What sells out in fashion gets determined by an ever-changing mix of relevancy, popularity, emotion, and access. Bestsellers are built, not willed out of thin air, and the cycle is such that it takes time for trends and their key pieces to gain momentum, let alone prove any kind of staying power. Newness is always in supply, however, and what ends up defining a season is still in many ways nudged to the forefront by editors and buyers who are gripped by styles that speak to the moment.
The themes that resonate with us get compiled into seasonal trend reports, but what are the must-haves styles for the industry’s top buyers? To answer that question, we tapped fashion directors from major online retailers and department stores to reveal the ready-to-wear, handbag, and shoe trends their teams are standing behind.
For spring 2025, there’s collective enthusiasm around Alessandro Michele’s debut at Valentino, as well as the introduction of a lighter color palette—notably, wispy pink, as seen at Khaite. Coastal prep and boho romanticism remain as relevant as they did last year. Buyers are of shared mind that polished loafers and soft, slouchy carryalls (preferably in suede) are tried-and-true investments, while customer favorites (think: Alaïa flats or Dries Van Noten sneakers) in trending hues add an element of now to one’s wardrobe.
Before the low-in-stock email hits your inbox—head buyers and fashion directors from your favorite places to shop weigh in on the key buys of the season—and their predictions for spring bestsellers.
Net-a-Porter
The accessories department is where you’ll find many of Net-a-Porter’s top sellers this season. Kay Barron, fashion director of Net-a-Porter and Mr. Porter, points to Bally’s Pathy loafers as a must-have for those looking for a “fashionable take on the boat shoe.” The Pathy loafer was included in Net-a-Porter’s bestseller predictions last season, and seeing them here once more proves their staying power. (The brand recently added this caramel color to their lineup, which includes classic black, dark brown, and a hardware embellished take.) Barron also calls out Dries Van Noten’s retro runners, which the retailer has picked up in a number of colorways for spring, from python to mesh to the below crisp white—there is something for everyone. Toteme’s belted tote, Alaïa’s criss-cross flats, and Bottega’s newest metal-rimmed sunglasses are styles that resonate, too, per Barron.
