From starfish prints to shell embellishments, sea-inspired fashion is making fashion fun this summer

The Sun

10-07-2025

Hottest fashion trends of 2025
MARINE-inspired fashion is making waves on the high street.
From fun lobster-embellished bags to seashell prints, the coastalcore trend has evolved for summer, and these ocean-inspired pieces are making us all want to book a holiday immediately.
There's something for everyone, from fun printed dresses to seashell co-ords.
And if you just want to dip your toe into the trend, this season's accessories have had the seaside treatment too - think chic crab bag charms and shell-shaped jewellery.
Whether you're jetting off on your summer holiday, heading to the beach or want to wear the trend all year round, our fashion editors have picked out their favourite coastalcore pieces.
Tracey Lea Sayer, 53, Fashion Director
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There is something about going on holiday that turns me into a fashion magpie - I take lots of trinkets to adorn myself with when I am away.
Seashells, starfish prints and faux coral all feature in my jewellery collection, and I am happy to say that this year's prints include lots of lovely marine life, too!
I am a huge fan of Farm Rio, so I am thrilled that this cute dress has been reduced from £225 to £158 in the sale.
I stalk this brand regularly and often buy it on Vinted to get a better price.
Add in a pair of classic toe-loop TKees sandals and a cute crochet bag that I will add bag charms to, and all need now is to feel the sand between my toes!
Abby McHale, 30, Deputy Fashion Editor
I'm all for summer dressing, and nothing screams summer holiday quite like a seashell or starfish piece of clothing.
I've headed to the supermarket for this shirt, for just £18 from Tu Clothing at Sainsbury's, and you can get matching trousers if you want the co-ord look.
The orange/red colour reminds me of sunsets and would look perfect on the beach.
I've teamed it with cream trousers, a raffia bag, gold earrings and a pair of flat sandals.
And with the heatwave we're currently enjoying, this is the perfect cooling look for the scorchio days in the UK, too.
Emily Regan, 25, Fashion Assistant
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I have a pretty neutral wardrobe, so I'm loving the shell prints that are currently taking over the high street.
After my seasonal wardrobe clearout last weekend, I'm trying to be more mindful when investing in trend-led pieces.
This shell-embellished skirt is a splurge at £249, but I know it will work beyond this holiday look, and I can style it for party season, too.
Plus, it'll never really go out of style, so it will stay in my wardrobe for years to come.
Here, I've teamed it with the matching tee, which will be a staple go-to all summer, some gold sandals and a gorgeous beaded bag from NA-KD.
If you're looking for fun holiday jewellery, Parfois has some great affordable options, like this shell choker necklace, that finishes off this look nicely.
Hottest fashion trends of 2025
Fabulous' Fashion Editor Clemmie Fieldsend shares the biggest trends from the high street.
The East/West Bag
Baguette bags have had a good run, after returning from the 1990s' shoulders of Sarah Jessica Parker to modern-day fashion icons, like Hailey Bieber.
In 2025, the East/West bag is a similar but elongated shape and has long, thin straps that are easy to throw over your shoulder.
They've been on runway models' arms at nearly ever designer show - think Burberry, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta - and are hitting the high street now, too.
Powder pink
Bright fuchsia pink had its day after the release of Barbie in 2023 and now the more polished and expensive-looking pale shade is taking over for 2025.
Pantone may say that it's the year of Mocha Mousse, but the catwalks say otherwise! From Prada to Erdem, the subtle look was all over the spring/summer catwalks, worn head-to-toe or on its own.
If the sugary shade is too girly for you, then look to sharp suiting for a androgynous take on the colour.
The shell jacket
The '80s classic is back, but with a sleek and minimal new twist for 2025.
We all know we're likely to see rain for most of spring, so your practical coat of choice should be a cagoule jacket.
Depop revealed one of its big trend predictions for this year is retro sportswear, with surges already seen in '80s windbreakers'.
Seen everywhere from the stylish streets of Copenhagen to the Miu Miu catwalk, now mums who have an emergency raincoat crumpled underneath their pushchair are very much in fashion!
The turn-up jeans
While the shape of jeans remains the same for this year and barrel-legs will still be everywhere, the way we're styling them is different.
This season, transform your wide-leg, baggy denims into turn-ups.
For this look, size doesn't matter, so while deep turn-ups are a hit from jean trend-leaders Citizens of Humanity, a slight fold is still just as good - but only as it's just one single fold.
Peep-toe shoe
Get your pedicures booked in sharpish, as this season your toes are the main event.
After a long hiatus, the peep-toe has been welcomed back into the fashion fold, with brands like Hermes, Miu Miu and Tory Burch showing plain and embellished footwear in this style.
From mules to pumps and clogs (yes, clogs will be around too!), there are lots of different styles that are set to sweep the high street.
Sheer blouses
See-through looks have always lived on the catwalk, but have rarely filtered into everyday life - until now.
Designers Ralph Lauren and Tom Ford loved sheer looks on their S/S '25 catwalks and M&S even had sellout success with its black sheer pencil skirt last season.
Expect to see more sheer looks lining supermarket aisles and high street shops in the form of skirts, tops and frocks.