This is especially true when it comes to accessories, as they have the power to make even the simplest outfit feel intentional.

Curated by Me: Ginger Joyeria, Carolina Bucci, Sarah Noor Jewellery, ben-amun by Isaac Manevitz, Alexis Bittar, Fernando Jorge, Marisa Klass Jewelry

Having a Signature Drink

Or mocktail, if you have more willpower than I do and decided to cut back on alcohol—though I’ll admit, I still enjoy a good drink every now and then. Being a super indecisive person (I'm a Libra, how did you guess?) who sometimes regrets my choices, I’ve come to realize that 2025 is all about confidently owning your decisions—whether that’s in what you wear, how you live, or what you drink. There's something incredibly stylish about knowing exactly what you like and not second-guessing yourself.

One of the worst feelings is ordering an expensive drink and realizing you hate it. So, why not make 2025 the year you embrace your own signature drink? For me, it’s the ones that come with ice, are refreshing and citric, but not too strong—something that’s just right. It’s not about following the crowd but about finding what suits you.

Ironically, this also ties into the bigger trend of personal style being about authenticity and originality. Just like with fashion, it’s about having your tastes well-defined and unapologetically sticking to them. Forget about ordering dry martinis just because they’re trending, when in reality, you’d rather be sipping something lighter. At the end of the day, it’s about your vibe, your choices, and owning them with confidence—whether it’s in a drink, a pair of shoes, or a life decision.

Curated by Me: Paloma, Basil Smash, Limoncello Spritz, Fitzgerald

Research in Physical Media

In a world where personal preferences are increasingly shaped by trained, perverse, and saturated algorithms, research beyond the screen has never been more valuable. Tired of seeing the same products, people, and ideas in your daily content feed? Try going for a walk or taking a course on a subject that genuinely interests you. I recently took one on Sofia Coppola, and it expanded my mind immensely, offering a whole new set of references and topics to explore.

I've come to realize that sometimes the most valuable content isn’t online at all, but found in movies, books, soundtracks, art exhibitions, brand archives, print magazines, and even the streets. These sources offer insights and inspiration that algorithms often overlook. Learning how to curate content outside of the already curated world online has been an eye-opener. It’s about rediscovering what you truly enjoy, without the influence of the algorithm.

As I’ve mentioned in past editions of THE COOLIST, print magazines have introduced me to a fresh set of personal references. Consuming content in real life, outside the realm of algorithms, has been a literal breath of fresh air after scrolling through the perfectly curated feeds on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and even here on Substack (though I do love it here, of course).

Curated by Me: Purple Archives, Bookmarc, Soho News International, Jimbocho Book Town

Personalized Planners

At this point, I believe we’re personalizing everything, right? And you know what? Hell yeah! But I want to make it clear—personalizing isn’t just a performative act because it’s trendy. It’s about taking something and truly making it yours. And when it comes to personal items, there’s nothing more personal than planners.

I’ve been seeing so many cute versions lately, with stickers, bookmarks, and custom charms. These little touches turn each planner into a one-of-a-kind creation that really reflects your personality. It’s not just about looks, though. Personalized planners also bring a sense of organization and purpose.

Whether it’s choosing a layout that fits your lifestyle, adding meaningful quotes or images, or creating a space that motivates you every day, your planner becomes a powerful tool for creativity, productivity, and reflection. Bringing your inner world to life on paper and having something that feels entirely yours to guide you through your days.

Curated by Me: Hobonichi Techo, Martina's Tiny Store, Filofax, July Rose Jewelry

Second-hand Shopping

It’s no secret that the quality of products, especially luxury items, has been declining in recent years. While prices have skyrocketed, I’ve personally encountered a few disappointments with the quality of pieces I bought from some high-end household names—just like many other consumers.

Ironically, I hope we've finally come to our senses and stopped buying poorly made products with little durability at such steep prices. The market has been struggling, with some even considering it to be in a deep crisis.

With this shift, second-hand shopping has seen a huge rise, reflecting the demand for a new type of shopping experience. People are looking for curated archive pieces that not only offer impeccable quality and durability but also tap into the younger generation’s desire for a bygone era. These pieces represent a time when luxury brands were more artisanal and less mass-produced, capturing the essence of a golden era that many are now craving.

Curated by Me: Collector's Cage Copenhagen, Treasures of NYC, Balbal Vintage Seoul, The Room Paris

Dessert as a Main Event

Maybe this is more of a personal hot take, but I truly believe dessert will be the main character of 2025. Forget the rule of eating a main course before ordering it—just skip straight to dessert!

We've seen a rise in viral wine bars pairing ice cream scoops, articles proclaiming that the best date idea is just a cocktail and an ice cream cone, and dessert-exclusive bars popping up in different cities.

In a world where hunger is suppressed by GLP-1 agonists, prioritizing dessert may not be the healthiest choice—but it’s definitely the most fun one. As I’ve mentioned in previous editions, the rise of food-centric events and brand activations has also brought attention to aesthetic catering studios with elaborate desserts taking center stage.

Curated by Me: The Dreamery, Hebe Konditori, Soft Serves, The Midnight Espresso, Gohar World

Unique Perfumes

While most of the luxury market is suffering a downturn, as mentioned above, niche fragrances are experiencing a rise in the luxury market, and this trend seems far from just a passing fad. Niche perfumes are thriving, standing out for their exclusivity, high-quality ingredients, and peculiar compositions. Unlike mass-market fragrances designed for broad appeal, niche scents offer a more personal and refined experience, attracting consumers who seek individuality over mainstream trends.

Ultra-specific creations that mimic feelings and quite literally just vibes—such as New York Nostalgia and Cowboy Grass—are gaining popularity. More mainstream brands, such as Le Labo (which was once more niche), are also continuing to invest in exclusivity and personal experiences by creating scents exclusive to specific locations, such as the one available only in their stores in Kyoto.

This growing interest stems from this overall desire for authenticity. Niche brands prioritize craftsmanship, using rare and carefully selected ingredients to create complex, distinctive scents. Free from the constraints of mass production, these perfumes reflect the artistic vision of their creators, making them a statement of personal style rather than just another product on the shelf.

Curated by Me: DS&durga, Maison Millais, Stora Skuggan, Nasomatto, Ormaie, Versatile Paris

Niche Athleisure Brands

Forget Nike, Adidas, and even Alo Yoga or Lululemon—2025 is the year of niche athleisure brands taking over. Being part of an exclusive running club? Loving the innovation that comes from outsider brands? Embracing more fashion-forward styles and even better quality? Same.

These brands aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re creating tight-knit, curated communities with trekking and running clubs, fostering a sense of closeness that bigger brands often lack. There’s a growing demand for fresh, innovative designs that household names aren’t delivering, and the coolest people are investing in unique personal style—even when working out!

Curated by Me: Saysky, Norda, Hylo Athletics, Satisfy, Balmoral, Ciele Athletics, AIMO

Luxury Lighters

Going completely against the whole wellness era and embracing the indie sleaze, brat, heroin chic party girl aesthetic—I have to admit, lighters have never seemed cooler. Even if it's just for lighting your Diptyque candles, this little accessory is making its way onto plenty of wishlists, including mine.

Vintage designs have always had their cult following, but now brands are catching on, creating sleek, collectible versions that make the perfect gift or personal indulgence. It’s one of those objects that feels nostalgic yet modern, a little rebellious yet undeniably sophisticated—the kind of contrast that makes a statement without trying too hard.

Curated by Me: Bougie Lighter Holder, S.T. Dupont's Collabs with Luxury Brands, Lox And Chain