5 Spring Trends We're Retiring and 5 Fresh Ones We're Wearing Instead

Every season brings a new wave of trends, and with spring in full swing, it’s time to take stock of what’s still in heavy rotation—and what’s quietly fading from the spotlight. While some pieces have earned a permanent place in our wardrobes, others are starting to feel a little overdone. So what’s getting the boot this season? And more importantly, what’s stepping in to take its place?
I have this question every season, and each time, I ask my cohort of fashion editors to chime in. We've scanned the runways, social feeds, and street style moments to pinpoint the trends that feel the freshest right now and the ones that are cooling off as the weather gets warm. Whether it’s a shift in silhouettes, a new pretty detail, or a styling trick that instantly updates your look, these are the swaps that will make your spring wardrobe feel effortlessly current.
Retiring: Bows
Buying: Lace Details
I've always appreciated a well-placed bow, but lately, they’ve been around a little bit too much for me. I'm now drawn to something that is less of an obvious peg at the romantic motif that is floating through the latest designer collections. Think a little less sweet and a little sultrier: lace. Designers have been incorporating it in ways that feel fresh and modern, whether it's delicate trim on a crisp button-down or a full lace dress layered under a sharp blazer. It still carries that romantic essence, but with a bit more depth and intrigue—less balletcore, more undone elegance.
Shop lace details:
Retiring: Capris
Buying: Cigarette Trousers
"More than anyone else, I can definitely appreciate a good capri-pant moment—after all, I wore them so much I made them my personality—but I'm starting to fatigue of the trend, mainly because I went so hard on it all of last spring. Right now, I'm finding myself reaching for my cigarette trousers above anything else. I think they're surprisingly easier to style than capris and certainly have more longevity in my wardrobe."
Shop cigarette trousers:
Retiring: Cropped Leather Moto Jackets
Buying: Sporty Jackets
"I'm setting aside my cropped leather moto and biker jackets for jackets with a sporty sensibility this spring. Think windbreakers, anoraks, soft shells, zip-ups, and technical jackets, which were all over the spring 2025 runways. I love the idea of styling them with contrasting romantic dresses, chic tailoring, or something fun like sequins."
Shop sporty jackets:
Retiring: Fisherman Sandals
Buying: Woven Flats
"Don't get me wrong. I still appreciate a great fisherman sandal, but I've been leaning toward something sleeker yet just as comfortable, and woven flats fit the bill perfectly. Though these are reminiscent of the popular mesh flats that have been trending over the past two years, they have a particular look and texture that feels spot-on for spring (and summer)."
Shop woven flats:
Retiring: Sheer Skirts
Buying: Pencil Skirts
"As I get older, I am making a conscious effort to wear polished and mature pieces that align with my age. This spring, one swap I plan to make is replacing my sheer skirts with refined midi or maxi pencil skirts. Whether in silk, cotton, or twill, I love the look of a tailored skirt paired with a coordinating jacket or a casual tee and blazer. It reminds me of the style of supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss in the '90s, both on and off duty. It’s simple yet incredibly chic."
Shop pencil skirts:
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.