APRIL 24, 2025 | OPINION | By Lilly Asano (Co Editor-In-Chief)
Disclaimer: This guide reflects my personal style and taste. This is by no means an actual guide you have to follow.
I’ll admit it, I’m addicted to my phone.
Specifically, I’m addicted to TikTok. My ‘For You’ Page (FYP) is pretty much what you’d expect from a 21-year-old Southern college student: a rotation of celebrity drama – recently focused on the Remi Bader controversy, Unwell Network vs. Barstool and subsequently Alex Cooper vs. Alix Earle – sorority rush preparation videos (while it may be April, it’s never too early for an SEC recruitment board), Morgan Roos, TikTok Shop fashion reviews and trending aesthetic videos.
I’m an avid Depop user (33 items sold with a five-star rating), and half of my wardrobe is now secondhand. Still, I love watching TikTok haul videos and occasionally skimming through TikTok Shop. I love Free People and various Southern boutiques. I keep up with trends, and my influencer inspiration is Brookie Yancey, one of my favorite spring fashion ‘it’ girls. I continue to consider myself a consumer, but hopefully an ethical one.
So, as the weather warms and Tava quad begins to turn green, here’s my guide for spring fashion: honest, secondhand and influenced by TikTok.
In:
So what’s in for spring 2025? I’m personally obsessed with cardigans, chunky jewelry, jewelry stacks, polka dots, the Nancy Meyers aesthetic, second-hand purses (bonus points if they’re colorful), dainty floral patterns and trendy colors like butter yellow.
I had one of my most successful arc thrift hauls two weeks ago. I paid $33 in total for two blouses and three different cardigans. When I debuted one of the sweaters at a Catalyst Publishing Day, our features editor, Esa George, asked, “Is that from Anthropologie?” I was delighted to tell her it was eight dollars at the arc Thrift instead.
Cardigans are so in right now. Whether short-sleeved or a classic long-sleeved top, you can mix and match cardigans with anything. Jean skirts? Yep. Maxi skirts? Oh, absolutely. Leggings? Of course. Linen pants? Um, duh.
Another trend having its own moment? Chunky jewelry and stacking any accessories. I’ve always been a sucker for chunky gold jewelry and have a habit of wearing noticeable necklaces or earrings every day. I feel naked without them, and am so happy other people have caught on. The bigger, the better. You can dress them up or down, and I applaud anyone who stacks any accessory. My current favorite jewelry brands include Ettika, Gorjana, Scandivv and Ana Luisa. I also recommend Etsy, Depop and Eclectic for more affordable options online and in downtown Colorado Springs.
Large shoulder bags and purses have become a staple of Colorado College fashion. My two favorite bags are from Goodwill and the arc, and were collectively $12. I haven’t used my backpack since last spring and love how purses accentuate everyday style. Tote bags also have our campus in a chokehold, but those are here to stay.
Spring patterns include polka dots, dainty florals and maximalist prints. My mom, who is my fashion icon, has always advocated for a maximalist style. She fully embodies a Southern mom, and her closet reflects it. So maybe these patterns are just her influence, but I have also seen them trending on TikTok, especially in Brookie Yancey’s posts.
Honorable mentions include beaded tops, skorts, Free People Movement’s Hot Shot Mini Dress (or really anything FP Movement, including layering their tank tops in any outfits), drop waist tops or dresses, trucker hats, rolled waistlines, cowboy boots and anything butter yellow. Channel your inner Andie Anderson!
Out:
While I’m a fan of Lululemon for working out, camping or casual wear, I have always hated the Lululemon Align tank tops. Sixty-eight dollars for that amount of fabric is simply not worth it to me, and without built-in support, they aren’t workout or movement-friendly. Lululemon’s website categorizes these tops as “Trending,” but let’s be honest, skip the $68 purchase. Depop has them for much cheaper.
In an Alex vs. Alix world (let the record show that I am team Alex), Alix Earle is not always correct. And she’s especially not right about skinny jeans. While skinny jeans are allegedly making a comeback, I fully believe it’s from the revival of uber skinny celebrities, specifically from the Ozempic epidemic – or alleged cocaine use, but that’s neither here nor there.
It’s also time to leave cheugy, cheap-looking metal belts behind. I love belts as accessories, but I’ve also seen metal belts that look like they’re about to fall apart. Yes, I’m a hater, but let’s transition to some vintage or thrifted belts! Skip the Shein order.
Other outs: bows are overdone, and while I think they’re super cute, they are everywhere. And printed camo sweatshirts, especially those that are just the collaged greens and browns, rather than realistic leaves, trees, etc.
Let’s talk going out style.
Mini skirts are essential for my weekend attire. I’ve purchased all of mine from Depop and love their versatility. I’ve worn them at least once a weekend and don’t think I’ll ever be able to part ways with miniskirts. I normally pair them with tight shirts and love how flattering that pairing is.
Another going-out trend? The transition of Adidas Gazelles and Sambas into frat shoes. I wear my Gazelles daily, but have noticed a rise in their presence at parties, often getting muddy, stepped on or sticky from alcohol.
Sequins and glittery tops have also made appearances at parties, along with cheetah print. The best going out trend of all, however? Dressing on theme.
While this may be my in and out list, dress for yourself. There are few better feelings than feeling confident as you walk through Tutt Library or Palmer Hall.